viking river cruises fleet

Viking River Cruises Fleet

Viking cruise line ship fleet information. Cruisedeckplans.com shows the different classes of ships in the Viking fleet. On this page you can also compare features and dining options for each Viking ship. You will find daily service charge information, number of cabins, and gross tons for each ship. You can CLICK ON any ship to go to the ship page for that ship. Check out our unique stateroom capacity trend chart showing the changes in the size of the Viking cruise line ship fleet over the past few years. Check out our Master Ship List . You can filter and sort by cruise line or ship.

CLICK on a ship below to go to the ship decks and cabins page. Viking River Cruises has 61 ships in the fleet. You can filter the Viking fleet by ship class using the box below. Typically Viking River Cruises will build or buy several ships sharing similar features. They define the different types of ships as classes. Ships of the same class may be almost identical to each other.

Viking Aegir

CLASS: Longship Tons 4k Built 2012 Cabins 95

Viking Akun

CLASS: Helgi Tons 4k Built 1990 Cabins 102

Viking Alsvin

CLASS: Longship Tons 4k Built 2014 Cabins 95

Viking Atla

CLASS: Longship Tons 4k Built 2013 Cabins 95

Viking Baldur

Viking Bestla

Viking Bragi

Viking Buri

Viking Delling

Viking Eistla

Viking Embla

Viking Emerald

CLASS: Emerald Tons 4k Built 2011 Cabins 128

Viking Europe

CLASS: Europe Tons 4k Built 2001 Cabins 75

Viking Fontane

CLASS: Fontane Tons 3k Built 1991 Cabins 56

Viking Forseti

Viking Freya

Viking Gefjon

CLASS: Longship Tons 4k Built 2015 Cabins 95

Viking Gullveig

Viking Heimdal

Viking Helgi

CLASS: Helgi Tons 4k Built 1984 Cabins 102

Viking Helvetia

CLASS: Sun Tons 4k Built 2006 Cabins 99

Viking Hemming

CLASS: Hemming Tons 4k Built 2014 Cabins 53

Viking Hermod

Viking Hlin

Viking Idun

Viking Ingvar

Viking Ingvi

Viking Jarl

Viking Kadlin

Viking Kara

Viking Kvasir

Viking Legend

CLASS: Legend Tons 4k Built 2009 Cabins 97

Viking Lofn

Viking Magni

Viking Mandalay

CLASS: Mandalay Tons 1k Built 2002 Cabins 30

Viking Mani

Viking Mekong

CLASS: Mekong Tons 1k Built 2012 Cabins 28

Viking Mimir

Viking Modi

Viking Njord

Viking Odin

Viking Prestige

CLASS: Legend Tons 4k Built 2011 Cabins 97

Viking Pride

Viking Rinda

Viking River Neptune

Viking River Sun

CLASS: Sun Tons 4k Built 2005 Cabins 99

Viking Rurik

CLASS: Rurik Tons 4k Built 1990 Cabins 98

Viking Schumann

Viking Sineus

Viking Skadi

Viking Spirit

Viking Torgil

Viking Truvor

Viking Vidar

Viking Vili

About Viking River Cruises

When it comes to river cruising, Viking River Cruises is the world leader. From Europe to Russia and Ukraine, from Asia to Egypt, we offer cruises that allow you to fully experience the wonders each region has to offer. Discover the Far East with a fascinating cruisetour along the Yangtze River, Mekong River or Irrawaddy River. Take in the European countryside along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Elbe or Douro. Our river cruises are a great way to explore new places or see a new side of a familiar destination. And a river cruise offers unrivaled convenience - unpack once in your deluxe stateroom, relax and enjoy everything the journey has to offer. All-inclusive pricing, comfortable deluxe accommodations, intimate ships, delicious cuisine, daily guided shore excursions and exemplary service all add up to an unforgettable vacation.

Stateroom Capacity Trend Chart

Watch growth and decline rates. Rapid growth may lead to quality and service issues.

The following is a listing of some of the features that Viking River Cruises offers.

CRUISEDECKPLANS.COM Use the input buttons above to go to the main page for a Cruise Ship or Cruise Line.

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Oceania Cruises
• Hurtigruten Group Coastal & Expedition
• PONANT Yacht Cruises & Expeditions
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Viking Expedition Cruises

Viking River Cruises

• Coral Expeditions
• Avalon Waterways
• River Cruising 2022
• Ocean Cruising 2022

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Viking River Cruises Fleet

The small ship experts

Viking takes you closer to your destination, docking right in the heart of the most fascinating cities…

Immerse yourself in new cultures…

…on board our award-winning river cruises. With sleek Scandinavian design features and all the comforts of a luxe hotel, our ships are built to gently carry you into some of the most incredible cities in the world. You will arrive rested, relaxed and ready to explore.

Travel with ease

Unpack your bags just the once, then settle in and witness the ever-changing landscapes and breathtaking scenery surrounding you. Discover the highlights of the world’s most spectacular rivers — from the Rhine to the Mekong — all right outside your stateroom door.

Thoughtfully designed ships to enhance your journey

Our award-winning Viking Longships have set the new standard in river cruising, providing the most spacious suites on Europe’s rivers — including staterooms with full-size verandas. The streamlined Scandinavian design features and floor-to-ceiling windows create elegant, inviting interiors bathed in natural light. If you’re still craving more of the great outdoors, you can head up to the expansive sun deck or dine al fresco on our Aquavit Terrace.

Because we own and operate our ships, no detail escapes our attention — that’s the Viking difference. We became the number one river cruise line in the world by always putting the needs of our valued guests first, and we will stop at nothing to maintain our high standards. Join us on board and discover why our guests choose to return to our river cruises again and again…

"Viking takes you closer to your destination, docking right in the heart of the most fascinating cities…"

Viking longships.

GUESTS: 190, DECKS: 4, STATEROOMS: 95

VIKING EGYPT SHIPS

GUESTS: 82, DECKS: 5, STATEROOMS: 41

VIKING MISSISSIPPI

Viking saigon.

GUESTS: 80, DECKS: 3, STATEROOMS: 40

"Our state-of-the-art Viking Longships offer guests unprecedented levels of comfort..."

Viking is proud to boast the world’s largest fleet of river ships with over 70 vessels sailing the great rivers of the world. From our award-winning Longships in Europe to our custom built vessels that sail the Mekong, Nile and Mississippi our ships are prized for their artfully designed, timeless interiors.

For the purpose of this section, we have focused on our fleet of Viking Longships. For other vessels, please visit our website to see the full details.

Viking Longships

Our state-of-the-art Viking Longships offer guests unprecedented levels of comfort, including full-size verandas and the largest suites on the rivers of Europe. Whichever category you choose, your hotel-style bed topped with European linens and duvets provides the perfect place to turn in after a full day exploring Europe’s great towns and cities. You’ll also feel pampered by bathrooms equipped with heated floors and premium Freyja™ bath products.

Explorer Suite

At 41.3 square metres, our Explorer Suites feature a separate living room with a generously sized sitting area, desk and access to a wraparound veranda with spectacular 270-degree views. A private bedroom with a French balcony gives you space to relax and take in the sweeping vistas of your destination. The Explorer Suites are our largest staterooms on board.

Veranda Suite

At 25.5 square metres, our Veranda Suites feature a private bedroom with a balcony so you can relax in comfort. The spacious bathroom is complete with anti-fog mirrors, and the adjacent separate living room offers a generously sized sitting area as well as a small desk. The fullsize veranda right outside the glass door provides fantastic views of the ever-changing scenery.

Veranda Stateroom

At 19 square metres, our Veranda Staterooms feature ample storage space, a 40” flat-panel TV, a spacious bathroom, as well as a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens onto a full-size veranda.

French Balcony Stateroom

At 12.5 square metres, our French Balcony Staterooms are comfortable, airy and designed with an understated elegance in mind. Featuring ample storage space, a 40” flat-panel TV and a spacious bathroom, these staterooms also include a floor-to-ceiling glass door that opens to a railing.

Standard Stateroom

At 13.9 square metres, our Standard Staterooms offer all the comforts and conveniences for an enjoyable journey. They feature ample storage space, a 40” flat-panel TV and a spacious bathroom.

"Destination-focused dining. Every meal is bursting with fresh, local flavours..."

Viking River Cruise

There is no better time or place to tantalise your tastebuds than when you’re travelling, which is why our talented chefs are dedicated to creating unique dishes that reflect the destinations you are visiting, as well as some timeless classics.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

Provençal lemons, Hungarian paprika, artisanal cheese from Lyon and freshly picked dill from our onboard herb garden — these are just some of the tasty elements that inspire our chefs to create a range of authentic dishes. Of course, these creations are best paired with a glass of wine from the local region.

Everyday Luxury

On a Viking river cruise, every meal is a special occasion. Feel the weight and texture of our quality linen tablecloths and napkins, and delight in the sparkling glassware and fresh flowers adorning your table. Villeroy & Boch, Iittala and Marimekko tableware complement the Viking dining experience perfectly, as will the wonderful company of your fellow travellers.

Regional Cuisines

Our signature “Taste of…” events introduce you to the flavours of the local region. For example, the “Taste of Germany” event features pretzels and sweet mustard, bratwurst and Kölsch beer. These occasions also provide the perfect opportunity for you to mingle with the other guests on board.

Impeccable Service From Morning To Night

Enjoy our attentive world-class table service in the chic Restaurant as you sail into your next port. Start your morning with à la carte breakfast, enjoy a warming soup and a light salad at lunchtime, then settle in for a multi-course fine dining experience in the evening.

"Onboard Enrichment. Bringing history and culture to life"

World-class guest lecturers.

From authors and archaeologists to former diplomats and news correspondents, these experts will shed light on your destination’s art, music, architecture, geopolitics and more.

Destination Performances

Each Viking itinerary includes one or more destination performances representing an iconic art form from that region — whether it is Portuguese fado music, Viennese opera or a ballet recital at St. Petersburg’s famous Mariinsky Theatre.

Cooking Demonstrations

Take the flavours of your favourite destinations home with you. Our cooking demonstrations will show you how to recreate a variety of regional treats and beverages — from a traditional Austrian apple strudel to a delicious German Rüdesheim coffee.

Informative multimedia presentations covering the must-see landmarks, history and culture of your next destination will have you feeling prepared and ready to start exploring.

Wine Tastings

Let us introduce your palate to a wide selection of sensational regional wines, as well as some vintages crafted by our own Viking vintner.

Craft Demonstrations

Learn about the time-honoured traditions of local artisans, from glassblowing and lace making to silkscreen printing and wooden shoe making.

Classical & Regional Musicians

From local ensembles to acclaimed choirs, we invite a wide range of talented musicians on board our ships to perform for you. Let these sounds lift your spirits and soothe your soul.

"The Thinking Person’s Cruise. Created for curious, discerning travellers — just like you"

To Travel Means To Discover, Learn And Grow. At Viking, we believe travel should be more than just a trip — it should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment. That’s why our cruise itineraries are designed to help you explore and engage with your destination through its food, traditions, cultures and customs. Before you travel, we provide you with everything you need to prepare for your journey — from filmographies that inspire wanderlust, to informative and enlightening reading materials. Ashore , you might accompany your ship’s chef to a local produce market, step behind the scenes at a famous theatre company, tour a glassblower’s workshop, or view private collections and hidden vaults inside a world-class museum — the possibilities are endless. Onboard activities are also designed for the thinking traveller who is eager to learn. Viking offers informative lectures on history and art, as well as cooking demonstrations, musical performances and restaurant menus inspired by local cuisines. We take every opportunity to bring your destination to life. Connect with like-minded travellers on board our ships. Each space has been designed to put you in touch with your surroundings and create a relaxed atmosphere where you can mingle with your fellow guests. By the end of your journey, our hope is that you will feel infinitely more connected — both to your destinations and to your newfound friends.

Viking River Cruises Itineraries

With Viking, you will sail into the heart of the greatest cities and charming towns, so you can explore up close.

Viking River Cruises Shore Excursions

Viking provides a complimentary shore excursion filled with cultural and historical highlights.

Why Book with Viking River Cruises

We include more in your fare than other cruise lines including all meals, shore excursions, and more.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

Viking Cruises Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

Viking Cruises has an active fleet of eight ships currently with ten further ships on order ( Viking Polaris , Viking Neptune and Viking Mars due in 2022, Viking Saturn due in 2023 and six further Ocean-class ships which are unnamed at present).

In this guide, we will cover all the different ships in the Viking Cruises fleet and how they compare to each other.

Introduction to Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises is actually one of the subsidiaries of the recently (2020) renamed Viking corporation. The company consists of Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking River Cruises and Viking Expedition Cruises.

Viking Cruises was founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen (a Norwegian billionaire) in St. Petersburg, Russia with the launch of four Russian river cruise ships offering luxury river cruises in Russia. They are now headquartered in Basel, Switzerland (for operations) but have a marketing team and offices in North America.

It wasn’t until 2013 that the company launched Ocean-going cruise ships and today they have a fleet of six ocean-going ships and two expedition ships (as well as the largest fleet of river ships in the world, totalling 76 ships).

The first ocean-going Viking ship was Viking Star which took its maiden voyage in 2015.

Each of the Viking Ocean Cruises ships is identical in size, capacity and design. Viking Ocean ships have a distinct feature over many other cruise ships – they have no inside cabins, each one instead has a private balcony!

One notable exception to the fleet is Viking Sun , which has actually been renamed Zhao Shang Yi Dun and sails under a Chinese flag exclusively for the Chinese market under a joint partnership between Viking Cruises and China Merchants Shekou Cruises .

Viking Cruises Ships Frequently Asked Questions

Which is viking cruises newest ship.

Viking Octantis is the latest Viking Expedition ship and Viking Venus is the latest Viking Ocean ship.

Which is Viking Cruises biggest ship?

All of the Viking Ocean ships are the same size. But they are all bigger than the Viking Expedition ships.

Which is Viking Cruises smallest ship?

All of the Viking Ocean ships are the same size. However, the Viking Expedition ships are smaller at 30,150 GRT and carry only 378 passengers each.

What is Viking Cruises oldest ship?

Viking Star is the oldest ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet. Her maiden voyage was in 2015.

Who owns Viking Cruises?

Viking Cruises is a privately owned company founded by the Norwegian Billionaire, Torstein Hagen .

Are Viking Cruises ships all the same?

All of the Ocean-class ships are identical. The two Expedition-class ships are also identical to each other.

Are Viking Ocean Cruises and Viking River Cruises the same?

Yes. In 2020 Viking Cruises was renamed to just ‘Viking’ and now have Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking River Cruises and Viking Expedition Cruises as their three main brands.

How many passengers are on a Viking Ocean Cruise?

All Viking Ocean cruise ships have a maximum capacity of 930 passengers.

Did Viking Sky sink?

No. In March 2019 Viking Sky became stranded off the coast of Norway. 460 of the passengers were rescued by helicopter, with the rest of the passengers staying on board until the ship reached Molde safely. No one was injured and the ship was repaired.

What caused the engine failure on Viking Sky?

The ship’s engines suffered an automatic shut down due to the loss of oil pressure. Due to the bad weather, the ship rolled quite significantly (though well within operational limits) and various fixtures and fittings were broken. As a safety precaution, just under half the passengers were evacuated before the ship managed to restart one engine and sail under its own power to the Port of Molde, Norway.

Where is Viking Sun?

Viking Sun was renamed Zhao Shang Yi Dun and sails exclusively in the Chinese market via a joint partnership with China Merchants Shekou Cruises.

Viking Cruises Ships by Size (from largest to smallest)

What does ‘tonnage (grt)’ mean.

GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage) is a term used to calculate the volume inside a ship. It is a measure of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet of space. In essence, the bigger the GRT – the more ‘space’ the ship has for passengers, cargo, etc.

How are ‘Passengers (Max)’ calculated?

You’ll see multiple numbers for passengers on ships – this is because many ships include extra beds in cabins (such as the sofa/couch can convert to a pull-out bed) – but the majority of cabins usually have 2 people in them. the ‘Max’ number is if every cabin used their additional pull-out bed, etc. This number is unlikely to be reached very frequently.

Viking Cruises Ships by Age (from newest to oldest)

Are all of viking cruises ships new builds.

Yes. All of the Viking Ocean Cruise ships are purpose-built for Viking. The current and future ships are all built by Fincantieri in Maghera, Italy.

Viking Cruises Ships by Class (from newest to oldest)

What is the difference between the ocean-class ships.

There is no physical difference between the Ocean-class ships, they are all the same size, design and capacity. They do differ in various artwork through each ship.

Each of the Viking Ocean ships is rated Ice Class 1C which is the lowest rating for ships – this is about 0.4m of ice in the Baltic regions.

What is the difference between the Ocean-class and the Expedition-class ships?

The Viking Expedition ships are purpose-built expedition ships to sail in Antarctica and the Great Lakes where the ship not only carries fare-paying passengers but also conducts scientific research throughout the voyage too.

The two ships ( Viking Octantis now sailing and Viking Polaris due in late 2022) are both rated Polar Class 6 which allows them to operate through ice in Summer/Autumn and medium first-year ice.

Both ships have a passenger capacity of just 378 passengers and carry numerous extra technical pieces of equipment, including two submarines, a first for a cruise ship.

Final Thoughts

Viking has come a long way since it was founded back in 1997. From redefining River Cruises, they swiftly moved on to redefine Ocean Cruising with their matching ships and child-free policies and now are moving into the smaller, but fast-growing market of expedition cruising.

Whichever ocean ship you choose, you will feel at home with Viking’s nod to all things Norwegian and exploring – you’ll enjoy the same facilities and layout on each ship too, which makes cruising with them a dream – just pick your region and enjoy your voyage!

If you enjoyed this article you may like our other articles that compare  MSC Cruises ,  Royal Caribbean ,  Holland America Line  and Celebrity Cruises ships .

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The ultimate guide to Viking cruise ships and itineraries

Some cruise lines try to be all things to all people. Viking isn't one of them.

Since its founding in 1997, the upscale cruise brand has carved out a niche catering to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler looking to explore the world and learn a thing or two along the way.

Most Viking customers are approaching their retirement years — or are already there — and they're eager to finally see all the places they didn't have time to visit when raising kids and establishing careers in their younger years.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

For this subset of travelers, Viking offers a wide range of both ocean and river cruise itineraries that have a heavy focus on the destinations visited. These aren't cruises where it's all about the ship.

Viking voyages bring a lot of extended stays in ports where passengers get more time to explore historical sites and experience the local culture than is typical on cruises. Unlike most lines, Viking offers included-in-the-fare tours in every port, allowing every passenger on board to get a guided experience during stops without having to pay extra. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy.)

On board, Viking's programming revolves heavily around what the line calls "cultural enrichment" — lectures by experts on topics related to the places its ships visit, as well as cultural and culinary offerings that often have a local tie-in.

What Viking ships don't offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. In fact, the line doesn't even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. It's one of the only major cruise brands in the world with such a rule.

Viking ships also don't cater to the party crowd. If it's a floating celebration you're looking for in a vacation, this isn't the line for you.

As Viking founder Torstein Hagen likes to say, a Viking cruise is the "thinking person's cruise, not the drinking person's cruise."

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

3 things TPG loves about Viking

• Its focus is on destinations and enrichment.
• The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships.
• Its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy.

What we could do without

• The lack of fitness centers on Viking river ships.

The Viking fleet

Viking has more ships than any other major cruise brand in the world, more than 90 in all. It also has both ocean ships and river ships — something that is unusual among major lines. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

That's because the vast majority of Viking's ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. Ditto for the line's river vessels.

Viking currently operates 11 ocean ships, nine of which are nearly identical. The exceptions are two recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

The nine nearly identical ocean ships — Viking Saturn, Viking Neptune, Viking Mars, Viking Venus, Viking Jupiter, Viking Orion, Viking Sky, Viking Sea and Viking Star — began rolling out in 2015. Each has the capacity for 930 passengers. Six more nearly identical vessels are scheduled to debut between 2024 and 2028, and Viking has options with a shipyard to order four more of the ships for delivery in 2029 and 2030.

At 47,800 tons, these ocean ships are less than a fourth the size of the giant megaships being built by the likes of Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, in keeping with Viking's focus on intimate, upscale voyages. Big floating resorts, they aren't.

Note that there is one more vessel in this same series, called Zhao Shang Yi Dun, that has been permanently transferred to a joint venture that operates for the China market. When it debuted in 2017, it originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking's two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are smaller than the above vessels, as is typical for expedition ships, and carry 378 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Then there are the river ships. At last count, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — an astounding number that is the result of blistering growth over the past decade. (As recently as 2012, the line operated just 29 river ships.)

As noted above, almost all of Viking's river ships are of the same basic design and are known as the Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long, the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe's rivers. Viking has also built slightly shorter versions of the Longships measuring 262 feet, 361 feet or 410 feet in length specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require a smaller vessel. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to be able to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships that operated in Russia and Ukraine until recently. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the Ukraine war.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

Destinations and itineraries

Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line, mostly due to the fact that it operates both ocean cruises and river cruises.

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note.

You'll find Viking river ships operating on the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also operated cruises on the Volga in Russia and the Dnieper in Ukraine. (As noted above, sailings on the latter two rivers are on hold due to the war in Ukraine and may not resume for many years.)

Viking also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and it recently began trips on the Mississippi River.

The line's ocean ships can be found in nearly every ocean and sea around the world, from North America to Europe and Asia.

Viking's ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) It's also a big player in the Mediterranean. You'll find Viking's ocean ships in other key cruise destinations as well, such as Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia.

In addition, in early 2022, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. That summer, the same vessel launched the line's first voyages in the Great Lakes — a destination that only a handful of cruise operators visit.

You'll find everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages among the line's voyages.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Who sails Viking

Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. The company's core market is people who range in age from 55 to 75 years, although it does draw some passengers who are younger or older.

In general, it's an educated crowd, with many passengers coming from professional backgrounds or a life of running their own businesses. They're often people who have spent years focused on work and building up savings for retirement, and they're finally ready to start enjoying the fruits of their labor by spending some of the savings on travel to places they've long put off visiting.

They're also people who can afford a relatively high-end vacation experience. While Viking doesn't market itself as a luxury line, some would call it that. Viking vessels are full of luxury touches, with the pricing to match (see more on what Viking trips cost at the bottom of this story).

In general, you'll find a lot of couples on Viking ships and some solo travelers. You'll also find the occasional multigenerational group — a retired couple traveling with their working-age adult children, for instance.

However, unlike nearly every other cruise brand, what you won't find are families with young kids. As noted above, Viking doesn't allow passengers under the age of 18 on its ships — a key differentiator for the brand as compared to other cruise lines.

Cabins and suites

Is a balcony something you can't live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? Viking could be your line.

Viking is one of the only cruise brands in the world that offers a balcony with every cabin on every ocean ship it operates — even the least expensive, smallest cabins. That's something that even the most upscale of Viking's ocean cruise rivals including Oceania Cruises , Azamara , Seabourn , Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises can't say.

Viking's ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. Even the smallest cabins on Viking's ocean ships are large by cruise ship standards at 270 square feet, and the largest suites measure nearly 1,500 square feet.

If you're looking for a big open room on an ocean cruise (and are willing to pay for it), Viking offers you plenty of options.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites

Viking also offers lots of balcony cabins and suites on its river ships, something that isn't always the case in the river cruise business, where space on vessels is at a premium. Unlike its ocean ships, Viking's river ships aren't all-balcony-cabin vessels.

Designwise, Viking cabins and suites across all categories are modern and elegant in an understated sort of way, with Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and decor that tie to the Norwegian heritage of the company's founder.

You'll find beds topped with crisp, white duvets and Scandinavian throws, comfortable contemporary sofas and chairs in neutral tones, and light-wood desks and side tables that combine to offer a residential feel in bedroom areas. Soothing, minimalist colors — think creams, grays and lighter blues — are the order of the day.

Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine-lined walls, Scandinavian-influenced wood-veneered vanities, shiny white sinks and chrome fixtures.

In keeping with the high-end nature of the brand, Viking cabins and suites have a lot of upscale touches, from sumptuous bedding that envelops you to heated floors in bathrooms. The rooms aren't overly flashy, though.

What they are is eminently functional, with storage in all the right places, lots of outlets for charging your devices and lighting right where you need it. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards, which are in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. You won't have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed.

Other little touches in Viking cabins that show a line thinking about functionality as much as decor include the large and clear lettering on the Freyja toiletries that you'll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. The toiletries were specifically designed with bigger and clearer lettering than is common for toiletries on cruise ships and at hotels so that the line's older customers would have no trouble differentiating the body wash from the body lotion and shampoo.

Restaurants and dining

The number of restaurants and other dining options that you'll find on Viking ships will vary greatly depending on whether you are sailing on an ocean or a river ship.

All of Viking's oceangoing ships, which are much bigger than its river ships, have at least four and usually more outlets serving food of some sort.

Every one of the line's 930-passenger ocean ships has a main restaurant (called, simply, The Restaurant) with rotating menus that include dishes that tie to the destination where the vessel is sailing. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. You'll probably eat most of your meals in one of these eateries.

The main restaurants on these ships are notable for their walls of glass that can slide open to create al fresco dining, something that is unusual in the cruise world.

Each of the 930-passenger ocean ships also has two smaller restaurants with specialized cuisine: Manfredi's, a high-end Italian eatery, and The Chef's Table, which offers a five-course tasting menu themed around a specific cuisine that changes every few days.

There's no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. Each passenger is only allowed to make one to three reservations per cruise at the eateries, depending on which category of cabin they have booked.

Viking's bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. Passengers can grab a snack — with a Norwegian twist — at the forward-facing lounges atop the ships, which are home to a small food counter called Mamsen's. Named after Viking founder Torstein Hagen's mother (Ragnhild "Mamsen" Hagen), it offers authentic tastes of Norway such as traditional heart-shaped waffles, specialty cakes and the brown goat cheese that is found around the country.

Passengers will also find finger sandwiches, scones and teas in the afternoon at the glass-topped Wintergarden lounge at the top of every vessel.

The line's smaller expedition ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, offer four of the above venues: The Restaurant, World Cafe, Manfredi's and Mamsen's.

Viking's river ships, by contrast, typically offer just two eateries: a main restaurant where passengers eat most of their meals and a smaller, casual buffet with indoor and outdoor seating.

Fun fact: The Manfredi's restaurants on Viking ocean ships are named after former Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen.

Entertainment and activities

Many of the activities on board Viking's ocean ships revolve around "cultural enrichment," to use a phrase often used by Viking executives. On any given day, you might find an expert on one of the destinations you're visiting lecturing in the theater, or a classical musician performing in the central atrium, known as The Living Room. The ships also offer some traditional entertainment, including production shows with singers and dancers.

On the line's river ships, you'll also find onboard lectures, usually related to the destinations the ships are visiting, as well as destination-related demonstrations and tastings. (On a Seine River voyage, you might have a tasting of local French cheeses or French wines, for instance).

You'll also find live piano music in the evenings in river ship lounges.

Theaters, lounges and shows

Each of the line's ocean ships has a theater at its front that is home to production shows, movie showings (with fresh popcorn available) and enrichment lecturers.

In keeping with Viking's focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places you'll be visiting on your sailing. The line also draws a wide range of interesting and accomplished people from all walks of life to serve as guest lecturers, including well-known academics, diplomats and even astronauts.

In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. It's also known for an extensive collection of Armagnacs, with one from almost every year of the past eight decades. (A fun game is to try the Armagnac from your birth year. Just be careful — some years are far more expensive than others.)

You'll also find musicians including pianists and guitar players performing at times in the Viking Living Room — a three-deck-high, atrium-like space at the center of the ship. Filled with comfortable seating areas and home to a bar, the Viking Living Room serves as a central meeting point for passengers throughout the day and night. It's also home to the ship's Explorers' Desk — the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships.

There's also live music at night in the Explorers' Lounge, a two-deck-high observation lounge and bar area at the very top of the ship. The Explorers' Lounge also is home to Mamsen's, the food counter serving tastes of Norway mentioned above.

The pool deck and other venues

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of Viking's ocean ships is the main pool area, which is home to a pool, hot tub and rows of lounge chairs, as well as comfortable seating areas.

The entire main pool area is covered with a glass magrodome that can be opened on short notice on warm and sunny days — or closed if the ship encounters inclement weather.

Just behind the main pool area on each of the ocean ships is a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden that is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it's one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

Other interior spaces that are part of the ocean ships include a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels) and a fitness center.

Note that Viking river ships do not have fitness centers, which is relatively unusual for river ships. Viking has long argued that few of its customers use fitness centers and the space that would be devoted to one is better used for other things. However, if you're fitness-obsessed, Viking river ships may not be the best choice for your river trip.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's program

Viking does not allow children under the age of 18 on its vessels and thus has no children's programs on any of its vessels.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Viking adds an automatic service gratuity (which it calls a "hotel and dining charge") of $17 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount before disembarking at the Explorers' Desk. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

As part of Viking's "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy, the line offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers on all its ships throughout sailings. Note that internet service can be slow at times of heavy use, as is typical on cruise vessels. In addition, in order to ensure fair usage for all, the line limits some heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads and software upgrades.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Unlike many lines, Viking allows you to bring your own wine, Champagne, beer and liquor onto ships at embarkation with no limits. The line also doesn't charge a corkage fee.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Some Viking ships, including all of the line's ocean vessels (including its one expedition vessel), have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. The launderettes are stocked with detergent for the washing machines that, unlike on many cruise ships with launderettes, do not come with an extra cost.

In addition, most Viking vessels offer laundry and pressing services. Such services are complimentary for passengers staying in certain categories of cabins. Otherwise, fees are comparable to what you'll pay cleaners at home. Dry cleaning is available on the line's ocean ships but not on Viking river ships.

Viking's recently unveiled Mississippi River ship offers self-service launderettes but no send-out laundry and pressing service.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

All of the line's vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins.

The currency used on Viking ships is U.S. dollars.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Viking ships.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, a short-sleeve shirt and shorts are just fine.

Evenings have an official dress code, but it's not too formal. The line asks passengers to keep things "elegant casual" when heading to any of the ship's dining venues, performances or special events. To Viking, that means a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women, and trousers and a collared shirt for men. A tie and jacket for men are optional. Jeans are not permitted.

This evening dress code is not enforced at the casual World Cafe eateries on Viking ocean ships, where passengers can go even more casual in the evenings.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Viking cruise loyalty program

Viking doesn't have a loyalty program in the traditional sense — one where passengers earn points every time they travel with the brand and progress through multiple tiers that bring an ever-expanding array of perks. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests.

Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. As part of this society, you will receive:

• A credit of $200 per passenger anytime you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit.
• An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships.
• Early word by email or regular mail on new Viking Cruises itineraries and new ships, as well as special limited-time offers.

Note that the credits mentioned above cannot always be combined with promotions the line offers.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program

How much does a Viking cruise cost?

Viking sailings aren't inexpensive. Ten-night "Greek Odyssey" voyages to the Greek Islands start at $3,999 per person. That works out to roughly $800 per day for a couple sharing a room. Some of the line's more exotic sailings, such as its expedition trips to Antarctica, cost even more. Fourteen-night Antarctica trips start at $13,995 per person — about $2,000 per day for a couple.

Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style

Still, as is typical for cruise lines at the high end, Viking includes a lot in its base price. In addition to a room on board and all meals, the fares include beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; specialty coffees, teas and bottled water around the clock; shipboard Wi-Fi; and (perhaps most notably) a shore excursion in every port. The latter is something relatively few lines roll into their base fares, and shore excursions can be expensive.

Viking also includes access to the thermal areas of its spa in its base fares. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels.

Viking fares do include port taxes and fees, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per sailing. Most other lines do not include port taxes and fees in their base fares and add them later in the booking process.

Note that Viking does charge extra for two key things that many luxury lines such as Silversea, Seabourn and Regent do not: alcoholic drinks at bars and gratuities. This is one reason some cruisers do not consider Viking at quite the same level as those other brands.

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to Viking.com and book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we always recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Viking is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all of the line's many itineraries in detail and, preferably, has sailed on or at least inspected some of the line's vessels, too, to understand the various cabin types and onboard amenities.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card spending when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining).

Bottom line

Viking can be defined as much by what it isn't as what it is. It's not a line for families with young children. It's not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. And it's not a line for the party crowd.

What it is is a line that has focused very specifically on "thinking person's cruises" that offer a deeper dive into the destinations that its ships visit than is typical at many lines. It's all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Viking: the river fleet expands with eight new ships

Viking welcomed eight new river ships into its award-winning fleet during a celebration in Paris.

Of the eight new Viking longships , four ships, the Viking Fjorgyn , the Viking Kari , the Viking Radgrid and the Viking Skaga , were built specifically to sail along the Seine and take guests to the heart of Paris with an exclusive docking location at Port de Grenelle, a few steps from the Eiffel Tower. The other four ships, the Viking Egdir , the Viking Gersemi , the Viking Gymir and the Viking Hervor , will sail the famous Viking routes on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

Viking River Cruises

The event comes as Viking continues to celebrate its 25th anniversary and a year of major events, in fact in January 2022, the company launched Viking Expeditions and its first polar-class ship, the Viking Octantis . By the end of the year, Viking will also have welcomed a second expedition ship, as well as two new ocean-going vessels, new purpose-built ships for the Nile and Mekong Rivers, and new voyages on the Mississippi River.

“As we celebrate 25 years of sailing the world’s iconic waterways, it is always an exciting day when we welcome new ships to our fleet and offer more opportunities for curious travelers to explore the world in comfort,” he said. Torstein Hagen, president of Viking . “Today we are particularly pleased to honor eight talented and established individuals as godmothers of our new river vessels and look forward to another season of European river travel.”

In keeping with the maritime tradition dating back thousands of years, Viking has invited eight distinguished cultural partners and members of the company’s extended family to serve as ceremonial godmothers of the new ships. The naming event was carried out by connecting the new ships via satellite through two European cities: Paris and Amsterdam, and in keeping with another maritime tradition, a bottle of Gammel Opland brandy was broken in the bow of each new ship.

Building on Viking ‘s offering in Paris and the four new ships sailing along the Seine, the company also announced a new post-voyage extension entitled Paris: A Culinary Experience , which will explore the cuisine of the French capital. Available starting in 2023 for guests sailing on the 8-day “Paris and the Heart of Normandy” itinerary, the new extension allows guests to immerse themselves in the culinary history of Paris and sample the gastronomic delights the city has to offer.

In addition, Viking has announced a new itinerary, the 8 days of “Christmas on the Seine” , departing from Paris, which will be available during the holiday season starting in 2022. Guests will cruise through the snow-capped Normandy countryside enjoying the festive Christmas markets. Christmas and special themed parties on board.

Don’t miss more Viking updates, news, tips and reviews on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruises on offer!

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Viking Announces 10 New River Ships, Expanding Award-Winning Fleet

Posted on December 7, 2023 December 7, 2023 Author Chris Owen

Viking®, the world’s leading river cruise line, announced the upcoming addition of 10 new Viking Longships® to its fleet by the end of 2026! This exciting expansion marks a significant milestone for the company and reflects the growing demand for Viking’s exceptional river voyages.

The new vessels will be built at the renowned Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany, where all Viking Longships have been crafted since their debut in 2012. This partnership ensures the highest standards of quality and innovation, continuing the legacy of Viking’s award-winning fleet.

Five of the new Longships will be delivered in 2025, with the remaining five arriving in 2026 . These beautiful vessels will sail popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Danube, and Seine rivers, offering even more opportunities for guests to experience the magic of Europe’s waterways.

Viking River Cruises is known for its commitment to unparalleled comfort, elegant design, and a focus on the destination. The new Longships will uphold these values, offering guests a truly immersive and unforgettable journey. Featuring a patented design, the vessels will boast spacious staterooms, the innovative Aquavit Terrace, and Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetic. Additionally, the new Longships will be equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, solar panels, and shore power capabilities, demonstrating Viking’s dedication to environmental sustainability.

This exciting expansion comes on the heels of several other significant achievements for Viking. In 2023, the company was voted #1 for rivers, oceans, and expeditions by both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, solidifying its position as a leader in luxury travel. Viking also celebrated the launch of its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vela®, and announced the upcoming arrival of the Viking Tonle®, a new ship specifically designed for the Mekong River.

With the addition of these 10 new Longships, Viking will further strengthen its position as the premier river cruise line. This expansion demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing its guests with unparalleled experiences and exploring new destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first river cruise, Viking offers the perfect opportunity to discover the world in comfort and style.

• For more information about Viking River Cruises and its award-winning fleet, visit www.viking.com .
• Viking Returns to Antarctica for Third Season
• In High Demand: Viking Egypt
• Viking Names Newest Nile River Ship
• Viking Wins All The Awards That Matter
• Viking Plans 10 More Ocean Ships By 2030

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Viking Elbe Ships

Boasting many of the same popular design elements of our Viking Longships, our new Elbe ships feature state-of-the art engineering, deluxe accommodations and streamlined Scandinavian interiors. The other classic, intimate ships feature deluxe accommodations and streamlined Scandinavian interiors. Their customized hulls and engines are specially built to navigate the historic Elbe river.

Viking Elbe Ships 360° Tour

Get an up-close look at our award-winning sister ships, Astrild and Beyla.

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Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla

Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla were custom built for the Elbe River. These sister ships include deluxe accommodations, streamlined interiors and many features of our Viking Longships.

Elegant Elbe

This 10-day cruisetour from Berlin to Prague (or the reverse) highlights the wonders of East Germany, Saxon Switzerland and the Czech Republic along the Elbe, one of Europe’s loveliest, most unspoiled rivers.

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Viking Is Adding 10 New Ships to Its European River Cruise Fleet

Buoyed by strong demand for European river cruises, Viking is adding another 10 ships to its fleet, the company announced today.

Construction of the new vessels is underway at the Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany, where all of the company’s Viking Longships have been built. The shipbuilder will deliver five of the new ships in 2025 and the other five in 2026.

“Ever since we started Viking 26 years ago, our mission has been to help our guests explore the world in comfort,” says Torstein Hagen, Viking’s chairman. “We focus on the destination, and we build elegant, innovative ships. We look forward to welcoming these new Longships to our European fleet and introducing the Viking Way of exploration to even more guests in the coming years.”

The new vessels will feature Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetic—with a few sustainability upgrades. They’ll be equipped with solar panels and a hybrid propulsion system that can run on batteries; they’ll also be able to run on shore power while in port so they can use less fuel.

The ships will help Viking increase capacity on its most popular European itineraries: Eight will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while two will sail the Seine. (Viking unveiled plans for one of the new Seine ships earlier this year.) Once construction is complete, they'll join Viking’s existing fleet of 80 river ships, which can accommodate between 80 and 190 passengers. 

Viking is expanding its footprint in both the river and ocean cruise markets. Last month, the company’s newest ocean ship, the Viking Vela, moved into its final phase of construction . The 998-passenger ship is expected to launch in December 2024 and will offer itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

On the river front, Viking recently announced it will be adding a new ship, the Viking Tonle , to its fleet on the Mekong River in 2025. This summer, the cruise line also added a new vessel, the Viking Aton , to its purpose-built fleet on Egypt’s Nile River. Two additional Nile River ships are also currently under construction.

Viking also offers expedition cruises and recently started its third season in Antarctica . The cruise line also unveiled a new 87-day trip from the Arctic to Antarctica.

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Viking Seine Ships

Boasting the same popular design elements as our Viking Longships, our Viking Seine ships feature state-of-the art engineering, deluxe accommodations and streamlined Scandinavian interiors. Plus, these ships feature customized hulls and engines specifically built to navigate the historic Seine River.

Viking Longships—Seine 360° Tour

Purpose-built specifically to navigate the Seine River, these vessels dock at an exclusive location in the center of Paris, just a short walking distance from the Eiffel Tower.

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Paris & the Heart of Normandy

This 8-day cruise from Paris to Paris (roundtrip) celebrates history, art, food and customs in the country’s most elegantly urbane and beautifully pastoral settings of Paris and the Normandy region.

French Language Lesson

Learn a few useful French words and phrases with Maaike, your Viking tutor. À votre Santé!

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Tour our stylish ships, designed with understated elegance and comfort in mind. Spacious staterooms, indoor and outdoor dining venues and panoramic views enrich your travel experience.

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Discover Our Ships

Viking River Cruises boasts the most extensive fleet of river cruises vessels, and we are proud to offer you the best ships in each region where we travel. Viking ships are specially designed to navigate the world’s great rivers and provide convenient daily access to a plethora of destinations and experiences. Enjoy all the comfort and elegance of river cruising: attentive and professional staff, delicious onboard meals and spectacular scenery from every stateroom and public area.

Find out more about award-winning Viking Longships

Explore Ship Classes: Start with Our Award-Winning Longships

You’re about to discover the most convenient way to see the world. On a Viking ship, you will sail into the heart of your destination, so you can explore up close and in depth.

Our innovative, award-winning Viking Longships have set the standard in river cruising: our intimate vessels have all the amenities of a fine hotel, providing the ideal opportunity to comfortably be transported each day to and from your next destination—where enriching discoveries are usually just a short walk from your ship.

Throughout our decades of sailing the world’s great rivers, Viking has repeatedly reinvented the European river cruise vessel. By continuously building upon our tradition of innovation, we have set industry standard and delighted our guests. Meander along Europe’s great waterways, gliding past magnificent vistas and pausing to explore riverside ports.

Float along the life-giving Nile River on the new, all-suite Viking Ra , enjoying comfort and style that ancient pharaohs could only have dreamed of, and witness the monuments of ancient civilizations that once flourished on the river’s banks. You also spend time in some of the best hotels in Cairo on each of our Egypt cruisetours.

This new, state-of-the-art vessel was inspired by our award-winning Viking Longships ® and features the clean Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, as well as public spaces that are familiar to our river and ocean cruise guests but have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages.

Designed to navigate the Mekong River, hosting just 80 guests, Viking Saigon offers understated elegance and has been built to reflect the clean, Scandinavian design principles for which Viking is known. Explore one of the world’s most scenic regions in comfort with outdoor verandas, hotel-style beds and public areas bathed in light, offering panoramic views of your surroundings.

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The Viking Experience

Journey through the world’s most exciting destinations with The World’s Leading River Cruise Line.

The Original Longships

Delve into the past for a look into the art of building a Viking longship. Meet a master boatbuilder and learn about the role these vessels played in Viking society centuries ago.

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With Viking, there are no hidden fees. One price covers most everything—port charges, Wi-Fi, meals, lectures, activities and shore excursions—plus hotel accommodations on cruisetours.

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Press Release

Viking announces float out of newest egypt ship, set to debut in fall 2024, the new viking sobek will be viking’s sixth ship on the nile river.

Los Angeles (May 14, 2024)  —Viking® ( www.viking.com ) (NYSE: VIK) today announced its newest ship for the Nile River—the 82-guest Viking Sobek —was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set to sail in the fall of 2024, the Viking Sobek will join the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art ships for the Nile River and will sail Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

“Egypt has always captivated curious travelers with its rich culture and history, and it continues to be a destination of interest for our guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “We believe the Viking Sobek and her sister ships are by far the most elegant vessels on the Nile, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests to explore this fantastic region.”

The traditional float out ceremony of the Viking Sobek took place at Massara shipyard in Cairo and is significant because it marks the ship moving into its final stage of construction. She will now be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

The Viking Sobek & Viking’s Growing Egypt Fleet

Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Sobek is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships, with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. An identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris , the Viking Aton and the new Viking Hathor , which is scheduled to debut this summer,  the Viking Sobek features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. With the addition of both the Viking Hathor and the Viking Sobek , the company will have six ships sailing the Nile by the end of 2024. Additional ships in the Egypt fleet include the Viking Ra and the MS Antares .

Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary

During the 12-day, Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, or the Grand Egyptian Museum. Guests then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, featuring visits to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a colorful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.

Within the last year, the Viking Osiris was named one of the “Best New Cruises” in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List 2023” and the “Best Luxury River Cruise of 2024” in Forbes ’ “Best Luxury Cruises” list. Additionally, TIME magazine featured both Giza and Saqqara on its “World’s Greatest Places” 2023 list, mentioning sailing the Nile River with Viking. TIME notes that Viking is among the very few who stop in both Giza and the village of Sakkara, where excavation sites, like the megatombs of animal and human mummies, are active.

For guests looking to extend their journey in Egypt, Viking also offers Pre and Post Extensions that provide Privileged Access to archives and exhibits. Guests on the five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension will begin the journey in London, where they will meet their Viking Tour Director, an expert Egyptologist, and experience Privileged Access to two museums: first a private, early morning visit to the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum before it opens to the general public – and then a visit to the home and personal museum of world-renowned architect, Sir John Soane, where the tour will be illuminated by candlelight, a re-enactment of how Soane entertained guests and showcased his exquisite collection of Egyptian antiquities, including a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus. Guests will also visit London’s Petrie Museum, which houses more than 80,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt and Sudan. In Oxford, guests will visit the Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest in the world, and home to a varied collection of Egyptian mummies and art—and go behind the scenes at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute, where they will enjoy a Privileged Access visit to see Howard Carter’s archives, which detail the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Lastly, guests will have further Privileged Access with an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle to view the Earl of Carnarvon’s magnificent private collection of Egyptian artifacts, as well as archives and exhibits not normally accessible to the public.

Additional offerings include a three-night Pre-Extension in Istanbul , where guests can visit the timeless city and important religious sites including the “Blue Mosque” and the legendary Hagia Sophia. After concluding the river voyage, guests can also extend the journey with a 4-night Post-Extension to Jordan—Petra, Dead Sea & Amman   to view Roman antiquities at Jerash, Crusader-era castles at Kerak or Shobak and experience the lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact [email protected] .

About Viking

Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure . No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com . For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv .

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