In a landmark moment for the luxury cruise industry, Viking® has officially welcomed its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vela®, into its award-winning fleet. The ship’s delivery was celebrated with a ceremonial event at the prestigious Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy, marking another milestone in Viking’s legacy of redefining ocean travel.
The Viking Vela, classified as a small ship, epitomizes elegance and innovation. Designed to accommodate 998 guests across 499 meticulously crafted staterooms, this vessel is set to elevate the standard of luxury travel while exploring captivating destinations across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe during its inaugural season.
A Commitment to Elegance and Exploration
Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, expressed his pride in the new addition, stating:
“We are proud to welcome the newest sister ship to our award-winning ocean fleet. 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’s reputation for combining sophistication with exploration resonates with discerning travellers seeking culturally immersive experiences aboard state-of-the-art vessels.
Pioneering Sustainable Cruise Travel
While the Viking Vela employs traditional propulsion technology, the vessel is future-proofed with a hydrogen-ready design, paving the way for zero-emission operations in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Norwegian Fjords. Viking’s forward-thinking approach includes a groundbreaking project to develop partial hybrid propulsion systems using liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, aligning with global efforts to promote sustainability in travel.
Accolades That Speak for Themselves
The arrival of the Viking Vela follows an impressive series of accolades for the company. Viking has achieved an unprecedented sweep in the Condé Nast Traveler 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, earning the #1 spot across Oceans, Rivers, and Expeditions for the second consecutive year—a first in the industry’s history.
Additionally, Viking has secured top honours in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Cruise Lines rankings, including Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples, and Best Line in the Mediterranean for the fourth year running. The Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards have also endorsed the Viking Ocean fleet, cementing its status as a hallmark of luxury and excellence.
Innovating for Tomorrow While Sailing Today
With the Viking Vela poised to enchant travellers seeking bespoke experiences in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, the ship’s debut underscores Viking’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. As the fleet continues to grow, Viking remains at the forefront of redefining what it means to cruise, blending luxury, cultural immersion, and environmental stewardship into an unparalleled travel experience.
For more information about Viking and its fleet, visit their official website.
Written by: Michelle Warner
