Viking officially welcomed seven new river ships during a naming ceremony in Amsterdam, bringing its fleet—the total number of ships it operates—to 109. It now has more ships than any other cruise company. However, because its ships are considerably smaller, Viking carries fewer passengers each year than some larger competitors, including Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Group.
Four of the new vessels will sail on Europe's Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. Two will operate on the Nile in Egypt, while the seventh will travel on the Seine in France. Only two ships were physically present in Amsterdam. Three were on the Nile and Seine, and two were completing construction in Germany. Video connections allowed all seven vessels to take part in the ceremony.
The additions continue a major expansion. In 2012, Viking had 29 river ships and no ocean ships. It now operates 94 river ships, 13 ocean ships, and two expedition ships designed for exploration cruises. More ships are planned for delivery in the coming years.
