Viking's fleet of ocean cruise ships continues to expand with the 998-passenger Viking Vesta, slated to debut in summer 2025. The adult-only vessel will become the 11th in the fleet and will once again replicate the familiar layout and Scandinavian-style interior decor that has become a trademark throughout the rest of the Viking fleet.
Viking Vesta Deck Plans Celebrate Familiar Viking Features
When most cruise lines announce new ships they do it with a fanfare that lists all the new facilities that will make the vessel bigger and better than the ones that have gone before. Viking, however, maintains a very unique stance by constructing ships that are identical; bar a few changes to interior details such as the Nordic-inspired artwork and Viking Vesta and Viking Vela -- launching in 2024 -- being 40 feet longer than previous ships to accommodate new marine technology. This reflects the philosophy of Viking chairman Torstein Hagen who says he wants repeat passengers to have a sense of familiarity and not spend time finding their way around vessels getting used to new features.
Viking Vesta is no different -- in every sense -- and anyone who has been on any of Viking's oceangoing vessels will feel at home straight away. Passengers making the switch from Viking river ships to the ocean will also see familiar features, such as Viking's trademark Aquavit Terrace, an indoor and outdoor dining terrace, which is replicated at sea.
The ship, being constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, has the elegant and understated Scandinavian-style interiors found on the other vessels, such as the light and airy Wintergarden where traditional afternoon tea is served and the panoramic Explorers' Lounge packed with interesting books and maritime and scientific objects. Elsewhere, the spacious atrium area, called the Living Room, has a large LED screen at the top of the central flight of stairs, with a lichen garden beneath.
The pair of main dining venues are The Restaurant and the more casual buffet-style World Cafe, which serves global cuisine. Alternative restaurants, all included in the fare, are The Chef's Table which serves themed tasting menus with optional for-fee wine pairings, Manfredi's Italian restaurant which is known for its steaks and the Pool Grill serving burgers, salads and quick bites. Mamsen's food counter offers Scandinavian specialties. The only for-fee venue is the Kitchen Table which hosts cookery classes.
Entertainment on Viking ships is relatively low-key and the liveliest spot on Viking Vesta is Torshavn, which hosts live bands. The theater is home to production shows, enrichment lectures and movies, with live music -- much of it classical -- performed in various bars and lounges throughout the ship. There is no casino.
Viking Vesta has two pools, a gym and Scandinavian-inspired spa with a thermal suite, sauna and ice grotto.
Viking Vesta Has Two-Room Suites and All Cabins Have Balconies
Viking Vesta's cabins are all outside with balconies and come in six categories. They range from 288-square-foot Veranda Staterooms to the huge Owner's Suite which measures 1,448 square feet and has its own dining room, lounge, separate bedroom and sauna. The 1,215-square-feet Explorer Suites are two-room suites with a living area set apart from the bedroom. All cabins are decorated in muted and restful tones and include 24-hour room service, a mini-bar, bathrooms with heated floors, plush robes and slippers and premium toiletries.
Want to Be Onboard First? Viking Vesta's Launch Date is Summer 2025
Viking Vesta is set to launch on July 2, 2025, when it will sail the line's 12-night 'Mediterranean Odyssey' itinerary from Venice to Barcelona.
Viking Vesta Will Sail in Northern Europe
Following the maiden voyage, Viking Vesta will spend its inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. Cruises include the new 15-night 'Malta, Morocco & the Mediterranean' round-trip Barcelona sailing and popular itineraries including the seven-night 'Italian Sojourn' from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Venice (Chioggia) and 14-night 'Mediterranean Antiquities' cruise from Athens (Piraeus) to Barcelona.
Viking Vesta Specs
Viking Vesta is 54,300 gross tons and carries 998 passengers at double occupancy, with 470 crew members.
