Viking has officially taken delivery of its newest ocean vessel, the Viking Vela, expanding the company’s fleet of ocean-going ships. The handover ceremony took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy, on June 27, 2024.
The Viking Vela, which can accommodate up to 998 guests, is the tenth ocean ship to join Viking’s lineup. The vessel is designed to offer the same amenities and features as its sister ships, maintaining the company’s focus on destination-oriented travel and Scandinavian-inspired design.
Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, commented on the milestone, stating, “We are pleased to welcome the Viking Vela to our fleet. This delivery marks another significant step in our commitment to offering our guests immersive and culturally enriching travel experiences.”
The new ship is scheduled to begin its inaugural season in the Mediterranean later this year, with plans to operate a variety of itineraries across the region. Viking Vela will then reposition to Northern Europe for additional voyages in 2025.
Fincantieri, the shipbuilder responsible for constructing the Viking Vela, has previously delivered several vessels for Viking. The company noted that the delivery of the new ship underscores the ongoing partnership between the two organizations.