Viking Vela is the tenth cruise ship of Viking Ocean Cruises. Credit: Viking.
The cruise ship will consist of ten decks and will be able to accommodate 998 guests. Credit: Viking.
Viking Vela will be delivered in late 2024. Credit: Viking.

Viking Vela is a new cruise ship being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for Switzerland-based cruise operator Viking Ocean Cruises.

The new ship is the tenth in a series of identical sister ships, with predecessors, including Viking Neptune and Viking Saturn. Another cruise ship, Viking Vesta, is currently under construction and is expected to debut in 2025.

Launched from the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy, in November 2023, Viking Vela is due to be delivered in late 2024.

The ship will embark on its inaugural journey from Barcelona, Spain, to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

Viking Vela design and features

Viking Vela will be 239m (784ft) long and 30.8m wide, and have a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300t. It will feature ten decks housing 499 staterooms, with the capacity to host 998 guests.

Influenced by Scandinavian design, the Viking Vela cruise ship will offer a range of amenities including an infinity pool, spa, a movie theatre, a gym and a sports area.

Constructed in compliance with the latest navigation and safety standards, the ship will be equipped with high-efficiency engines and systems designed to reduce exhaust gas pollution, adhering to stringent environmental regulations.

Accommodation on Viking Vela

Viking Vela will offer six types of staterooms, each featuring a private balcony, a mini-bar, a television, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Staterooms will be situated from decks three to eight.

The Owner’s suite will be a 1,488ft2 (138m2) multi-room suite that will include a private veranda, dining space for six, a personal library, a boardroom for 12, and curated wine and music collections.

The Explorer suite, ranging between 808ft2 and 1,215ft2, will be an ocean-view two-room suite with a separate living and dining area for four and a large private bathroom. The Penthouse Junior suite will be a 432ft2 ocean-view suite with a private veranda.

Other accommodations will include the Penthouse Veranda stateroom spanning 360ft2, and the Deluxe Veranda and the Veranda staterooms, both spanning 288ft2 each.

Viking Vela dining and bar venues

Viking Vela‘s dining and bar venues will offer an array of exquisite culinary experiences. Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant promises the finest Italian fare while the Chef’s Table will specialise in expertly paired food and wine through a multi-course tasting experience.

The Kitchen Table will bring local culture and cuisine to life with interactive culinary sessions. In the atrium, the Viking Bar will provide a selection of bespoke cocktails for guests to enjoy.

On deck two, the Restaurant will be the main dining venue showcasing Scandinavian design and featuring a menu of regional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

The World Cafe will have live cooking stations, open kitchens and buffet-style dining. Guests will have the freedom to select their preferred dishes and can choose to dine either indoors or al fresco.

Other dining options include Mamsen’s, a traditional Scandinavian deli that will serve a variety of snacks and light meals, and the Wintergarden, adjacent to the Main Pool, which will offer afternoon tea and snacks. For a casual lunch or snack, the Pool Grill will offer gourmet burgers, hot dogs, fries and a selection of salads.

Additional Italian restaurants and bars will also be available on the cruise ship.

Entertainment and other amenities on Viking Vela

Viking Vela’s deck two will include a dual cinema hall and a theatre showcasing live performances that reflect the culture of the ship’s destinations. The cinemas will feature both new releases and films inspired by travel destinations. Torshavn, a music venue, will evoke the ambience of 1940s Hollywood jazz lounges.

The Living Room, which will feature a well-stocked library, a bar inspired by ancient longships and nautical decor reminiscent of the Viking era, is also part of the amenities. The Nordic Spa will offer a traditional Scandinavian wellness experience with a sauna and a snow grotto.

The ship will also boast a fitness centre, a hair salon, an infinity pool, a main pool and a sports complex on deck nine that will cater to activities such as bocce ball and golf, alongside a dedicated yoga area.