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December 1, 2023

Viking Vela, the first of a new series of cruise ships that Fincantieri is building for the cruise company Viking Cruises, has been launched at the Ancona shipyard.

The vessel, with a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, 499 cabins, and the capacity to accommodate 998 passengers on board, will position itself in the market segment of small-sized ships and will be delivered in December 2024, setting sail for its inaugural season in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

The traditional float-out ceremony, a significant event representing the moment when a ship enters its final construction phase, began as the Viking team cut a cord, allowing water to flow into the dock. Viking Vela will now be moved to an outfitting quay for final construction.

“Together with Fincantieri, we have built the world’s most elegant ocean ships, and it is always a proud moment to see a new ship meet the water for the first time,” said Torstein Hagen, president of Viking.

Founded in 1997, Viking offers destination-focused travel on rivers, oceans, and lakes worldwide, designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine. Additionally, the company holds over 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans, and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also ranked at the top in river, ocean, and expedition cruise categories by Travel + Leisure.

Viking’s ships are built according to the latest navigation and safety regulations, equipped with high-efficiency engines and systems that minimize exhaust gas pollution, complying with the strictest environmental standards.

Don’t miss further information, updates, and reviews of Viking Cruises on Cruising Journal with photos, videos, and cruise offers.

Giorgia Lombardo

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