Viking has celebrated new accolades from Cruise Critic as the cruiseline received eight awards across the Luxury (Ocean), River, and Expeditions categories at the 2025 Best in Cruise Awards.
In the Luxury (Ocean) category, Viking received four awards: #1 Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Line, Best Enrichment, Best for Remote Workers and Best Spa – an award it has won every year since introducing ocean voyages in 2015. In the River category, Viking was recognised as Best for First-Timers and Best for Remote Workers. Additionally, for the third consecutive year, Viking was awarded Best for Light Expedition and Best Spa in the Expedition category.
“We are honoured that Cruise Critic’s editors and community members, many of whom are our guests, continue to recognise Viking across our river, ocean and expedition voyages,” Viking chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen said. “Thank you to our entire Viking family for consistently delivering experiences that make accolades like these possible. We take great pride in doing things differently, and we are pleased that our approach continues to resonate with both our guests and the respected experts at Cruise Critic.”
Cruise Critic’s Best in Cruise Awards
Cruise Critic’s Best in Cruise Awards honour the best lines and destinations of the year, as selected by the site’s team of experts. The awards also recognise the highest-rated lines of the year, based on reviews submitted by travellers themselves. Cruise Critic’s members and editors shared the following comments:
- #1 Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Line (Luxury Category): “Viking is the best…no detail [is] too trivial for the staff, from cabin assistance to meals and service…staff and crew were so warm and friendly. The onboard dining was great. My highest recommendation[s] for Viking are ports and locations…the excursions that Viking offers are the most diverse and interesting at each of their ports of call. Most importantly are the local guides Viking hires. I have never seen a more knowledgeable and dedicated group of people whose hospitality and warmth shine easily through them.” –Cruise Critic member CRF1
- Best Enrichment (Luxury Category): “Viking calls itself ‘The Thinking Person’s Cruise’, and it delivers. Guests enjoy TED-style talks, lectures from Resident Historians…Viking.TV brings enrichment straight to your stateroom, while every itinerary includes complimentary cultural excursions, with extra hands-on learning experiences like shopping with the chef for regional ingredients. With no casinos or kid-oriented distractions, Viking makes learning the ultimate luxury.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best for Remote Workers (Luxury Category): “With their cozy and sophisticated Scandinavian design, Viking’s ocean ships are ideal for cruisers looking to put in some work during their travels. Whether you’re cozying up in Mamsen’s, soaking up the sun in the Wintergarden or chilling in The Atrium, Viking’s ships provide numerous quiet and semi-private spaces to catch up on tasks. And did we mention Wi-Fi is always included? Moreover, all Viking ocean ships are designed virtually the same so no matter which vessel you choose, you’ll find the same appealing environment.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best Spa (Luxury Category): “Viking’s LivNordic Spa redefines relaxation with an experience rooted in authentic Scandinavian wellness. Every guest enjoys complimentary access to the serene thermal suite, complete with a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, cold bucket shower and even a snow grotto so you can complete a full Nordic bathing ritual. Treatments are designed in-house by Viking, not an outside brand, and they blend signature Nordic ingredients and techniques for a serene spa experience that’s rejuvenating and unique among luxury cruise lines.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best for First-Timers (River Category): “Viking is tops for first-time river cruisers. The cruise line that has been sailing Europe’s rivers and beyond since 1997 has perfected its itineraries, offering the best docking spots in virtually every port and city. Viking has thought of every detail, removing any worry from cruisers who will feel supported from the time they book to the moment they return home. Transfers are easy, cruise extensions are plentiful and customer service is prompt. Viking creates a seamless journey so first-time cruises can relax and explore with total peace of mind.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best for Remote Workers (River Category): “Viking has built an impressive fleet of nearly identical river ships, filled with spaces to get away and find a little privacy, which makes it a great fit for anyone trying to blend a little work with their vacation. Internet on board is strong, and it’s included in the price of your cruise. You can even find a good connection in your stateroom, which isn’t always possible when cruising. The low-key vibe on board, with few interruptions, allows guests to meet virtually and keep up with work without distraction.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best for Light Expedition (Expedition Category): “Viking makes exploration accessible without sacrificing comfort. Its purpose-built expedition ships feature The Hangar, housing submarines, Special Operations Boats, kayaks and Zodiacs at water level for quick deployment. Guests venture into the wilderness safely under expert guidance, with a relaxed, inclusive pace ideal for those seeking adventure without extremes. Quality gear, a science lab, lecture theater and Nordic-inspired design enhance every voyage. From Antarctica to the Great Lakes, Viking’s ‘light expedition’ style blends scientific curiosity, modern luxury and thoughtful accessibility for all travellers.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best Spa (Expedition Category): “While spas are a luxury and often an afterthought—on most expedition cruise lines—Viking’s expedition ships deliver unparalleled relaxation and thermal suites that are unmatched. The LivNordic spa, a guest favourite on Viking’s ocean ships, brings the line’s distinctive Scandinavian approach to wellness to its expedition fleet, complete with a hot-and-cold journey through cold dump buckets and steamy saunas. After a day exploring, especially in destinations like Antarctica, it’s tough to imagine anything more rejuvenating than time in the thermal spa and a deep massage. On Viking’s expedition ships, it’s a luxurious reality.” –Cruise Critic editors
Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of recent accolades for Viking. Viking was rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Conde Nast Traveler for the fifth year in a row in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honours by both publications. Also, for the fifth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named Viking the “Best Luxury Line,” “Best Line for Couples” and “Best Line in the Mediterranean” in the publication’s 2026 Best Cruise Line rankings.
Additionally, AOL named Viking the Best Cruise Line in its Best of 2025 list and Viking’s ocean ships continue to earn “Recommended” ratings in the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands.
