Cruise News: Viking Launches a New Ocean Ship

So, what’s the latest cruise news? Certainly, much is new within the cruise industry. That said, since many Pavlus Travel clients have enjoyed sailing with Viking in the past, we thought we’d share one hot news tidbit from this upscale line.

Viking just announced that it’s taken delivery of the new 998-passenger Viking Vela. Offering 499 staterooms, the new ocean ship will spend an inaugural season sailing within the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

(In the latest cruise news, Viking Vela has joined Viking’s fleet; two of its sister ships are shown above. Photo by Viking.)

Seeking Curious Travelers

“With the arrival of our newest vessel, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the Viking way of exploration,” says Torstein Hagen, Viking’s chairman and CEO.

Viking Vela is the 11th ship in the line’s global oceangoing fleet (separate from its expedition operation with two smaller ships).

Called the “Thinking Person’s” cruise line, Viking offers a hefty destination and strong enrichment focus.

Also notable is that guests won’t find an onboard casino or any children on board. Talk with your personal travel planner who can explain more about the Viking onboard product and what exactly to expect.

(The Viking Vela is the newest ship in the Viking oceangoing fleet. Photo by Viking.)

Cruise News: New Ship to Explore Europe

Interested in checking out the new ship for yourself? Well, one itinerary for this new ship is the eight-day “Journey to Antiquities.” It should strongly appeal to history buffs who love exploring ancient sites. 

This eight-day voyage offers superb opportunities to explore some of those top sites. Different Viking ships will offer departures of this itinerary on multiple dates between September 2025 and December 2025.

For example, the new Viking Vela will sail this itinerary between Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, and Piraeus (Athens), Greece, on December 6, 2025. 

Five complimentary tours will be included in the cruise fare. At press time, pricing started at $2,999 per person, double occupancy. But talk with a skilled personal travel planner to assure you’re receiving the best, latest pricing offers.

What’s the route? Cruise guests will travel to Naples (offering the option to visit Pompeii), Italy; Messina, Sicily; Crete (Souda Bay), Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkiye, gateway to ancient Ephesus.

Plus, the voyage concludes with an overnight stay in Athens. While there, guests might choose to explore the Acropolis, visit other sites or a museum, and enjoy dinner or nightlife ashore.

For history-minded travelers, here’s a helpful link to the “10 Must-See Historical Sites in Athens” by History Hit.

Desire a Longer Voyage? 

Die-hard history buffs may, however, desire an even longer voyage. Well, we’d then suggest the 11-day “Greek Odyssey” itinerary roundtrip from Piraeus (Athens).

Port calls within Greece include Volos, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Santorini, Crete (Souda Bay), Naplio and a scenic sailing by the UNESCO-listed Mount Athos. Plus, the ship will call at Kusadasi (for Ephesus) in Turkiye.

The new Viking Vela will offer this itinerary on October 29, 2025, with pricing from $6,999 per person, double occupancy.

Again, Pavlus Travel can assist you — free of charge — with any questions and assure the best deal, based on the latest pricing and any added amenities or promotions.

Cruise News: Future Eco-Enhancement

One unique facet to know about Viking Vela and future Viking ships? The line is currently in the midst of a development project for a partial hybrid propulsion system.

That would use a combination of liquid hydrogen and fuel cells. So, while the Viking Vela has a traditional propulsion platform, she is also hydrogen-ready and thus able to be retrofitted in the future.

The beauty of this effort? It would allow Viking to operate with zero emissions in the Norwegian fjords and other sensitive eco-environments.

Parting Thoughts

A new ship’s delivery is certainly exciting for the cruise line and potential guests alike. The new Viking Vela offers some enticing itinerary options in 2025, especially for history buffs.

In other recent news, Viking has launched two new river vessels on Egypt’s Nile River. They’re the 82-passenger Viking Sobek and Viking Rathor.

Guests booking Nile voyages on those new vessels or any others that Viking operates there will have opportunities to gaze in awe at the Pyramids of Giza and the magnificent ancient Egyptian temples along the river.

So, as 2024 draws to a close, it’s a great time to think about where you might want to explore in 2025 or beyond. Certainly, Viking offers many options for exploring the world’s oceans.

Its river fleet, the world’s largest, also sails in Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, North Africa and the United States (with Viking Mississippi – check out our previous blog about that U.S. product here.)

And two razzle-dazzle new expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris sail to the Arctic region and Antarctica as well as on North America’s Great Lakes.

So, the world’s a stage for Viking. Do you want to be an actor or actress in your own global adventure on this brand?

Then give your Pavlus Travel advisor a call to learn more about Viking and its options across the globe.

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