Fincantieri floats out Viking Vela, a slightly larger Viking ship

As earlier reported, this is due to new IMO stability regulations.

Viking Vela's gross tonnage is approximately 54,300, up from the 47,800gt of the 10 earlier ships in the series

Viking Vela will stretch 784 feet with a beam of 101 feet and capacity for 998 passengers, compared to 930 for the earlier vessels. Gross tonnage is approximately 54,300, up from 47,800gt.

Delivery in on track for late 2024.

Series began in 2015

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen was on hand in Ancona for the festivities for this 11th ocean vessel in a series begun in 2015.

'It is always a proud day when our newest ship meets water for the first time,' he said.