Portsmouth International Port becomes first UK port to receive Viking VelaPortsmouth International Port becomes first UK port to receive Viking Vela

Portsmouth International Port yesterday became the first port in the UK to welcome Viking’s brand-new vessel, Viking Vela.

The ship was operating a seven-day cruise from Barcelona with Portsmouth its penultimate stop. There, a traditional plaque exchange between the ship’s captain, Rune Loekling, and deputy port director, Ian Diaper, took place on board.

Viking Vela entered service last month. 

‘…During her inaugural season, Viking Vela has been sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and has now reached Northern Europe - Portsmouth will be her first ever port of call in the UK,’ explained Wendy Atkin-Smith, MD, Viking UK. 

‘With its rich history which dates back to the Roman Empire, Portsmouth features on several of our itineraries and is a very popular destination with our culturally curious guests. 

‘We know Viking Vela will receive a very warm welcome as always and we are looking forward to welcoming her to the UK.’ 

First 2025 maiden call 

Viking Vela was Portsmouth’s first maiden call of the year. 

January 9 also marked the start of the Shaping Portsmouth’s 2025 cruise passenger programme, with volunteers on hand to meet and greet passengers and help guide their time in the city.

The port anticipates 2025 being its busiest year for cruise.  

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‘The Viking brand has become a regular caller and perfectly fits the mould of small-to-medium-sized luxury cruising that the port specialises in,’ said cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council. 

‘Guests are guaranteed exclusive treatment when they come to Portsmouth and a warm welcome from our local cruise ambassadors who share the best ways to make the most of their visit to the city.

‘It’s amazing to think how many Portsmouth plaques are now navigating the world aboard the thousands of ships that have visited us over the years, with many, many more to come.’

Portsmouth regularly receives Viking vessels and in 2021, hosted the naming ceremony of Viking Venus.