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Viking Cruises has redefined the world of cruising by offering a unique blend of luxury, cultural immersion, and small ship intimacy. With a fleet that spans rivers, oceans, and even polar regions, Viking stands out for its focus on destination-driven experiences, adult-only voyages, and Scandinavian-inspired design. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first cruise, this informative guide will help you understand what makes Viking Cruises different, the types of cruises available, the destinations you can explore, details about their ships, pricing, special offers, travel protection, and answers to the most frequently asked questions!

What is Viking Cruises?

Viking Cruises is a world-renowned cruise line founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen. Originally focused on river cruising in Russia, Viking has grown into a global leader in small ship travel, offering river, ocean, and expedition cruises. The company’s mission is to deliver destination-focused journeys for curious, culturally-minded travelers. Viking’s headquarters are in Basel, Switzerland, with a major marketing presence in Los Angeles, California.

Viking’s philosophy centers on providing enriching experiences in every port, with longer stays, more overnights, and fewer days at sea. The ships are designed for adults (no guests under 18), and the atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, with no casinos, no formal nights, and no over-the-top entertainment. Instead, Viking offers lectures, regional cuisine, and included shore excursions that bring each destination to life.

How Viking Cruises Differ from Other Cruise Lines

Viking Cruises stands apart from mainstream cruise lines in several key ways:

Small Ship Advantage: Viking’s ocean ships carry just 930 guests, while river ships host around 190, and expedition ships accommodate 378. This smaller size allows access to ports and waterways that larger ships simply can’t reach, providing a more intimate and immersive experience.

Adults-Only Policy: Viking is strictly for guests aged 18 and over. This creates a serene, sophisticated environment that appeals to mature travelers interested in culture, history, and relaxation.

Destination-Focused Itineraries: Viking spends more time in port and often includes overnights, allowing guests to truly explore each destination. Every cruise includes at least one complimentary shore excursion in every port.

Inclusive Value: Viking fares include Wi-Fi, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, specialty coffees, teas, bottled water, alternative restaurant dining, port taxes and fees, and airport transfers with Viking air purchase. There are no surprise charges for specialty dining or basic drinks.

Cultural Enrichment: Onboard programming includes lectures, cooking demonstrations, and performances that reflect the regions visited. Viking’s enrichment program is designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of each destination.

Scandinavian Design: All ships feature clean, modern Scandinavian decor, with light-filled public spaces, comfortable lounges, and thoughtfully designed staterooms.

Types of Viking Cruises

Viking offers three main types of cruises: river, ocean, and expedition. Each offers a different way to explore the world.

Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises is the company’s original and largest division. The iconic Viking Longships cruise the great rivers of Europe, Asia, and North America. These ships are designed for comfort and efficiency, with most staterooms featuring balconies or French balconies, and public spaces that maximize river views.

Popular River Destinations:

• Europe: Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Elbe, Moselle, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde

• Asia: Mekong (Vietnam and Cambodia)

• Africa: Nile (Egypt)

• USA: Mississippi River (New Orleans to Memphis, St. Louis to St. Paul)

River Cruises by Season:

• Spring: Tulip Time in the Netherlands, Danube and Rhine awakenings

• Summer: Peak season for all European rivers, Nile, and Mekong

• Fall: Wine harvests, autumn foliage, and quieter crowds

• Winter: Christmas Markets on the Rhine and Danube

Viking Ocean Cruises

Launched in 2015, Viking Ocean Cruises offers small-ship ocean voyages with the same focus on culture and destination immersion. Each ocean ship carries 930 guests and features all-veranda staterooms, multiple dining venues, and a Nordic spa.

Ocean Destinations:

• Europe: Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles, Scandinavia, Northern Europe

• Americas: Alaska, Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America

• Asia & Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan

• Africa & Middle East: Egypt, Israel, Morocco, South Africa

Seasonal Ocean Cruises:

• Quiet Season Mediterranean: Fall to spring, with fewer crowds and milder weather

• Northern Lights Cruises: Winter voyages in Scandinavia

• Alaska & Arctic: Summer expeditions

Viking Expeditions

Viking Expeditions is the newest division, launched in 2022. These purpose-built ships are designed for adventure in remote destinations, including polar regions and the Great Lakes.

Expedition Destinations:

• Polar Regions: Antarctica, Arctic (Greenland, Canadian Arctic)

• Americas: Great Lakes (all five lakes), Canada, Patagonia, Chilean fjords

• Specialty: Panama Canal, South American coastlines

Expedition Cruises by Season:

• Antarctica: November to March

• Arctic: June to September

• Great Lakes: Spring to fall

Viking Cruise Locations

Viking’s itineraries span all seven continents, offering a vast array of destinations:

Europe: Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles, Scandinavia, France, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, and more.

Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Africa: Egypt (Nile), South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia.

Americas: Alaska, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Amazon, Mississippi River, Great Lakes, South America (Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru).

Australia & New Zealand: Sydney, Auckland, Tasmania, Great Barrier Reef.

Polar Regions: Antarctica, Greenland, Arctic Canada.

Viking Cruise Fleet

Viking Ocean Ships

Each Viking ocean ship is nearly identical, providing a consistent experience across the fleet.

• Passenger Capacity: 930

• Crew: 465–550

• Length: 745 feet (227 meters)

• Beam: 94.5 feet (28.8 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 47,800 GT

• Staterooms: All with private verandas

• Notable Features: Infinity pool, Nordic spa, multiple dining venues, Explorer’s Lounge, Wintergarden for afternoon tea, self-service laundry

Current Ocean Ships:

• Viking Star (2015)

• Viking Sea (2016)

• Viking Sky (2017)

• Viking Sun (2017)

• Viking Orion (2018)

• Viking Jupiter (2019)

• Viking Venus (2021)

• Viking Mars (2022)

• Viking Neptune (2022)

• Viking Saturn (2023)

Viking River Ships

Viking Longships are the backbone of the river fleet, with innovative design for comfort and efficiency.

• Passenger Capacity: 190 (Longships)

• Crew: ~50

• Length: 443 feet (135 meters)

• Staterooms: Suites, verandas, French balconies, standard cabins

• Features: Aquavit Terrace, sun deck, herb garden, lounge, restaurant

Other River Ships: Custom ships for the Nile, Mekong, and Mississippi, each designed for local conditions.

Viking Expedition Ships

• Ships: Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris

• Passenger Capacity: 378

• Crew: 260

• Length: 665 feet (203 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 30,150

• Features: Science lab, zodiac boats, kayaks, submarine, indoor/outdoor pools, Nordic spa

Viking Cruise Itineraries

Viking offers hundreds of itineraries, from 8-day river cruises to 180-day world voyages. Here are some highlights:

River Cruises:

• Grand European Tour (Amsterdam to Budapest, 15 days)

• Paris to the Swiss Alps (Paris to Zurich, 12 days)

• Pharaohs & Pyramids (Cairo roundtrip, 12 days)

• Magnificent Mekong (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, 15 days)

• America’s Heartland (St. Louis to St. Paul, 12 days)

Ocean Cruises:

• Mediterranean Odyssey (Barcelona to Venice, 12 days)

• Viking Homelands (Stockholm to Bergen, 15 days)

• Into the Midnight Sun (Bergen to London, 15 days)

• Alaska & the Inside Passage (Vancouver to Seward, 11 days)

• World Cruise (London to New York, 180 days)

Expedition Cruises:

• Antarctic Explorer (Buenos Aires roundtrip, 13 days)

• Great Lakes Explorer (Milwaukee to Thunder Bay, 8 days)

• Arctic Adventure (Tromsø to Reykjavik, 13 days)

• Patagonia to Chilean Fjords (Buenos Aires to Valparaiso, 18 days)

Viking Cruise Pricing

Viking is a premium cruise line, and pricing reflects the all-inclusive, small ship experience.

Typical Price Ranges:

• River Cruises: $2,499–$8,999 per person (8–15 days)

• Ocean Cruises: $3,499–$12,999 per person (8–21 days)

• Expedition Cruises: $7,995–$25,000+ per person (13–28 days)

• World Cruises: $50,000–$100,000+ per person (100–180 days)

What’s Included:

• One free shore excursion in every port

• Beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

• Specialty coffees, teas, bottled water

• Wi-Fi

• Alternative restaurant dining

• Port taxes and fees

• Ground transfers with Viking air purchase

• Enrichment lectures and performances

• Self-service laundry

• 24-hour room service

What’s Extra:

• Airfare (unless part of a promotion)

• Premium beverage package

• Optional shore excursions

• Spa treatments

• Gratuities (prepaid or at your discretion)

Special Offers and Promotions

Viking regularly offers enticing promotions, especially for early bookings and select itineraries.

Current and Recent Offers:

• Free or reduced airfare on select cruises

• Up to $4,000 off per couple

• $25 deposits for limited-time sales

• Shipboard credits for past guests

• Early booking discounts

• Inclusive packages for world cruises (business class airfare, extra shipboard credit, included excursions)

Best Time to Book: Viking’s most popular cruises and staterooms sell out early. Booking 12–18 months in advance often secures the best fares and incentives.

Viking Travel Protection Plan

Viking offers a comprehensive travel protection plan through Trip Mate (Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services). The plan includes:

• Cancel For Any Reason Waiver: Receive a full refund in Viking travel vouchers if you cancel for any reason.

• Trip Interruption/Cancellation: Reimbursement for covered emergencies, weather, or illness (including COVID-19).

• Medical Coverage: Up to $100,000–$400,000 for emergency medical or dental expenses.

• Emergency Evacuation: Up to $1,000,000 for medical or security evacuation.

• Baggage Protection: Up to $25,000 for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage.

• Travel Delay: Reimbursement for expenses due to covered travel delays.

You can also purchase independent travel insurance if you prefer different coverage or pricing.

Viking Cruises FAQ: Top 10 Most Searched Questions

1. Can children travel on Viking Cruises?
No. Viking is adults-only, for guests 18 and older.

2. What is included in the Viking cruise fare?
Fares include Wi-Fi, beer and wine with lunch/dinner, specialty coffees, bottled water, at least one shore excursion per port, alternative dining, port taxes, and more.

3. How does Viking compare to other cruise lines?
Viking offers a more inclusive, small ship, adult-focused, and culturally immersive experience compared to mass-market lines.

4. What is the dress code?
Elegant casual. No formal nights, tuxedos, or evening gowns required.

5. Is Wi-Fi available on Viking ships?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is included, though speeds may vary by location.

6. What is the tipping policy?
Gratuities can be prepaid or paid onboard at your discretion.

7. How far in advance should I book?
Book 12–18 months ahead for best availability and pricing.

8. What should I pack for a Viking cruise?
Pack light. Viking provides robes, slippers, umbrellas, toiletries, laundry soap, and more.

9. Are there special deals or last-minute offers?
Viking’s best deals are for early bookings. Occasionally, last-minute offers may be available, but popular cruises sell out quickly.

10. What makes Viking different?
Small ships, adults-only, destination immersion, inclusive pricing, longer port stays, and a focus on culture and enrichment.

Why Choose Viking Cruises?

Viking Cruises is the ultimate choice for travelers seeking a refined, enriching, and truly immersive cruise experience. With a commitment to small ships, cultural discovery, and all-inclusive value, Viking stands apart from the crowd. Whether you’re sailing the romantic rivers of Europe, exploring the Mediterranean, or venturing to the ends of the earth on an expedition, Viking delivers thoughtful luxury and unforgettable memories.

If you value meaningful travel, sophisticated surroundings, and the chance to deeply connect with the world’s most fascinating destinations, Viking Cruises is your ticket to adventure. Book early, pack light, and get ready for a journey that’s as inspiring as it is relaxing. Be sure to check us out here at Yeti Travel, we get the lowest offered prices and can plan your next trip at no extra cost!