Voted the world's leading ocean and river cruise line

Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honours from both publications.

No kids and no casinos

We aren't just known for what we are. We are known for what we are not, too. No casinos and no children under the age of 18. Well-travelled and culturally curious, our guests are not interested in over-the-top ships or novel thrills, and neither are we.

Get closer to your destination

Because our vessels are smaller, they have greater manoeuvrability and can dock where the mega-liners cannot. On a Viking ship, you will sail into the very heart of some of the world's greatest cities such as London, Hong Kong and Monte Carlo. Whether sailing the rivers of Europe, Asia, Egypt or America, our ships are custom built to navigate each unique region they sail. Boasting many prime, central berths your ship is just a short walk from opportunities to discover enriching local experiences.

More time in port to do what you want

With fewer sea days, we give you more time in port on all our ocean voyages, including overnight stays in virtually all embarkation and disembarkation ports. That means you can take your time meandering through the local markets or enjoying dinner under the stars at that seaside restaurant, without the pressure of rushing back to the ship.

No inside staterooms

Viking ships are specifically designed with no inside staterooms, our ocean ships feature all veranda staterooms and our expedition vessels feature the revolutionary Nordic Balcony. That means you can witness awe-inspiring views no matter which room you book. Every room in every category is an expression of understated elegance, with neutral colours, clean lines and blonde wood creating a soothing sanctuary.

Award-winning service

Our international English-speaking crew are Swiss-trained, from a stateroom steward to one of our chefs – everything our team members do is to make your time with us as memorable as possible. We are so confident we will exceed your expectations that we are the only cruise line to guarantee its award-winning service.

Enjoy, it's all included

We don't underestimate the importance of value, so we include more with your cruise fare. Simply unpack once and enjoy everything that's included. All your meals in a selection of world-class dining venues, premium beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, unlimited specialty coffees, teas and bottled water all day, a guided excursion in every port, free Wi-Fi, gratuities and even the spa facilities are included.

Serene Scandinavian spaces

Our river, ocean and expedition ships take a piece of our Norwegian homeland with them wherever they sail. Our signature Scandinavian design is minimalistic, sleek and modern, reminiscent of a boutique hotel. We engaged esteemed hotel designers to design and furnish our vessels, so every room is beautiful, functional and filled with natural light. From the moment you step on board, you will feel a distinct sense of serenity, warmth and comfort with an abundance of light timbers and natural fabrics.

Inclusive dining with no additional fees or charges

Whether you're travelling with Viking on a river, ocean or expedition voyage you can choose from various dining options with no additional fees or charges. On our ocean and expedition ships, enjoy farm-to-table Tuscan-style Italian cuisine at Manfredi's, a multi-course dining experience at The Chef's Table, an elegant afternoon tea in the Wintergarden or dine al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace which you’ll find on all Viking ships.

Enjoy included beverages

We know that a refreshing beer with lunch or a full-bodied red with dinner can round off a perfect dining experience, so we ensure wine and beer are included with all your onboard lunches and dinners. You can also enjoy specialty tea and coffee and bottled water throughout your journey at no charge.

No corkage fees

You can bring your own wine, beer and spirits on board to enjoy anywhere on the ship, and we'll never charge you a corkage fee. So go ahead and pick up a nice bottle of wine on your shore excursion to enjoy onboard. It's just another way we make you feel right at home.

Dine al fresco on the aquavit terrace

Revolutionary in concept and design, the Aquavit Terrace is a beautiful indoor and outdoor dining area on board our river, ocean and expedition ships. Combining the comfort of a lounge with the invigorating fresh air of a terrace, it is the perfect place to indulge in a delicious meal while you watch the picturesque sights of your new destination float by. The Aquavit Terrace boasts the most al fresco dining on any European river ship.

Spa facilities - included in your fare

Everyone deserves to be pampered every now and then, and we make this easier than ever on our ocean and expedition ships by offering all guests complimentary access to the Nordic Spa facilities. Give your mind, body and spirit what it needs at any time throughout your voyage. Wade in the calming hydrotherapy pool, nap on a heated bed, or embrace the centuries-old Nordic bathing ritual of hot-cold therapy with our Steam Room and Snow Grotto.

For The Thinking Person

After 25 years of crafting itineraries for The Thinking Person, we have developed a deep understanding of our guests' unique, inquisitive nature, so we've designed our itineraries to help you explore and engage with your destination through its food, culture, countryside and customs.

On shore, we provide enriching experiences for every interest. Our expert local guides are passionate about their unique region. They will educate you on the destination's most iconic landmarks, history, and culture and provide insight into the local way of life. Once comfortably on board, countless activities are designed to educate and inspire, from world-class lectures on history, art, music, architecture and more, to our bespoke art collections and curated libraries.

Art inspiration from stern to bow

Viking is the proud custodians of the largest private collection of artworks by Norway's much-loved expressionist painter Edvard Munch with 28 original pieces on display across our fleet of ocean ships, along with works by Adelsteen Normann, Carl Sundt-Hansen, H.M. Queen Sonja of Norway, Jakob Weidemann, Nicolaus Widerberg and Kåre Tveter, among many others.

Each Viking ship has a unique, carefully selected range of artworks produced by a diverse range of established and up-and-coming Norwegian artists, from oil paintings and photographs to sculptures and tapestries to complement the light-filled, Nordic-influenced interiors of our ships. The pieces found throughout our ships encompass a variety of media and approaches—from digital to print, oil paintings to photography and sculpture.

An exclusive selection of literary inspiration

Our onboard library informs even the best-read explorers. Curated by acclaimed London bookshop Heywood Hill - one of London's prestigious and historic bookshops - the exclusive selection of books is designed to spark your curiosity about the art, history, architecture and culture of the destinations you travel to. To complement our world's leading scientific enrichment environment on our expedition vessels, The Library includes additional titles selected by Cambridge University's Scott Polar Research Institute.

Learn from Viking resident historians

The Viking Resident Historian Program is a key element of our onboard ocean voyage enrichment curriculum. Our faculty of talented, passionate historians deliver high-level, informative lectures that are specific to the regions through which you are travelling. These lectures are supplemented by roundtable discussions, where you can engage with each topic in a more intimate setting.

Science at sea

We believe that every Viking Expedition should provide opportunities for scientific discovery—for our guests and partners. Our expedition ships are designed as working research vessels, each equipped with well-appointed laboratories for scientists and offer a unique opportunity for guests to participate in scientific research by assisting in data collection and citizen science programs.

Merging comfort and exploration in an unprecedented way

An industry first, The Hangar, on our expedition vessels, is an enclosed, in-ship marina that brings true comfort to expedition voyages with an innovative new way to embark and disembark excursion craft. The Hangar's most innovative feature is an 85 ft. slipway that allows guests to embark and disembark excursion craft from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded from wind and waves.

Feel closer to nature with a Nordic balcony

There are balconies, and then there is a Viking Nordic Balcony. A first for expedition vessels, harnessing the Norwegian reverence for light and creating the optimal wildlife observatory at sea, floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass at the very edge of the ship lets you take in the views while keeping the elements out. At the touch of a button, the top of your panoramic glass lowers to transform your stateroom into a sheltered al fresco lookout, with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilise binoculars or photograph the majestic wilderness as you glide by.

Enriching travel experiences for curious explorers

We have established a variety of premier partnerships to bring a curated onboard and onshore experience to complement your cruise. These carefully selected relationships are designed to further expand your knowledge and enjoyment of the world. A few of these partnerships include some of the world's leading cultural organisations, from Highclere Castle – home of the hit series and feature films Downton Abbey to Oslo’s Munch Museum.

Behind-the-scenes Privileged Access

We pride ourselves on providing exclusive entry to many cultural treasures around the globe with our Privileged Access excursions. We take you behind the scenes into the beating heart of each destination. Visit seldom-seen collections with before and after-hours access to world-class museums; be a special guest at private homes and palaces not open to the public; or attend intimate cultural performances of folklore, ballet and opera.

Experience local life

We believe that immersive experiences allow our guests to truly connect with each destination, so our excursions reveal the rhythms of local daily life through our local life and working world excursions. Experience the therapeutic waters of Budapest's thermal baths; visit a local village and meet a traditional Nubian family in Aswan, Egypt, or visit a Norwegian farm on the outskirts of Bergen for an insight into the evolving ways of farming in Norway.

Designed for discovery

On a Viking Expedition, we give you more ways to explore, more often. We have raised the bar when it comes to our custom-built expedition ships, and our excursions, equipment and facilities are no different. Our fleet of military pro zodiacs, convertible Special Operations Boats (SOBs), two-seater kayaks and two yellow six-seater submarines are complimentary throughout your voyage and all landings and excursions are led by an experienced team highly skilled in operating in rugged and polar environments.

A focus on sustainability & technology

At Viking, we are always conscious of our stewardship of the environment and design our ships to the highest environmental standards. All Viking Longships have sustainability features, such as onboard solar panels and energy-efficient hybrid diesel-electric engines that meet stringent emission standards. Our ocean ships are designed with energy-efficient hull, propeller and rudder arrangements, and engines with heat recovery systems. We estimate that our vessels' fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are 40% lower than older vessels. Our expedition vessels have received one of the industry's first SILENT-E NOTATION—the highest-level certification for quiet ship propulsion, minimising underwater noise pollution.