Viking Vela’s Inaugural Call Marks the Start of Dover Port’s 2025 Cruise Season

On March 25, 2025, the Port of Dover in England will welcome the Viking Vela, the latest vessel from Viking Ocean, marking the beginning of its cruise season. This inaugural call is one of eight first-time visits planned for the year, with Ponant’s Le Bellot scheduled to follow on May 5.

During the 2025 season, four Viking Ocean ships—including the Viking Jupiter, Viking Saturn, Viking Sky, and Viking Vela—will make a total of 19 calls to Dover. The vessels will use both cruise terminals and a multi-use berth, facilitating direct access for passengers to the Dover Waterfront.

The Viking Vela will accommodate approximately 1,000 guests who will have the opportunity to explore Dover and the surrounding Kent areas via pre-arranged excursions. This visit is part of a broader 14-day itinerary running from London to Bergen, highlighting the stunning landscapes and rich history of the British Isles.

Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Viking Cruises, emphasizing the port’s pleasure in hosting the Viking Vela and looking forward to future visits from the fleet during the season.

Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking UK, noted the importance of this inaugural visit, mentioning that guests are eager to experience iconic sights such as the White Cliffs of Dover, the village of Capel-le-Ferne, and the historic town of Sandwich, known for its charm and architecture.

The Port of Dover has an ambitious schedule with over 90 cruise ship calls planned for 2025, serving a variety of cruise lines, including Fred Olsen and CCL-Carnival, which value the port’s convenient transportation links to London and the efficient embarkation and disembarkation services.

The cruise season at the port is slated to conclude on November 6, 2025, with the arrival of the AIDAbella, marking a year of significant activity and growth for Dover’s cruise operations.

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