Viking Cruises has spent nearly thirty years building a fleet that now spans rivers, oceans, and remote polar waters, all under a single promise: travel should center on the destination, not the ship.
From rivers to the ends of the Earth
The company launched in 1997 with European river voyages. By 2000, it entered the U.S. market, opening a sales office in Los Angeles. Today, Viking operates more than 90 vessels across seven continents, offering itineraries that emphasize cultural immersion through shore excursions in every port, onboard lectures, local performances, and cooking demonstrations.
Its expansion gained momentum in 2015 with the debut of its first ocean ship, the 930-guest Viking Star. The ocean fleet now includes 12 ships, among them the Viking Vela, which began service in 2024 with space for 998 guests. The latest addition, Viking Vesta, joined in 2025.
These ocean ships are built to dock in smaller ports, allowing passengers more time ashore. Each vessel features Scandinavian-inspired interiors, private verandas in every stateroom, multiple dining venues, an infinity pool, and a two-deck Explorers’ Lounge with panoramic views.
Awards and environmental commitments
In 2024, Viking became the first cruise line to win Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in all three categories—rivers, oceans (for ships with 500 to 2,500 berths), and expeditions—for the second year in a row.
The line has also made sustainability a priority. Its ocean ships exceed international energy efficiency standards by more than 200%. Features like closed-loop exhaust systems, heat recovery engines, and energy-efficient hull, propeller, and rudder arrangements allow ships to reach the best Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) in its class, exceeding the current International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements by approximately 205 percent and will exceed the 2025 EEDI requirements by almost 20 percent.
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Onboard, solar panels, organic herb gardens, and hybrid engines further cut environmental impact. The compact design lets vessels move through narrower waterways, reducing the need for tenders and lowering fuel use.
The approach carries over to Viking’s expedition fleet, which launched in 2022 with the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Both ships are equipped for polar exploration, with ice-strengthened hulls and fin stabilizers.
Expanding beyond Europe
Viking’s roots lie in European river cruises, with its award-winning fleet of identical Viking Longships offering a variety of stateroom categories and true two-room suites with full-size verandas. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, library, and expansive sun deck. The ships feature al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, elegant Scandinavian design, and environmentally considerate features such as solar panels and energy-efficient hybrid engines.
The river fleet also sails the Nile and Mekong, with European routes covering the Rhine, Danube, Seine, RhĂ´ne, and other major waterways. Every voyage includes at least one shore excursion per port, along with enrichment programs like guest lectures and local performances.
Passengers seeking a quieter alternative to large ocean liners may find these boutique-style voyages appealing.
