Fincantieri: Ancona Celebrates the Launch of Viking Mira
In July 2025, Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard marked a major milestone for the Italian shipbuilding industry and the global cruise sector with the launch of Viking Mira, the latest cruise ship commissioned by the Norwegian company Viking Cruises.
This event signals the ship’s transition into the final outfitting phase and introduces a vessel set to become a benchmark in maritime technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and onboard hospitality excellence.
With a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, 499 staterooms, and capacity for up to 998 passengers, Viking Mira represents another important step forward in the long-standing collaboration between Fincantieri and Viking, one of the most highly regarded cruise lines in the world. The ship is expected to enter service in spring 2026, operating itineraries throughout the Mediterranean and the fjords of Northern Europe.
Ancona Shipyard
Viking Mira belongs to the small cruise ship segment, a category increasingly favored by a discerning adult clientele seeking high-quality service and sustainable travel experiences. These values are at the core of the design developed by Fincantieri for Viking, which in recent years has chosen to invest in vessels entirely built in Italy—a symbol of world-class naval craftsmanship.
The ship has been designed in compliance with the most up-to-date international regulations on safety and environmental impact. It is equipped with high-efficiency engines and state-of-the-art exhaust gas treatment systems, significantly reducing emissions in line with the most stringent IMO standards. The integration of advanced technological solutions highlights the shared commitment of shipbuilders and shipowners to a greener maritime future. Viking’s goal is to offer its guests an exclusive cruise experience without compromising the balance of delicate marine ecosystems. The ship’s smaller size compared to mega-cruise liners also allows for a more discreet and respectful approach to ports of call, many of which are located in areas of great historical and natural significance.
Viking Mira is the latest in a long line of projects completed by Fincantieri for Viking Cruises. The relationship between the Trieste-based shipbuilder and the Norwegian company is one of the most robust in the international shipbuilding landscape. As of today, Fincantieri’s portfolio for Viking includes 28 ships—delivered, under construction, or covered by signed contracts and newly secured options. Such a strong partnership is no coincidence. It is the result of shared values and aligned strategic goals: attention to detail, exceptional onboard hospitality, technical reliability, and environmental responsibility. Viking’s continued trust in Fincantieri is a testament to the company’s engineering and production expertise, consistently delivering safe, efficient, and elegantly designed vessels.
Viking Mira rendering
The launch of Viking Mira also reaffirms the central role of the Ancona shipyard within Fincantieri’s network. Spanning an area of 360,000 square meters with a production capacity of 60,000 gross tons, the Ancona yard has become one of the Group’s key hubs for building next-generation cruise ships. With lifting systems capable of handling up to 500 tons and the capacity to construct 1,200 tons of hull per month, the shipyard employs around 3,700 workers daily—including technicians, engineers, and skilled personnel from various countries and cultural backgrounds. Their collaboration is not only a shining example of successful integration but also a solid industrial model built on expertise and innovation.
Since 2009, the Ancona shipyard has delivered 20 vessels, contributing significantly to Fincantieri’s reputation as one of the world’s leading shipbuilders. The launch of Viking Mira is part of Fincantieri’s broader Operations Excellence program, aimed at modernizing production processes through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. This includes the implementation of robotics, automation systems, and artificial intelligence to improve work quality, enhance efficiency, and reduce construction times.
This digital transformation doesn’t stop at production—it also extends to the design of the ships themselves. Vessels like Viking Mira are true floating laboratories of innovation, where comfort and technology blend seamlessly to offer guests an unprecedented onboard experience. From smart cabins to advanced energy management systems, every detail is designed to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and guest well-being. The launch of Viking Mira represents far more than just a technical milestone. It symbolizes the continued evolution of Italian shipbuilding—an industry capable of anticipating market demands and delivering concrete solutions to today’s environmental challenges.
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