Viking Vela delivered to Viking Cruises during ceremony at Fincantieri shipyard

The luxury cruise line Viking has taken delivery of its newest ocean ship, Viking Vela, during a delivery ceremony at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy. 

Classified as a small ship, Viking Vela has 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. She joins the company’s growing fleet of near-identical award-winning ocean ships and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.

“We are proud to welcome the newest sister ship to our award-winning ocean fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Together with Fincantieri we have built the world’s most elegant small ocean ships. With the arrival of our newest vessel, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the Viking way of exploration.”

Viking is working on a project for a partial hybrid propulsion system for future ocean ships based on liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, which could allow the company to operate at zero-emission in the Norwegian Fjords and other sensitive environments. 

While Viking Vela has a traditional propulsion platform, she is considered hydrogen-ready and can be retrofitted in the future. With a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, she is an upsized version of Viking’s previous ships, which had capacity for 930 guests.

The ships features all veranda staterooms, elegant Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options. She will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries during the “quiet season” in the Mediterranean before continuing to Northern Europe.

The experience aboard Viking Vela, like her sister ships, will be focuses on enrichment and culture, rather than flashy entertainemnt and nightclubs, although there is certainly live music available onboard.

Lounge areas are stocked with puzzles and books, while onboard programming prioritises education, with watercolour painting classes, art lectures, and traditional afternoon tea in the bright and airy Wintergarden. 

Numerous inclusions enhance the experience: 24-hour room service, shore excursions, gratuities, speciality dining, and drinks with meals. Spa enthusiasts will particularly appreciate complimentary access to the thermal suite.

Dining highlights include The Chef’s Table, specialising in regional tasting menus, and The Kitchen Table, which combines a chef-led market tour, cooking class, and dining experience. The main dining room, the Restaurant, serves globally inspired cuisine, while the casual World Café offers buffet-style options. 

Manfredi’s showcases Italian favourites, and the Pool Grill provides burgers and fries.

For entertainment, the Viking Living Room hosts live classical music, the Explorers’ Lounge offers panoramic views, and Torshaven features vibrant jazz. Two pools, a fitness centre, and expert-led talks complete the refined onboard experience.

The delivery of Viking Vela brings the total number of ships handed over by Fincantieri to Viking to thirteen, including two expedition units constructed by Fincantieri’s subsidiary, Vard.

Fincantieri said the long-standing partnership between it and Viking continues to thrive. With additional orders placed and recent contracts signed, the collaboration now encompasses 26 ships.