The fleet of Viking Ocean Cruises continues to grow, with the line yesterday setting sail on the maiden voyage of its third ship, Viking Sky, on a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Barcelona.

Identical sister ship to its two predecessors Viking Star and Viking Sea, the new ship also carries 930 passengers and adheres to the line’s operational mantra of spending longer days in ports around the world, fewer days at sea, more overnight visits and a greater focus generally on the destinations it visits.

Every stateroom and suite on Viking Sky features a balcony, with all public spaces designed in such a way as to maximise natural light offerings. A shore excursion in each port visited is included in cruise fares, with a selection of additional adventures developed for guests to select from at an additional expenses if they so choose.

After being christened in the Norwegian city of Tromso in June, Sky will spend the remainder of the summer in the Baltic and Scandinavian region before crossing the Atlantic and spending the northern winter in North America and the peak Caribbean season.

A fourth ship, Viking Sun, will launch at the end of November, immediately setting off on the company’s first World Cruise, which includes the line’s debut into Australia and New Zealand early in 2018. Next year, the line’s fifth ship Viking Spirit will begin welcoming guests on cruises in Asia and Australia. A sixth ship is due to be delivered in 2019, capping off a period of immense growth for Viking Ocean Cruises.