Viking(NYSE: VIK) has announced the delivery of its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vela®. The ceremony took place this morning at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy, marking a significant milestone for the company. The Viking Vela, like all of Viking’s ocean vessels, is classified as a small ship, with 499 staterooms accommodating up to 998 guests. This new ship joins Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet and will embark on its inaugural season with voyages across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
“We are thrilled to welcome our newest sister ship to our distinguished fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Together with Fincantieri, we have crafted the world’s most elegant small ocean ships. The Viking Vela represents our commitment to providing travelers with the Viking experience, and we are eager to introduce more guests to our style of exploration.”
Looking toward the future, Viking is developing a partial hybrid propulsion system for upcoming ships, using liquid hydrogen and fuel cells. This innovative technology could enable zero-emission operations in sensitive areas like the Norwegian Fjords. While the Viking Vela features a traditional propulsion system, it is “hydrogen-ready,” allowing for potential future upgrades.
The delivery of the Viking Vela follows a series of recent accolades for Viking. The company was recognized as the #1 line for Oceans, Rivers, and Expeditions in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year, marking the first time a travel company has won all three categories in back-to-back years. Additionally, Viking was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples, and Best Line in the Mediterranean in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Cruise Lines ranking for the fourth year running. Viking’s ocean vessels were also rated “Recommended” in the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, and the company received seven awards at the 2023 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards—more than any other cruise line—across luxury, river, and expedition categories.
About Viking
Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications.