Viking’s latest ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, was launched at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard.

With a propulsion system partially powered by liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, the vessel is said to represent a further step in the development of innovative technological solutions for an increasingly sustainable cruise industry.

With a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, a length of 239 meters and accommodating up to 998 passengers in 499 cabins, it is scheduled to sail its maiden cruise in June 2027.

The Astrea’s godmother is Francesca Baldinelli, who works in the production control department at the Ancona shipyard.

Other than her, the launch ceremony was attended by Gilberto Tobaldi, director of Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard and Ghislain Lemarie, Viking’s vice president of ship development and construction.

Another hydrogen-powered vessel, which the cruise line said was the world’s first, was floated out at the same shipyard in March – the Viking Libra.

The Libra is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.