Viking and Fincantieri Announce World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship
Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions is already under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and is scheduled for delivery in late 2026.
The company’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, which is also currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen-powered.
Classified as a small ship, like all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Libra will have a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests.
While the ship is considered a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet, she will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells.
This hybrid propulsion system will make her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, which would allow her to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas.
Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking says from the outset, they designed their river and ocean ships thoughtfully to reduce their fuel consumption and are very proud the Viking Libra and the Viking Astrea will be even more environmentally friendly.
“Viking made the principled decision to invest in hydrogen, which offers a true zero-emission solution. We look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship to our fleet in 2026,” he says.
Viking remains focused on its well-defined long-term growth plans with 26 additional river ships by 2028 and 11 additional ocean ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 110 river ships in 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.
Hurtigruten’s On a Mission
Hurtigruten’s vision to build the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship is advancing.
Its groundbreaking Sea Zero project recently completed a new phase of rigorous testing at SINTEF Ocean’s facilities in Trondheim, Norway.
Large battery packs, retractable sails, air lubrication systems, contra-rotating propellers and an energy-optimised hull are among the innovations being evaluated.
Hurtigruten wants to design a ship that can sail without emissions in normal operation on the Norwegian coast from around 2030.
“We are learning a lot from these tests, and we now see that many of the ambitious goals in this project can also be implemented in practice,” says Gerry Larsson-Fedde, Chief Operating Officer at Hurtigruten.
Following months of design work and testing, the ship design has been further refined to be longer, lower, and more stable, now featuring two large retractable sails, that can be raised or lowered as needed.
The recent digital simulations and physical trials in Trondheim, using an eight-metre model tested in SINTEF’s ocean basin and towing tank, confirmed that the sails alone could reduce energy consumption by 10 to 15 per cent.
“For each round we make changes to optimise the design. Now the ship is eight meters longer and slightly wider, and the height has been reduced by one deck. This provides, among other things, better stability. We have also gone from three to two sails,” adds Larsson-Fedde.
The Sea Zero concept aims to cut energy between 40-50% compared to today’s ships.
Hurtigruten is working closely with Norwegian research institute SINTEF and other leading partners to refine the design.
Damian Perry, Managing Director, Hurtigruten Asia-Pacific, added: “We are thrilled with the progress of our Sea Zero project, moving us closer to introducing a zero-emission ship by 2030. This advancement reinforces our commitment to sustainable innovation and further cements our leadership in Norway’s maritime industry.”
Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot to Circumnavigate Antarctica
PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ luxury icebreaker is about to achieve a new world first.
In an unprecedented feat for a cruise ship, Le Commandant Charcot will embark on a full circumnavigation of the White Continent between January and March 2028, departing from Ushuaia.
Le Commandant Charcot will journey through remote, uncharted regions and navigate nearly 18,000 kilometres of coastline along the frozen continent – larger than Europe. The circumnavigation of Antarctica is a polar expedition unlike any before.
Specifically designed for expeditions in extreme environments, Le Commandant Charcot features a PC2 polar hull, allowing her to navigate polar regions while minimising her environmental impact thanks to her hybrid electric engine powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Sailing under the French flag, she meets the highest maritime safety and environmental standards. Her experienced crew is specially trained for ice navigation.
Le Commandant Charcot will set sail in January 2028, from Ushuaia (Argentina) westward to reach Hobart (Tasmania) in 30 days. After a two-day stopover she will then depart again towards her starting point, this time following the eastern coast of Antarctica over 34 days. This unprecedented itinerary was designed by Captains Etienne Garcia and Patrick Marchesseau. Their expertise in ice navigation at the highest latitudes, gained while commanding ships of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS fleet, has made this new sailing dream a reality. They will jointly command Le Commandant Charcot during this exclusive voyage.
AmaWaterways offers Smithsonian-crafted Cultural Experiences
AmaWaterways, the award-winning river cruise line known for immersive cultural experiences, has a new alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, a leader in authentic and enriching small-group travel.
From April 2026, select European river cruises will feature exclusive Smithsonian-crafted experiences, drawing on the Smithsonian’s 175 plus year history as the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex.
These itineraries will include notable Smithsonian Journeys experts and offer opportunities for local immersion and discovery. This collaboration reflects AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys’ shared commitment to inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
They will include 33 departures exploring some of the most breathtaking and historic rivers of Europe, including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine, and Rhone.
Each will provide exclusive excursions and opportunities to engage with a variety of experts, ranging from art historians, archaeologists and scientists to anthropologists, historians and more. All departures feature an assortment of pre- and post-cruise land packages, hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager, for guests to explore further beyond the cruise itinerary.
This alliance with Smithsonian Journeys further solidifies the river cruise line’s commitment to delivering deeply immersive and enriching experiences, both on board and during shore excursions.
Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, a variety of small group excursions, high-quality Wi-Fi, a Wellness Program with a variety of host-led fitness classes, airport transfers, and much more.
These new river cruise journeys, which range from eight to 15 days in duration book via www.amawaterways.au and www.amawaterways.nz.
New Passenger-Freighter Vessel
For those who love cruising on a cargo and passenger ship, Aranui Cruises is adding a second ship to its fleet.
Construction of a new passenger-freighter vessel is underway at Huanghai Shipbuilding facility in Shandong, China.
The 116-metre-long Aranoa will cruise French Polynesia’s south from 2027, carrying cargo and just under 200 guests on itineraries to the Austral Islands.
Like Aranui 5, Aranoa is designed as a mixed passenger-freighter vessel, equipped with all the latest mod cons and technology for passenger comfort and to minimise the ship’s environmental impact.
Aranoa, known in Tahitian as a “great awakening”, will accommodate 198 passengers across 93 cabins, most (62) with a private balcony. The ship will feature two restaurants, two bars, two spa pools, a boutique, a health spa, a fitness centre, and a tattoo salon in line with Aranui’s first tattoo parlour at sea.
While Aranui 5 will continue to sail the northern Marquesas Islands where Aranui has been offering cargo cruises for more than 40 years, Aranoa will head south offering cruises to the remote and untouched Austral Islands.
The off-the-beaten-track archipelago is home to five inhabited islands – Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa – which boast soaring mountains, pristine beaches, hidden caves, intense blue lagoons, unique local produce, picturesque villages, and a colourful history including a link to the Bounty mutineers.
Aranui Cruises Australia and New Zealand Representative Laurent Wong said it was an exciting time for the cruise line.
