Viking cruise ships from newest to oldest — a complete list – The Points Guy

Choosing between two Viking cruises can feel like choosing between identical twins.

No matter which ship you board — whether the oldest Viking Star or newest Viking Mira — you’ll find the same elegant Scandinavian interiors, adults-only atmosphere and destination-focused itineraries.

That’s by design: Unlike other cruise lines, Viking ships are intentionally similar to each other in order to create familiarity across the fleet.

Even so, there are differences.

A newer Viking ship means more than a shinier launch date. The latest vessels feature larger balconies, additional cabins, dynamic positioning and subtle design changes that make life onboard more comfortable.

Viking Mira, Viking Vela and Viking Vesta are part of the newer and larger ocean fleet — 13% larger than the original design, with 34 more cabins to accommodate 998 guests across 499 cabins and suites.

Viking is best known for its river fleet, which has more than 90 longships sailing the world’s great rivers; however, its ocean cruising has expanded rapidly.

The line also entered the expedition market in 2022 with the launch of Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.

If you’re deciding between two Viking cruises, knowing the age of the ship could help you choose. Here’s every Viking ocean and expedition ship currently in operation, listed from newest to oldest.

Related: The 3 classes of Viking ships, explained

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cruise ships and itineraries

Viking cruise ships, newest to oldest

Note that passenger capacity numbers listed are for double occupancy (two passengers per cabin).

Viking Mira

Maiden voyage: 2026
Size: 54,300 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 998 passengers

Viking Mira is the 13th of Viking’s ocean ships and the third of its slightly larger ocean ship design. The vessel adds 34 cabins to the original 465-cabin layout, along with larger balconies and a more spacious gym.

Onboard are all the hallmarks of a Viking cruise, from the Nordic Spa and Wintergarden lounge to Italian restaurant Manfredi’s and The Chef’s Table. Like all Viking ships, you won’t find a casino or waterslides onboard. The ship focuses instead on cultural immersion.

Viking Mira also features advanced technology, such as dynamic positioning, designed to improve efficiency and enable zero-emission capability.

The ship sails Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, with summer itineraries covering Norway, Iceland, the British Isles and the Baltic region before moving to Mediterranean voyages in winter.

Viking Vesta

Maiden voyage: 2025
Size: 54,300 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 998 passengers

Viking Vesta is the 12th ship in Viking’s ocean fleet and the second of its larger-generation ocean vessels. Measuring 784 feet in length, the ship accommodates 998 guests across 499 cabins and suites.

Like the rest of Viking’s ocean fleet, Vesta is designed around destination-focused travel and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Onboard highlights include the Nordic Spa, the glass-roofed Main Pool and the light-filled Wintergarden, where afternoon tea is served.

Viking Vesta sails Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, with itineraries ranging from Norway’s fjords and the British Isles to Italy, Greece and the Adriatic Sea.

Viking Vela

Maiden voyage: 2024
Size: 54,300 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 998 passengers

Viking Vela is the 11th ship in Viking’s ocean fleet and the first of its new generation of larger ocean ships.

At 54,300 gross tons, the 998-guest ship is around 13% larger than earlier vessels in the fleet, adding 34 cabins and suites while retaining the Scandinavian design and familiar layout found across the line’s other ocean ships.

During summer, Viking Vela sails Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, including Norway, Iceland, Greenland and eastern Canada. In winter, it heads south for Mediterranean voyages.

Viking Saturn

Maiden voyage: 2023
Size: 47,842 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 930 passengers

Viking Saturn is the 10th ship in Viking’s ocean fleet and the final one built to its original small ship design. The vessel measures 745 feet in length.

Onboard are 465 cabins and suites for up to 930 guests, along with signature venues such as The Living Room, Torshavn nightclub and the popular Explorers’ Lounge observation area, which offers 180-degree ocean views from the bow of the top deck.

Viking Saturn sails Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Atlantic routes, including voyages around Iceland and Greenland, as well as Mediterranean itineraries from ports such as Barcelona, Rome and Athens.

Viking Neptune

Maiden voyage: 2022
Size: 47,842 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 930 passengers

Viking Neptune is the ninth of Viking’s ocean ships. It launched in 2022 with an epic 138-day world cruise from Fort Lauderdale to London, taking guests around the globe.

The ship carries 930 guests in 465 veranda cabins and follows the blueprint found across the Viking ocean fleet, with Scandinavian-inspired interiors, Nordic spa treatments and an adults-only atmosphere.

Nowadays, the ship sails longer voyages through the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and across the Atlantic.

Viking Mars

Maiden voyage: 2022
Size: 47,842 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 930 passengers

Viking Mars is the eighth ship in Viking’s ocean fleet and one of its smaller ocean vessels. Launched in 2022, the ship carries 930 guests in 465 veranda cabins and suites.

Onboard, you’ll find the same Scandinavian-inspired interiors as all Viking’s ocean ships, along with Manfredi’s, The Chef’s Table and other popular venues.

Like the rest of the fleet, there is no casino on board. Instead, guests will find enrichment lectures and experiences that focus on cultural immersion.

Viking Mars sails Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, including Norway’s fjords, the British Isles, the Baltic Sea and the Greek islands.

Viking Polaris

Maiden voyage: 2022
Size: 30,150 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 378 passengers

Viking Polaris is the sister ship to Viking Octantis, one of Viking’s two expedition ships launched in 2022. The Polar Class 6 vessel features an ice-strengthened hull and carries 378 guests to some of the world’s most remote regions.

The ship is purpose-built for expedition travel, with Zodiacs, kayaks and two six-person submarines that allow guests to explore both above and below the waterline.

A team of scientists, naturalists and expedition guides leads excursions and shares insights into the wildlife, landscapes and ecosystems passenger encounter along the way. Onboard, The Science Lab supports citizen science projects and hands-on research activities.

Viking Polaris spends the austral summer exploring Antarctica before heading north for Arctic voyages to destinations such as Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic.

The ship is part of Viking’s growing expedition fleet, with two additional Polar Class expedition vessels scheduled to join the fleet in 2030 and 2031.

Viking Octantis

Maiden voyage: 2022
Size: 30,150 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 378 passengers

Viking Octantis marked Viking’s expansion into expedition cruising when it launched in 2022 as the line’s first purpose-built expedition ship. The 378-guest vessel combines the line’s Scandinavian design and understated style with the equipment necessary to explore remote polar regions.

Built for adventure, Viking Octantis features an ice-strengthened hull, a dedicated science lab, Zodiac landing craft, kayaks and two six-person submarines. The Hangar, an enclosed marina inside the ship, allows expedition boats to launch from a sheltered platform in challenging conditions.

Viking Octantis spends part of the year exploring Antarctica before heading north for voyages including Greenland, the Canadian Arctic and the Great Lakes. Along the way, guests can join scientists, naturalists and expedition guides to learn more about the landscapes and wildlife they encounter.

Viking Venus

Maiden voyage: 2021
Size: 47,842 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 930 passengers

Viking Venus is the seventh ship in Viking’s ocean fleet. Launched in 2021, the 930-guest vessel features 465 veranda cabins and suites, along with the Scandinavian-inspired design and destination-focused approach found across the Viking fleet.

Onboard are familiar Viking venues including the Living Room, Manfredi’s restaurant and the main pool with its retractable glass roof.

Viking Venus sails a wide mix of itineraries, from Alaska and the Inside Passage to Australia and New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan and the South Pacific. Longer voyages include journeys along Australia’s coast, between Asia and North America, and across the Pacific.

Viking Jupiter

Maiden voyage: 2019
Size: 47,842 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 930 passengers

Launched in 2019, Viking Jupiter is the sixth ship in Viking’s ocean fleet, with capacity for 930 guests in 465 veranda cabins and suites.

It’s also one of only two Viking ocean ships with a high-tech planetarium in its Explorers’ Lounge. The 20-foot dome, called The Explorers’ Dome, offers a deep-dive into the night sky via 2D and 3D digital projections as well as expert-led shows that add another dimension to sailings.

Viking Jupiter sails Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and South America, with itineraries ranging from British Isles and Scandinavian voyages to Mediterranean sailings and longer journeys along the South American coast.

Viking Orion

Maiden voyage: 2018
Size: 47,842 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 930 passengers

Named after one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky, Viking Orion is the fifth ship in Viking’s ocean fleet — and the first Viking ocean ship with a planetarium onboard.

The 26-seat Explorers’ Dome inside Explorers’ Lounge hosts astronomy presentations and stargazing sessions, complementing voyages that span the globe.

Like the rest of Viking’s ocean fleet, the 930-guest Orion features Scandinavian-inspired interiors, all-veranda staterooms and a focus on destination immersion.

Viking Orion is also one of Viking’s most widely traveled ships, sailing itineraries that span Southeast Asia, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Alaska and the South Pacific.

Viking Yi Dun

Maiden voyage: 2017
Size: 47,842 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 930 passengers

Viking Yi Dun has had quite the journey. Formerly called Viking Sun, the 930-guest ship was renamed Zhao Shang Yi Dun in 2021 and moved to China, where it operated coastal itineraries as part of a joint venture with China Merchants Group. It returned to Viking in 2026, underwent a refurbishment and re-emerged as Viking Yi Dun.

The fourth ship in Viking’s ocean fleet, Viking Yi Dun carries 930 guests across 465 cabins and suites, again with the same Scandinavian-inspired design and destination-focused approach found across the ocean fleet.

After returning from Asia, the ship relocated to the Mediterranean and North America, operating select Mandarin-language sailings designed for Chinese travelers.

Viking Sky

Maiden voyage: 2017
Size: 47,842 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 930 passengers

Viking Sky is the third ship in Viking’s first generation of ocean ships, following Viking Star and Viking Sea. Launched in 2017, the 930-guest ship features the same Scandinavian-inspired design and all-veranda cabins that have become a hallmark of the Viking fleet.

Viking Sky sails a broad range of itineraries across Europe, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the British Isles and Norway. It also operates longer voyages, including Viking’s World Cruise itineraries.

Viking Sea

Maiden voyage: 2016
Size: 47,842 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 930 passengers

The launch of Viking Sea in 2016 confirmed that Viking’s move beyond river cruising was here to stay.

With a capacity for 930 passengers, the ship followed the blueprint established by Viking Star, with understated Scandinavian design, all-veranda cabins and a strong focus on destination immersion.

The ship features many of the signature venues introduced with Viking’s ocean fleet, including Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, Torshavn nightclub and Explorers’ Lounge, where floor-to-ceiling glass delivers sweeping ocean views.

Viking Sea sails itineraries throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and across the Atlantic.

Viking Star

Maiden voyage: 2015
Size: 47,842 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 930 passengers

Viking Star launched Viking’s ocean cruising era in 2015. The first ocean vessel from a line best known for river cruising, it established the blueprint Viking still follows today: a smaller, adults-only ship with Scandinavian design, all-veranda cabins and a strong focus on destination immersion.

Many of the features that define Viking’s ocean fleet were introduced aboard Viking Star, including the Nordic-inspired spa, Italian restaurant Manfredi’s and the emphasis on cultural enrichment and destination-focused travel.

Viking Star continues to sail worldwide, with itineraries spanning Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Americas and Viking’s longer World Cruises.

What is the newest Viking ship?

Viking’s newest ocean ship is Viking Mira, which launched in 2026. The 998-guest vessel is the third of Viking’s slightly larger ocean ships, following Viking Vela and Viking Vesta, and it sails itineraries across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. It will hold the title of Viking’s newest ship until Viking Libra debuts late 2026

What is the oldest Viking ship?

Viking Star is the oldest ship in Viking’s ocean fleet, launching in 2015 and marking the cruise line’s move beyond river cruising. The ship established the blueprint for the Viking ocean experience that followed, with an adults-only atmosphere, Scandinavian-inspired interiors, all-veranda accommodations and a strong focus on destination immersion.

What new Viking ships are coming?

Viking Libra is next to join the fleet in 2026, and it’s set to become the world’s first cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions using hydrogen fuel. Viking Astrea and Viking Lyra will follow in 2027 and 2028, with more ships expected through 2031, including two new Polar Class vessels.

What is Viking’s newest class of ship?

Viking’s newest class of vessels is its expedition fleet, which launched in 2022 with Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Purpose-built for adventure, the Polar Class 6 vessels carry Zodiacs, kayaks and two six-person submarines to explore the world’s most remote corners, plus a team of expedition guides, scientists and naturalists for true immersion.

What is the newest Viking ship available for booking?

Future sailings are open to book for Viking Libra and Viking Astrea, the newest additions to Viking’s fleet. The ships are the first of Viking’s new hydrogen-powered ships capable of operating with zero emissions. Viking Libra will debut late 2026, followed by Viking Astrea in 2027.

What’s the difference between newer and older Viking ships?

Viking has resisted the cruise industry’s push toward ever-larger ships and endless onboard attractions, choosing instead to refine a design that passengers already love. If you sail on the original Viking Star and then the newest Viking Mira, you’ll notice the layout and experience are remarkably similar. The newer vessels add thoughtful updates — bigger balconies, more cabins and newer technology — but Viking’s biggest selling point remains consistency.

For travelers, that familiarity is the reason to choose Viking.