Viking Ocean Cruises and ocean cruise ship builder Fincantieri have reached an agreement for the construction of two cruise ships. The signing of the deal is imminent, according to a statement issued by Viking. Late 2014 is the delivery date of the first ship. The delivery of the second ship is set for the same time in 2015. There is also an option for a third vessel to be added to the contract. Each of the new ocean cruise ships will accommodate 998 passengers with 499 cabins.

"We started Viking Ocean Cruises to offer great destination experiences, and we are excited to bring this same destination focus back to ocean cruising,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises. “The ship designed by Fincantieri has a fresh and innovative design well suited to deliver the award-winning Viking experience." Viking Ocean Cruises is a sister company of Viking River Cruises.