Viking

Norwegian entrepreneur Torstein Hagen founded Viking in 1997 by buying four river ships in Russia. It grew into the world’s largest river cruise line with its Viking Longships in Europe and became famous in North America through its sponsorship of Masterpiece on PBS. Viking launched ocean cruises in 2015 and expedition voyages in 2022, and it became a publicly traded company in 2024.

The river fleet includes dozens of Viking Longships carrying around 190 guests on the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro and other European rivers, plus ships on the Nile, the Mekong and the Mississippi, where the purpose-built Viking Mississippi sails between New Orleans and the Upper Midwest. The ocean fleet is a series of around a dozen nearly identical ships of about 930 guests, all with veranda staterooms and Scandinavian design. Two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, carry around 378 guests to Antarctica, the Arctic and the Great Lakes, with submarines and special operations boats onboard.

Ocean itineraries cover Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, the Americas, Asia, Australia and multi-month world cruises, with a strong focus on port time and cultural enrichment.

Viking is calm, understated and intellectual. Guests are adults only, mostly 55 to 80, overwhelmingly from the US, Canada, the UK and Australia, and often retired professionals who prefer lectures and museums to pool parties. The dress code is elegant casual, with no formal nights. Ships are small enough to feel intimate, and the Scandinavian-style interiors use light wood, natural light and open spaces, with features such as the Explorers’ Lounge and the Wintergarden for afternoon tea. Viking’s philosophy avoids casinos, art auctions, photographers and constant announcements, so the onboard mood is quiet. Its consistency is a hallmark: ships in each fleet are nearly identical, so repeat guests know exactly what to expect.

On ocean ships, The Restaurant serves regional and classic dishes, the World Café offers a high-quality buffet with sushi and seafood, and Mamsen’s serves Norwegian waffles and pastries. Specialty dining at Manfredi’s Italian and The Chef’s Table tasting menus is included, along with 24-hour room service. On river ships, meals are served in a single restaurant with regional menus, plus a casual Aquavit Terrace on many longships. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner.

Entertainment is enrichment-focused: lectures by historians and experts, destination talks, classical and jazz musicians, and cultural performances brought onboard in port. Ocean ships have a small theater, the Explorers’ Lounge and the Nordic spa with a thermal suite and snow grotto, which is included. Expedition ships add the Viking Hangar, The Laboratory and submarine dives. Expect quiet evenings rather than late-night clubs.

Ocean ships have veranda staterooms throughout, from Veranda and Deluxe Veranda to Penthouse Veranda, Penthouse Junior Suites and the Explorer Suites, with heated bathroom floors and well-designed storage. River longships offer French balcony and full veranda staterooms plus suites, which are compact as on all river ships. Expedition ships have Nordic Balconies that convert into sunrooms.

Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, along with specialty coffees, teas and bottled water. Cocktails and premium wines outside meals cost extra unless you buy the Silver Spirits Beverage Package.

For US and Canadian guests, gratuities are not included in the fare. A suggested daily crew gratuity is added to your onboard account and can be adjusted, and a service charge applies to bar purchases. Fares sold in the UK and Australia include gratuities.

The Viking Explorer Society is the past-guest program, offering early access to new itineraries, member events and savings on future voyages rather than a points-and-tiers structure.