Viking, known for its river cruises, has made a significant mark in the ocean cruise industry with the recent addition of their 11th ship, Viking Vela. This new vessel, the largest in Viking's fleet at 54,300 gross tons, is designed to accommodate 998 passengers in its 499 cabins, 34 more than their other ships. What sets Viking Vela apart is its forward-thinking approach – the ship was constructed slightly larger with the intent of future retrofitting to operate on hydrogen, paving the way for zero-emission cruises in environmentally sensitive regions such as the Norwegian Fjords. The ship, built by Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard, will start its maiden season sailing cruises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Viking's Chairman and CEO, Torstein Hagen, expressed excitement about the newest addition, emphasizing the elegance of their ocean ships and their dedication to exploration. Looking ahead, Viking has plans for nine more ocean cruise ships, including Viking Vesta and Viking Mira set to debut in 2025 and 2026, respectively, with seven additional ships planned for the years up to 2030. This expansion showcases Viking's commitment to sustainable and innovative travel experiences.