Viking Cruises offers a unique blend of ocean and river voyages that cater to travelers looking for a comprehensive cruising experience. With a fleet of elegant ships, Viking provides an intimate setting for guests to explore various destinations. The ocean cruises take you through the vastness of the open seas, visiting ports in regions like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and even remote locations like the Arctic Ocean. On the other hand, their river cruises offer a closer look at the cultural and historical sites along the world's great waterways. Combining these two experiences allows for a seamless journey from the heart of inland destinations to the expansive coastal regions. Viking's award-winning ships are designed for discovery and delight, ensuring a comfortable and enriching voyage. Whether it's the iconic Western Mediterranean cruise or the Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords adventure, travelers can enjoy a range of itineraries that highlight the history, culture, and seldom-seen sights of each region. With special offers and a variety of departure dates, Viking Cruises provides an opportunity for a 'Thinking Person’s Cruise' that promises more discoveries and cultural enrichment both on board and on shore.
River Cruises
Viking River Cruises offer a unique and luxurious way to explore the waterways of the world. With a fleet of elegantly designed "Longships," these cruises carry up to 190 passengers through the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia, Egypt, and even plans to navigate the Mississippi River in the United States. The ships boast a Scandinavian decor that reflects the line's heritage, providing a comfortable and stylish setting for your journey. Onboard, guests can enjoy spacious staterooms, many with verandas, and amenities such as Internet access and in-room entertainment. Viking's itineraries are rich in culture and history, offering an immersive experience with included shore excursions that delve into the local heritage and landscapes. The dining onboard is a highlight, with meals that reflect the cuisine of the regions visited, prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Viking's service is attentive and personalized, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free voyage. The Viking Voyager app enhances the experience by providing daily schedules, menus, and excursion details at your fingertips. For those new to river cruising, Viking offers a seamless introduction to this mode of travel, combining the comforts of a luxury hotel with the adventure of discovering new destinations each day. With their no-announcement policy, the atmosphere onboard is tranquil, allowing guests to fully relax and enjoy the serenity of river cruising. Viking River Cruises is synonymous with innovation and excellence in river cruising, providing an experience that is both enriching and enjoyable.
Ocean Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises, a subsidiary of Viking Cruises, offers a modern take on luxury ocean travel with an emphasis on cultural enrichment and immersive experiences. Established in 2013, the company launched its first vessel, Viking Star, in 2015, and has since expanded its fleet to include several state-of-the-art ships designed for intimate and inclusive voyages. The ships, such as Viking Jupiter, Viking Mars, and Viking Neptune, accommodate around 930 guests, ensuring a more personal and less crowded experience.
Viking's itineraries are diverse, covering regions such as Scandinavia, the British Isles, the Baltic, the Mediterranean Sea, and even world cruises. Each itinerary is carefully crafted to include rich cultural interactions and port excursions that delve into the history, art, and cuisine of the destinations. Onboard, guests can enjoy spacious staterooms, multiple dining venues offering regional specialties and international cuisines, and a variety of entertainment options including lectures and performances that reflect the local culture.
Moreover, Viking Ocean Cruises is known for its "no nickel and diming" policy, with one shore excursion included in every port, complimentary Wi-Fi, and no additional charge for specialty dining. The company also prides itself on its destination-focused dining, where menus reflect the culinary traditions of the cruise's destinations.
For those planning their voyage, Viking offers a personalized portal, My Viking Journey®, which allows travelers to manage their bookings, customize their travel experiences, and access important travel documents. This platform is a testament to Viking's commitment to customer service and convenience, ensuring a seamless experience from booking to disembarkation.
Viking Ocean Cruises has received accolades for its innovative approach to ocean cruising, focusing on cultural enrichment and providing guests with an intimate, destination-oriented experience that stands out in the luxury cruise market. For more information on Viking Ocean Cruises and to explore their offerings, interested individuals can visit their official website or consult resources like Cruise Critic for reviews and insights.
Viking Expedition Cruises
The Viking expeditions were a remarkable period in history, characterized by the Norse people's exploration and expansion across the North Atlantic. From the late 8th to the early 11th century, these intrepid seafarers ventured as far south as North Africa and as far east as Russia. They established trade routes, settled in new lands, and even reached the shores of North America long before Columbus. Their legacy is not only in the territories they explored but also in the cultural exchanges and the impact they had on European history.
Viking Cruise Lines offers a unique experience with their expedition ships, designed to bring passengers closer to some of the world's most remote destinations. The Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, for instance, are state-of-the-art vessels that began sailing in 2022, equipped to navigate both polar regions and offering intimate encounters with the natural world. These ships reflect Viking's commitment to comfortable and elegant exploration, with a smaller guest capacity that allows for a more personal and immersive travel experience.
