Like Viking’s rapid ocean ship expansion, the growth of its international river fleet has shown no signs of slowing. In October 2025, when the cruise brand celebrated the launch of its 100th vessel overall, it also christened nine riverboats for Europe and Egypt.
“We have always been quite a bit different from others in the travel industry — we like to be contrarian,” said Torstein Hagen, now executive chairman of Viking (following the May 14 announcement that he was stepping down as CEO). “Over the last 28 years, we have grown from four ships to more than 100 — a fleet size that no other line has achieved — and we have done so because of our innovative approach. First, we modernized river voyages; then we reinvented ocean voyages and perfected the expedition experience. We look forward to continuing our leadership in experiential travel in the years to come.”
By 2028, Viking is currently on track to operate at least 112 riverboats worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of what’s to come, and how it adds to the line’s existing river fleet.
A Look at the Existing Fleet
The signature 190-guest Viking Longships make up the bulk of Viking’s river fleet, with around 70 vessels sailing European waterways such as the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers. These ships are characterized by dramatic square bows, offset cabin corridors, alfresco Aquavit Terraces, central lounges and restaurants.
Longships feature the alfresco Aquavit Terrace.
Photo Credit: 2026 Viking
Also sailing in Europe are abbreviated “lite” Longships designed for more space-restricted rivers, including the Douro, Elbe and Seine. In decreasing scale, their passenger capacities range from 168 on the Seine to 106 on the Douro and 98 on the Elbe.
Portugal-based ships include Viking Gyda, Viking Helgrim, Viking Hemming, Viking Osfrid, Viking Sol and Viking Torgil. On the Elbe are Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla, while Viking Fjolvar, Viking Fjorgyn, Viking Kari, Viking Nerthus, Viking Radgrid and Viking Skaga sail the Seine.
Viking also operates river sailings in Asia, Egypt and North America, some of which follow the Longship design.
On the Nile, MS Antares is a charter, and Viking Ra is a standalone ship. Newer sister ships include Viking Amun, Viking Aton, Viking Hathor, Viking Osiris, Viking Sobek and Viking Thoth. Meanwhile in Asia, Viking Saigon and Viking Tonle cruise inland waterways. In the United States, Viking Mississippi remains the brand’s only domestic option.
What's on the Way
Altogether, Viking has a pipeline of 22 new riverboats scheduled through 2028, most of which will be full-sized Viking Longships, such as the freshly delivered Viking Eldir.
Most of Viking's 22 upcoming riverboats will be Longships.
Photo Credit: 2026 Viking“We are pleased to welcome the Viking Eldir to our growing river fleet,” Hagen said. “With our exclusive docking locations, we proudly bring our guests closer to destinations along the great rivers of the world. Now, with the addition of our newest Viking Longship, we look forward to inviting even more curious travelers to explore Europe in Viking comfort.”
In 2026 alone, there will be 10 new river vessels, including five 190-guest Longships, the 168-guest Viking Fjolvar and two Egypt-based ships: Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet.
Additional Nile vessels are on the way, including Viking Anubis and Viking Geb. In India, Viking plans to introduce Viking Brahmaputra and Viking Ganges. Other future ships are still to be delineated.
