On March 25th, the Port of Dover (England) is set to welcome the Viking Vela - Viking OCEAN's newest vessel, marking the commencement of season 2025. This visit is the first of 8 inaugural calls scheduled for the year, with Ponant's Le Bellot following on May 5th.
Throughout the season, 4 Viking OCEAN ships (Viking Jupiter, Viking Saturn, Viking Sky, and Viking Vela) will collectively make 19 calls to Dover. These vessels will utilize both cruise terminals and the multi-use berth, offering passengers direct pedestrian access to the Dover Waterfront.
Upon her arrival as a port of call, the Viking Vela will host ~1,000 guests. These passengers are scheduled to explore Dover and various locales within Kent through pre-arranged excursions. This visit is part of a 14-day itinerary from London to Bergen, designed to showcase the iconic landscapes and rich heritage of the British Isles.
Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Viking Cruises, noting that the port is delighted to welcome the Viking Vela for her inaugural call and anticipates numerous visits from Viking's fleet throughout the season.
Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking UK, highlighted the significance of the Viking Vela's inaugural visit to Dover. She emphasized that their guests are eager to experience the renowned White Cliffs of Dover, visit the village of Capel-le-Ferne, and tour the historic town of Sandwich, with its winding streets, gateways, churches, and timber-framed houses.
Port Dover's schedule lists 90+ cruise ship calls in 2025, serving as a hub for various companies, including Fred Olsen and CCL-Carnival. These companies have selected Dover for its excellent transport connections to London and efficient embarkation and disembarkation processes.
The port's 2025 cruise season is set to conclude on November 6th with the arrival of AIDAbella, rounding off a year of significant activity and growth for Dover's cruise operations.