Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen proudly said, “We have worked with Fincantieri to build the most advanced oceangoing ships in the world. Seeing our newest ship make its initial contact with the ocean always fills us with great joy.” He underlined that Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler gave Viking’s compact, sophisticated ocean ships excellent ratings. They provide unique experiences and purposefully leave out some aspects of their offerings, such as nickel and diming, casinos, and children. Hagen was excited to welcome the Viking Vela into their fleet of award-winning vessels, allowing them to introduce more curious tourists to the distinctive Viking style of travel.

At Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, the customary float-out ceremony marked the Viking Vela’s entry into the last phase of its construction. Around 11:00 a.m. local time, the Viking team ceremoniously severed a rope to start the water flow into the ship’s constructing dock, marking the start of the float-out. The Viking Vela will slowly rise with the water over the next two days before moving to a nearby outfitting port. Here, the ship will go through the last stages of construction and interior fit-out to be ready for its next journey as the newest member of the Viking fleet.