Viking has held the float out ceremony for its next ocean ship, Viking Saturn.

The 930-guest vessel is scheduled to launch in April 2023, with a maiden season in the Mediterranean.

The ship has now touched water for the first time, marking a key construction milestone, as it moves into its final construction phase.

A ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, with members of the Viking team cutting a cord that signalled water to flow into the ship’s building dock.

Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Saturn afloat, the ship will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for its interior build-out.

Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said: “It is always a proud day when a new Viking ship meets water for the first time and moves one step closer to joining her sister ships in our fleet.

“Together with Fincantieri, we have built the world’s most elegant ocean vessels, and we look forward to welcoming our first guests on board the Viking Saturn when she is delivered next spring.”

Viking pushing ahead with fleet expansion

The progress on Viking Saturn continues a busy time for Viking.

In May, the cruise line named another new ocean ship, Viking Mars, in a ceremony in Malta.

The ship has been operating itineraries in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia, before repositioning at the end of this year for voyages around Australia and New Zealand.

In addition, back in March, eight river ships were added to the fleet. Speaking at the time, Hagen said: “As we mark 25 years of sailing the iconic waterways of the world, it is always a proud day when we welcome new ships to our fleet and offer more opportunities for curious travellers to explore the world in comfort.”

This year has also seen the launch of Viking’s expedition cruise venture, with Viking Octantis starting its first Antarctic season back in February.