Viking Vela: 14-Night from Bergen - August 31, 2026

Your cruise departs from Bergen, Norway on the Viking Vela. We strongly recommend flying in the day before - flight delays and cancellations happen, and the ship won't wait. Use the extra time to explore Bergen, Norway and start your trip relaxed. Complete your online check-in before arrival. Credit cards are widely accepted in Bergen.

You'll have 10 hours hours to explore Lerwick, Shetland Islands, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. The town is small but full of character, with streets lined by traditional stone and wooden houses.

As a smaller vessel, the Viking Vela means a quicker disembarkation in Aberdeen, Scotland - fewer passengers funneling through the gangway gets you off the ship faster. Keep in mind that other, larger ships may be in port the same day, so pre-booking excursions or transportation is still a smart move. Stroll through Old Aberdeen to see cobbled streets, historic buildings, and the impressive King College chapel.

Your ship arrives in Leith/Edinburgh, Scotland at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket, as Scottish weather is variable.

You'll have 9 hours hours to explore Kirkwall, Scotland, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Within a short walk, visitors encounter medieval cathedrals, Viking roots, and stories that stretch back thousands of years.

As a smaller vessel, the Viking Vela means a quicker disembarkation in Ullapool, Scotland - fewer passengers funneling through the gangway gets you off the ship faster. Keep in mind that other, larger ships may be in port the same day, so pre-booking excursions or transportation is still a smart move. Walk along Ullapool's colorful harbor, watch fishing boats return with the day's catch, and enjoy the village's cozy cafes and artisan shops that line the waterfront.

Your ship arrives in Belfast, Northern Ireland at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. The revitalized docklands tell the story of Belfast's shipbuilding past and its modern reinvention.

With 15 hours hours in Circcieth, Wales - from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering.

As a smaller vessel, the Viking Vela means a quicker disembarkation in Holyhead, Wales - fewer passengers funneling through the gangway gets you off the ship faster. Keep in mind that other, larger ships may be in port the same day, so pre-booking excursions or transportation is still a smart move. Perched on a rocky island just off the coast, South Stack Lighthouse is one of the most iconic sights near Holyhead.

Your ship arrives in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland at 7:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. The East Pier is a favorite local ritual and a must for visitors.

You'll have 10 hours hours to explore Dover (London), England, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Perched high above the harbor, Dover Castle is one of the most important fortresses in England.

Your cruise ends in Greenwich, England, where the Viking Vela is scheduled to dock at 12:00 PM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Inside the covered hall and surrounding lanes, you will find handmade goods, art, antiques, and global street food.