Viking Cruises has successfully secured over half of its capacity for next year as the company accelerates its fleet expansion. The cruise line reported that 55% of its capacity for 2026 has already been sold, according to Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen during the recent second-quarter earnings call. Notably, Viking’s current capacity is nearly sold out for this year, reaching an impressive 96%.
Advance bookings for 2026 river cruises have already reached 45%, translating to approximately $1.56 billion in pre-sold packages, while bookings for ocean cruises represent 64% of available capacity, amounting to nearly $2 billion. As of August 10, Viking’s total advance bookings for next year have soared to $3.9 billion, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period last year for the 2025 season. For 2025 alone, advance bookings have reached $5.6 billion, reflecting a significant year-over-year growth of 21%.
"Our positive momentum is reflected by the advance bookings, with 96% of our 2025 capacity already sold and 55% for 2026," said Leah Talactac, President and CFO. The company’s total revenue in the second quarter was $1.88 billion, a robust 18.5% increase, amounting to an additional $293 million compared to the previous year.
During the second quarter, Viking’s operating capacity increased by nearly 9%, facilitated by the addition of three new river vessels and one ocean ship. Plans indicate that operating capacity for 2025 will be 12% higher than in 2024, with projections suggesting a 9% rise for 2026 compared to this year.
Viking Fleet Expansion
Viking anticipates the delivery of six new river ships this year, which will join its existing fleet of 85 river vessels. In addition to its fleet of 12 ocean ships and two expedition ships, the cruise line plans to introduce an additional 11 ocean ships by 2031. By 2028, the company expects to have added 27 new river ships, which includes two specifically designed for the Indian market.
"Our river strategy focuses on selective expansion that aligns with the Viking brand and resonates with culturally curious travelers," Hagen explained. "This strategy goes beyond our well-trodden European routes, allowing us to deepen our presence in high-value, less-explored destinations."
Viking will make its debut on the Brahmaputra River in India starting in 2027, with initial itineraries already fully booked, according to Hagen. While the scale of operations in India may be modest at first, he emphasized that this initiative is not about volume but rather about delivering culturally immersive, destination-focused travel experiences to enrich the Viking portfolio.
For more about Viking’s expansion plans and offerings, visit Travel Weekly, and refer to Viking’s official site for the latest updates on itineraries and additional details on their growing fleet.
