Viking is one of the world’s most awarded cruise lines, and its appeal is simple: every voyage is built around the destination. Founded in 1997, Viking offers destination-focused journeys for curious travelers on rivers, oceans, and — since the launch of Viking Expeditions — the polar regions and the Great Lakes, spanning all seven continents. There are no children, no casinos, and no nickel-and-diming; just smaller ships, a strong emphasis on culture and enrichment, and an adults-only atmosphere designed, as Viking puts it, for “the thinking person.”
Destination-focused by design. Unlike lines that treat ports as a backdrop for onboard entertainment, Viking builds every itinerary around the culture, history, and landscapes of each place — with local guides, destination lectures, and an included shore excursion in every port.
Among the most awarded lines at sea. Viking has earned more than 450 awards and is the rare line rated at the top across rivers, oceans, and expeditions.
Smaller ships, closer access. Viking’s thoughtfully sized ships dock in the heart of cities and reach ports larger vessels can’t, placing you steps from the experiences you came for.
Adults-only and refined. Every guest is 18 or older, evenings are elegant-casual with no formal nights, and the atmosphere favors conversation and enrichment over spectacle.
Genuine inclusive value. Viking includes more than most premium lines — a shore excursion per port, all dining with no specialty surcharges, wine and beer with meals, and Wi-Fi (see exactly what’s included below).
Viking’s record is one of the most decorated in travel. Condé Nast Traveler readers have named Viking #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans for five consecutive years (2025 Readers’ Choice Awards) and rate it #1 for Expeditions as well. Travel + Leisure readers named Viking #1 for Expeditions in the 2025 World’s Best Awards — a position it has held since it became eligible — and a “World’s Best” for rivers and oceans. Viking notes that no other travel company has simultaneously received top honors from both publications. And for the fifth year running, U.S. News & World Report named Viking Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples, and Best Line in the Mediterranean in its 2026 rankings.
Viking is the world leader in river cruising, with the largest choice of waterways, ports, and departure dates — sailed aboard elegantly designed river ships built for immersion, not excess.
From the Danube and Rhine to the Rhône, Seine, Douro, Garonne, and Elbe, Viking’s European river cruises sail through the heart of the continent. Dock in the center of Vienna, Budapest, Amsterdam, and Paris and explore castles, vineyards, and cathedrals at an unhurried pace. See our guides to luxury Danube river cruises and luxury Bordeaux river cruises.
Experience the culture and cuisine of Vietnam and Cambodia on a Viking Mekong River cruise, docking at ancient temples, floating markets, and villages that bring the region’s history to life.
Journey through 5,000 years of history on a Viking Nile River cruise between the Valley of the Kings and the temples of Abu Simbel, aboard a Viking river ship with expert Egyptologist guides.
Explore America’s most storied waterway aboard Viking Mississippi — from the jazz of New Orleans to the antebellum history and river towns of the Deep South.
Viking’s ocean fleet pairs the intimacy of a smaller ship — roughly 930 guests, with no inside cabins and a private veranda in every stateroom — with the dining, enrichment, and design of a luxury line. Itineraries reach the Mediterranean, the Norwegian fjords, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and beyond, always with the same destination-focused depth. Viking’s ocean ships have been named U.S. News “Best Luxury Line” five years running.
Viking brought its destination-focused approach to expedition travel aboard two purpose-built, Polar Class 6 ships — Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris (both launched 2022, ~378 guests). Their signature feature is The Hangar, an in-ship launch bay that deploys Special Operations Boats, Zodiacs, kayaks, and submarines directly at the waterline. Every stateroom includes binoculars and a heated drying closet for gear.
Sail to the white continent for towering icebergs, penguin colonies, seals, and a silence that stretches beyond the horizon — with included Zodiac cruises and expedition landings.
Explore Svalbard, Greenland, and the high Arctic for polar bears, walrus, and glacial fjords beneath the midnight sun.
Viking helped pioneer expedition cruising on North America’s Great Lakes, exploring the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and lakeside cities of these vast freshwater seas.
Cultural enrichment. Every voyage includes destination lectures, local performances, cooking demonstrations, and tastings that connect the onboard experience to the places you’re sailing.
Dining. Viking’s cuisine celebrates regional flavors across multiple venues — including the popular Manfredi’s Italian restaurant and The Chef’s Table tasting menu, both with no surcharge, unlike most lines. Specialty coffee, teas, and bottled water are complimentary around the clock.
Scandinavian design. Viking’s ships reflect its Nordic heritage — light-filled, uncluttered, and calm, with floor-to-ceiling windows and understated comfort throughout.
Wellness. Ocean and expedition ships include complimentary access to a Nordic-inspired spa and thermal suite (sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and heated loungers), a standout perk most lines charge for.
Viking is known for strong inclusive value — more in the base fare than most premium lines. Every fare includes:
What costs extra: gratuities (a daily service charge, around $20 per guest per day), premium spirits and cocktails outside meals (via the optional Silver Spirits Beverage Package), spa treatments, additional or premium shore excursions, submarine dives on expeditions, and airfare unless booked through Viking. So while Viking isn’t technically all-inclusive, its included value is among the strongest in premium cruising — and Joan can walk you through the full cost picture so there are no surprises.
Viking suits curious, culturally minded adults who want depth over flash — no kids, no casinos, no formal nights, just destination-rich itineraries and a calm, refined atmosphere. It’s a standout for couples (named U.S. News Best Line for Couples five years running) and a genuine favorite for solo travelers, with dedicated solo staterooms on many ships and a welcoming, social onboard community. If you want the most opulent, fully all-inclusive ultra-luxury experience regardless of cost, Joan can compare Viking honestly against lines like Seabourn or Regent.
At Tasteful Voyages, Joan Qualls is a trusted Virtuoso travel advisor who matches discerning travelers with the right Viking voyage. Booking through Tasteful Voyages costs nothing extra and can include Virtuoso amenities such as onboard credit where offered, plus personalized planning, the right stateroom category, and coordination of flights, transfers, and pre- or post-cruise extensions.
Whether you’re dreaming of a Viking Danube river cruise through Vienna and Budapest, a Viking Antarctica expedition, or a Viking world cruise, Tasteful Voyages makes it happen seamlessly.
Contact Tasteful Voyages today to plan your Viking cruise, tailored entirely to you.
Viking is destination-focused, adults-only (18+), and among the most awarded lines at sea — rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans by Condé Nast Traveler readers for five years running, and #1 for Expeditions by Travel + Leisure. Expect smaller ships, strong cultural enrichment, no casinos or formal nights, and generous inclusive value.
Nearly, but not technically. Viking includes more than most premium lines — a shore excursion per port, all dining with no specialty surcharges, wine and beer with meals, Wi-Fi, and thermal-suite access. Gratuities (about $20 per guest per day), premium drinks outside meals, spa treatments, additional excursions, and airfare cost extra.
Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and specialty coffee and tea are complimentary 24/7. Premium spirits and cocktails require the optional Silver Spirits package. Gratuities are not included — a daily service charge of about $20 per guest per day is added, which you can pre-pay.
Yes. All guests must be 18 or older, and there are no children’s programs on board — part of what gives Viking its calm, culturally focused atmosphere.
All seven continents — Europe, Southeast Asia, Egypt, and the Mississippi by river; the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas by ocean; and Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Great Lakes by expedition.
Elegant casual. Daytime is casual, evenings call for slacks and a collared shirt or a dress or blouse — with no formal or black-tie nights.
Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris — purpose-built, Polar Class 6 ships carrying about 378 guests, featuring The Hangar with Zodiacs, kayaks, Special Operations Boats, and submarines. Zodiac cruises and landings are included; submarine dives are an optional paid excursion.
Yes. Viking is one of the best lines for solo travelers, with dedicated solo staterooms on many ships and a warm, social onboard community built around shared enrichment and dining.
Viking is a luxury, destination-focused line with excellent inclusive value, but the ultra-luxury lines (Seabourn, Silversea, Regent) include even more — all beverages, gratuities, and often excursions — at a higher price. Joan can match the right line to your priorities.