Our Tour + Cruise team members, Genevieve and Kristy, experienced the Viking Vela ship on their ‘Venice, The Adriatic & Greece’ itinerary. This is one of their newer Ocean ships, built in 2024 with a capacity of 998 guests. They had stops in Kataklon (Olympia), Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Split before finishing up in Venice where they spent the night onboard, then flew home from Venice the next morning.
Viking are renowned for their complimentary shore excursions, expert-led enrichment lectures and modern small ships. They sail across five oceans to regions such as the Mediterranean, Alaska, the Caribbean and Scandinavia…just to name a few.
If you’re looking to sail with Viking, see our favourite deals here. Or get in touch with one of our Tour + Cruise specialists to learn more.
Viking Boarding and Welcome
The check- in process was simple and effortless. We were met at our transfer by a Viking representative who explained the process and took all of our bags (4 large suitcases, so very impressive). From there we headed into the terminal building. There were several counters all with smiling Viking staff and they had us checked in and on our way in around 10 minutes, giving us our cabin keys and vouchers for pre-purchased or pre-selected shore excursions.
As we were early they explained that the cabins wouldn’t be ready for another hour or so. But we were welcome to board and take advantage of the other shipboard amenities. Once onboard we participated in a very short safety briefing then off to the bar/restaurant.
Cabin and Accommodation
Once in our cabin (DV4 Deluxe Veranda) we settled in and unpacked. Our Viking Vela cabin was 228 square feet and had a private veranda, large private bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror and hair dryer, as well as included Freyja toiletries. The heated floors, especially when you first get up in the morning, were a highlight. We actually had to turn ours down in the end as it was a little too warm. But this would be great in the winter months or cooler destinations.
Even though we were in one of the lower cabin categories we were impressed with the size of the cabin, as well as the storage areas. We were able to unpack everything and found everything had a place. There was plenty of room in the closet itself and even our huge suitcases fit under the bed and out of the way. The cabin of course also had all the normal amenities like mini bar, coffee machine, robes and slippers, flat screen TV, binoculars and our important whisper headsets for our shore excursions.
One thing that is worth mentioning is that with Viking ocean ships, they have a priority system with specialty dining and shore excursions linked to your particular cabin type. With the Deluxe Veranda including 1 priority reservation at each alternative restaurant (bookable 60 days prior to departure) and the ability to book shore excursions from 137 days prior to sailing. But as you go up in the cabin categories the number of alternative reservations you can pre-book increases, and you are also able to book shore excursions sooner.
Dining Onboard
The dining options onboard the Viking Vela were varied and plentiful, and all of them were extremely high quality. A favourite by far was Manfredi’s, the Italian-style specialty restaurant. Here we had one of the best steaks ever! It was so good we ordered it again when we went back a second time.
Other than that there is the main restaurant, with a high quality rotating menu, all a la carte. There was also the World Cafe, technically a buffet-style restaurant but very much elevated, with individual stations offering a variety of delectable dishes. This was great if you were between shore visits, or didn’t have much time as you could grab and go. Another favourite was the Pool Bar, offering an American diner-style menu, think burgers, hot dogs and wings. Their wings were one of the highlights of the trip! We went back for them again and again. There was also the Chef’s table, the other specialty restaurant, which has a rotating menu and paired wines. The Kitchen Table, a paid experience, combining dinner and a cooking class was also available on the cruise. For light snacks there was also Mamsen’s, featuring traditional Norwegian food. Plus, the Living Room, with open face sandwiches and the like.
There was also a variety of bars to choose from on the Viking Vela. With a more casual Pool Bar, or the Explorers Lounge for a cocktail and late night drinks in Torshavn. All of the staff were great, most of them remembering our names by the second day and already knew our favourites. One stand out was the Lloyd-tini, an Espresso Martini adapted with the addition of Baileys, which became a fast favourite of our group.
Onboard Areas on the Viking Vela
The Viking Vela itself was beautiful, with so much space and so much light. There really doesn’t feel like there are over 900 passengers on there. Medium-sized ships are great. It’s small enough to feel like you aren’t on with half the world, but also large enough that there are still enough common spaces and places to rest and relax. We especially liked that we were small enough to dock right close to town. Especially in smaller ports like Kotor, where we stepped straight back onto the ship, walking past other cruise passengers that waited up to 2 hours for a tender back to their ship.
It has all of the normal amenities you would expect from a high-class cruise ship; shops, hair salon, fitness center but one of the absolute highlights was the Nordic Spa. This was so unique with a snow grotto, sauna, hydrotherapy pool and a traditional Nordic bucket pull which drenches you with ice cold water. The massage therapists were absolutely world-class and the whole process with the massage is designed for ultimate relaxation. We didn’t take advantage of the entertainment that was offered, as there were too many other things to do, but fellow cruise guests enjoyed the shows immensely.
Other areas to enjoy include the Wintergarden, which is where the main pool is. It’s a great place to relax, with lots of travellers lying back and enjoying themselves, reading etc. The retractable roof is a big plus, meaning it can open up or close as the weather calls for, and the breeze coming through when the roof is open is amazing.
On the Viking Vela we also loved the Infinity Pool on the back deck- this was a great place for cocktails and during Sail Away. The spa that was part of that pool was lovely and warm!
Overall Impressions of Viking Vela
Overall we absolutely loved our Viking Vela cruise. We were looked after from the minute we stepped onboard to when we left. No issue was too big or small for the staff. They really went out of their way to make sure each guest was enjoying themselves. Plus, a lot of the team greeting you by name very early into the cruise.
Viking is very much an adult-oriented cruise line, so not recommended for the party guests! But more for those that enjoy amazing food, great drinks and adult themes. Would sail with them again in a heartbeat.
For more information about Viking ocean cruises, see our deals here. If you would like to learn about their river voyages, please see here.
