Set to debut in November, the vessel will spend its maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean.

It will then embark on the company’s 2023-2024 Viking World Cruise, a journey from Fort Lauderdale to London that spans 138 days, 28 countries and 57 ports, with overnight stays in 11 cities.

Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, said: "It is always a special day when a new ship meets water for the first time, and we look forward to welcoming guests onboard Viking Neptune this autumn.

"Together with Fincantieri, we have built the world’s most elegant vessels, which truly allow our guests to explore the world in comfort."

The traditional float-out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard on Thursday (13 January).

Following a two-day process that will set Viking Neptune afloat, it will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.