Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travellers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person.
Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being the first cruise line ever to be simultaneously named the #1 Ocean Line and #1 River Line in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 “World’s Best” Awards. Viking was also rated the #1 River Line and #1 Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveller in the publication’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Plus, our Viking Inclusive Value means that our cruise fare includes everything you need. From a complimentary shore excursion in every port of call to free Wi-Fi, access to the LivNordic Spa facilities and 24-hour room service on our ocean ships, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and no charge for specialty dining.
As the world’s leading small ship cruise line, we have an award-winning ¬ fleet of over 80 strong river, ocean and expedition ships and explore all seven continents of the world.
We have the most extensive fleet of river cruise vessels in the world. Our Viking Longships, which are home to just 190 guests, have set a new standard in river cruising. Each ship has been specifically designed to navigate the historic rivers of the region they sail in and allow guests to explore Europe, Southeast Asia, Egypt, and the mighty Mississippi.
Our award-winning ocean ships that cater to just 930 guests have solidified our reputation as the small-ship experts. Featuring all veranda staterooms and a choice of eight dining options, our state-of-the-art sister ships explore Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, the Americas, Caribbean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Leveraging our long history of destination-focused travel, enrichment and innovative ship design, we are now perfecting expedition voyages. Guests can now journey to the unexplored wilderness of Antarctica and uncover the beauty of North America’s Great Lakes with our two purpose-built, state-of-the-art expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.
Top five reasons to cruise with Viking Cruises
- No kids, no casinos
- No inside staterooms
- You’re travelling with the world’s best
- Everything you need is included
- Destination-focused for The Thinking Person
Need we say more.
Every room has a veranda or a view – Viking ocean, expedition and Mississippi ships have no inside staterooms while our river ships offer a combination of river view and balcony staterooms. Enjoy an al fresco breakfast or a nightcap as you watch the world sail by, all from the comfort of your own private veranda.
When you sail with Viking you know you’re sailing with the world’s best. Viking was named the #1 Small Ship Ocean Line and the #1 River Line, making us the first cruise line ever to top both categories in the same year. Viking was also voted #1 for both rivers and oceans by Condé Nast Traveller; we’re honoured to share that no other cruise line has simultaneously earned #1 in its categories from both publications.
We know how important good value is to our guests, so our voyage fares include everything you need, and nothing you don’t – like all onboard meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, unlimited access to the Nordic Spa, Wi-Fi, gratuities, port taxes and fares and an included excursion in every port.
Each Viking voyage is created for the discerning traveller with a true explorer spirit, so you’ll be immersed in your destination while enjoying the company of like-minded travellers. We offer a myriad of ways for our guests to explore, learn and understand more about in their destination from an included excursion in every port to a complimentary onboard enrichment program featuring world-class lectures, exotic cooking classes, cultural dance performances and more. All included in your fare.