This one is not a sister of the others
Watch out for a common confusion. For ten years Viking built the same hull
again and again, and its documentation speaks of identical sister ships. Viking
Vela opens a different series. The yard itself describes it as the first of a
new series.
The differences are measurable. Two hundred and thirty-nine metres instead of
two hundred and twenty-eight. Thirty point eight metres of beam instead of
twenty-eight point eight. About 54,300 gross tons instead of 47,842. And 998
guests in 499 cabins, where the previous series carries 930 in 465, sixty-eight
guests more. A traveller who loved a ship from the older series is not boarding
the same ship.
Trade press attributes the enlargement to new stability rules from the
International Maritime Organization rather than to a commercial choice. We
report that explanation as what it is: third-party information, unconfirmed by
the line.
What actually changes aboard
The fitness centre is enlarged into several rooms, the buffet has more
seating, the pool deck has been redrawn with an outdoor walkway between the two
pools, and the aft terrace has been detached for more privacy. These points come
from specialist sources rather than from the line.
Two ships of the same new series have followed, and more are announced. Viking Saturn
and Viking Venus belong to the older series, as does Viking Star. Viking Polaris is an expedition ship, of a
different nature again.
What the package covers, and what it does not
One excursion is included in every port of call. Meals are included too,
specialty restaurants among them, with no surcharge. Beer, wine and soft drinks
come with lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi is included, with the caveat Viking writes
itself: speed varies. Access to the Nordic Spa and the fitness centre is
included, as are port taxes and fees.
Gratuities are not included. Viking says so in its terms, and it is a real
difference from some luxury river lines. You prepay them or settle them
aboard.
Also on you: optional excursions, drinks outside mealtimes, spa treatments
and flights, unless you buy the line's air package.
What is not aboard
No casino. No children's programme. No large-scale production show. No formal
night and no dress code. The line accepts travellers aged eighteen and over, the
age assessed on embarkation day, and its cabins carry neither a third nor a
fourth berth.
These are choices rather than omissions. The programme plans long hours
ashore, and evening life turns on lectures, a pianist, a quartet and a library.
A traveller looking for the constant animation of a large ocean ship will be
disappointed. A traveller escaping it will find exactly what they came for.
Booking from Quebec
Ocean itineraries rarely start close to home. A departure from Bergen,
Barcelona or Ushuaia takes a connection and often a hotel night before
embarkation. That night is not a luxury: a delayed flight that makes you miss a
ship costs far more than a hotel room.
Voyages AquaTerra holds a licence from Quebec's Office de la protection du
consommateur. Your payments move through the trust account required by law and
the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents covers your file.
