Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilder, has laid keel of Viking Mars, which is the eighth vessel in a series of 16 similar ships for Viking Ocean Cruises.

The 47,800 gross ton ship is being built at the Ancona yard and it will be able accommodate 930 passengers. It is due to enter service in 2022.

Deliveries of the series are scheduled to continue until 2027, with a further eight vessels to be built. The first unit in the class, Viking Star, was built in 2015.