British Isles Explorer Cruise on Viking Vela: A 15-Day Journey Across the UK and Norway
- rickwetmore
- Apr 13
- 6 min read
There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of an upcoming cruise. That mix of excitement, last-minute packing panic, and checking the weather forecast five times a day. But this time, our journey nearly got off to a very different start.
Just two days before our scheduled flight from Boston to London, a serious fire shut down Heathrow Airport. Suddenly, all we could do was watch the news and cross our fingers, hoping we wouldn’t be grounded and miss the ship. We were booked on Viking’s brand-new ocean ship—the Viking Vela—and this wasn’t just any cruise. It was the very first British Isle Explorer Cruise of Viking’s 2025 season.
Thankfully, luck was on our side. On the day of departure, Heathrow reopened and our Delta flight took off right on time. Crisis averted!
Exploring Viking Vela: First Impressions of Viking’s Newest Ocean Ship
As seasoned Viking travelers, Kathie and I felt instantly at home the moment we stepped aboard the Viking Vela at London’s Tilbury Cruise Terminal. While the ship is brand new, it shares the same familiar layout and understated Scandinavian elegance as her sister ships.
That said, there are a few noticeable updates. The Vela is slightly larger than the earlier ocean vessels in Viking’s fleet and accommodates a few more guests—though still comfortably under 1,000 passengers. It’s a modest increase, but one that felt just right: more room to roam without losing that intimate, uncrowded atmosphere Viking does so well.
We stayed in a Deluxe Veranda Stateroom, Viking’s most common room category, and immediately noticed it felt just a bit roomier than others we've had before. The extra elbow room was a welcome surprise.
One of the most appreciated upgrades? The layout of the World Café. Viking has redesigned its buffet-style dining space with expanded seating and dedicated food stations—including a full sushi bar, and a large, dedicated Gelato and dessert bar which we may or may not have visited more than once. The space felt more open, better organized, and more inviting.
Life Onboard Viking Vela: Enrichment Lectures, Live Entertainment & Crew Connections
With the Viking Vela’s familiar-yet-fresh feel, it didn’t take long to slip into cruise mode. One of the best parts of Viking travel has always been the ease of ship life. No constant packing and unpacking. No formal nights or crowds. Just great food, warm service, and a floating boutique hotel that feels like a sanctuary between adventures.
Why Viking’s Crew Feels Like Family—Our 21st Cruise Recognition Story
One of the reasons we return to Viking again and again is the crew. They are exceptional—not just professional and attentive, but genuinely warm and kind. They treat you like family. On this cruise, we were reminded just how true that is.
We were absolutely thrilled to see one of our favorite bar servers onboard—someone we’ve sailed with on four previous Viking cruises. The moment she spotted us, we got big hugs and big smiles. She remembered our names, our drink preferences, and immediately began joking with us just like old times. We always call her our “Indonesian daughter,” and she calls us “Momma and Pappa.” It’s those kinds of connections that make each cruise feel like coming home.
Our Cruise Director, a spirited Scottish lass from Edinburgh, was also among the best we’ve ever had—witty, informative, and always on top of every detail with a personal touch. Her energy and warmth set the tone for the whole journey.
And speaking of personal touches, we received a wonderful surprise during the Explorer’s Society gathering in the Atrium. That’s Viking’s way of recognizing returning guests, and this time we were honored as the couple with the most Viking cruises onboard—21 in total! Kathie was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and we both received a lovely bottle of champagne. It was such a thoughtful gesture and a moment we’ll never forget.
Lectures, Live Shows & Learning at Sea: What Made This Cruise Special
The Star Theater quickly became our evening go-to—not just for entertainment, but for learning, too. Viking’s resident historian and two outstanding guest lecturers delivered fascinating talks on topics like WWII Britain, Irish history, Scottish folklore, and more. These lectures added rich context to our shore excursions and deepened our appreciation for each port.
In the evenings, the theater came alive with performances by the talented Viking vocalists, who put on lively themed shows. A personal favorite? Beatles Night—the whole room was clapping and singing along. It felt like Liverpool came to us.
We also carved out time for quiet moments—afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, reading in the Explorer’s Lounge, and watching the coastlines roll by from our veranda. Each day struck the perfect balance between activity and relaxation.
British Isles Explorer Cruise Highlights: Dover to Bergen on Viking Vela
Our journey took us to some of the most fascinating and picturesque destinations around the British Isles, ending with a grand finale in Bergen, Norway. Each stop offered something unique—history, scenery, or a little bit of both. Here's a quick cruise recap with a few highlights:
Dover, England – We joined the optional Britain at War excursion, including a stop in Ramsgate, where the small boats launched to rescue British troops at Dunkerque. We also visited museums and memorials commemorating the Battle of Britain—a moving and educational experience.
Dublin, Ireland – A lively day in the Irish capital, where we toured the stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral, enjoyed a sunny stroll through the historic center, and soaked up some of that famous Dublin charm.
(Missed) Holyhead, Wales – High winds kept us from docking here, but the upside was…
Liverpool, England – We gained two full days in this legendary city! Our Beatles-themed excursion took us to all the iconic spots—Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, and the homes where John and Paul grew up. A must for music lovers.
Belfast, Northern Ireland – A day-long drive along the Antrim Coast brought us to the Giant’s Causeway and the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Dunluce Castle. After braving the cold and wind, we thawed out with tea and raspberry scones.
Ullapool, Scottish Highlands – This postcard-perfect Highland village was the gateway to our Scotch-tasting adventure at a local distillery, where we enjoyed a sip of some exceptional single malt.
Orkney Islands – In Kirkwall, we took a stroll past ancient standing stones and into a landscape where Viking and Neolithic history still lingers in the wind.
Edinburgh, Scotland – Our panoramic tour gave us free time in Princes Street Gardens, where we captured some wonderful photos of Ross Fountain framed by spring blooms and the castle standing proudly above.
Aberdeen, Scotland – Known as the Granite City, Aberdeen welcomed us with wide streets, stately buildings, and a peaceful vibe perfect for exploring on foot.
Shetland Islands – One of the most delightful stops! We got up close to some Shetland Ponies, whose shaggy coats and gentle eyes were pure charm.
Bergen, Norway – A stunning final stop. We wandered the colorful Bryggen Wharf, admired its UNESCO-listed wooden buildings, and reflected on two weeks of unforgettable memories.
Sunny Skies in the British Isles? Yes, and the Locals Noticed!
Let’s talk about the weather—because honestly, it became a running joke. When we packed for this cruise, we were fully expecting rain, fog, and wind. After all, it was late March and early April in the British Isles.
But to our surprise (and everyone else’s), we were greeted with sunshine at every port. Sure, it was chilly, and the wind had a bite to it—but the skies stayed mostly clear, and the raincoats never made it out of our suitcase.
At nearly every stop—especially in Scotland—our local guides would thank us, laughing, and say things like “You must have brought the sun with you!” Apparently, sunny spring weather like this is a rare treat in these parts. We’ll take credit, of course… but we’re not making any guarantees for next time!
Coming Soon: Port-by-Port Highlights from Our Viking British Isles Cruise
This overview is just the beginning. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing blog posts dedicated to each port we visited—highlighting our excursions, favorite local finds, cultural insights, and of course, plenty of photos.
From WWII history in Dover to Highland whisky in Ullapool, Shetland ponies, and a magical mystery tour in Liverpool, this cruise gave us stories worth telling.
If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising the British Isles—or have your own memories to share—I’d love to hear them! Stay tuned as we sail back through each unforgettable stop.
Fair winds,
Rick
Learn more about Viking Ocean Cruises..... https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans
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