Fincantieri has officially delivered the Viking Vela, a 499-suite vessel, during a ceremony in Ancona, Italy, on Tuesday.

The newest addition to Viking’s fleet is a testament to the growing partnership between the Italian shipbuilder and the luxury cruise line.
Viking Vela boasts a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons and offers accommodations for up to 998 passengers, supported by a 550-member crew.
This marks an increase in capacity compared to Viking’s previous ocean ships, which typically carried 930 guests.
Viking Vela’s slightly larger size allows for expanded amenities and greater passenger comfort while maintaining the intimate and luxurious experience Viking is known for.
This delivery marks the thirteenth ship Fincantieri has built for Viking, including two expedition vessels constructed by Fincantieri’s subsidiary, Vard.
Fincantieri hailed its long-standing partnership with Viking as a success story, highlighting the shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality in shipbuilding.
Viking Vela is designed to uphold Viking’s signature “thinking person’s cruise” ethos, focusing on enriching cultural experiences, destination immersion, and serene onboard environments.
The ship offers:
- All-Veranda Accommodations: Every stateroom features a private veranda, providing guests with personal space to enjoy the views.
- Scandinavian-Inspired Design: The ship’s interiors reflect Viking’s minimalist aesthetic, combining elegance with functionality.
- Enrichment Opportunities: Guests can enjoy cultural lectures, destination-focused programming, and live classical music performances.
- World-Class Dining: With multiple dining venues, including The Restaurant, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, and The Chef’s Table, the Viking Vela continues Viking’s reputation for exceptional culinary offerings.
The addition of the Viking Vela strengthens Viking’s position in the small-ship cruise market.
The company has built its reputation on offering luxurious yet intimate voyages, focusing on ports of call that larger ships cannot reach. Viking’s continued expansion demonstrates the growing demand for its brand of culturally immersive travel.
In addition to its ocean fleet, Viking has been a leader in river cruising for decades, operating one of the largest fleets of river cruise vessels globally.
With the Viking Vela now set for her inaugural cruise on 12th December, Viking’s fleet continues to set the standard for luxury cruising.
The delivery represents not just an expansion of Viking’s capacity but a reinforcement of its partnership with Fincantieri, a collaboration that has yielded some of the most refined and innovative ships in the industry.
As Viking grows its fleet, passengers can look forward to more opportunities to explore the world in unparalleled style and comfort.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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