How Viking cracked 25 years in style

By James Harrison

Viking, a river, ocean and expedition cruise line, celebrated its 25th anniversary at the beginning of this month.

Having started with four river ships in 1997, today Viking has an award-winning fleet of over 80 and this is in part because the cruise line gears itself towards passengers who think of travel not just about collecting destinations, but about experiencing the essence of every place they visit.

Like any cruise line, Viking has its desired audience in mind and has crafted its journeys to reflect this.

Those on board have an appreciation of culture, food, wine, art, classic Scandinavian style, and exploration which the cruise line aims to meet through its European itineraries. Travellers often find themselves amazed by the unique experience that Viking offers.

“What an extraordinary way to experience Europe! From the warm welcome at check-in, the gourmet meals and wine throughout, the new friends made onboard, and the huge selection of thoughtfully prepared day activity options. Viking truly is a five-star delight — we loved it,” Thea Bainbridge from Travel Associates said.

The cruise line prides itself on understanding its ideal passenger. This means that travellers on board Viking ships know they can rely on well-suited hospitality.

Viking strives for meaningful experiences for the thinking person and makes no apologies for their no kids, no casinos approach to cruising.

The cruise line also stands by its policies that don’t charge extra for cruise activities and items that it sees as part of the experience. Passengers won’t find themselves paying a cent for spa entrance, beer or wine with lunch and dinner, alternative restaurants, WiFi, or self-service laundry, amongst other cruising activities and items while onboard a Viking voyage.

This, along with high-quality service and a sense of what makes a voyage so unique, is why Viking has grown exponentially over the years.

“I recommend Viking for my clients because I know their experience will be without fault and a trip of a lifetime,” Lucy Bellamy from itravel said.

“The Viking quality, style and service is exceptional. Every hard-earned accolade is well deserved. They are hands down, my favourite cruise line”

On its journey, Viking has accumulated more than 250 awards for its Nordic-style spaces, cuisine and service, and is now the first company ever to be simultaneously named the #1 Ocean Line and #1 River Line in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 “World’s Best” Awards.

Today, the cruise line is onto its next project: perfecting expedition voyages, with its newly designed expedition ships. In January, it launched Viking Expeditions and the first of two purpose-built expedition vessels, Viking Octantis, which has completed her first Antarctica season and is currently sailing her inaugural season in the Great Lakes of North America.

Viking has also welcomed eight new Viking Longships and a new ocean ship, Viking Mars. Soon to come this year are new purpose-built vessels for the Nile, Mekong, and Mississippi Rivers plus a second expedition ship, Viking Polaris, and another ocean ship, Viking Neptune.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Viking are offering savings of up to $8000 for its voyages. Find some of them below: