Viking Expeditions Archive (2023)

  • Global Traveler: Viking Polaris Antarctica Review

    December 27, 2023 — It was my first day aboard the 378-passenger Viking Polaris — Viking Cruises’ second expedition ship launched in September 2022 —  on a 10-day sailing to Antarctica. I was on Deck A in the embarkation wing clearing my outerwear with Viking’s biosecurity, a measure in place due to the destination’s fragile environment. This is when I realized how Viking’s attention to detail exceeded the elements of its luxurious standard to the practical details and committed responsibilities as a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

    Read the full article >

  • MiNDFOOD: Viking Unveils Epic Adventure: From the Arctic to Antarcita, A Journey Beyond Boundaries

    December 12, 2023 — Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting landscapes, awe-inspiring wildlife, and rich cultures that span from the ice fjords of the Arctic to the pristine wilderness of Antarctica. This remarkable journey invites you to witness the world’s most stunning vistas, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Embark on a mesmerising adventure that begins with the rugged beauty of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Traverse the scenic Canadian Maritimes, where nature unfolds in all its splendour. Sail along the storied St. Lawrence Seaway and explore historic cities along the enchanting East Coast, immersing yourself in a tapestry of diverse cultures.

    Read the full article >

  • The Telegraph: The adults-only cruise line with none of the glitz but all of the glamour

    December 9, 2023 — Viking has come a long way since it began sailing on the waterways of Russia in 1997. Today the adults-only Norwegian-owned line operates ships of varying sizes on rivers, lakes and oceans around the world and owns the largest fleet of river ships in Europe. Nordic-inspired décor and serene, light-filled spaces are a hallmark of Viking ships and have given it one of the strongest brand identities in the business.

    Read the full article >

  • TravelPulse: Viking Returns to Antarctica, Adds 87-Day Expedition from the Arctic to Antarctica

    November 28, 2023 — Viking announced its return to Antarctica for a third season of voyages on its sister ships the Viking Octanis and Viking Polaris. Both vessels will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, before returning to North America's Great Lakes for voyages throughout the spring, summer and early fall.

    Read the full article >

  • Three ships sailing in a convoy on the water

    Condé Nast Traveler: Experience the Most Extraordinary Voyages in the World With Viking

    October 3, 2023 — A Viking cruise puts the magic of your destination at center stage, while ensuring your comfort and enrichment at every turn. It’s no surprise that Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Viking to the top of the River, Ocean, and Expedition cruise categories in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards—the first time a travel company has been voted number one across these three categories simultaneously.

    Read the full article >

  • Condé Nast Traveler: The Best Cruise Lines in the World: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

    October 3, 2023 — When Viking was founded in 1997, it focused solely on river cruising in Europe. It soon expanded its operations to other rivers around the world, followed by the oceans in 2013. The expedition branch of the company, however, was only launched in 2020—the first ship, Viking Octantis, is a 378-passenger vessel that made her debut in early 2022. Her sister, Viking Polaris, made her inaugural voyage later in the year.

    Read the full article >

  • Virtuoso: Testing the Waters – A Brand-New Cruiser Takes on Antarctica

    October 1, 2023 — I boarded the 378-passenger Viking Polaris a skeptical but game cruiser. I've always loved planning my own activities when I travel, and here I'd have less control over my day-to-day. Fortunately, I found I enjoyed the freedom to sip Baileys in the outdoor hot tub or swing by the spa's steam room, cold bucket shower, and sauna.

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  • Artful Living: Aboard Viking Polaris' High Seas Excursion to Antarctica

    September 13, 2023 — Despite my travels, I’ve never considered myself a cruiser but more of a rugged sailing type who would rather spend a week barefoot on a boat. This sentiment changed in short order upon experiencing the Polaris, which feels like a luxury boutique hotel on water. The decor gives off Scandinavian chic vibes, the food rivals a Michelin-starred restaurant and the service is absolutely extraordinary.

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  • Lavender: A Fall Getaway on the Great Lakes with Viking

    September 7, 2023 — The allure of the Great Lakes in autumn is undeniable. As the leaves begin to shift from green to shades of gold and red, the lakes stand as vast, tranquil mirrors reflecting the changing season. This year, I decided to immerse myself in this spectacle, choosing Viking’s Expedition ship, the Polaris, as my vessel of discovery. With the promise of exploring three iconic lakes on the itinerary, I was eager to delve into the unique character and offerings of each.

    Read the full article >

  • Three ships sailing in a convoy on the water

    Porthole: A Voyage of Love: The Best Cruise Lines for Honeymooners

    August 10, 2023 — On this adult-only cruise line, every passenger is treated like a VIP guest. Each stateroom has a private veranda, providing the perfect setting for you and your partner to savor a glass of wine and gaze upon the tranquil waters of the open ocean. Viking Cruises offers some of the most romantic all-inclusive getaways offered at sea. With captivating itineraries like the Mediterranean and Polynesia, any couple is sure to have a dream honeymoon. Regardless of your itinerary, every Viking Cruises vessel has six complimentary restaurants onboard, all with a captivating ocean view.

    Read the full article >

  • National Post: Great Lakes Cruise Reveals Wonders In Own Backyard

    August 9, 2023 — Sailing on lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan aboard Viking Octantis is a kaleidoscope of rugged landscapes defined by rock, water and trees. Craggy shorelines, dense forests of black spruce, poplar and jack pine, plus a smattering of sleepy lakeside communities stir memories of carefree summers spent in northern Ontario. Add seemingly endless expanses of water, where no shorelines are visible, and it becomes clear what makes the Great Lakes Explorer itinerary an expedition and not simply a cruise.

    Read the full article >

  • Mashed: Viking Provides The Bougiest Cruise Food

    August 8, 2023 — According to Food & Wine readers, the cruise line that offers the best culinary experience overall is Viking. A ticket for a Viking cruise does include all restaurant meals as well as snacks and drinks from an in-suite mini-bar, and the dining options — similar to Vikings themselves — span the globe from Italian to sushi. The ships do, however, feature certain Scandinavian specialties, some said to be based on recipes from the cruise line founder's mother.

    Read the full article >

  • Three ships sailing in a convoy on the water

    Forbes: The Best Cruises For Adults

    August 1, 2023 — When asked to envision a cruise, chances are you might summon images of kids wailing down waterslides, dripping in ice cream and building sandcastles, typically what you see in the many candy-colored ads from mega cruise ships. But those are far from the only cruise options out there for grown-ups who want to get away from it all. The best cruises for adults cater to adult guests with high-brow luxuries or dedicated spaces—and some even don’t allow kids on board, period.

    Read the full article >

  • Falstaff: Adventures On Thin Ice: Notes On A Mother Daughter Trip To Antarctica

    July 28, 2023 — When I first signed on for the Antarctic Explorer expedition aboard the Viking Polaris, there was no doubt in my mind about who I would bring as my guest. She cried upon receiving the news — and later, upon seeing the icy continent for the very first time. It’s rare to be able to give someone such a powerful gift, and if you have the opportunity, may I say: Always bring your mother.

    Read the full article >

  • Forbes: Viking Founder Torstein Hagen Checks Off A 65 Year Old Bucket List Item

    July 25, 2023 — Every once in a while, work and play come together in an unexpected, magical moment. And that’s why Viking Founder/Chairman, Torstein Hagen, recently found himself in a post office in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city, nicknamed the “End of the World” – fulfilling a childhood wish from 65 years ago.

    Read the full article >

  • Travel + Leisure: Readers’ 5 Favorite Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines of 2023

    July 11, 2023 — Typically thought of as a midsize-ship line, Viking took top honors in this category, too, thanks to its twin ships Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis. The expedition vessels, both of which have 189 cabins, are built for out-there adventures, whether on the waters of the Great Lakes or in the Southern Ocean on the way to Antarctica.

    Read the full article >

  • Eye On Travel: Onboard the Viking Octantis

    June 17, 2023 — This week’s broadcast of Eye on Travel is from the Viking Octantis as it sails the Great Lakes from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Lake Michigan), into Lake Huron and Lake Superior into Thunder Bay, Canada. Peter has all the latest news updates. Plus the Mayor of Milwaukee Cavalier Johnson discusses the evolution of his city into an arts and food capital, not to mention the gateway to the Great Lakes. And why Milwaukee’s Mitchell Field is really Chicago’s third airport. We’ll talk history and fudge on Mackinac Island, and Peter submerges in Fraser Bay — a UNESCO world heritage biosphere — on one of the Octantis submarines to the bottom of Lake Huron.

    Read the full article >

  • CNBC: Viking chairman: We appeal to the 'thinking person' which has been very favorable for us

    June 16, 2023 — Torstein Hagen, Viking chairman and founder, joins ‘The Exchange’ to discuss a rebound in travel following the pandemic, pricing packages for Viking Cruises, and opportunities for older consumers looking to travel.

    Read the full article >

  • TravelPulse: The Rise And Fall And Rise Again Of Viking’s Torstein Hagen

    June 14, 2023 — The 25-year ascent of Viking to become one of the world’s most consequential cruise lines is quite a story. Especially when it is told by the company’s forthright founder Torstein Hagen.

    Read the full article >

  • News 5 Cleveland: Cleveland welcomes new Viking cruise ship Polaris for first of 8 visits this season

    June 13, 2023 — Long, tall and majestic, the brand new Viking Cruise Ship Polaris made its way into the Port of Cleveland Tuesday. The six-story, 665-foot-long ship is the two-week home for 378 guests making their way from Toronto to Duluth, Minnesota, across all five Great Lakes—the major selling point for Jim and Jane from South Carolina.

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  • Forbes: The Viking Cruise Vision: Steadfast And Unflappable

    June 12, 2023 — Viking guests remain fiercely loyal to the line because it offers what they want both on the rivers and oceans. They appreciate the modern ships, attentive service and broad choices of itineraries.

    Read the full article >

  • Fox News: Viking on Cruise Industry Resurgence

    June 8, 2023 — Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen discusses the cruise industry’s resurgence after the pandemic on ‘Your World’ as they are 93% booked for 2023.

    Read the full article >

  • Reader’s Digest: I've Been on 25 Cruises, but a Trip to Antarctica Changed Me in Ways I Never Expected

    June 7, 2023 — After 25 cruises on the best cruise lines, I was convinced I knew everything about cruising and that, yes, it really was all about the journey rather than the destination. And then I sailed on Viking Polaris to Antarctica last December, and the destination was impossible to consider secondary.

    Read the full article >

  • Food & Wine: This Is the Best Cruise for Food, As Voted on by Our Readers

    April 18, 2023 — While one strategy rolled out by many lines has been focusing on quantity with a dizzying variety of ho-hum options, that’s never been part of the plan for Viking Cruises, which our readers voted the overall best cruise for food in the world.

    Read the full article >

  • Smithsonian Magazine: How Vacationers on Arctic Cruises Are Filling in Scientific Gaps

    March 7, 2023 — Cocooned inside a submarine, I held my breath in anticipation as the vessel slowly descended beneath the surface of the Southern Ocean off the coast of Antarctica. Looking out the bubble-shaped acrylic window of the small, seven-person submersible, I watched the water go from bright aquamarine to inky black as we dove deeper and deeper, leaving behind the bright white snow and the last rays of sunlight.

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  • MSN: Extremely rare phantom jellyfish caught on camera

    February 10, 2023 — In the ethereal blue glow of the water, a huge shape swept toward them. Around 30 feet long, with four billowing arms and a domed head, the creature was larger than the tourists’ personal submersible. This startling sight occurred hundreds of feet underwater off the coast of Antarctica’s Rongé Island. When they returned to their Viking Expeditions cruise ship and showed photos to Daniel M. Moore, a marine biologist with Exeter University in the U.K., he knew they’d seen “something incredibly rare.”

    Read the full article >

Viking Oceans Archive (2023)

  • The Points Guy: 5 best luxury Alaska cruises for 2024

    December 25, 2023 — The Spa offers complimentary access to its Thermal Suite, where guests can rejuvenate by alternating between a steamy sauna and a frigid Snow Grotto. Daily afternoon tea service is a treat in the gorgeous Wintergarden. It's complimentary, as are the ship's primo specialty restaurants. Viking Orion's 10-night cruise between Vancouver and Seward includes scenic sailing of the Inside Passage and Yakutat Bay and a stop at rarely visited Valdez. There, enticing shore excursions include kayaking by Valdez Glacier; flying over glaciers, searching for wildlife in a helicopter; and a UTV (utility terrain vehicle, larger than an ATV) adventure through the Chugach Mountains to the Mineral Creek Canyon.

    Read the full article >

  • The Telegraph: The adults-only cruise line with none of the glitz but all of the glamour

    December 9, 2023 — Viking has come a long way since it began sailing on the waterways of Russia in 1997. Today the adults-only Norwegian-owned line operates ships of varying sizes on rivers, lakes and oceans around the world and owns the largest fleet of river ships in Europe. Nordic-inspired décor and serene, light-filled spaces are a hallmark of Viking ships and have given it one of the strongest brand identities in the business.

    Read the full article >

  • Fox Business: Affordable vacation ideas in the year ahead include four cruise options: Here's what to know

    November 13, 2023 — Viking’s ocean ships are truly spectacular vessels, and they sail some phenomenal itineraries – from the Mediterranean to Norway’s fjords. The ships themselves are beautiful and they’re all pretty much exactly the same.

    Read the full article >

  • Porthole: Viking Cruises Honored with Six Awards

    November 2, 2023 — Viking received numerous awards from U.S. News & World Report and Silver Travel Advisor for Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples, and Best Line in the Mediterranean. Viking.TV also won Silver Standout for Innovation, marking its third consecutive win since launch. Silver Travel Advisor named Viking #1 for Rivers and Oceans in the Best Premium or Luxury Cruise Line category.

    Read the full article >

  • AFAR: 7 Caribbean Cruises We Love

    October 27, 2023 — For those seeking more than just a beach scene, Viking Cruises offers a broad selection of daily tours focused on cultural and natural attractions in its all-inclusive pricing. Onboard the 930-passenger Viking Sea, sailing from San Juan on a 10-night West Indies Explorer itinerary, passengers visit nine countries with the opportunity to deeply immerse themselves in the Caribbean’s British, French, Dutch, and African history.

    Read the full article >

  • U.S. News & World Report: The Best New Cruise Ships for 2024

    October 25, 2023 — The 930-passenger Viking Saturn is the ninth ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet and identical in design to its eight sister ships. The all-veranda vessel offers six categories of accommodations ranging from the 270-square-foot Veranda Stateroom to the spacious 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. On board, guests will enjoy the sleek, elegant Scandinavian-inspired public spaces and lounges. The line's enrichment program includes lectures with resident historians, TED Talks and sessions with world-renowned guest speakers. There are eight dining venues featuring destination-focused cuisine, the Nordic Spa with its snow grotto, two pools and hot tubs, and a sports deck.

    Read the full article >

  • Explore: This Stunning Cruise Itinerary Allows You To See The Best Of Northern Europe

    October 10, 2023 — Viking is a good fit as a cruise company for passengers who are looking for an itinerary that infuses rich culture and history into the sailing experience. Viking Ocean Cruises has a fleet of nine passenger ships that each carry upward of 930 passengers. The smaller stature of these ships allows the company to operate within more exclusive ports worldwide, including those that adorn the coast of Northern Europe.

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  • Cruise Fever: 6 Best Cruise Lines for a Quiet and Relaxing Vacation

    October 6, 2023 — The simple elegance and decidedly Norwegian design of a Viking ocean ship is calming and relaxing in itself.  From the heated and covered pools to the amazing thermal suites (which are free to all guests) to the quiet but refreshing Wintergarden at teatime, Viking ships have so many quiet and comfy places to enjoy the views I cannot list them all here.

    Read the full article >

  • Three ships sailing in a convoy on the water

    Condé Nast Traveler: Experience the Most Extraordinary Voyages in the World With Viking

    October 3, 2023 — A Viking cruise puts the magic of your destination at center stage, while ensuring your comfort and enrichment at every turn. It’s no surprise that Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Viking to the top of the River, Ocean, and Expedition cruise categories in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards—the first time a travel company has been voted number one across these three categories simultaneously.

    Read the full article >

  • Condé Nast Traveler: The Best Cruise Lines in the World: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

    October 3, 2023 — Originally a river cruise line, Viking has launched nine ocean-going vessels since 2015 (not including expedition ships), the most recent being the Viking Saturn, whose maiden voyage took place in May 2023. The ships are nearly identical, carrying 930 passengers each, housed in balcony staterooms. Though not all-inclusive, Viking Ocean offers guests one free excursion in each port (the ships primarily sail Northern Europe, though there are some Mediterranean itineraries, too), beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and an unlimited Wi-Fi connection.

    Read the full article >

  • Cruise Critic: Expert Review of the Viking Mars Cruise Ship

    August 25, 2023 — Introduced in 2022 as Viking's seventh ocean ship, Viking Mars follows the exact blueprint of its sister ships. And therein lies its appeal: repeat cruisers appreciate the sense of familiarity aboard the 930-passenger ship, while newcomers are charmed by its stylish design and intuitive layout.

    Read the full article >

  • OC Register: Travel: Norway’s Far North is a Land of Trolls, Midnight Sun and Polar Bears

    August 16, 2023 — Eccentric Longyearbyen was the next-to-last stop on our 14-night strikingly scenic “Iceland & Norway’s Arctic Explorer” cruise aboard the Viking Saturn. Passengers are actually only in Iceland one full day which was enough to visit bird bonanza Vigur Island, home to just three humans, 7,000 breeding eider ducks and more than 100,000 cartoonish puffins. Indeed, this entire Viking sailing was far, far north and at times far-out.

    Read the full article >

  • Three ships sailing in a convoy on the water

    Porthole: A Voyage of Love: The Best Cruise Lines for Honeymooners

    August 10, 2023 — On this adult-only cruise line, every passenger is treated like a VIP guest. Each stateroom has a private veranda, providing the perfect setting for you and your partner to savor a glass of wine and gaze upon the tranquil waters of the open ocean. Viking Cruises offers some of the most romantic all-inclusive getaways offered at sea. With captivating itineraries like the Mediterranean and Polynesia, any couple is sure to have a dream honeymoon. Regardless of your itinerary, every Viking Cruises vessel has six complimentary restaurants onboard, all with a captivating ocean view.

    Read the full article >

  • Mashed: Viking Provides The Bougiest Cruise Food

    August 8, 2023 — According to Food & Wine readers, the cruise line that offers the best culinary experience overall is Viking. A ticket for a Viking cruise does include all restaurant meals as well as snacks and drinks from an in-suite mini-bar, and the dining options — similar to Vikings themselves — span the globe from Italian to sushi. The ships do, however, feature certain Scandinavian specialties, some said to be based on recipes from the cruise line founder's mother.

    Read the full article >

  • Tasting Table: 13 Best Cruise Line Restaurants

    August 7, 2023 — Considering its Norse name, and the fact that the fleet sails to Norway, it's only fitting that Viking cruise line features a Scandinavian restaurant rooted in Norwegian tradition. So named for the mother of Viking chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen (mamsen means "mum" in Norwegian), the cute and sunny eatery serves up atypical cruise fare like traditional heart-shaped waffles from the Explorer's Lounge of Viking's ocean ships.

    Read the full article >

  • Three ships sailing in a convoy on the water

    Forbes: The Best Cruises For Adults

    August 1, 2023 — When asked to envision a cruise, chances are you might summon images of kids wailing down waterslides, dripping in ice cream and building sandcastles, typically what you see in the many candy-colored ads from mega cruise ships. But those are far from the only cruise options out there for grown-ups who want to get away from it all. The best cruises for adults cater to adult guests with high-brow luxuries or dedicated spaces—and some even don’t allow kids on board, period.

    Read the full article >

  • Forbes: Viking Founder Torstein Hagen Checks Off A 65 Year Old Bucket List Item

    July 25, 2023 — Every once in a while, work and play come together in an unexpected, magical moment. And that’s why Viking Founder/Chairman, Torstein Hagen, recently found himself in a post office in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city, nicknamed the “End of the World” – fulfilling a childhood wish from 65 years ago.

    Read the full article >

  • Travel + Leisure: Readers’ 5 Favorite Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines of 2023

    July 11, 2023 — Viking took the No. 1 spot in this category for the second year in a row, thanks to its consistent excellence. It starts with the brand’s many identical ocean-going ships, of which Viking now has 10, including the newest, Viking Saturn.

    Read the full article >

  • Joe's Daily: Viking Ocean Cruises Review: Luxury Cruising At Its Finest

    July 8, 2023 — Viking Ocean Cruises offers a unique and personal experience that distinguishes it from other cruise lines. This isn’t your typical cruise where the ship is merely a vessel to move you from one place to the next. Instead, Viking Ocean Cruises invites you on a journey that feels deeply personal and thoughtfully curated.

    Read the full article >

  • CNBC: Viking chairman: We appeal to the 'thinking person' which has been very favorable for us

    June 16, 2023 — Torstein Hagen, Viking chairman and founder, joins ‘The Exchange’ to discuss a rebound in travel following the pandemic, pricing packages for Viking Cruises, and opportunities for older consumers looking to travel.

    Read the full article >

  • TravelPulse: The Rise And Fall And Rise Again Of Viking’s Torstein Hagen

    June 14, 2023 — The 25-year ascent of Viking to become one of the world’s most consequential cruise lines is quite a story. Especially when it is told by the company’s forthright founder Torstein Hagen.

    Read the full article >

  • Travel Weekly: What You'll Find on The Viking Saturn (and Other Viking Ships)

    June 13, 2023 — As a cruise company, Viking is well known for doing things a little differently. As chairman Torstein Hagen says: “We're quite different from the big guys. We're very proud of what we are.” One of the ways Viking differentiates itself is to make all of its oceangoing ships exactly the same in size, layout and design.

    Read the full article >

  • Forbes: The Viking Cruise Vision: Steadfast And Unflappable

    June 12, 2023 — Viking guests remain fiercely loyal to the line because it offers what they want both on the rivers and oceans. They appreciate the modern ships, attentive service and broad choices of itineraries.

    Read the full article >

  • Fox News: Viking on Cruise Industry Resurgence

    June 8, 2023 — Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen discusses the cruise industry’s resurgence after the pandemic on ‘Your World’ as they are 93% booked for 2023.

    Read the full article >

  • Travel Weekly: Viking introduces its 10th ocean ship, the Saturn, in New York

    June 7, 2023 — Viking named its 10th oceangoing ship, the Viking Saturn, in an event on June 6 that included performances by Metropolitan Opera singers and a blessing by godmother Ann Ziff, chairwoman of the Met Opera. The ship was docked in New York for the ceremony and the naming took place on the Saturn's bow, facing the Hudson River. Ziff used a sword from the Met's production of "Il Trovatore" to cut a ribbon that released a bottle of aquavit into the Saturn's hull.

    Read the full article >

  • Daily Beast: The Unique Cruise Beloved by Cruise Fanatics

    May 12, 2023 — Crossing an ocean, on the water, is still a big deal—even when you do it on a cushy cruise liner. Day after day, just surrounded by liquid horizons on every side. Steaming between continents, like explorers did way back when they navigated the seven seas in creaky wooden vessels moved by the power of the wind.

    Read the full article >

  • Food & Wine: This Is the Best Cruise for Food, As Voted on by Our Readers

    April 18, 2023 — While one strategy rolled out by many lines has been focusing on quantity with a dizzying variety of ho-hum options, that’s never been part of the plan for Viking Cruises, which our readers voted the overall best cruise for food in the world.

    Read the full article >

  • Travel + Leisure: 7 of the Best Northern Lights Cruises

    March 4, 2023 — Over the course of 13 days, a luxurious Viking ocean ship transports guests from London to Amsterdam, then all the way up the coast of Norway and north of the Arctic Circle, before returning back south to the Norwegian city of Bergen. (Although some sailings operate in reverse.) The Norwegian fjords themselves are a sight to behold — and if they're paired with the northern lights, that's all the better!

    Read the full article >

  • Travel + Leisure: The Newest Viking Ship Was Named by an Aquanaut — and Just Set Sail on a 138-day World Cruise

    January 10, 2023 — In a naming ceremony over the weekend, Viking officially welcomed its newest ship, Viking Neptune, into its ever-growing fleet. The 930-passenger vessel, a sibling to seven other ocean ships — soon to be eight, with the launch of Viking Saturn later this year — all of which have celestial namesakes. It was only appropriate, then, to have a retired NASA astronaut serve as Viking Neptune's godmother. And not just an astronaut, but an aquanaut, too.

    Read the full article >

Viking Rivers Archive (2023)

  • AFAR: The New Viking Aton Cruise Ship Brings Sleek Scandinavian Design to Egypt’s Nile River

    December 18, 2023 — If you’ve never been on a Viking ship, know that the company stays true to its Scandinavian roots across its entire fleet, whether on the rivers or at sea—and the Viking Aton is no exception. That means an emphasis on light, modern, minimalist design with an appreciation for attention to detail, from the books in the common and stateroom libraries, to the warm earth-toned color palette throughout the ship. Richard Riviere, the architect behind most of Viking’s ocean, expedition, and river cruise ships, and godfather of the Aton, was onboard the inaugural sailing and explained the five pillars of Viking’s ship design.

    Read the full article >

  • The Telegraph: The adults-only cruise line with none of the glitz but all of the glamour

    December 9, 2023 — Viking has come a long way since it began sailing on the waterways of Russia in 1997. Today the adults-only Norwegian-owned line operates ships of varying sizes on rivers, lakes and oceans around the world and owns the largest fleet of river ships in Europe. Nordic-inspired décor and serene, light-filled spaces are a hallmark of Viking ships and have given it one of the strongest brand identities in the business.

    Read the full article >

  • Cruise Critic: Cruise Critic Announces 2023 Editors' Picks Award Winners

    December 7, 2023 — Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editors’ Picks Awards is noteworthy for the return of the River Cruise awards for the first time since the global health pandemic shut down travel three years ago. In that category, river cruising giant Viking took top honors as the Best River Cruise Line.

    Read the full article >

  • Travel Weekly: Viking plans for 10 new Longships

    December 6, 2023 — With demand continuing to grow for Europe river cruises, Viking said it will add 10 new Longships to its fleet in 2025 and 2026. Eight of the ships will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, and two will sail the Seine. Viking said the new ships will have a hybrid propulsion system and will be equipped for shore power to reduce reliance on fuel while in port. Solar panels on the ships will contribute to energy efficiency.

    Read the full article >

  • Travel + Leisure: This 15-day River Cruise Around Cambodia and Vietnam Includes Stops in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and a Visit to the Iconic Angkor Wat

    November 17, 2023 — Viking Tonle will be the cruise line's second ship on the river, following Viking Saigon, which launched in 2022. Carrying just 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms — each with a veranda or French balcony — the ship has a restaurant, a spa and fitness center, a pool, and an outdoor bar on the top deck. It'll also feature Viking's signature Scandinavian design.

    Read the full article >

  • Cruise Critic: Viking to Launch Second Mekong River Ship, Viking Tonle

    November 14, 2023 — Viking is set to double its presence in the Mekong River with the launch of a new vessel purposely built to sail the Southeast Asian waterway. Currently under construction, Viking Tonle will debut in October 2025. The three-deck, 80-passenger ship will be identical to its sister ship Viking Saigon, which was launched in 2022.

    Read the full article >

  • Robb Report: Viking Unveils a Luxe New Ship Designed to Cruise the Nile River in Style

    November 13, 2023 — True to Viking’s sleek and Scandi-style roots, the shiny new vessel comes outfitted with 41 residential-style staterooms, an open-air atrium, two modern restaurants, and an infinity-edge plunge pool flanking Aton’s signature Aquavit terrace. Where the sunny ship really shines is the thoughtful and understated design details like floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interiors with natural light and uninterrupted Nile views at every turn.

    Read the full article >

  • Porthole: Viking Cruises Honored with Six Awards

    November 2, 2023 — Viking received numerous awards from U.S. News & World Report and Silver Travel Advisor for Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples, and Best Line in the Mediterranean. Viking.TV also won Silver Standout for Innovation, marking its third consecutive win since launch. Silver Travel Advisor named Viking #1 for Rivers and Oceans in the Best Premium or Luxury Cruise Line category.

    Read the full article >

  • Three ships sailing in a convoy on the water

    Condé Nast Traveler: Experience the Most Extraordinary Voyages in the World With Viking

    October 3, 2023 — A Viking cruise puts the magic of your destination at center stage, while ensuring your comfort and enrichment at every turn. It’s no surprise that Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Viking to the top of the River, Ocean, and Expedition cruise categories in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards—the first time a travel company has been voted number one across these three categories simultaneously.

    Read the full article >

  • Condé Nast Traveler: The Best Cruise Lines in the World: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

    October 3, 2023 — Viking has expanded feverishly in recent years, with more than 60 riverboats, nine ocean vessels, and two expedition ships in its fleet. The company's longships explore familiar waters like the Danube and Rhône in Europe, as well as faraway itineraries on the Volga in Russia, the Nile in Egypt, and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Viking River Cruises also includes complimentary Wi-Fi and select shore excursions in its prices, and its “Culture Curriculum” offers experiential learning through events like regional wine tastings and menus that rotate seasonally.

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  • Condé Nast Traveler: Review: Viking Aton

    October 2, 2023 — Among the miscellany of vessels bobbing down the Nile, Viking’s sister ships—the Osiris and the Aton—are some of the sleekest (and newest) builds, with iconic itineraries that take travelers to the feet of the Great Pyramids, the temples of Luxor, and ancient tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

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  • TravelAge West: Review: Viking Skaga in France

    September 24, 2023 — Since Viking’s “inclusive value” fare includes one free shore excursion at every port of call, I walked away from the trip with expanded knowledge of the Normandy region’s history and robust culture. Other enlightening outings included an introductory sightseeing bus tour around Paris and a history- and architecture-focused walking tour of Rouen. Our overall trip was full of fun, comfort and great memories. I could not imagine doing this sailing a better way.

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  • Travel Weekly: Shining a light on the spacious new Viking Aton

    September 23, 2023 — Fans of Viking's river ships now have more opportunities to sail Egypt's Nile River, thanks to the addition of the Viking Aton to its growing fleet there. The ship recently joined three other Viking vessels on the river: the Antares, the Viking Ra and the Viking Osiris. The Aton is a sister ship to the Osiris, which launched in August 2022, accommodating 82 guests in 41 cabins. It has all of the same features as the Osiris, making for a familiar experience for guests who have sailed the Nile with Viking.

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  • Travel Awaits: Viking River Cruises’ Romantic Danube: How To Make The Most Of Every Stop

    September 19, 2023 — River cruising is a popular way to get the ease and convenience of a cruise while enjoying a more intimate experience. Viking River Cruises is one of the most recognized names in the industry, and we had the chance to take their eight-day Romantic Danube cruise in the wintertime. The cruise stops vary from year to year and season to season, but each version has stops in Germany, Austria, and Hungary.

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  • U.S. News & World Report: The 10 Most Festive Christmas Cruises for 2023

    September 7, 2023 — Viking's 12-day Christmas on the Main & Moselle cruise sails between Paris and Prague in 2023 and 2024. The adults-only sailing affords passengers 18 or older the opportunity to visit four European countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic. In addition to browsing the boutiques in Paris and a variety of Christmas markets in Germany, you'll want to explore iconic landmarks like Reims Cathedral in France and the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Don't miss the famed wines produced in the region, including Moselle, riesling, Müller-Thurgau and gewürztraminer.

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  • Travel Weekly: Viking continues its Egypt strategy and expansion with the Aton

    August 30, 2023 — When it comes to designing and deploying river cruise ships, Viking doesn't just stick to what it knows -- it sticks to what it does best. The Viking Aton, which debuted this month, is the latest addition to the company's Nile River fleet. The 82-guest, 41-cabin ship will sail a 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary between Aswan and Luxor, with three nights in Cairo.

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  • Cruise Critic: Everything You Need to Know About Sailing a Nile River Cruise with Viking

    August 28, 2023 — Viking ships sail around the globe, but there is one country in particular where it has its sights set particularly high: Egypt. At the naming ceremony of Viking Aton in Aswan, Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen teased that the options there are endless, promising a “slew of new ships” to come. There is no question that the excitement is there, both from Viking as well as customers seeing that 2024 Egypt sailings are almost entirely sold out with a similar direction headed for 2025.

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  • Travel Weekly: One unforgettable day on a Viking Nile cruise

    August 23, 2023 — I just completed a press trip to Egypt with Viking to launch their newest and fourth ship on the Nile, the Viking Aton. It was an abbreviated version of the company's 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, which the Aton will sail after it launches later this month. While it was a shorter itinerary I was on, it was by no means disappointing. This was my first time in Egypt -- my first time on the continent of Africa, in fact. I found Egypt to be almost surreal, a sort of mythological place.

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  • TravelPulse: Viking’s Newest Nile River Ship Named in Aswan

    August 21, 2023 — Viking has named its newest river ship, the Viking Aton, with a special celebration in Aswan, Egypt. The ship’s ceremonial godfather, Richard Riveire, designer of Viking’s award-winning river, ocean and expedition vessels, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship. The Viking Aton, an identical sister ship of the Viking Osiris, is a state-of-the-art vessel specifically built to navigate the Nile and will sail the line’s popular Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

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  • Cruise Critic: The Best Rhine River Cruise for Every Traveler

    August 16, 2023 — With its culture-rich itineraries, Viking River Cruises is a popular line with older passengers. Viking places a big emphasis on curating tours that provide an authentic insight into destinations rather than just scratching the surface. The line is also highly considerate of any mobility issues its passengers might have and provides options for all.

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  • Three ships sailing in a convoy on the water

    Porthole: A Voyage of Love: The Best Cruise Lines for Honeymooners

    August 10, 2023 — On this adult-only cruise line, every passenger is treated like a VIP guest. Each stateroom has a private veranda, providing the perfect setting for you and your partner to savor a glass of wine and gaze upon the tranquil waters of the open ocean. Viking Cruises offers some of the most romantic all-inclusive getaways offered at sea. With captivating itineraries like the Mediterranean and Polynesia, any couple is sure to have a dream honeymoon. Regardless of your itinerary, every Viking Cruises vessel has six complimentary restaurants onboard, all with a captivating ocean view.

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  • Mashed: Viking Provides The Bougiest Cruise Food

    August 8, 2023 — According to Food & Wine readers, the cruise line that offers the best culinary experience overall is Viking. A ticket for a Viking cruise does include all restaurant meals as well as snacks and drinks from an in-suite mini-bar, and the dining options — similar to Vikings themselves — span the globe from Italian to sushi. The ships do, however, feature certain Scandinavian specialties, some said to be based on recipes from the cruise line founder's mother.

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  • Forbes: The Best Luxury Cruises Of 2023

    August 4, 2023 — Time spent on Viking River Cruises’ Viking Osiris is not only a retreat, but an enlightening experience. Known for its educational programming, the ship features lectures and informative guides that highlight seemingly endless knowledge on everything Egyptian (ancient to modern). Paired with the Nile as a backdrop, you’ll find yourself absorbing more than you can have possibly imagined.

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  • Three ships sailing in a convoy on the water

    Forbes: The Best Cruises For Adults

    August 1, 2023 — When asked to envision a cruise, chances are you might summon images of kids wailing down waterslides, dripping in ice cream and building sandcastles, typically what you see in the many candy-colored ads from mega cruise ships. But those are far from the only cruise options out there for grown-ups who want to get away from it all. The best cruises for adults cater to adult guests with high-brow luxuries or dedicated spaces—and some even don’t allow kids on board, period.

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  • Forbes: Viking Founder Torstein Hagen Checks Off A 65 Year Old Bucket List Item

    July 25, 2023 — Every once in a while, work and play come together in an unexpected, magical moment. And that’s why Viking Founder/Chairman, Torstein Hagen, recently found himself in a post office in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city, nicknamed the “End of the World” – fulfilling a childhood wish from 65 years ago.

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  • TravelPulse: Why So Many Travelers Are River Cruising for the First Time

    July 21, 2023 — My husband and I booked a Viking Rhine River Cruise this summer that sailed from Amsterdam to Basel. As always, the cruise was amazing, the sites were spectacular and because it’s not a mega cruise ship, you get to know many of your fellow passengers. With a boat that only holds 190 passengers at full capacity, that’s not hard to do.

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  • INSIDER: Brought Family on River Cruise, Best Money We Spent Traveling

    July 17, 2023 — I went on an eight-day river cruise through France aboard the Viking Skaga with my retired parents. The relaxed pace, calm waters, and mellow excursions made it the perfect way to travel with them.

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  • CNBC: Viking chairman: We appeal to the 'thinking person' which has been very favorable for us

    June 16, 2023 — Torstein Hagen, Viking chairman and founder, joins ‘The Exchange’ to discuss a rebound in travel following the pandemic, pricing packages for Viking Cruises, and opportunities for older consumers looking to travel.

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  • TravelPulse: The Rise And Fall And Rise Again Of Viking’s Torstein Hagen

    June 14, 2023 — The 25-year ascent of Viking to become one of the world’s most consequential cruise lines is quite a story. Especially when it is told by the company’s forthright founder Torstein Hagen.

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  • Global Traveler: Viking’s Newest River Cruise Itinerary Celebrates Treasures of the Rhine

    June 13, 2023 — Viking recently announced its newest river voyage, Treasures of the Rhine, sailing the Middle Rhine and debuting in December 2023. With this new sailing, Viking becomes the first line to operate year-round on Europe’s rivers. The 10-day Treasures of the Rhine itinerary sails the Middle Rhine’s turreted fortresses; grand cathedrals; medieval towns; scenery, including terraced vineyards; and destinations like Amsterdam, Basel and Cologne.

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  • Forbes: The Viking Cruise Vision: Steadfast And Unflappable

    June 12, 2023 — Viking guests remain fiercely loyal to the line because it offers what they want both on the rivers and oceans. They appreciate the modern ships, attentive service and broad choices of itineraries.

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  • Fox News: Viking on Cruise Industry Resurgence

    June 8, 2023 — Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen discusses the cruise industry’s resurgence after the pandemic on ‘Your World’ as they are 93% booked for 2023.

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  • Condé Nast Traveler: The Best New Cruises in the World: 2023 Hot List

    April 27, 2023 — Sailing with just 82 passengers and replete with sophisticated Scandinavian design elements, Viking Osiris has the look and feel of a boutique hotel on the Nile. Cozy up with a coffee in the airy two-story atrium at the heart of the ship—a rarity for river vessels—and watch lush scenery like date palms and mango groves pass by the floor-to-ceiling windows.

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  • Food & Wine: This Is the Best Cruise for Food, As Voted on by Our Readers

    April 18, 2023 — While one strategy rolled out by many lines has been focusing on quantity with a dizzying variety of ho-hum options, that’s never been part of the plan for Viking Cruises, which our readers voted the overall best cruise for food in the world.

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  • Condé Nast Traveler: Exploring France's Enchanting Villages With My Father on a Seine River Cruise

    April 12, 2023 — Arriving in Paris that crisp November morning, we were well placed for our trip down memory lane. *Fjorgyn—*which debuted last March—docks on the Seine, in the 15th-arrondissement neighborhood of Grenelle. From our stateroom balcony we could see the Eiffel Tower, only a 20-minute stroll down the tow path; the nearest Metro station just a 10-minute walk in the opposite direction.

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  • AFAR: 5 European UNESCO Sites You Should See By River Cruise

    March 14, 2023 — Stonehenge. The Acropolis of Athens. Pompeii. Europe has so many protected UNESCO World Heritage sites—more than 400 by last count—one could practically stumble upon history on a morning walk to get coffee. (In Rome, another UNESCO site, you almost always do.) These landmarks, per UNESCO, are “so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity.”

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  • The Points Guy: Best first-time cruises for all types of travelers

    February 11, 2023 — If you're retired or fall into the 55+ age group and are looking for an adults-only, highly inclusive cruise designed to immerse you in the destination, Viking has you covered.

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