Viking Cruises

Overview

Viking Cruises has redefined luxury exploration through its fleet of elegant, all-inclusive ocean ships and intimate river vessels. Founded in 1997, Viking has grown from a European river cruise specialist to a global leader in destination-focused travel, earning consistent accolades as the world's best cruise line for travelers who prioritize cultural immersion over onboard gimmicks.

The Viking Difference

Viking's philosophy centers on the destination experience rather than shipboard entertainment. You won't find casinos, children's programs, or umbrella drinks by the pool. Instead, Viking offers sophisticated enrichment programs, world-class cuisine, and elegant Scandinavian design that creates a calm, adult-focused environment perfect for curious travelers.

Every Viking ocean cruise includes shore excursions at each port, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, self-service laundry, and access to the thermal spa. This all-inclusive approach eliminates nickel-and-diming common on other cruise lines, allowing guests to focus on experiences rather than expenses.

The Ocean Fleet

Viking's identical ocean ships—including Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter, and newer vessels—carry just 930 passengers in refined comfort. The intimate size allows access to ports that larger ships cannot visit, while maintaining the stability and amenities expected on ocean voyages.

All staterooms feature balconies, king-size beds, heated bathroom floors, and spacious layouts. The Explorer's Lounge offers panoramic views for afternoon tea or evening cocktails. The Pool Deck features a retractable roof for all-weather enjoyment. The Spa combines Nordic bathing traditions with modern wellness treatments.

Recent additions Viking Mars, Viking Neptune, and Viking Saturn continue the successful formula, while Viking Vela and Viking Vesta introduce slight enhancements while maintaining the signature design philosophy. Each new vessel brings additional capacity to popular itineraries.

River Cruise Excellence

Viking operates the world's largest fleet of river cruise vessels, sailing European waterways from the Rhine to the Danube, the Seine to the Douro. River cruising offers an intimate perspective on Europe, docking in city centers and small towns inaccessible to ocean ships.

Viking Longships, purpose-built for European rivers, feature 190 passengers in elegant accommodations. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge, al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, and included shore excursions at every port create immersive experiences. Newer vessels serving Egypt, Southeast Asia, and North America bring the Viking river experience to new destinations.

Destination Focus

Viking's itineraries emphasize cultural immersion through thoughtfully designed shore excursions, onboard lectures, and destination-specific dining. Viking Resident Historians provide context for each port through enrichment talks. Cooking demonstrations feature regional cuisines. Destination performances bring local music and dance aboard.

The included excursions—at least one in every port—go beyond basic sightseeing to reveal authentic experiences. Optional excursions provide deeper exploration for those wanting more. Viking's privileged access arrangements create unique moments at cultural sites.

Dining Excellence

Viking's culinary program emphasizes quality over quantity. The Restaurant serves regional menus featuring cuisine from destinations visited. Manfredi's Italian Restaurant offers multi-course meals in an elegant setting. The World Cafe provides casual buffet options with made-to-order stations. Afternoon tea in the Wintergarden continues British tradition.

All dining venues are included in cruise fares, with no specialty restaurant surcharges. Wine, beer, and soft drinks flow freely at lunch and dinner. The Kitchen Table, a premium experience, offers interactive culinary journeys at additional cost for food enthusiasts.

Wellness and Spa

The Nordic-inspired spa includes a snow grotto, sauna, steam room, and heated tile loungers available to all guests at no charge. Thermal suite treatments draw on Scandinavian bathing traditions. Fitness centers offer equipment and classes. Walking tracks circle upper decks. The focus on wellness extends to healthy dining options and restful ship design.

Expedition Cruising

Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris bring expedition-style cruising to polar regions, the Great Lakes, and remote destinations. These purpose-built expedition vessels carry 378 passengers with zodiacs, kayaks, and a submarine for exploration. The Hangar provides launching facilities for expedition equipment.

Expedition itineraries include team of experts—marine biologists, ornithologists, and expedition leaders—providing interpretation and guiding adventures. The approach combines Viking's signature elegance with expedition-style exploration of remote wilderness.

Who Sails Viking

Viking attracts well-traveled adults seeking cultural enrichment over shipboard entertainment. The typical passenger is 55-75 years old, well-educated, and values destination experiences. The adults-only policy (18+) ensures a tranquil atmosphere. Dress codes are country club casual—no formal nights, but guests dress nicely for dinner.

Cruise Now Pay Later for Viking

Viking cruises from $2,999 to $15,000+ per person provide exceptional value given their all-inclusive nature. Our flexible Cruise Now Pay Later options let you secure your preferred cabin on these popular sailings while spreading payments over time. Book early—Viking's reputation means voyages sell out months in advance.

Fleet Information

Viking Ocean Ships (930 passengers each):
- Viking Star - 2015 inaugural vessel
- Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter - 2016-2019
- Viking Venus, Viking Mars, Viking Neptune, Viking Saturn - 2021-2023
- Viking Vela, Viking Vesta - 2024-2026 newest additions

Viking Expedition Ships (378 passengers):
- Viking Octantis - Polar and Great Lakes expeditions
- Viking Polaris - Antarctic and Arctic voyages

Viking Longships (190 passengers):
- 60+ identical river vessels serving European waterways
- Purpose-built for Rhine, Danube, Seine, and other rivers

Onboard Experience

Viking's signature experiences:
- Destination-focused itineraries with cultural immersion
- Included shore excursions at every port
- Enrichment lectures by Resident Historians
- Scandinavian-inspired design throughout
- Adults-only (18+) tranquil atmosphere
- Nordic Spa & Fitness with thermal suite
- LivNordic wellness program
- No casinos, no children's programs
- Country club casual dress code

Dining & Entertainment

Viking dining venues (all included):
- The Restaurant - Regional destination cuisine
- Manfredi's Italian Restaurant - Multi-course Italian
- The World Cafe - International buffet with stations
- The Pool Grill - Casual lunch venue
- Afternoon Tea in Wintergarden
- Aquavit Terrace - Al fresco dining

Included beverages:
- Wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Specialty coffee and tea 24/7
- Mini-bar setup in stateroom

Pricing Guide

Viking Cruise Pricing (All-Inclusive):

Ocean Cruises:
- Veranda stateroom from $2,999 per person
- Deluxe Veranda from $3,799 per person
- Penthouse Suites from $5,999 per person
- Explorer Suites from $8,999 per person

Included in every fare:
- Shore excursion in every port
- Wine, beer, soft drinks with meals
- Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- Access to Spa thermal suite
- Self-service laundry
- Specialty restaurant dining

River Cruises:
- Standard staterooms from $1,999 per person
- French Balcony from $2,999 per person
- Veranda Suites from $4,499 per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Guest Reviews