Viking has taken delivery of Viking Sky, the company’s third ocean-going ship at a ceremony at the Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy.

On February 25, the vessel will set sail from Rome’s port at Civitavecchia and make its way through the Mediterranean on its maiden voyage.

After sailing spring itineraries throughout the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, it will be christened under Norway’s midnight sun on June 22 in Tromsø.

“In the past two years, we have been encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response our first two ocean ships have generated among our guests and travel industry partners,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises.

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“Today we mark an important milestone in welcoming the third ship to our fleet. By the end of 2017 – our 20^th year in business – we will also welcome our fourth ship, doubling our fleet in less than a year.

“With our fast-growing fleet and innovative design, we look forward to introducing even more experienced travellers to the Viking way of destination-focused itineraries in the years to come.”

Viking Sun, which will join the fleet in November, will spend its maiden season sailing the company’s first-ever World Cruise, which spans 141 days, five continents, 35 countries and 66 ports.

Viking Spirit will join the fleet in 2018 and will sail itineraries in Australia, Asia and Alaska. A sixth, yet-to-be-named ship will be delivered in 2019.