An Introduction to Viking
Viking has redefined contemporary cruising through its dedication to destination-centric travel across rivers, oceans, and expeditions. It provides a refined and tranquil experience for inquisitive, mature travellers desiring to explore the world's eminent waterways and distant frontiers. Viking is distinguished by its culturally enriching itineraries, elegant Scandinavian design, and a focus on intellectual and cultural immersion.
A Brief History
Viking was founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen with the vision of offering destination-focused itineraries. It began as Viking River Cruises, quickly growing to become the world's largest river cruise line with its innovative "Longships." The company expanded into the American market in 2000.
In 2015, Viking made a significant leap into ocean cruising with the launch of Viking Star, bringing its signature destination-rich approach and all-balcony ship concept to the high seas. This marked the beginning of Viking Ocean Cruises, which quickly earned accolades for its elegant, mid-sized ships that offered a relaxed atmosphere without casinos or children under 18. More recently, in 2022, Viking further diversified its offerings with the launch of its purpose-built expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, extending its reach to the Arctic, Antarctic, and North America's Great Lakes, cementing its position as a truly global cruise and expedition company.
The Fleet: Rivers, Oceans, and Expeditions
Viking operates three distinct fleets, each designed to provide a specific, immersive travel experience, all united by their commitment to destination enrichment and understated elegance.
River Ships
Longships
Design and Features: Viking Longships are characterised by their sleek, Scandinavian design, emphasising light-filled public spaces and comfortable accommodations. They are engineered to navigate Europe's storied rivers like the Rhine, Main, and Danube, as well as the Seine, Rhône, and Douro, among others. Key features include:
Aquavit Terrace: A revolutionary indoor/outdoor lounge and dining area at the bow, offering panoramic views.
Veranda Staterooms and Suites: Many cabins feature full-size verandas or French balconies, allowing guests to enjoy fresh air and scenic views directly from their rooms. Some even boast true two-room suites with separate living and sleeping areas.
Scandinavian Elegance: The decor is understated and elegant, focusing on comfort and functionality.
Environmentally Considered: Many Longships incorporate environmentally friendly features such as solar panels and energy-efficient hybrid engines.
Intimate Size: Most Longships accommodate 190 guests or fewer, fostering a more intimate atmosphere compared to larger ocean cruise ships.
Douro Ships
Custom-Built for the Douro: The primary differentiation is their size. To traverse the Douro's narrower passages and lower bridges, these ships are significantly shorter than the typical 443-foot Viking Longships. Most Douro ships are around 262 feet long, designed specifically for this river.
Intimate Capacity: Due to their smaller size, they accommodate fewer guests, typically around 106 passengers (compared to 190 on standard Longships). This creates an even more intimate and personal cruising experience.
Shared Design Philosophy: Despite the size difference, they retain Viking's signature Scandinavian design, emphasising elegance, comfort, and ample natural light. You'll still find:
Aquavit Terrace: While it might be a slightly modified version compared to the larger Longships, the spirit of an indoor/outdoor lounge and dining area with panoramic views is maintained.
Veranda Staterooms and Suites: Many cabins offer verandas or French balconies, allowing guests to enjoy the picturesque Douro Valley scenery from their private spaces.
Public Spaces: Lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows, a main restaurant, and a sun deck are all part of the experience.
Unique Amenity: Swimming Pool: A notable feature on Viking's Douro ships that is not present on all standard Longships is a swimming pool on the sun deck. This is a welcome addition given the warmer climate of the Douro region.
Elbe Ships
Custom-Built for the Elbe: These vessels are purpose-built with customised hulls and engines to handle the Elbe's specific depths and bridges. They have a shallow draught (approximately 1.15 meters) and typically feature two decks, distinguishing them from the larger, standard Longships. Their wheelhouses can also be fully lowered for passing under low bridges.
Design and Features: Despite their adapted size, they retain Viking's signature Scandinavian design, emphasising sleek interiors, comfortable accommodations, and light-filled public spaces. Key features include:
Aquavit Terrace: An indoor/outdoor lounge and dining area providing panoramic views.
Veranda Staterooms and Suites: Many cabins offer full-size verandas or French balconies, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery from their rooms.
Intimate Public Areas: They feature a lounge and bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a restaurant with panoramic views, and a sun deck.
Guest Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, a library corner, an onboard boutique, and in-cabin infotainment systems are standard.
Intimate Capacity: To suit the Elbe's characteristics, these ships are more intimate, typically accommodating around 98 guests in 49 staterooms. This fosters a more personal cruising experience.
Seine ships
Custom-Built for the Seine: These vessels are designed with customised hulls and engines to seamlessly navigate the Seine River. A key advantage of their design is their ability to dock at an exclusive location in the heart of Paris, often just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, providing unparalleled access to the city.
Shared Design Philosophy: While adapted for the Seine, they maintain the core elements of Viking's award-winning Longship design. This means guests can expect:
Scandinavian Interiors: Streamlined, elegant, and comfortable public spaces that prioritise natural light and views.
Aquavit Terrace: A popular indoor/outdoor lounge and dining area at the bow, offering panoramic vistas of the passing scenery.
Variety of Staterooms: They offer a range of comfortable outside staterooms, including those with full-size verandas, French balconies, and spacious Explorer Suites with private wraparound balconies.
Sustainable Features: Many of these ships incorporate environmentally friendly technologies like hybrid propulsion systems with batteries, exhaust gas after-treatment, and shore power capabilities to reduce emissions while in port, as well as onboard solar panels for energy efficiency.
Capacity: These ships typically accommodate 168 guests in 84 staterooms. This intimate size ensures a personalised and relaxed cruising experience.
Egypt River Cruise Ships
Custom-Built for the Nile: Viking's Nile ships are engineered to meet the unique requirements of the river, ensuring smooth navigation. They combine the signature Scandinavian design found on other Viking vessels with elements tailored for the Egyptian environment.
Design and Features: These elegant, state-of-the-art ships offer a high standard of comfort. Key features often include:
Indoor/Outdoor Aquavit Terrace: This popular Viking feature provides a space for dining and lounging with panoramic views, often incorporating both Egyptian and international cuisine.
Veranda Staterooms and Suites: Many cabins offer French balconies or full-size verandas, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery. Suites typicaly feature two full-size rooms and a veranda.
Enrichment Focus: In line with Viking's "Thinking Person's Cruise Line" philosophy, the ships feature a lecture hall and a library with extensive resources on Egyptian history and culture. Onboard programming and expert Egyptologists enhance the destination immersion.
Enrichment Focus: In line with Viking's "Thinking Person's Cruise Line" philosophy, the ships feature a lecture hall and a library with extensive resources on Egyptian history and culture. Onboard programming and expert Egyptologists enhance the destination immersion.
Modern Amenities: Guests can expect amenities like Wi-Fi connectivity, individual climate control, and flat-screen TVs with infotainment systems in their cabins.
Distinctive Square Bow: A unique design element seen on many of Viking's newer Nile ships.
Indoor/Outdoor Aquavit Terrace: This popular Viking feature provides a space for dining and lounging with panoramic views, often incorporating both Egyptian and international cuisine.
- Enrichment Focus: In line with Viking's "Thinking Person's Cruise Line" philosophy, the ships feature a lecture hall and a library with extensive resources on Egyptian history and culture. Onboard programming and expert Egyptologists enhance the destination immersion.
- Intimate Capacity: To ensure a personalised experience, Viking's Nile ships are designed for a smaller number of guests. Most accommodate around 82 guests in 41 staterooms, creating an intimate atmosphere. The Viking Ra, an earlier ship, had a capacity of 48 passengers.
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- Mississippi River USA
- Inspired Design, American Adaptation: While inspired by the clean Scandinavian design of their European Longships and ocean vessels, Viking's Mississippi ships are purpose-built for the Mississippi River. They eschew the traditional paddlewheel steamboat aesthetic common on the river in favour of Viking's modern, elegant style.
- Generous Space and Amenities: These ships are considerably larger and wider than Viking's European Longships, allowing for more expansive public spaces and larger staterooms. Key features include:
- Aquavit Terrace: A popular indoor/outdoor lounge and dining area.
- The Bow: A quiet sitting area at the front of the ship.
- Explorer's Lounge and Bar: A grand, two-story lounge with panoramic views of the river.
- River Café: A dining venue offering American classics and Norwegian specialities.
- Sun Terrace with Infinity Plunge Pool: A distinctive feature providing a refreshing outdoor space.
- 360-degree Promenade Deck: Allowing guests to stroll and enjoy continuous views of the scenery.
- All Outside Staterooms: All cabins feature private balconies (either veranda or French balcony), with the largest accommodations being expansive Explorer Suites with wraparound verandas.
- Capacity: The Viking Mississippi, the flagship for this region, accommodates 386 guests in 193 all-outside staterooms. This makes it one of the largest and most modern passenger vessels on the Mississippi.
- Focus on American Heritage: Cruises on the Mississippi delve into the rich history, music, and culture of America's heartland and the South. Itineraries explore diverse regions from New Orleans to St. Paul, with included shore excursions and onboard enrichment programs focusing on local traditions like New Orleans jazz and Delta blues.
- Count of Mississippi River Ships: Currently, Viking operates one primary ship on the Mississippi River: Launched in 2022, the Viking Mississippi was custom-built in the U.S. and has been specifically designed to navigate the varying depths and conditions of the Mississippi River. While Viking had initially projected a fleet of multiple ships for the Mississippi, Viking Mississippi remains their dedicated vessel for this region.
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Asian Ships
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Mekong River Ships (Cambodia & Vietnam)Viking's Mekong River ships are custom-built to navigate the specific conditions of this Southeast Asian waterway, which flows through Vietnam and Cambodia.Design and Features: These ships feature Viking's characteristic clean, Scandinavian design, adapted with elements that reflect the local culture. They offer comfortable staterooms, often with outdoor verandas or large windows for panoramic views. Public areas are bathed in light and designed for relaxation. Amenities typically include a main dining room, lounge, and sun deck.Capacity: Viking's Mekong ships are intimate, designed to host around 80 guests. This smaller size allows for a more personalised experience and access to more remote areas.Focus on Destination: Mekong itineraries are highly focused on the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam and Cambodia. Guests explore ancient Khmer architecture, vibrant floating markets, charming villages, and bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, with included excursions and cultural performances.Count of Mekong Ships: Viking operates dedicated ships on the Mekong. These include:Viking Saigon (launched 2021)Viking Tonle (launched 2025)Viking Mekong (an older handcrafted vessel, sometimes part of the fleet)
Yangtze River Ships (China)
Viking previously operated cruises on China's Yangtze River, known for its dramatic Three Gorges and historical significance.
Design and Features: The Viking Emerald was Viking's primary ship on the Yangtze. Unlike the smaller Longships, the Emerald was a larger vessel with four passenger decks and a sun deck, providing ample public spaces including shops, a spa, and an Internet cafe. It offered spacious staterooms and suites, all with full verandas.
Capacity: The Viking Emerald accommodated 256 guests, making it a larger vessel than Viking's European river ships, tailored for the Yangtze's conditions.
Current Operations: While Viking has historically sailed the Yangtze, the focus of their current Asia river cruise offerings seems to be primarily on the Mekong. It's advisable to check Viking's official website for the most up-to-date information on their current itineraries in China.
Irrawaddy River Ships (Myanmar/Burma)
Viking also offered cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, providing a glimpse into the country's ancient cities and serene landscapes.
Design and Features: The Viking Mandalay was a handcrafted ship specifically designed for the Irrawaddy, accommodating fewer guests in an intimate setting. It featured river-view staterooms with large windows, hotel-style beds, and private deck space. Onboard, guests would find a dining room and a sun deck.
Capacity: The Viking Mandalay had a capacity of 60 guests.
Current Operations: Similar to the Yangtze, Viking's operations on the Irrawaddy River may vary due to regional factors.
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Ocean Ships:
Viking's ocean fleet comprises identical, mid-sized sister ships, offering an elegant "small ship" experience (designed for 930 guests), with every stateroom featuring a veranda.
Viking Astrea | Viking Jupiter | Viking Libra | Viking Mars | Viking Mira | Viking Neptune | Viking Orion | Viking Saturn | Viking Sea | Viking Sky | Viking Star | Viking Vela | Viking Venus | Viking Vesta | Viking Yi Dun.
Features: The Nordic Spa, The Liv Nordic Spa, Explorer's Lounge, Wintergarden, multiple dining venues, included excursions, no casinos, no children under 18.
Expedition Ships (Polar Class):
Purpose-built for exploration in extreme environments, these ships combine luxury and capability, featuring an in-ship "Hangar" for launch of Zodiacs, kayaks, and submarines, and extensive scientific facilities.
Viking Octantis | Viking Polaris
Features: The Aula (panoramic auditorium), Finse Terrace, Nordic Balconies, expedition equipment, science lab, all-suite accommodations.
Current Starting Ports and Itineraries (2025-2026)
Viking's global reach is vast, offering cruises on nearly every continent, leveraging its distinct river, ocean, and expedition fleets. Their itineraries are designed to maximise time in port and offer a deep cultural immersion.
Ocean Cruise Starting Ports & Itineraries:
Europe: From Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Piraeus (Athens), Southampton, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Bergen, Istanbul, or Lisbon, exploring the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, and Arctic.
North America: From Seattle, Vancouver, New York, or Boston for Alaska, Canada & New England, or repositioning voyages.
Asia & Australia: From Tokyo (Yokohama), Singapore, Sydney, or Auckland for Far East, Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand itineraries.
South America & Antarctica: From Buenos Aires, Santiago (San Antonio), or Ushuaia for South American coastal journeys and Antarctic expeditions.
World Cruises: Global circumnavigations typically starting from Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, or London (Greenwich).
River Cruise Starting Ports & Itineraries (Examples):
Europe: Amsterdam, Basel, Budapest, Passau, Paris, Prague, Lisbon, Porto, Berlin (via Potsdam/Elbe River), Lyon for Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, and Elbe rivers.
Asia: Beijing/Shanghai (for Yangtze), Siem Reap (for Mekong)
Africa: Luxor (for Nile).
Expedition Cruise Starting Ports & Itineraries (Examples):
Polar Regions: From Ushuaia (Argentina), Longyearbyen (Svalbard), or Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) for Antarctica and Arctic expeditions.
North America: From Toronto, Milwaukee, or Duluth for Great Lakes & Canada itineraries.
South America: Santiago (San Antonio) or New York for coastal expeditions combining South America, the Caribbean, and North America.
Here's a comprehensive list of Viking's major starting ports across its three segments the links will direct you to whatsinport.com:
North America (USA & Canada):
Boston, MA, USA | Duluth, MN, USA (Expedition - Great Lakes) | Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA | Los Angeles, CA, USA | Milwaukee, WI, USA (Expedition - Great Lakes) | Montreal, QC, Canada | New York, NY, USA | Quebec City, QC, Canada | San Diego, CA, USA | San Francisco, CA, USA | Seattle, WA, USA | Seward, AK, USA | Toronto, ON, Canada (Expedition - Great Lakes) | Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Europe (UK & Continental Europe - Ocean & River):
Amsterdam, Netherlands (River & Ocean) | Basel, Switzerland (River) | Barcelona, Spain (Ocean) | Bergen, Norway (Ocean) | Berlin, Germany (River - via Potsdam) | Bordeaux, France (River) | Budapest, Hungary (River) | Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Ocean) | Copenhagen, Denmark (Ocean) | Dover (London), England, UK (Ocean) | Dublin, Ireland (Ocean) | Edinburgh (Leith), Scotland, UK (Ocean) | Livorno (Florence), Italy (Ocean) | Hamburg, Germany (Ocean) | Istanbul, Turkey (Ocean) | Kiel, Germany (Ocean) | Lisbon, Portugal (Ocean & River) | London (Greenwich), England, UK (Ocean) | Lyon, France (River) | Marseille, France (Ocean) | Oslo, Norway (Ocean) | Paris, France (River) | Passau, Germany (River) | Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Ocean) | Porto, Portugal (River) | Prague, Czech Republic (River) | Reykjavik, Iceland (Ocean) | San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA (Ocean) | Southampton, England, UK (Ocean) | Stockholm (Nynäshamn), Sweden (Ocean) | Trieste, Italy (for Venice) (Ocean) | Warnemünde (Rostock), Germany (Ocean).
Asia & Middle East:
Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand (Ocean) | Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Vietnam (River - for Mekong) | Hong Kong, China (Ocean) | Luxor, Egypt (River - Nile) | Phnom Penh, Cambodia (River - Mekong) | Shanghai, China (River - for Yangtze) | Singapore (Ocean) | Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan (Ocean).
Australia & New Zealand:
Auckland, New Zealand (Ocean) | Brisbane, Australia (Ocean) | Sydney, Australia (Ocean).
South America & Antarctica:
Buenos Aires, Argentina (Ocean & Expedition) | Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (Expedition) | Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway (Expedition) | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Ocean) | San Antonio (Santiago), Chile (Ocean & Expedition) | Ushuaia, Argentina (Expedition).
Official Websites
Viking maintains a consistent online presence globally, emphasising direct booking for its destination-focused voyages.
USA: River, Ocean, & Expedition Cruises Around the World | Viking®
UK: River, Ocean, & Expedition Cruises Around the World | Viking®
A Word of Caution: Cruise Scams
When considering a culturally immersive journey with Viking, it is vital to remain vigilant against potential scam attempts that are regrettably common in the travel industry. Viking, like other reputable cruise lines, is a target for fraudsters. Be particularly aware of these common red flags:
"Free Cruise" or "Exclusive Event" Offers: Be highly suspicious of any unsolicited calls, emails, postcards, or social media messages claiming you've won a free Viking cruise or an invitation to an "exclusive focus group" or "travel event" where a cruise prize is guaranteed. These almost always lead to high-pressure sales pitches for unrelated products (like vacation clubs), demands for payment for hidden "taxes" or "fees," or attempts to collect your personal data. Viking has been specifically targeted by these types of "giveaway" scams.
Fake Websites and Phishing Attempts: Scammers create highly convincing fake websites that mimic Viking's official site or reputable travel agencies. They also send deceptive phishing emails that look legitimate. Their goal is to trick you into entering your login credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive personal information. Always manually type the official website address (vikingcruises.com or vikingcruises.co.uk) into your browser's address bar or use trusted bookmarks. Double-check the URL carefully before entering any data.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of any offer that demands an immediate decision due to a "limited-time offer" that will expire in minutes or hours. This tactic is used to prevent you from doing proper research or verifying the offer's legitimacy.
Requests for Unusual Payment Methods: Never agree to pay for a cruise via untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency if requested by an individual or an unverified entity. Legitimate cruise lines and their authorised partners use secure, traceable payment methods (e.g., credit cards).
To ensure your enriching journey begins safely and securely, always book directly through the official Viking Cruises website for your region or through a well-established, reputable travel adviser who is familiar with Viking's offerings. If an offer feels suspicious, or if you receive any communication that raises red flags, contact Viking Cruises directly using the official phone numbers and contact information found on their verified website, not from the suspicious offer itself. Embrace your spirit of discovery with complete peace of mind.
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