viking cruises

Viking Cruises: Unleash the Explorer in You!

Viking Cruises is a premium travel service offering immersive, culturally enriching river and ocean cruises around the world. With its well-appointed, comfortable ships, personalized service, and meticulously planned itineraries, Viking Cruises takes you on a journey through history, cuisine, and landscapes. Offering both relaxation and exploration, this cruise line provides a unique way to experience the world's most stunning and remote locales. With Viking Cruises, you don't just visit a destination – you truly experience it.

Company Name Viking Cruises
Type Private
Industry Travel and Tourism
Founded 1997
Headquarters Basel, Switzerland
Key People Torstein Hagen (Founder)
Services River and Ocean Cruising
Number of Ships 72 (River), 6 (Ocean), 2 (Expedition)
Areas Served Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Asia, Egypt, Antarctica, the Arctic
Destinations 100+
Awards World's Best River Cruise Line, World's Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line
Website www.vikingcruises.com
Operating Income Around $3 billion
Number of Employees 5000+ (2019)
Cruise Ship Classes Viking Longships, Viking Ocean Ships, Viking Expedition Ships
Viking Cruises Announces May Sailings for UK ResidentsViking adding Great Lakes cruises that will start or end in MilwaukeeViking River Cruise Sails the Mississippi Between New Orleans and St. Paul  - Mpls.St.Paul MagazineViking cruise cabins and suites: A guide to everything you want to know -  The Points GuyViking makes it official: Kids no longer welcome on cruises - Los Angeles  TimesViking cruise destination guide: The best itineraries at the line - The  Points GuyThe ultimate guide to Viking cruise ships and itineraries - The Points GuyViking River Cruise Deals (2023 / 2024) - Expedia.comViking Cruises - AgiumOcean Cruises - European, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska & World Cruises  | Viking®Viking Ocean Cruises, 2023, 2024 and 2025 Ocean Cruises, Viking Ships &  Photos for Viking Ocean Cruising | The Cruise WebViking River Cruises | Viking Longship Full Walkthrough Tour & Review 4K |  All Public Spaces - YouTubeViking cruise ship can't finish voyage: Mississippi River is too low | CNNA Sea Change for a Cruise Skeptic - FathomViking Cruises crew must be paid despite fleet suspension

    Unparalleled Luxury

    Viking Cruises offers an unparalleled level of luxury, providing passengers with an unforgettable experience. Every detail, from the plush linens in the cabins to the gourmet dining options, is carefully curated to ensure maximum comfort and pleasure. Read more

    Innovative Ship Design

    The Viking Longships, Viking Cruises' signature fleet, are designed with Scandinavian elegance, offering a rare combination of comfort, grace, and modern technology. These vessels boast expansive, open-air public spaces, private verandas for every stateroom, and the most al fresco dining options on the waterways. Read more

    Destination-Focused Itineraries

    With Viking Cruises, journeying to the world’s most beautiful places becomes a captivating experience. Their destination-focused itineraries are designed by travel experts who know the regions intimately, offering you deep immersion into the culture, history, and cuisine of the places you visit. Read more

    Cultural Enrichment

    Viking Cruises is devoted to providing enriching cultural experiences. From engaging lectures on history and art to performances by local musicians, dancers, and chefs, you'll have multiple opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the cultures you're visiting. Read more viking cruises

    Exceptional Value

    Your cruise fare with Viking Cruises includes a lot more than just your accommodation. It covers meals, excursions, onboard activities, and even flights from select cities, offering exceptional value for the quality of service provided. Read more

    Personalized Service

    Viking Cruises prides itself on its high staff-to-guest ratio, ensuring that you receive personalized attention throughout your journey. Their attentive crew members are dedicated to making your voyage as pleasant as possible. Read more

    Sustainable Travel

    Viking Cruises is committed to sustainable travel and eco-friendly practices. Their advanced vessels are designed to minimize environmental impact, and they have a comprehensive plan in place to reduce waste, conserve water, and protect marine life. Read more

    Award-Winning Reputation

    Viking Cruises has a stellar reputation in the industry, with numerous awards under its belt. Their consistent high ratings for service, value, and destination offerings make them a top choice for discerning travelers. Read more viking cruises

    Unique Shore Excursions

    Viking Cruises' shore excursions offer unique, immersive experiences that go beyond the typical tourist path. Whether it's a private cooking class in France or a guided tour of a historical site in Egypt, you'll have opportunities to explore each destination in depth. Read more

    Relaxed Atmosphere

    Unlike the hustle and bustle of some larger cruise lines, Viking Cruises offers a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy a more peaceful voyage, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a serene, leisurely vacation. Read more

    Facts

    1. Setting Sail in Luxury:

    Viking Cruises, an award-winning cruise line, is known for its high-end, intimate and culturally enriching travel experiences. With a focus on destination immersion, it offers travelers luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and enriching onboard activities.


    2. A New Era of Ocean Cruising:

    Viking introduced its first ocean ship in 2015 and has since been reinventing the category with smaller, state-of-the-art ships, destination-focused itineraries, and all-inclusive pricing.


    3. Viking's River Cruises:

    Before making waves in the ocean cruise market, Viking found its roots in river cruising. Offering journeys along the world's most iconic rivers, Viking River Cruises are still a cornerstone of the company, providing a relaxed and scenic way to explore various countries.


    4. Expanding Horizons with Viking Expeditions:

    In 2020, Viking announced the launch of Viking Expeditions, expanding their offerings to include excursions to the ends of the earth. Now, adventurous travelers can join Viking on journeys to the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Great Lakes of North America.


    5. The World's Longest Cruise:

    Viking is the holder of the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous passenger cruise. In 2019, their ship, the Viking Sun, embarked on a 245-day journey visiting six continents, 51 countries, and 111 ports.


    6. The Viking Difference:

    Viking stands out for its attention to detail and commitment to guest satisfaction. From heated bathroom floors to complimentary Wi-Fi, every aspect of the Viking experience is designed to make each journey comfortable and unforgettable.


    7. All-Inclusive Pricing:

    Viking’s all-inclusive pricing means most everything from meals, drinks, and onboard activities to shore excursions and airfare is included in the cruise fare, taking the guesswork out of budgeting for your trip.


    8. Viking's Cultural Enrichment:

    With a focus on cultural immersion, each Viking itinerary includes a variety of shore excursions designed to help travelers delve deeper into the history, cuisine, and customs of the places they visit.


    9. Viking's Nordic Heritage:

    Viking Cruises is heavily influenced by its Nordic heritage, which is evident in the clean, elegant design of its ships and the Scandinavian-inspired spa facilities onboard.


    10. Commitment to the Environment:

    Viking is committed to responsible travel and environmental stewardship. They have implemented several sustainable practices, including energy-efficient hybrid engines, onboard solar panels, and extensive recycling programs.

    Vocabulary

    Viking Cruises – A cruise line providing river and ocean cruises, with operations based in Basel, Switzerland.

    River Cruise – A voyage along inland waterways, often stopping at multiple ports along the way.

    Ocean Cruise – A voyage across the seas and oceans, stopping at various coastal ports.

    Longship – A type of ship used by the Vikings, which has been incorporated into Viking Cruises' brand and design.

    Stateroom – A private room or cabin on a ship.

    Veranda – An open-air balcony or porch attached to a stateroom.

    Luxury Cruising – A type of cruise offering high-end accommodations and amenities.

    Shore Excursion – A guided tour or activity offered in a cruise's port of call.

    Port of Call – A stop along a cruise's itinerary where passengers can go ashore.

    Itinerary – The planned route or schedule of a cruise.

    Onboard Entertainment – Shows, performances, and activities available to passengers on the ship.

    Dining Options – Various food services available onboard, including restaurants, cafes, and room service.

    Spa Services – Wellness and beauty treatments available on the ship, such as massages, facials, and saunas.

    Fitness Center – An onboard facility with exercise equipment and fitness classes.

    Enrichment Programs – Educational and cultural activities or lectures offered onboard.

    Expedition Cruises – Cruises designed to explore remote and exotic destinations.

    World Cruise – A cruise that travels around the world, often over several months.

    Viking Ocean Cruises – The ocean cruising division of Viking Cruises.

    Viking River Cruises – The river cruising division of Viking Cruises.

    Viking Expedition Cruises – The expedition cruising division of Viking Cruises.

    Cruise Director – The staff member who oversees the entertainment and activities on the ship.

    Embarkation – The process of boarding the ship at the start of a cruise.

    Disembarkation – The process of leaving the ship at the end of a cruise.

    Cruise Ship – A large passenger ship used for pleasure voyages.

    Onboard Credit – A monetary amount credited to a passenger's account on the ship, which can be used towards purchases and services.

    Cruise Fare – The cost of a cruise, typically including accommodations, most meals, and some activities.

    Inclusive Pricing – A pricing model where most or all amenities and services are included in the initial cost.

    Specialty Dining – Onboard restaurants offering different types of cuisine, often for an additional cost.

    Steward – A staff member responsible for cleaning and maintaining staterooms.

    Cruise Line – A company that operates cruise ships.

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