Viking has floated out its newest ocean ship – the 930-guest Viking Neptune – marking a major construction milestone. Set to debut in November 2022, the vessel will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean before embarking on the company’s 2023-24 Viking World Cruise.

The journey from Fort Lauderdale to London will spans 138 days, 28 countries and 57 ports, with overnight stays in 11 cities.

The traditional float out ceremony took place Jan. 13 at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The event saw the Viking team cut a cord that signalled water to begin flowing into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process to set Viking Neptune afloat, she was moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

“It is always a special day when a new ship meets water for the first time, and we look forward to welcoming guests on board the Viking Neptune this fall. Together with Fincantieri we have built the world’s most elegant vessels, which truly allow our guests to explore the world in comfort,” said Viking chairman Torstein Hagen.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the cruise line, which is also set to welcome the addition the Neptune’s sister ship, Viking Mars this year, along with the debut of two new expedition ships and new river ships. Viking Saturn will arrive in early 2023.