Viking Vela
“The first of the slightly larger Vela-class Viking ships — hydrogen-ready, with 998 guests.”
Viking Vela was delivered on 3 December 2024 and began her maiden voyage on 12 December 2024, a seven-day Mediterranean cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona. She is marginally larger than the earlier Longships, at about 54,300 gross tons, with room for 17 extra cabins (499 staterooms for 998 guests), pod propulsion and a hydrogen-ready design. Her layout and amenities match her siblings. Her homeports include Barcelona, Piraeus (Athens), Civitavecchia, Bergen and Lisbon.
The first Vela-class ship: slightly larger than the original Longships, with pod propulsion, 17 extra cabins and a hydrogen-ready design.
What’s Onboard
Dining
- ✓The Restaurant — main dining room with open seating
- ✓Manfredi's Italian restaurant
- ✓The Chef's Table tasting-menu restaurant
- ✓World Café buffet and casual dining
- ✓Mamsen's Norwegian deli
- ✓Pool Grill and 24-hour room service
Pools & Recreation
- ✓Infinity Pool at the stern
- ✓Nordic Spa with sauna, steam room and snow grotto (included)
- ✓Aquavit Terrace for alfresco dining
- ✓Fitness center
- ✓Sun decks and sports deck
- ✓Complimentary specialty coffee, tea and water
Entertainment
- ✓Explorers' Lounge for panoramic views and live music
- ✓The Theater — talks, shows and destination performances
- ✓Wintergarden with afternoon tea
- ✓The Living Room lounge and library
- ✓Resident historian talks and enrichment lectures
- ✓No casino, by design
Cabins
- ✓All staterooms have private verandas
- ✓Deluxe Veranda, Penthouse Veranda and Explorer Suite categories
- ✓Owner's Suites
- ✓Scandinavian-style design with heated bathroom floors
- ✓Accessible staterooms
- ✓No inside or oceanview-only cabins
Family & Kids
- ✓Adults only — guests must be 18 or older
- ✓No children's clubs or kids' pools
- ✓Quiet, grown-up atmosphere throughout
- ✓No casino and no loud pool-deck parties
- ✓Cultural enrichment instead of kids' programs
Video Tour
Viking Vela — Full Ship Tour and Review
- ✦Adults who want destination-focused cruising
- ✦Travelers who like an all-inclusive-style fare with shore excursions included
- ✦Couples and solo travelers wanting a quiet, small-ship feel
- ✦History, culture and food lovers
Families with children (guests must be 18 or older) and travelers wanting casinos, waterslides or big-ship nightlife.
From roughly $300 pp per night; recent 7-night voyages around $5,600–$6,600 pp (shore excursions, drinks with meals and Wi-Fi included)