Viking Vela
Viking Vela class · Mediterranean
The first ship in the second series, delivered at the end of 2024. It is about 10 m longer and 2 m wider than the previous type, with 499 cabins and capacity for 998 guests, but its core design remains unchanged: adults only, balconies in every cabin, and no casino. Operating mainly in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, it caters to travelers seeking the series’ newest-generation interiors and equipment.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9852432)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Atlas.
For travelers from Japan
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite
Japanese dishes on the menu
Japanese-speaking staff and menus
Payment in yen not accepted
Smoking in designated areas only
English text in preparation.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Atlas / Not stated: no information found in official sources
At a glance
What is included and what costs extra
- Meals (main restaurants)Included
- AlcoholIncluded
- GratuitiesExtra charge
- Wi‑FiIncluded
- Specialty diningIncluded
- Shore excursionsExtra charge
The Kitchen Table (paid, $180–199 per person) is an optional add-on.
- Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)$7-12
- Extra chargeSoft drinks and waterIncluded
- Extra chargeDrink packageSilver Spirits Package (specific daily price not disclosed)
- Extra chargeWi‑FiFree, unlimited Wi-Fi (satellite link) is included in the base fare in all cabins and all areas. There is no higher-tier plan at extra cost, and everyone can use multiple devices at the same time. However, high-volume use such as video streaming may be subject to speed reductions or usage limits.
- Extra chargeGratuities (automatic service charge)$15-20/person/day
- Extra chargeSpa (60 minutes)$209 (Spa Restart package; 80 minutes)
- Extra chargeLaundryVeranda/Deluxe Veranda: $2-5/item; Penthouse Junior Suite and above: free.
- Shore excursionsShore tours are available (price unknown; inquiry required).
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Boarding, atmosphere, and links
- Japan departures: Yes
- Home ports: Yokohama (Tokyo), Other Asia departures
- Departure ports: Yokohama (Tokyo), Many other Asia-departure itineraries
- Ages 18 and over only
- A sense of calm, sophistication and Nordic minimalism. No nightclub, slides or casino. Culture-oriented and educational, with an emphasis on respect for destinations. Luxurious yet not stuffy (Sophisticated without stuffiness).
- Primarily couples and solo travelers aged 50 and over. Educated, culturally minded upper-class guests, with a focus on upper-category passengers.
Ship character
- • Travelers wanting to choose a new ship
- • Travelers considering mid-length Mediterranean itineraries
- • Families traveling with children
- • Travelers prioritizing the intimacy of a very small ship
Cruise stories and videos on external sites
4 linksThese are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Atlas. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.
- Personal blogEnglish20260330 Viking Vela Northern Lights and British Isles - Day 15/32
kolbsontheroad.blogspot.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishViking Ocean Cruises: Finally Worth The High Price Tag? Our Viking Vela Cruise Review
digitalroamads.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- ArticleEnglishViking Vela — Cruise Review
cntraveler.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- ArticleDEAuf Kreuzfahrt mit der Viking Vela von Norwegen nach Island – ein Erfahrungsbericht
cntraveller.de · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
Sources
- Officialvikingcruises.com(home page)
- Secondary sourcevesselfinder.com
- Secondary sourcecruisebooking.com
- Secondary sourceeatsleepcruise.com
Cabins by category
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Veranda Basic balcony cabin category. No minibar or priority booking benefits. | — | 2 people King bed (can be split into twins on request). | Balcony |
Deluxe Veranda Nearly the same size as the Veranda, but with a replenished minibar. The most numerous standard category. Viking Vela has a slightly wider hull than Saturn, so its cabins tend to be slightly larger. | — | 2 people King bed (can be split into twins on request). | Balcony |
Penthouse Veranda More spacious than Veranda categories, with a sofa, coffee table, and easy chair. Features floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors. Includes benefits such as priority reservations at specialty restaurants and complimentary finished laundry. | — | 2 people King bed (can be split into twins on request). | Balcony |
Penthouse Junior Suite The first category designated as a suite. Wheelchair-accessible options are available, with roll-in showers and expanded balconies. Includes a full-size veranda. | — | 2 people King bed (can be split into twins on request). | BalconyAccessible |
Explorer Suite An upper-level suite with a two-room layout, a large veranda, dining for four, and concierge service. | — | 2 people King bed (can be split into twins on request). | Balcony |
Owner's Suite The ship's largest luxury suite, with separate bedroom, salon, dining room, and lounge areas for multiple guests. The only category with a private sauna and meeting room. Viking Vela adds more luxurious perks than Saturn, including Veuve Clicquot and complimentary shore-excursion coupons. | — | Multiple guests King bed (can be split into twins on request). | BalconyConcierge |
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.
Families, adults-only areas, and practical information
- • Nordic Spa & Wellness — Fully equipped with a snow room (snowfall effect), grotto, separate men's and women's saunas, steam room, thermal suite, thalassotherapy pool, hot tub, cold plunge pools (separate for men and women), treatment rooms, showers, and changing rooms. Treatments such as massages, facials, and body scrubs cost extra.
- • Main Pool — Located on Deck 7, with a retractable roof for use in varying weather conditions.
- • Infinity Pool — An aft-positioned pool with hot-water features. It offers good views.
- • Torshavn Lounge & Bar — Norwegian-style piano bar that also accommodates dancing and disco.
- Onboard currency
- USD
- Gratuities
- Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. They are added automatically to your onboard account during the cruise, and at Guest Services you can change the amount or settle in cash. A separate service charge equivalent to 15% is automatically added to bar, beverage and deck service checks. It is customary to prepare cash separately for tips to local guides and drivers at ports of call.
- Payment
- Cashless onboard
- Voltage
- Both 220V (European style) and 110V (US style) are provided in the cabin.
- Formal nights
- There are no formal nights. It is Viking's consistent policy that formal wear such as tuxedos and long dresses is not needed.
- Medical facilities
- Every ship has a medical center run by a medical partner company, with doctors and nurses on staff to handle sudden illness and emergencies. Consultations, treatment and medication are charged to your onboard account, and no specific fee schedule is published.
- Bringing items onboard
- Wine, champagne, beer and spirits can be brought on board at embarkation without limit. Alcohol purchased at ports of call can also be brought back and drunk on board. Drinking alcohol you have brought is unrestricted in your cabin, and in practice no corkage fee is charged even when drinking it in shared areas such as restaurants.
- Mobile and connectivity
- Regular land-based roaming is not available at sea. Depending on the sea area, satellite-based maritime roaming may connect, but it is not covered by regular international roaming plans and carries a risk of large bills. After departure, the usual precaution is to switch to airplane mode and use WhatsApp, FaceTime and the like over the free onboard Wi-Fi.
- Japanese support
- Staff PartialMenus —Announcements —
Dining
Main dining hall serving regional cuisine with open seating. Complimentary for all guests.
Hours: Dinner only
International buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Complimentary for all guests.
Hours: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Tuscan steakhouse-style Italian cuisine. Complimentary for all guests.
Hours: Dinner only
Program combining a chef-led market tour, cooking demonstration, and dining experience. Complimentary for all guests (advance reservations required).
Hours: Dinner on selected days
Norwegian light bites, desserts, and coffee salon. Complimentary for all guests.
Hours: Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon
Grill restaurant beside the pool, open at lunchtime. Complimentary for all guests.
Hours: Lunch.
A chef-led dining experience. Includes a market tour and cooking demonstration, held alongside the main dining room. An additional charge of $180-199 per person.
- Chef-led cooking experience$180-$199
Facilities and activities
Fully equipped with a snow room (snowfall effect), grotto, separate men's and women's saunas, steam room, thermal suite, thalassotherapy pool, hot tub, cold plunge pools (separate for men and women), treatment rooms, showers, and changing rooms. Treatments such as massages, facials, and body scrubs cost extra.
Located on Deck 7, with a retractable roof for use in varying weather conditions.
An aft-positioned pool with hot-water features. It offers good views.
Live performances and cultural lectures about ports of call are presented.
Cinema screening facility.
Books, craft exhibits, and lectures are offered, with a focus on cultural enrichment.
A lounge with a large LED screen and a lichen garden (moss terrarium). Nordic minimalist design that emphasizes light and an airy feel.
A refined space for afternoon tea and live piano.
Onboard retail shop selling art items, toiletries, clothing, and more.
Fully equipped training facility. Personal training is available for an additional fee.
Paid services including haircuts and styling.
Norwegian-style piano bar that also accommodates dancing and disco.