Viking Cruises has redefined modern cruising with its focus on destination-focused experiences, elegant Scandinavian design, and adult-oriented voyages. With an expanding fleet of ocean, river, and expedition ships, Viking is a top choice for travelers seeking enriching, culturally immersive journeys across the globe. Our guide below explores every detail that matters—from itineraries and ship life to pricing, dining, and standout destinations.
About Viking Cruises
Founded in 1997, Viking Cruises began as a river cruise company in Europe. Today, the brand offers:
Viking River Cruises (Europe, Asia, Egypt, Mississippi)
Viking Ocean Cruises (Caribbean, Europe, Asia, South America)
Viking Expedition Cruises (Antarctica, Arctic, Great Lakes)
With a reputation for award-winning service, Viking caters exclusively to guests aged 18 and older, ensuring a serene and intellectually rewarding experience.
Why Choose Viking Cruises
Viking stands out for its “thinking person’s cruise” approach. Here’s what makes it unique:
No casinos, kids, or umbrella drinks
Free shore excursions in every port
Enrichment lectures by historians and experts
Spacious staterooms all with verandas (on ocean ships)
Inclusive pricing with Wi-Fi, drinks, and specialty dining
Their streamlined, Scandinavian-inspired ships create a tranquil and elegant environment, perfect for mature travelers who value learning, comfort, and cultural exploration.
Viking Ocean Cruises – Refined Travel Across the Seas
Fleet and Ship Features
Viking Ocean Cruises features identical 930-passenger ships such as the Viking Star, Viking Sea, and Viking Jupiter. All suites feature private verandas, king-sized beds, and heated bathroom floors. There are no inside cabins every guest gets an outside view.
Key features include:
Infinity Pool & Spa
Wintergarden Tea Lounge
Explorers’ Lounge with panoramic views
World Café & Chef’s Table dining venues
LivNordic Spa with Snow Grotto
Top Ocean Cruise Itineraries
Viking Homelands : Scandinavia & Baltic
Mediterranean Odyssey : Italy, Greece, Croatia
Into the Midnight Sun: Norway & British Isles
South America & Chilean Fjords
World Cruise : 100+ days, multiple continents
Each journey includes complimentary guided tours, regional cuisine, and onboard lectures tailored to the itinerary.
Viking River Cruises – Intimate Journeys on Historic Waterways
Fleet and River Coverage
Viking’s river cruise fleet includes Viking Longships, designed to navigate Europe’s iconic rivers like the Rhine, Danube, and Seine. The ships are built with sustainability in mind and accommodate around 190 passengers.
Destinations include:
Danube River: Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava
Rhine River: Basel to Amsterdam
Seine River: Paris and Normandy
Douro River: Portugal’s wine country
Nile River: Egypt’s ancient wonders
Yangtze River: Through China’s heartland
Mississippi River: From New Orleans to St. Paul
Onboard River Experience
River cruising offers port-intensive itineraries, docking right in the heart of historic cities. Guests enjoy:
Daily excursions
Local wines and cuisine
Quiet, panoramic lounges
Regionally themed lectures and performances
The ships are small, intimate, and quiet, designed to slip through narrow rivers and ancient cities seamlessly.
Viking Expedition Cruises – Voyages to the Ends of the Earth
Launched in 2022, Viking Expeditions feature state-of-the-art Polar Class 6 ships such as the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.
Destinations
Antarctica: Penguins, icebergs, and polar exploration
Arctic Circle: Greenland, Norway, and Svalbard
Great Lakes: North American inland adventures
Patagonia: South America’s dramatic southern coast
Scientific Enrichment
Viking Expeditions blend luxury with science, offering:
Resident scientists
Onboard laboratory
Zodiacs, kayaks, and submarines
Expedition gear and boots
Enrichment programs by biologists and historians
Each expedition cruise includes immersive exploration balanced with comfort, education, and safety.
Dining and Culinary Experience
All Viking Cruises are known for exceptional cuisine and regional menus. Whether you sail the Rhine or the Antarctic, you’ll enjoy:
The Chef’s Table: Multi-course tasting menu
World Café: Buffet with live cooking stations
Manfredi’s Italian: Authentic and rich flavors
Mamsen’s: Norwegian deli with waffles and open-faced sandwiches
Afternoon Tea in the Wintergarden
Room Service: 24-hour complimentary
Menus highlight local ingredients and wines, giving every meal a cultural flavor.
What’s Included in Viking Cruise Fares
Viking’s inclusive pricing model offers more value compared to most competitors. Standard fares include:
Shore excursions at every port
Free unlimited Wi-Fi
All onboard meals
Beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch/dinner
24/7 specialty coffees and teas
Port taxes and fees
Access to spa facilities (ocean cruises)
No surprises, no pressure sales. The brand prides itself on transparency and value.
Awards and Recognition
Viking has earned numerous awards from major travel publications:
#1 Ocean Line – Travel + Leisure
Best River Cruise Line – Condé Nast Traveler
Green Award for Sustainability
Best Itineraries – Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks
The brand continues to innovate while maintaining its core principles of elegance, enrichment, and exploration.
Booking Tips for Viking Cruises
Book early to get preferred cabins and deals
Check wave season discounts (Jan–March)
Look for air-included promotions
Consider pre- and post-cruise extensions for deeper cultural immersion
Reservations can be made directly through Viking or through authorized travel agents. Be sure to review all offers and cabin classes carefully.
