As the most recent ship to debut within the Viking Oceans’ fleet, Viking Vela, entered service in December 2024, the vessel is making maiden calls in every single place she sails.
However when she arrived at Portsmouth Worldwide Port in southern England on January 9, 2024, the ship was marking its first go to to the UK simply as the town was celebrating the beginning of what’s going to be its busiest 12 months to this point.
“We took supply of the Viking Vela, our latest ocean ship, in early December 2024. Throughout her inaugural season, the Viking Vela has been crusing itineraries within the Mediterranean and has now reached Northern Europe,” mentioned Wendy Atkin-Smith, managing director of Viking UK. “Portsmouth shall be her first-ever port of name within the UK.
The vessel, which just lately accomplished development at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, was wrapping up a 7-night “Iberian Explorer” cruise that departed from Barcelona to London and had beforehand stopped in three Spanish ports.
Excited representatives from Portsmouth, together with Deputy Port Director Ian Diaper, boarded the 47,800-gross-ton, 998-passenger ship to current Captain Rune Loekling and crew with a standard maritime ceremonial plaque.
“It’s wonderful to assume what number of Portsmouth plaques at the moment are navigating the world aboard the hundreds of ships which have visited us through the years, with many, many extra to return,” mentioned Portsmouth Metropolis Council Chief Cllr Steve Pitt.
Pitt continued to emphasise the importance of the arrival, saying, “Viking Vela marks the primary inaugural name of 2025 for Portsmouth, because the port begins its busiest 12 months but for cruise.”
Though Viking Vela will solely be returning to Portsmouth for a second name in October 2025, the vessel already has the town nestled between London and Southampton on 2026 itineraries.
It additionally joins sister Viking Oceans ships scheduled to go to Portsmouth, together with Viking Jupiter, which is able to make its first arrival of the 12 months on April 19, 2024; Viking Saturn, which calls on the port starting Might 27; and Viking Sky, arriving within the metropolis on September 15.
Setting the Stage for a Document-Breaking 12 months
The arrival of Viking Vela was the second name of 2025 for Portsmouth Worldwide Port, following on the heels of Fred Olsen Cruise Strains’ 1,360-passenger Borealis, which arrived on January 4, 2025.
The port is ready to interrupt data for cruise ship calls this 12 months, anticipating greater than 100 cruise visits and solidifying its place as a rising hub for cruise tourism within the UK.
The port’s enchantment lies in its potential to cater to small-to-medium-sized ships like Viking Vela, aligning with the town’s dedication to delivering personalised service and distinctive experiences to friends.
Learn Additionally: 10 Causes To not Keep on the Cruise Ship When in Port
With Viking’s arrival, Portsmouth additionally launched its Shaping Portsmouth 2025 cruise passenger program for the primary time, with volunteers available to fulfill and greet passengers and assist information them throughout their time within the metropolis.
“Friends are assured unique therapy once they come to Portsmouth and a heat welcome from our native cruise ambassadors who share the most effective methods to benefit from their go to to the town,” Pitt mentioned of this system.
This system stations volunteer ambassadors at key areas on the port and within the metropolis to supply instructions, suggestions, and insights to native points of interest.
Volunteers additionally distribute informational supplies, like maps and guides, to assist passengers navigate the town’s historic and cultural landmarks, in addition to buying districts.
Portsmouth Worldwide Port may even launch its Sea Change shore energy system in spring 2025, turning into the UK’s first port to permit three cruise ships to plug into shore energy concurrently.
