Viking Cruises

This is CruiseMapper's page for the three Viking Cruises subsidiary companies - the sister-brands Viking RIVER, Viking OCEAN, and Viking EXPEDITIONS, their fleets (riverboats, liners, and polar ships), cruisetour itineraries, destinations, homeports, and cruise tracker. We have listed all Viking ships along with schedules (itinerary calendars with prices) and current position tracking maps. Similarly named is the Finland-based cruiseferry company VIKING LINE (founded in 1959).

The parent company is Viking Holdings Ltd (incorporated on May 14, 1997). The company is based in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, and, since 2024, is listed on the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) under the ticker symbol VIK.

In April 2021, the joint venture company "China Merchants Viking Cruises Co Ltd" was inaugurated (operating under the brand "Viking China Coastal Cruise"). The new company's fleet currently includes only Viking Sun (Zhao-Shang-Yi-Dun), but it will expand by adding China-made newbuilds in the coming years. The General Manager of China Merchants Viking Cruises is Wu Wei, and the Managing Director of Viking Cruises China is Brendan Tansey.

Note: CruiseMapper's Viking ship schedules display departure and call ports (including towns and cities visited on shore excursions), themed voyages (holiday and itinerary themes), and port times (arrival-departure/port stays and overnights). CruiseMapper's Viking schedules also include pricing information for travel with the Viking brand.

In February 2024, Viking Holdings Ltd filed for an IPO (initial public offering) with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). For the IPO, Viking worked with major American financial/investment institutions UBS Group AG, Wells Fargo & Co, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America. After going public on May 1, 2024, Viking's IPO was priced at US$24 per share, reflecting an ~US$11 billion valuation (if fully distributed). The company plans to raise over US$500 million from potential private investors.

On September 9, 2024, Viking Holdings Ltd launched a secondary public offering of 30 million ordinary shares from Selling Shareholders. BofA Securities and J.P. Morgan acted as underwriters and representatives for the offering, while UBS Investment Bank and Wells Fargo Securities served as book-running managers.

In 2025, it was announced that by 2028, Viking Holdings will have 110 riverboats (including 26 new ones), and by 2031, 23 ocean-going vessels (including 11 new ones).

Company History

The VIKING cruise travel brand was officially launched on August 5, 1997.

Below is the company's 25th Anniversary video, released in 2022 and presented by Torstein Hagen, Viking Cruises' Founder, President, and CEO.

Note: On January 29, 2025, Viking Holdings appointed Leah Talactac as the company's President (effective immediately), also serving as its CFO/Chief Financial Officer. She reports directly to Torstein Hagen (who remains Chairman and CEO), and to the Board of Directors.

In 2022, Viking reported revenues of USD 3 billion and served approximately 470,000 tourists. As of 2023, the company owns and operates 9 ocean ships, 2 expedition ships, and 79 riverboats, with another 14 riverboats on order (slated to be operational by 2026) and 10 ocean ships ordered (to be operational by 2030).

The company's significant growth is supported by TPG Inc (formerly TPG Capital) and CPP Investments (Canada Pension Plan Investment Board), who joined Viking as minority shareholders in 2016. In November 2020, Viking announced investments from TPG Capital and CPP Investments, adding approximately USD 500 million in net proceeds to support Viking's development.

Viking Expeditions ships operate in the Arctic and Antarctica, the Great Lakes in the USA and Canada, and Viking Ocean operates globally.

Viking Riverboats operate on European inland waterways, including the Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel, Seine, Rhone, Saone, and Douro rivers, as well as in Asia (Mekong, Irrawaddy, Yangtze), Egypt (Nile, Lake Nasser), Ukraine (Dnieper), Russia (Volga, Svir, Neva, Lake Ladoga, Lake Baikal), and the USA (Mississippi).

Viking Cruises Ltd (shipowner) is the parent company of Viking Flusskreuzfahrten AG (Viking River Cruises) and KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH, which is a subsidiary of Koln-Dusseldorfer (also known as KD Cruises, formerly KD Line). KD Line, founded in 1826 and based in Cologne, operates a fleet of 14 cruise vessels (including "event ships" and a paddle steamer) deployed on the rivers Moselle, Rhine, and Main in Germany. Koln-Dusseldorfer was acquired by Viking in 2000.

Viking River Cruises holds 50% of North America's river cruise market share. Between 2011 and 2015, the company spent over USD 600 million on promotions. In May 2017, Viking celebrated its 20th anniversary. By 2027, the company's 16-ship ocean fleet will have a combined capacity of 16,930 berths, making Viking OCEAN the world's largest cruise company with ships under 1,000 passengers.

Since August 2018, Viking Cruises (both river and ocean brands) has been an adults-only company that does not allow minors (under 18 years of age) on its vessels.

On April 3, 2020, Viking launched Viking.TV (https://viking.tv/), an exclusive online TV channel providing enrichment content and real-time video streaming from locations worldwide. Viking.TV targets primarily non-cruising individuals (those staying at home), rather than travelers. The channel also features livestream sessions with experts, scientists, and celebrities, allowing real-time interaction through comments and questions.

Viking Cruises China

In early April 2019, Viking Cruises and China Merchants Group (China's first commercial corporation, founded in 1872) announced plans to launch a new cruise line (a joint venture company) for the Chinese market. China Merchants Group's shipbuilding subsidiaries will design and construct the newbuilds for the new company. As of 2020, Viking fully owned and operated a fleet of 6 ocean liners and 76 riverboats (almost all of which are of the patented Longship-Class).

On November 25, 2020, China Merchants Shekou and Viking officially signed the joint venture agreement for a separate (China-flagged) fleet of liners for coastal cruises. In mid-December 2020, Viking and China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings officially announced the creation of the new joint venture company "Viking China Coastal Cruise," focusing on mid-sized luxury voyages exclusively in China.

The new domestic travel brand (China Coastal Cruise Project) was scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2021 with Viking Sun transferred to the joint venture (news 8277). In January 2021, the vessel changed its registry from Norway to China to qualify for the Chinese coasting trade. As flag state, China allows the ship to visit seaports under China's cabotage rules, regulating the shipping of passengers and goods between two Chinese ports. The brand's enrichment program includes shipboard events (lectures, entertainment) and shore excursions focused on local history, traditions, nature, and food.

In China (on the Yangtze River), Viking Cruises operates the large-sized boat Viking Emerald under charter.

In October 2023, plans were announced for further investments in the Chinese market, including the introduction of two new riverboats in 2024 and ocean ship cruises in Europe and the Mediterranean tailored for Chinese consumers.

In October 2024, Viking Holdings and Fincantieri signed an agreement for the construction of up to 6 new vessels for Viking OCEAN. The units will be slightly larger (approximately 54,300 GT-tons with a maximum of 998 passengers), with an estimated order value between EUR 500M and 1B (USD 540M to 1.1B). The deal includes 2 confirmed units (scheduled for delivery in 2030) and 4 optional units (potentially completed in 2031-2032).

Viking RIVER CRUISES

As a division of Viking Cruises, Viking River Cruises holds an estimated 49% share of the European river market. Cruisetour itineraries range from 7 to 23 days and include regions along the European rivers Rhine, Main, Danube, Saone, Rhone, Seine, Elbe, and Douro, as well as the Dnieper in Ukraine, the Volga in Russia, the Yangtze in China, the Irrawaddy in Burma, and the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam. Most voyages are cruisetours and include river cruising, land tours, and hotel stays. All itineraries feature at least one tour or guided shore excursion per day (complimentary and included in the cruise fare).

Viking River Cruises offers travelers top-quality cruisetours aboard the world's newest and most innovative fleet of newbuild riverboats (designed with the patented "longship" design).

Viking's Longship fleet totals 65 boats, delivered between 2012 and 2021. Most were constructed by Neptun Werft GmbH in Rostock, and several by Meyer Werft GmbH in Papenburg (Alsvin, Bestla, Eistla, Ingvi, Lif).

On March 20, 2013, the newly renamed company "Viking Cruises" launched 10 ships simultaneously, entering the Guinness Book of World Records. Beginning on March 17, 2014, Viking christened 16 new boats in a 24-hour period, again setting an industry record. Viking named two more ships in Oporto (Portugal) on March 21.

On March 22, 2015, Amsterdam (Holland) hosted the naming ceremony for 12 longships. Their godmothers were from the USA (Los Angeles), the UK, and Russia. In 2015, Viking's river fleet expanded to 64 boats, 40 of which were longships (capacity 190 passengers), introduced in 2012.

During the 2015 christening, 8 longships were in Amsterdam, while the other 4 were named via live video link with the Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany. Two of the longships (Astrild and Beyla) were specifically designed for the Elbe River. These vessels feature a modified "baby Longship" design with only 2 decks (25% lighter) and a capacity of 98 guests (46 cabins).

On March 16, 2022, 8 riverboats were jointly christened: 4 in Paris (Fjorgyn, Kari, Radgrid, Skaga) and 4 in Amsterdam (Egdir, Gersemi, Gymir, Hervor).

On December 5, 2023, the company announced a shipbuilding order for 10 Viking Longships – 8 to be deployed on the rivers Rhine, Main, and Danube, and 2 in France (Seine River). The newbuilds were scheduled for delivery in 2025 (6 units: Annar, Nerthus, Gyda, Honir, Eldir, Dagur) and in 2026 (4 units, TBN).

Viking European River Cruises for Chinese Travelers

In the fall of 2016, Viking became the first European river cruise brand to offer voyages dedicated to Chinese tourists. The company dedicated two Longships, on which the primary onboard language is Mandarin.

The first Longship's 2016 itineraries (starting November 10) were on the Rhine, between homeports Amsterdam and Basel. The second Longship's 2017 itineraries were on the Danube. On both riverboats, all hotel staff spoke Mandarin, and all signage was in Mandarin (from menus to toiletries). The onboard cuisine included traditional Chinese dishes (prepared by Szechuan and Cantonese chefs) alongside European dishes by Michelin-star chefs.

After a 3-year hiatus, Viking resumed its European river cruise program for Chinese tourists in 2023 with Longship Viking Eistla (departing on June 1st from Amsterdam).

All excursion programs ashore are organized by Viking River Cruises. Each ship has 8 Mandarin-speaking tour guides assigned to groups of 25 passengers. The Rhine cruise program includes a shipboard overnight in Amsterdam and 3 days (2 shipboard overnights) in Basel with a Lake Lucerne tour. In Strasbourg, passengers take the high-speed TGV train to Paris. Optional (exclusive) deals include private jet travel (to any airport in Europe) for 1 day at the price of US$30,000 per person. Fares start from approximately US$4,300 per person.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) projections for 2020 predicted that the number of Chinese cruisers to Europe would be the same as, or larger than, the number of American cruisers.

Company History

Viking River Cruises is a global travel corporation (Viking Flusskreuzfahrten AG) headquartered in the USA. It all started in 1997 with the establishment of the modest Viking River brand, founded by a consortium of Scandinavian and Dutch investors, with only 4 second-hand riverboats purchased in Russia.

In the mid-1990s, the company's founder, Torstein Hagen, enjoyed a river cruise in Russia and was so excited that he decided to create his own river cruising company. He started in 1997 by purchasing four Russian vessels. In 2000, Viking acquired Koln-Dusseldorfer (KD River Cruises). The KD purchase included an extremely valuable asset – the landing stages, and now Viking Cruises owns docks in more cities in Europe than it stops in. This ensures prime docking locations, easy passenger access, and the ability to walk directly into town.

In 2000, Viking expanded into the U.S. market by establishing its U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles, California. In April 2004, Viking expanded in China with cruise tours on the Yangtze River, which also included hotel stays in various cities, mainly Shanghai and Beijing. As a result of newbuilds and acquisitions, by 2014, the company had a river fleet of 52 vessels with a total of 9,200 berths.

Worldwide, Viking Cruises employs over 2,500 staff and crew. The line's river cruises are primarily targeted at English-speaking travelers from the UK, North America, and Australia. Today, Viking manages the world's largest fleet of river cruise vessels.

In 2015, Viking's European river cruise sales slowed somewhat, partially due to reduced demand for cruises in Russia. Viking's Ukrainian and Russian ships were laid up, but their staff remained on the payroll. Prior to the 2015 slowdown, the company had reported steady growth of over 30% per year from 2010 to 2015. The company's turnover (gross revenue) from both river and ocean shipping operations for 2015 was approximately USD 2 billion.

In October 2017, Viking River Cruises announced a shipbuilding order for 7 new riverboats. Of those, 6 are Longships (Einar, Sigrun, Sigyn, Tir, Ullur, Vali) and one modified Longship design Douro River cruiser (Helgrim). The newbuilds were launched in 2019 and christened together on March 19. The 7-ship "virtual" naming ceremony was held via satellite connections and took place in 4 river ports – Basel, Switzerland (Sigrun and Einar), Rostock, Germany (Ullur and Sigyn), Brunsbuttel, Germany (Vali and Tir), and Oporto, Portugal (Helgrim).

For 2020, the launches and inaugurations of 6 more Longship-Class boats were planned – 4 with smaller capacity (168 pax) to be deployed year-round on the Seine River in France (Fjorgyn, Kari, Radgrid, Skaga) and 2 standard (190 pax) ships to be deployed on the Rhine River (Gersemi, Hervor). In March 2021, the last two ships on order with Neptun Werft, Egdir and Gymir, were delivered.

Viking River Cruises deals include staterooms, onboard dining, most cultural activities, and most shore excursions. Beer, soft drinks, and wine by the glass are included with lunches and dinners. Viking ships are nonsmoking (interior) with a dedicated smoking area on the sundeck. Since the focus is on port cities and river cruising, activities onboard are primarily geared towards enrichment lectures.

In Q3 2016, Viking Flusskreuzfahrten AG terminated its charter deals with Pericon AG (shipowner) and stopped operating the riverboats Viking Spirit (now Seine Comtesse), Viking Sun (now Rhein Melodie), Viking Helvetia (now Rhein Symphonie), Viking Pride (now Bijou du Rhone), and Viking Danube (now Filia Rheni 2).

Viking Cruises Longships

In 2009, the newly launched Viking Legend became the company's first riverboat fitted with hybrid (diesel-electric) engines. These new marine engines use 20% less fuel than conventional ones. The engine rooms are noise-insulated, reducing noise and vibration. The environmental impact is further reduced through the ship's membrane water treatment plant. In 2011, Viking Legend's sistership, Viking Prestige, was launched.

In 2012, the "Viking Longship" class of vessels was introduced. These ships all feature the same hybrid engine powerplant. They are environmentally friendly, with a patented interior design that creates 2-room suites, numerous French Balcony staterooms, full-sized rooms, and verandas. Two-thirds of Longship cabins feature French balconies, verandas, or both. Other features include the indoor-outdoor "Aquavit Terrace" (designed for outdoor relaxation and suitable for alfresco dining), large "Explorer Suites" with wraparound balconies (aft/stern location), an organic herb garden, and solar panels (on the Sun Deck).

Next, a YouTube video showcases the original longships of the Vikings.

The first 6 Longships were launched in 2012 and collectively won the "Best New River Ship" award. Ten more were launched in 2013, and an additional 18 launched in 2014 (including 2 smaller ships purpose-built for the Douro River in Portugal). All Viking Cruises Longships are named after gods and entities from Norse mythology. The following official video reviews the Viking Longship cruise experience.

Viking Mississippi River Cruises (USA)

The company plans to add cruise ships on the Mississippi River (USA). However, the process has been slowed due to issues related to the so-called "Jones Act" (Merchant Marine Act of 1920). This act imposes restrictions on where U.S.-based ships can navigate and how they must be staffed.

The company's plan to enter the U.S. river cruising market was officially announced in 2015. In October 2018, it was announced that the start-up with Mississippi-based boats would occur in 2021. By 2027, Viking plans to increase its annual river shipping capacity to over 100,000 passengers (compared to 50,600 in 2018) by deploying 6 boats. The 7-day American itineraries include round trips from New Orleans, as well as one-way cruises between New Orleans and Memphis, TN, and between St. Louis, MO and Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN.

Viking's USA-based riverboats will be newbuilds (vessel building cost ~USD 90-100 million per unit), each with 5 decks, a passenger capacity of 386, all-balcony staterooms (193 cabins total), an aft-located infinity pool, and a bow ramp (for passenger landings). All six ships will be built and owned by ECO Shipyards (a subsidiary of Edison Chouest Offshore, a marine corporation founded in 1960 as "Edison Chouest Boat Rentals") and operated under charter by Viking Cruises USA.

The first boat, Viking Mississippi, began operations in August 2022. Bookings opened in 2020 on March 31 for past customers and April 15 for the general public. Currently, Viking River Cruises USA offers 4 itineraries, themed as follows:

• "Heart of the Delta" (8-day from New Orleans to Memphis) – prices started from GBP 3,390 pp
• "America's Heartland" (8-day from St. Louis to St. Paul) – from GBP 4,790 pp
• "Southern Celebration" (8-day round trip from New Orleans) – from GBP 3,390 pp
• "America's Great River" (15-day from St. Paul to New Orleans) – from GBP 8,690 pp

The Viking Mississippi itinerary program includes visits to 7 states (Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota) and the port cities Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans, St. Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, Hannibal, St. Louis, Burlington, Dubuque, Davenport, La Crosse, and St. Paul.

Viking's main competitors in the American market are American Cruise Lines and American Queen Voyages (formerly AQSC).

Viking OCEAN CRUISES

In March 2016, Viking OCEAN confirmed an order for three more ocean vessels, which was increased to four in December 2017. By 2023, the newbuilds (by Fincantieri, Italy) expanded the fleet to 10 liners.

Viking OCEAN's main competitor on the European market is MSC Explora Journeys.

• The "9-vessel fleet" news was announced at the float-out ceremony of Viking Sky (March 2016). In April 2017, Fincantieri and Viking Cruises signed the MoA for the building of two vessels (the fleet's 7th and 8th) with the option for two additional ships.
• The "10-vessel fleet" announcement was made in December 2017 when Viking Cruises signed a shipbuilding order for the two optional vessels.

The "16-vessel fleet" news was announced on March 6, 2018, when Viking entered an agreement with Fincantieri for 6 more ocean vessels to be delivered between 2024 and 2027. In September 2022, Fincantieri and Viking entered into an agreement for 4 additional vessels (based on the option in the 2018-signed contract) with a total value of approximately EUR/USD 1.7 billion. Deliveries were scheduled for 2026 and 2027 (2 units) and 2028 (2 units).

Viking OCEAN's fleet consists of the following vessels: Star (2015), Sea (2016), Sky (2017), Sun (2017), Orion (2018), Jupiter (2019), Venus (2021), Mars and Neptune (2022), Saturn (2023), Vela (2024), Vesta (2025), Mira (2026 Jun), Libra (2026 Dec), and Astrea (2027 Jun).

• Each vessel has a max passenger capacity of 928 (plus 465 crew) and a building cost of ~USD 400 million (EUR 340 million).
• Unlike the preceding 10-ship series, Viking OCEAN's ships from the second/6-ship series (starting with Vela) are slightly larger (10 m longer, 2 m wider), with more staterooms (493 vs. 464) and greater passenger capacity (998 vs. 928).
• Viking Sun (2017) is also from this series but was transferred to the Viking China joint venture in 2021.
• Viking OCEAN's current plans are for a fleet of 16 sister ships, all of which are Fincantieri-built and Norway-flagged.

Fun fact: Only two Viking OCEAN ships (Orion and Jupiter) have a Planetarium. Named "Explorers' Dome," this theater-like venue is circular, with a capacity of 26 seats, located forward on Deck 8, facing the Explorers Lounge. It uses the latest video projection technology to show constellations and other space-related 3D videos on its domed roof.

Among the vessels' innovative marine technologies are energy-saving hybrid engines, top-deck solar panels, and pollution-minimizing exhaust systems. These ships also use seawater as a lubricant for their propeller shaft bearings. This technology lowers maintenance costs and also reduces the risk of sea pollution. The water used in place of biodegradable oils is directly discharged into the sea.

All Viking OCEAN ships offer destination-rich itineraries marked by "small ship cruise" tours and onboard experiences. Compared to similar-class vessels operated by other companies, Viking OCEAN itineraries feature fewer sea days, longer port stays, and many overnight ports of call.

On May 17, 2013, the company announced the launch of its "Viking Ocean" division, which led to modifying the parent company's name to "Viking Cruises." The Viking Ocean brand was introduced in 2015 with the Viking Star, which began operations with mostly one-way itineraries in the Baltic Sea (Scandinavia, Russia) and Mediterranean Sea.

After Walt Disney Cruise Line (with MS Disney Magic, launched in 1998), Viking became the second cruise brand company to launch a purpose-built passenger liner (Viking Star). All Viking Ocean ships are from one series – similarly designed, with identical layouts, interiors, and amenities, featuring spacious lounges, multiple dining options (several al-fresco/outdoor deck venues), a 3-story Atrium, a premium theater/show lounge, a Sun Deck (with 2 swimming pools), Nordic-design Spa, Gym, sports area, Snow Room, and duty-free boutique shops. The infinity pool (resistance swimming pool) on each ocean ship was a "first at sea" facility.

In mid-September 2016, it was announced that TPG Capital and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board intended to make a joint investment of USD 0.5 billion in Viking Cruises. The deal resulted in a combined 17% stake in Viking. The funding helped the company's growth, particularly in the ocean cruising market, and also strengthened its balance sheet as it branched into China (since 2016).

• Viking Ocean's port agent for China is Wallem Ship Agency China. The company is responsible for vessel berthing (cruise terminal arrangements), logistics, freshwater supply, customs, crew changes, and passenger disembarkation/embarkation.
• Wallem China (part of Wallem Group) has a network of 28 offices across Asia, with 8 in China. The shipping agency handles over 500 cruise ship calls annually. Their services also include drydock vessel support, newbuilding supervision, lifeboat servicing, and equipment testing.

In 2017, Viking signed a sponsorship deal with the National Geographic Society for the shooting of NatGeo's "Genius" (anthology series).

MV Viking Star became the world’s first ocean ship with a "snow room." It should be noted that the 2013-launched Viking Grace (a 2,800-passenger cruiseferry operated by VIKING LINE) was the first-ever passenger ship with a Snow Room. Viking Ocean ships’ Snow Grotto is a wellness retreat with powdery snow falling from the ceiling. The experience (which is beneficial to blood circulation) includes heating in a sauna (steam bath), then walking into this small room. It is fitted with benches and has dark stone walls illuminated by blue light. The snow on the floor is kept at sub-freezing temperatures. This Arctic-themed facility is part of the ship’s thermal suite (within the spa complex). This relaxation area includes 1 hot tub, a sauna room, heated ceramic loungers, therapeutic showers, and a salt-water thermal pool. Snow Grotto access is complimentary for all passengers.

On April 4, 2018, Viking and VARD (Norwegian subsidiary of the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri) signed a LoI (Letter of Intent) for designing and building 2 new-class ocean liners.

• The contract’s potential value is approximately NOK 5 billion (USD 611 million = EUR 525 million) for both ships, with an option for two more vessels of the same series.
• The shipbuilding contract was officially signed on July 23, 2018.

The liners will be developed by VARD Design (Norway) with hulls constructed in Romania (VARD Tulcea). If started, the project will result in building a new fleet.

Viking OCEAN Cruise Deals

Just like all Viking riverboats, Viking Ocean deals are inclusive of popular amenities, such as Wi-Fi Internet, alcohol (beer and wine at lunch and dinner), shore excursions (at least one in every port of call along the itinerary), spa usage (thermal pool, sauna, hot tub, Snow Grotto room with snow falling from its ceiling), Gym (fitness center), library (with books reflecting the cruise itineraries), 24-hour room service; absolutely all meals at any of the onboard restaurants; beverages (cappuccinos, espresso drinks), self-service laundry; in-room movies on demand, lectures, and airport-to-cruise port transfers. Additional costs are for spa massages, beauty salon services, specialty beer, premium alcohol (wine and spirits), and some shore excursions.

In early 2018, it was announced that the company raised USD 975 million through a private placement of USD 275 million (5.875% secured notes due in 2027) plus USD 675 million (5% secured notes due in 2028).

• The note proceeds were used to repay all the company's loans used to finance the building of the Viking Ocean liners Star and Sky and to repurchase Viking Sea (operated on a sale-leaseback agreement).
• As of January 2018, Viking Cruises operated a combined fleet of 62 riverboats plus 4 ocean ships. Ownership is split, with 1/5 (20%) of the company owned by TPG Capital (U.S. investment company) and CPP Investment Board (Canada Pension Plan).

The company’s net revenues for FY2017 were estimated at ~USD 1 billion.

Viking EXPEDITIONS

Viking Cruises' ocean liners have made the company the world’s largest "small ship cruise" brand, with a dominant share of the luxury travel market (23.9% by 2020). In 2019, the parent company also created the brand "Viking Expeditions" with a newbuild fleet of two small-sized expedition vessels – Viking Octantis (2021) and Viking Polaris (2022), plus an option for two more identical units.

Viking Expeditions (as a travel brand) was officially launched on January 15, 2020, with cruising operations starting in January 2022. Viking Expeditions ships are Norway-flagged (registered in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen), smaller-sized (GT 30,150 tons, LOA 203 m, beam 24 m) with reduced passenger capacity (378 each, plus 260 crew) compared to Viking Ocean's liners (930 passengers plus 465 crew). The vessels are constructed by the Norwegian shipbuilder VARD (Fincantieri's subsidiary). The ship's hull and superstructure are assembled at the shipyard in Tulcea, Romania, then towed to VARD Soviknes Shipyard (Alesund, Norway) for outfitting.

Traditionally for an expedition vessel, each Viking Expeditions ship has its own fleet of inflatable Zodiacs (speedboats used for passenger tendering and shoreside cruising), rigid-hulled inflatable boats (large-capacity unsinkable boats with rigid bottoms), and sea kayaks. The ship design features several spacious open-deck areas, including a Promenade Deck and a bow-located Observation Deck (forward on the Lounge Deck). Most passenger staterooms (189 total) have French balconies, excluding only Deck 6's Suites (OS-Owner, ES-Explorer). Cabin sizes range from 21 m² (Nordic Balcony/French Balcony) to 114 m² (Owner Suite with 73 m² Terrace Garden).

Viking's expedition fleet will primarily operate polar cruises in the European Arctic (Svalbard Islands and Arctic Russia, round trips from homeport Tromso, Norway) and Antarctica (round trips from homeport Ushuaia, Argentina, with fly-cruise packages from Buenos Aires, including an overnight hotel stay prior to departure and return flights). Other destinations include the Great Lakes, USA and Canada-New England.

Signature onboard facilities available on each Viking Expeditions boat include:

• Explorers Lounge (Decks 5-6, bow-facing) is a 2-deck, circular-shaped, glass-covered indoor observation lounge with wraparound windows. Explorers Bar is on Deck 5.
• Aula Auditorium (Deck 2 aft) is a glass-walled auditorium (with tiered seating) hosting lectures, media presentations, itinerary-themed port talks, and live entertainment programs. The lounge has floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows (providing 270-degree unobstructed views) and outdoor deck seating (Finse Terrace). Aula Auditorium also doubles as a Cinema, with a retractable screen covering the entire window wall towards the stern and the latest sound and visual equipment. Aula Auditorium provides direct access to Finse Terrace, making it an indoor-outdoor observation lounge.
• Finse Terrace is an outdoor lounge (adjacent to Aula Auditorium) with comfortable seating (padded sofas) and heated by firepits (heated lava rocks). Finse Terrace also offers alfresco dining and drinking when weather permits.
• Aft-located (at the stern) indoor-outdoor pool deck lounge (Aquavit Terrace) with 3 infinity pools – positioned side by side and covered by a retractable glass roof. Each swimming pool is at a different temperature, with the mid-pool offering an indoor-outdoor swimming experience.

Dining venues include The Restaurant (fine dining, regional cuisine specialties, classic dishes), The World Cafe (market-style buffet restaurant with an open kitchen, live cooking station, bakery, grill stations, seafood bar with premium sushi, and international food choices), Mamsen's Deli Restaurant (Deck 5, traditional Scandinavian dishes, Italian cuisine specialties) plus Room Service (24-hour, complimentary). Other venues include The Living Room, The Library Lounge, Auditorium Theater (Conference Room/Cinema), Expedition Central (Photography Studio/Photo Gallery/Coffee Bar), Nordic Spa Badestamp (Hot Tub Room), wellness complex (Hydrotherapy Pool, Spa Lounge, Gym, Saunas, Massage Rooms).

The Hangar is an aft-located indoor marina for launching the smaller-sized RIBs (rigid inflatable boats). The launch platform features a 26 m (85 ft) wide rollers-covered slipway (boat ramp) that allows safe and sheltered embarkation on the RIBs inside the ship.

The ship's expedition equipment is provided complimentary to all passengers (regardless of cabin category). It includes Zodiacs (military-type rigid inflatable high-speed boats used for landings and coastal cruising), 2-seater sea kayaks, two RIB boats (12 seats each), two mini-submarines (6-passenger, with revolving seats, spherical windows/270-degree), and an Expedition Kit (cold-weather boots, waterproof pants, snowshoes, trekking poles, skis, binoculars). Each tour boat is equipped with the latest Safety Equipment (satellite phone, VHF radio, ropes, life jackets, survival kits).

Exclusively for Viking Expeditions voyages, Viking Cruises has partnered with Cambridge University's Scott Polar Research Institute (Polar Museum), which specializes in polar research and glaciology. Scientists from the Institute undertake research on the ship and share their expertise with cruisers. Viking also partnered with Cornell Lab of Ornithology (a unit of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY), which specializes in global bird research. Ornithologists from Cornell Lab are always present on the ship to interact with passengers. Viking Cruises also partnered with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). NOAA scientists are present on all Great Lakes USA voyages to conduct research on local weather changes and ecosystems and give lectures themed on the Great Lakes region.

(Coronavirus Crisis) Passenger Shipping Pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Viking suspended passenger shipping operations fleetwide (ocean ships and riverboats worldwide) by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures from March 12, 2020, through July 2021. Fleetwide operations were initially planned to resume on October 1, 2020. However, due to ongoing travel restrictions in Europe and the USA, as well as Canada's and Australia's ban on cruise shipping, Viking canceled the entire 2020 program (river and ocean) in mid-August.

• VIKING OCEAN restarted operations on May 22, 2021, with Viking Venus (UK from Portsmouth, England).
• VIKING RIVER (European boats) resumed operations in July 2021 (Rhine, Douro, and France rivers), and VIKING's Egypt boat (Ra) restarted in August.
• In March-April 2021, Viking OCEAN announced plans to restart operations with Viking Venus ("England's Scenic Shores" UK coastal itineraries roundtrip from Liverpool and Portsmouth/since May 22), Viking Orion ("Bermuda Escape" 8-day itinerary roundtrip from homeport Hamilton/since June 15), and Viking Sky ("Iceland's Natural Beauty" 8-day itinerary roundtrip from homeport Reykjavik/since June 26). All these voyages were open for booking to UK residents only. In May, July-October departures (11-day roundtrips from Valletta, Malta) for the ships Viking Sea and Viking Venus were added.

All affected bookings received a 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) with rebooking or a 100% monetary refund. Fully refunded (100% in FCC) were also all pre-purchased Viking packages and services. The FCC is valid for 24 months (after cancellation), for any Viking cruise itinerary (river, ocean, expedition), and is fully transferable.

All bookings made by April 30, 2020, received a Risk-Free Guarantee that allows penalty-free cruise cancellations up to 24 hours prior to departure.

In January 2022, Viking became the world’s first (and only) cruise line to build full-scale PCR laboratories onboard all OCEAN and EXPEDITION ships. All passengers and crew are tested daily onboard, and Viking’s medical teams receive the results quickly. Each PCR lab contains equipment and chemicals for conducting test analysis. The components are kept in freezers and refrigerators, stored at the correct temperatures. Raa Labs (via RaaEdge/digital data processing system) gathers data from Wi-Fi sensors onboard, allowing real-time monitoring.

Here you can compare all Viking cruise ships (RIVER, OCEAN, EXPEDITIONS) and their itineraries, destinations, and departure dates. CruiseMapper provides you with free-of-charge schedules with listed cheapest ticket prices per person per itinerary.

In 2013, the company launched its new brand "Viking Ocean Cruises". Viking OCEAN's product was introduced in May 2015 with the launch of its first vessel MV Viking Star.

In 2019, the parent company created the brand "Viking Expeditions," with a newbuild fleet of two small-sized expedition vessels – Viking Octantis (2021) and Viking Polaris (2022), plus two more optional same-designed units.

Year-round European River Cruises

In May 2023, Viking announced the inauguration of a year-round river cruising program in Europe by introducing the new 10-day "Treasures of the Rhine" winter itinerary.

The voyage is between Amsterdam, Netherlands and Basel-Zurich, Switzerland (in both directions) and visits as call ports Amsterdam (overnight), Arnhem, Cologne, Middle Rhine/Lorelei Rock, Heidelberg, Speyer, Kehl-Strasbourg, Breisach, and Basel (overnight).

Viking's winter river cruise itinerary is run by the Longships/190-passenger boats Viking Alruna and Viking Tialfi.

The maiden voyage starts on December 23, 2023, with prices from EUR 1835 / GBP 1595 / USD 1970 per person for bookings made by June 30th.

(NEW) Longitudinal World Cruises 2025-2026

In 2023, celebrating the company's 25th anniversary, Viking EXPEDITIONS scheduled the "Longitudinal World Cruise I".

The 65-day itinerary (March 2 through May 5, 2023/ship Viking Octantis) visited 29 ports (9 countries, 3 continents) departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The voyage visited the Antarctic Peninsula, continued northward around Cape Horn, along South America's coast (Chile, Peru, Ecuador), passed through Panama Canal, then up to Mexico, Florida, USA, NYC, New York, Canada (Nova Scotia and Quebec), and via St. Lawrence River to Ontario and via Detroit, MI, ending in Milwaukee, WI. Fares started from USD 45,000 per person with double occupancy.

On September 12, 2023, departed "Longitudinal World Cruise II" (ship Viking Polaris). The longer/71-day itinerary visited 33 ports (10 countries, 3 continents). The voyage started in the USA (Duluth, MN) and ended in Argentina (Ushuaia), also visiting Antarctica.

The 70-day "Longitudinal World Cruise III" (ship Viking Polaris) was from Milwaukee, WI to Ushuaia.

The 71-day Grand Journeys offered unique travel experiences within a single itinerary, navigating North America's inland waterways and engineering marvels like the Welland Canal and Panama Canal, as well as the scenic Chilean Fjords/Patagonia.

Viking's Longitudinal World Cruises included chartered domestic flights in Argentina (between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires).

2025

Addressing the demand for Antarctic voyages, Viking EXPEDITIONS in December 2023 opened bookings for the season 2025-2026.

The program featured the 87-day "From the Arctic to Antarctica" itinerary (Nuuk, Greenland to Ushuaia) departing in September 2025 and passing through the Canadian Arctic, then North and South America's eastern coast, visiting ports in the Caribbean, the Chilean glaciers, and ending in Antarctica.

2026

In March 2024, bookings were opened for two grand voyages ("Longitudinal World Cruise VI" and "Longitudinal World Cruise VII") traversing from Antarctica to the Americas, plus "Viking World Journeys 2026" (from Los Angeles to London-Greenwich).

(ship Viking Octantis) The 69-day "Longitudinal World Cruise VI" (Buenos Aires to Milwaukee) groups 5 distinct itineraries spanning 9 countries. This voyage starts on February 24, 2026, and features a transition through Panama Canal with an optional excursion to the Galapagos. Pricing started at USD 96,000 per person, inclusive of business class airfare.

(ship Viking Polaris) The 63-day "Longitudinal World Cruise VII" (Buenos Aires to Milwaukee) groups 5 shorter itineraries (9 countries) starting on February 21, 2026. Fares started at USD 89,000 per person (inclusive of business class airfare).

(ship Viking Sky) The 121-day "Viking World Journeys 2026" (Los Angeles to London) encompasses 50 complimentary land tours and visits destinations in 23 countries. Prices started at USD 92,500 per person (inclusive of business class airfare).

VIKING RIVER Itineraries

In 2013, Viking had 37 operational riverboats. By the end of 2014, the fleet grew to 52. All European boats are Longships, with a passenger capacity of 190. Viking's ships in Russia have an average capacity of over 200, while Viking's ships in China accommodate up to 246 guests.

Note: "Longship" is a new patented ship design. "Modified" longships are smaller in size.

Viking river cruise itineraries range from 7 to 23 days. They are operated along the:

• European rivers Rhine, Main, Danube, Saone, Rhone, Seine, Elbe, and Douro
• Asian rivers – Ukraine's Dnieper, Russia's Volga/Svir, China's Yangtze, Myanmar-Burma's Irrawaddy, and Vietnam's Mekong.
• Some voyages (few in Europe, Egypt, Southeast Asia, and China) are "cruise tours." They include both the river cruising portion and hotel stays.

Viking's schedule for 2024 (March through November) included the new 12-day "Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary" cruisetour (from London, England to Paris, France) commemorating the Allies' "Operation Overlord" (Battle of Normandy). The cruisetour begins in London, where historic sites like Bletchley Park (the principal center for codebreaking during WW2), Churchill War Rooms (museum), Imperial War Museum London, Gunwharf Quays, Southwick House, and D-Day Museum are visited.

After 4 days in England, tourists arrive in Paris City to embark a Viking Longship. The roundtrip French itinerary visits Giverny (Claude Monet's farmhouse and gardens), Rouen, as well as Normandy's American Military Cemetery and the World War beaches.

As the unparalleled leader in river travel, boasting a fleet of 80 river ships and commanding over 50% of the market share for North American travelers, Viking continues to set the industry standard. The company's 2026 itineraries in Europe include:

• Danube Waltz (8 days; Budapest to Passau)
• Rhine Getaway (8 days; Amsterdam to Basel)
• Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days; Paris roundtrip)
• Lyon & Provence (8 days; Lyon to Avignon)
• Portugal's River of Gold (10 days; Lisbon to Porto).

All itineraries have at least one tour or guided shore excursion per day – all included in the fares.

Viking Mississippi (2022) is a 5-deck riverboat operated in the USA under charter.

• Aegir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria
• Alruna longship (Rhine) Germany, France, Switzerland
• Alsvin longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Astrild longship-modified (Elbe River) Germany, Czechia
• Atla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
• Baldur longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Bestla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland
• Beyla longship-modified (Elbe River) Germany, Czechia
• Bragi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland
• Buri longship (Saone-Rhone) France
• Delling longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
• Egil longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Austria, Germany, France, Hungary, Holland, Switzerland
• Einar longship (Moselle-Rhine-Dutch waterways)
• Eir longship (Rhine River) Germany, Holland
• Eistla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Embla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria
• Viking Emerald (Yangtze) China
• Forseti longship (Dordogne-Garonne-Gironde) France
• Freya longship (Danube) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
• Gefjon longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Czechia
• Gullveig longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Heimdal longship (Saone-Rhone) France
• Helgrim (Douro) Portugal, Spain
• Hemming (Douro) Portugal, Spain
• Herja longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Hermod longship (Saone-Rhone) France
• Hild longship (Rhine) Holland, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland
• Hlin longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Idi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Idun longship (Danube) Germany, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia
• Ingvi longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Jarl longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
• Kadlin longship (Danube)
• Kara longship (Rhine-Main-Danube - Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Kvasir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland
• Viking Legend (Danube) Austria, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia
• Lif longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
• Lofn longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Switzerland, Holland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, France, Slovakia, Czechia
• Magni longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
• Mani longship (Rhine) Holland, Switzerland, Germany, France
• Viking Mekong (2002), Viking Saigon (2021) and Viking Tonle (2025) - Mekong River, in Vietnam and Cambodia
• Mimir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary
• Modi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, France
• Njord longship (Danube) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
• Odin longship (Danube-Main-Rhine-Moselle) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, France, Czechia, Luxembourg
• Osfrid longship (Douro) Portugal and Spain
• Viking Prestige (Danube) Austria, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia
• Rinda longship (Danube) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria
• Rolf longship (Rhine)
• Sigrun longship (Moselle-Rhine-Dutch waterways)
• Sigyn longship (Rhine and Moselle)
• Sineus (Dnieper) Ukraine
• Skadi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland, Belgium
• Skirnir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Belgium and Slovakia
• Tialfi longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Tir longship (Danube-Rhine-Dutch waterways)
• Tor longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Torgil (Douro) Portugal, Spain
• Ullur longship (Danube)
• Vali longship (Rhine and Danube)
• Var longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Ve longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
• Vidar longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
• Vilhjalm longship (Danube)
• Vili longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia.
• (2021-built) longships on Rhine River - Egdir, Gymir
• (2020-built) longships on Seine River in France - Fjorgyn, Kari, Radgrid, Skaga, Nerthus
• (2020-built) longships on Rhine River - Gersemi, Hervor
• (2020-built) RheinGalaxie Eventschiff (KD Line, charter cruises between homeports Cologne and Dusseldorf)
• (2025-built) longships Annar, Nerthus, Gyda, Honir, Eldir, Dagur
• (2026-built) longships TBN5

Viking's Volga River (Russia) fleet consists of the boats Helgi, Truvor, Rurik, Ingvar, Akun.

Note: In 2025 and 2026, Viking's river fleet will be expanded with 10 new Longships, by adding 5 boats per year.

Viking Cruises Egypt & Asia

Ra (2018), Osiris (2022), Aton (2023), Hathor (2024), the 2025-built Sobek, Amun and Thoth, and the 2026-built Sekhmet and Ptah are the company's owned ships deployed on Lake Nasser/Nile River in Egypt. Viking also owns MS Antares (former Amarco hotelship) acquired in 2020.

Before the newbuild sisterships, Viking Cruises Egypt also chartered the boats MS Steigenberger Omar El Khayam (a Steigenberger-owned hotelship on Lake Nasser) and MS Mayfair (a privately-owned hotelship).

Century Legend and Century Paragon are the Yangtze River cruise ships in China. Both are privately owned and operated by Viking under a charter. These riverboats are also chartered by other major European lines, like AmaWaterways, Avalon, and Uniworld.

In Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos) Viking River Cruises charters riverboats from the Pandaw fleet - including the ships Katha Pandaw (as Viking Mandalay), and Orient Pandaw (as Viking Orient).

Above is the Viking Yangtze River (China) cruise itinerary map that shows all ports locations (along Yangtze River) as well as the domestic flight connections (Beijing-Xian-Chongqing and Shanghai-Wuhan).

In April 2024, Viking introduced land tours to Mongolia. The new "Spirit of Mongolia" cruisetour extension is a 5-night (pre- or post-cruise) guided extension offering a visit to the Gobi Desert out of Ulaanbaatar (aka Ulan Bator). Other ex-China cruisetour extensions included departures/tours from Hong Kong and Beijing. Viking’s new China itineraries (titled "Best of China", "China Discovery", "Classic China", "Coast & Wonders of China") are for the Viking Yi Dun ship.

Viking Cruises USA

Starting operations in 2022 with 1 ship (out of all 6 planned newbuilds), Viking's USA-based river cruise ships will be 5-deck, with all-balcony staterooms, aft-located infinity pool, bow ramp (for passenger landings).

All the 6 ships will be built and owned by ECO Shipyards (subsidiary of Edison Chouest Offshore) and operated under charter. The 8-day cruisetours include roundtrips from New Orleans, as well as one-ways between New Orleans and Memphis TN, and between St Louis MO and Minneapolis-Saint Paul MN.

Viking Mississippi cruise itineraries visit seven US states (Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota) and the riverport cities Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans, St Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, Hannibal, St Louis, Burlington, Dubuque, Davenport, La Crosse, Red Wing, Minneapolis-St Paul.

On July 2, 2020, Viking opened for booking its 2023 Mississippi River cruises. The first boat (Viking Mississippi) was scheduled to debut in August 2022 and sail on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, between homeports Saint Paul Minnesota, and New Orleans Louisiana.

Viking's first USA river voyages were highly anticipated when they were announced in April 2020. The strong demand led the company to open additional 2023 sailings sooner than expected.

Viking's arrival in the USA marked a significant commitment to economic and tourism development in numerous communities along the Mississippi River. It was anticipated that the new voyages would bring over 5,800 tourists to the region in 2022 and over 17,600 during the first full cruise season in 2023.

Viking Cruises Egypt

Since 2018, Viking River Cruises has been the first non-domestic company licensed to operate cruise ships on the Nile River in Egypt. The itineraries are operated by three new riverboats: Viking Ra (March 2018), Viking Osiris (August 2022), and Viking Aton (September 2023). Previously, Viking Egypt operated Nile River and Lake Nasser itineraries with two chartered ships: Steigenberger Omar El Khayam and Mayfair.

The Viking riverboats Ra, Osiris, and Aton operate exclusively on the Nile portion (roundtrip from Luxor). The sailings are offered with fly-cruise packages that include two domestic flights (Cairo-Luxor-Cairo). Viking's Nile River cruisetour is themed "Pharaohs and Pyramids".

The 12-day itinerary includes 7 days of cruising on the Nile River, starting with a 3-night hotel stay in Cairo and tours to iconic attractions such as the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Cruise tourists then fly to Luxor to visit Karnak and the Temples of Luxor before boarding the Viking cruise ship for a 7-night Nile cruise to Aswan and back. Excursions include a private visit to Nefertari's tomb (Valley of the Queens), as well as visits to Khnum Temple (Esna) and the Dendera Temple complex (Qena). A visit to a Nubian village is also included.

VIKING OCEAN Itineraries

VIKING OCEAN operates a fleet of newbuilds (identically designed vessels) named Viking Star (2015), Viking Sea (2016), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Orion (2018), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Neptune and Viking Mars (2022), Viking Saturn (2023), Viking Vela (2024), Vesta (2025), Mira (June 2026), Libra (December 2026), Astrea (June 2027).

Below is a list of the main Viking OCEAN itineraries, including themes and ports of call:

• Mediterranean cruises depart from: Turkey (Istanbul), Italy (Venice, Rome/Civitavecchia), and Spain (Barcelona).
• Northern Europe/Baltic cruises depart from the UK (London-Greenwich), Norway (Bergen), and Sweden (Stockholm).

All voyages include overnight stays in both the departure and final disembarkation ports.

In the UK, Viking OCEAN ships are homeported in London-Greenwich, England.

Repositioning cruises are officially themed as follows:

• Northbound Atlantic: "VIKING EMPIRE" (Istanbul-Stockholm)
• Southbound Atlantic: "PASSAGE THROUGH WESTERN EUROPE" (Bergen-Barcelona), "SCANDINAVIA TO SPAIN" (Stockholm-Barcelona)
• Baltic-UK: "BALTIC JEWELS and THE MIDNIGHT SUN" (Stockholm-London) and "INTO THE MIDNIGHT SUN" (Bergen-London)

Viking Baltic itineraries are operated in the summer, themed as "Viking Homelands" (14 nights in length). Baltic Sea routes visit 8 different countries, with a total of 11 cruisetours (all complimentary, included in the Viking Baltic deals prices). Viking Mediterranean itineraries are themed as follows:

• (Barcelona to Rome, 7 nights) "Romantic Mediterranean" (visits 4 countries, includes 8 land tours)
• (7 nights) "Mediterranean Getaway" (visits 3 countries, includes 6 land tours)
• (9 nights) "Empires of the Mediterranean" (visits 5 countries, includes 7 land tours)
• (12 nights) "Mediterranean Odyssey" (visits 6 countries, includes 10 land tours)
• (14 nights) "Mediterranean Explorer" (visits 5 countries, includes 12 land tours)

In May 2023, Viking EXPEDITIONS revealed 3 new Arctic voyages for the summer. Starting in July 2025, these new itineraries (ranging from 13 to 27 days) offer explorations of Canada and Greenland in the polar north, with two of the three voyages visiting the Canadian High Arctic.

The first itinerary, "Into the Northwest Passage" (July through September 2025), is a 13-day roundtrip from Nuuk, Greenland, visiting the Ilulissat Icefjord and the eastern entrance of the Northwest Passage in Pond Inlet, Canada.

The second itinerary, "Canada & Greenland Explorer" (July through September 2025), is a 15-day voyage between Toronto, Ontario, and Nuuk, visiting Arctic destinations in Canada and Greenland.

The 27-day "Canada & the Northwest Passage" itinerary (between Nuuk and Toronto, Ontario) is scheduled from July to September 2025.

In 2026-2027, Viking OCEAN will introduce 10 new European itineraries (Mediterranean, UK, Ireland, Baltic) ranging from 8 to 22 days. These voyages include 12 new ports for the company: Fowey, England, Bordeaux, France, Limerick (Foynes), Ireland, Riga, Latvia, Klaipeda, Lithuania, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Haugesund, Norway, Spain's Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Scotland's Fort William and Tobermory, and Karlskrona, Sweden.

The new ocean voyages are themed as follows:

• 8-day Amalfi Coast, Africa & Iberia between Rome and Barcelona
• 8-day Spain & Portugal Discovery between Lisbon and Barcelona
• 12-day Iberia, France & England Explorer between Lisbon and London
• 8-day Scandinavian Discovery between Oslo and Stockholm
• 8-day Baltic Discovery between Stockholm and Copenhagen
• 8-day Nordic Wonders between Oslo and Bergen
• 15-day British Isles & Ireland between London and Belfast
• 15-day Scandinavia & Baltic Capitals between Oslo and Copenhagen
• 15-day Scenic Scandinavia & Baltic Jewels between Bergen and Stockholm
• 22-day Icons of the Viking Age between Bergen and Copenhagen

Currently, Viking OCEAN’s fleet operates over 100 different itineraries, navigating across five oceans.

Viking's WORLD CRUISE record (2019-2020, Viking Sun)

On August 31, 2019, Viking Sun began the 245-day "Viking World Voyage 2019," spanning six continents and visiting 51 countries through 111 port calls (including 21 overnight stays). The London City (Port Greenwich) roundtrip itinerary was officially listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's "longest continuous passenger cruise".

VIKING OCEAN's 8-month long westbound voyage (officially named "Ultimate World Cruise") included a Transatlantic crossing (RepositionCruises.com) and a passage through the Suez Canal.

01 DecPunta Arenas, Chile

"Viking World Cruise 2019" prices started from USD 90,000 per person (with double occupancy).

VIKING EXPEDITIONS Itineraries

The inaugural cruise itineraries of both expedition vessels are 13-day polar voyages—one in Antarctica and the other in the European Arctic. Viking's Arctic cruises (to Svalbard Islands and Arctic Russia) are roundtrips from homeport Tromso, Norway and are priced from USD 14,000 per person (double-occupancy balcony cabin). Viking's Antarctic roundtrips are from homeport Ushuaia, Argentina, with prices starting from USD 15,000 per person (fly-cruise packages from Buenos Aires, including an overnight hotel stay before departure and return flights to Europe, USA, Canada, or Australia).

Below are listed all Viking Expeditions cruise itineraries by length and theme.

• 44-day "From the Arctic to Antarctica" (from Tromso to Ushuaia)
• 19-day "Antarctic and South America Discovery" (from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro)
• 18-day "South America and Antarctic Discovery" (from Rio de Janeiro to Ushuaia)
• 15-day and 13-day "Antarctic Adventure" (from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)
• 15-day "Atlantic and Equator Sojourn" (from Cork to Rio de Janeiro)
• 13-day "Arctic Adventure" (roundtrip from Tromso, Norway)
• 13-day "Viking's Northern Isles" (from Tromso to Cork)
• 13-day "Canadian Discovery" (from NYC, New York City to Toronto)
• 10-day "Caribbean Connections" (from Bridgetown to NYC, New York)
• 8-day "Niagara and the Great Lakes" (from Toronto to Milwaukee)
• 8-day "Undiscovered Great Lakes" (from Thunder Bay to Milwaukee)
• 8-day "Great Lakes Explorer" (from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay)
• 15-day "Great Lakes Collection" (from Toronto to Duluth, and the reverse)

Viking's Great Lakes cruises visit ports and destinations in Canada's Ontario province (Thunder Bay, Toronto, Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, Point Pelee National Park) and the USA's Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin states (Detroit, MI, Alpena, MI, Mackinac Island, MI in Lake Huron, Apostle Islands, WI, Houghton, MI on Lake Superior, Traverse City, MI, Milwaukee, WI on Lake Michigan, Duluth, MN) and feature passing through Soo Locks at Sault Ste Marie (Lake Superior - Lake Huron transition).

Viking's Canada cruises visit NYC, New York, Halifax, NS, Gulf of St. Lawrence (scenic cruising, Cape Breton National Park), Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Magdalen Islands, Quebec (scenic cruising), Cap-aux-Meules (Quebec), Sept-Iles, Quebec, Saguenay, Quebec (zodiac cruising through Saguenay Fjord), Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Montreal, Quebec, Seaway Locks (transit to Lake Ontario), Toronto, Ontario.

Viking's Antarctic cruises include 2 domestic charter flights (between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia) and an overnight hotel (in Buenos Aires, pre-cruise). Signature destinations include Beagle Channel (Glacier Alley) and Drake Passage, Cape Horn, Half Moon Island, Deception Island (Whalers Bay), Brown Bluff, Wiencke Island (Damoy Point), Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbor (Antarctic Peninsula).

Viking's Arctic cruises visit Tromso, Norway, Svalbard Islands, Norway, Polar Ice Cap (scenic cruising), Spitsbergen Island (Barentsburg, Smeerenburg, Barentsburg, Alicehamna/Alice Harbour, Hornsund, Nordfjorden, Liefdefjorden), Bjornoya (Bear Island), Barents Sea (cruising).