Viking Vela

The 2024-built MS Viking Vela cruise ship is the 11th vessel (and the first in the second 6-ship series) of 16 ships built for Viking OCEAN Cruises Ltd (USA). Vela is also the 13th Viking ship constructed by Fincantieri.

Viking Vela was delivered in December 2024 (following a postponement). Her sisterships, featuring a modified design and increased capacity, are Viking Vesta (2025), Viking Mira (2026), Viking Libra (2026), Viking Astrea (2027), and Viking Lyra (2028).

Unlike the preceding 10-ship series (from Viking Star/2015 through Viking Saturn/2023), vessels in the second 6-ship series (starting with Viking Vela) are slightly larger (10 m longer and 2 m wider), with more staterooms (499 vs 464) and higher passenger capacity (998 vs 928).

Viking OCEAN’s plan for a fleet of 16 sisterships was announced on March 6, 2018, when Viking signed an agreement with Fincantieri for six additional ocean vessels, scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2028. In September 2022, Fincantieri and Viking signed a further agreement for four additional vessels (based on options in the 2018 contract), with a total value of approximately EUR/USD 1.7 billion. Deliveries were scheduled for 2026 and 2027 (two units) and 2028 (two units).

As of 2023, Viking owned and operated 9 ocean ships, 2 expedition vessels, and 79 riverboats, with an additional 14 riverboats on order (expected to be operational by 2026) and 10 ocean ships on order (scheduled to enter service by 2030).

The Viking Vela vessel (IMO number 9852432) is currently Norway-flagged (MMSI 257526000) and registered in Bergen.

History - construction and ownership

The 1,000-passenger Viking Vela offers a destination-focused cruising experience, with fewer days at sea, longer port stays, and more overnight calls in key destinations. Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, free shore excursions, and included wine and beer at lunch and dinner.

Each Viking Ocean ship provides a wide range of fare-inclusive amenities and services, including all shore excursions, transfers, Wi-Fi, wine and beer (served at lunch and dinner), and access to the Nordic Spa (steam room, thalassotherapy pool, hot tub, snow grotto, sauna, and cold plunge pool). The aft infinity pool (a resistance swimming pool located on Deck 7) is another distinctive complimentary feature.

All Viking Ocean vessels are built in compliance with the latest maritime navigation regulations and equipped with advanced safety systems, including “Safe Return to Port.” The ships also incorporate modern technologies such as energy-efficient hybrid propulsion (diesel generators and gas turbines), optimized hull forms, and bulbous bows for improved fuel efficiency. The design includes solar panels (installed on the Magradome pool cover), further reducing emissions.

Decks and Cabins

Viking Vela staterooms (499 in total) include 49 Suites, 96 Penthouse cabins, and 348 Veranda/Balcony cabins across 16 categories.

All passenger cabins feature private step-out verandas and offer modern amenities, including king-size beds (“Viking Explorer,” with deluxe mattresses and linens, and cashmere blankets), en-suite bathrooms (heated floors and mirrors, glass-enclosed showers, hairdryers, premium Freyja bath products, bathrobes, slippers, and towel warmers), and seating areas (sofa, coffee table, vanity desk with chair, wardrobe, and full-length mirror with integrated lighting). Additional features include satellite phones, smart HDTVs (3D infotainment/interactive systems with Internet access, room service ordering, movies on demand, live webcam views, and Viking Cruises channel content), in-room binoculars, electronic safes, individual climate control, coffee machines, and minibars (replenished daily with bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks).

The ship has 10 decks, of which 6 are dedicated to passenger cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Viking Vela offers multiple dining venues, including the main Restaurant, buffet venues (Viking Deli and World Cafe), Aquavit Terrace (alfresco dining), specialty restaurants (Italian Grill and Chef’s Table), and two private dining rooms.

Viking OCEAN cruise fares include shore excursions, wine and beer at lunch and dinner, and Wi-Fi.

Signature onboard facilities include two swimming pools (Main Pool and aft Infinity Pool), a covered pool deck (with Jacuzzi, bar, and grill), the Viking Living Room (Atrium Lobby Lounge), two cinemas, a modern wellness complex (Spa & Fitness Center and Beauty Salon), the Wintergarden (poolside lounge), Aquavit Terrace (aft outdoor bar/lounge with Infinity Pool and hot tub), Torshavn Piano Bar, a dedicated sports deck (Deck 9, with walking track and outdoor gym/yoga area), Theatre Lounge & Bar, Lobby Bar, and various retail shops and boutiques.

The wraparound Lanai/Promenade Deck (Deck 2) fully encircles the vessel. The two-deck Explorer’s Lounge features a large bow-facing observation area—an uncommon feature on many modern cruise ships. Overall, the ship’s design emphasizes a boutique hotel-style ambiance.

All Viking Ocean ships feature a “Snow Grotto,” a unique spa experience where powdery snow falls from the ceiling. This thermal suite experience is designed to stimulate circulation and includes a sequence of heat (sauna/steam bath) followed by cooling in the snow room. The spa complex also includes a hot tub, sauna, heated ceramic loungers, therapeutic showers, and a saltwater thermal pool. Access to the Snow Grotto is complimentary for all passengers.

Itineraries

Viking Vela’s itinerary program was announced in June 2023. The maiden voyage was initially planned for June 2024 from London (UK), with the inaugural season focused on Northern Europe.

However, the inaugural cruise was later postponed to January 10, 2025 (12-night/13-day “In Search of the Northern Lights” itinerary from London-Tilbury to Bergen), calling at Ijmuiden (Netherlands) and Norwegian ports including Narvik, Tromso, Alta, and Bergen.

Ultimately, Viking Vela’s first voyage was rescheduled for December 12, 2024 (7-day Mediterranean itinerary from Civitavecchia-Rome to Barcelona).

The following itineraries were offered: “Malta, Morocco and the Mediterranean” (15-night roundtrip from Barcelona, departing December 19), “Iberian Explorer” (7-night Barcelona to Tilbury-London, January 3, 2025), “In Search of the Northern Lights” (12-night itineraries between Tilbury and Bergen, January–March 2025), and “British Isles Explorer” (14-night itineraries between Tilbury and Bergen, March–September 2025).

The canceled inaugural season included the following itineraries:

• 14-night/15-day “British Isles Explorer” between London-Greenwich and Bergen (visiting 6 countries and including 12 complimentary tours).
• 14-night/15-day “Viking Homelands” between Stockholm, Sweden and Bergen (6 countries, 11 tours).
• 12-night/13-day “Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes” between Bergen and Reykjavik, Iceland (3 countries, 9 tours).
• 12-night/13-day “In Search of the Northern Lights” between London-Tilbury and Bergen (3 countries, 5 tours).
• 28-night/29-day “Scandinavia and the British Isles” between London-Greenwich and Stockholm (13 countries, 22 tours).
• 26-night/27-day “Viking Homelands and Majestic Iceland” (North Atlantic crossing) from Stockholm to Reykjavik (8 countries, 19 tours).

Viking Vela’s maiden season also included the new “British Isles and Iceland Explorer” itinerary (26-night/27-day from Reykjavik to London-Greenwich, departing June 13, 2025), visiting 8 countries and offering 20 land tours.

All Viking OCEAN ships offer destination-rich itineraries featuring the brand’s “small ship cruise” concept and curated onboard experiences. Compared to similar vessels operated by other companies, Viking OCEAN itineraries emphasize fewer sea days, longer port stays, and frequent overnight visits.