Eight Reasons to Choose Viking Cruises

Embarking on a journey with Viking isn't just about the cruise. It’s immersing yourself in a complete vacation experience that combines exploration, luxury, and cultural enrichment. With a reputation built on Scandinavian elegance, destination-focused itineraries, and excellent service, Viking Cruises attracts travelers seeking adventure and looking for a voyage of a lifetime. If this sounds right up your alley, the following are eight compelling reasons why Viking should be on your radar. 

About Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises offers three distinctly different types of cruising - Viking River Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Viking Expeditions. Although each operates ships of various sizes with different cruise programs, they all uphold the same high standards that the Viking Cruises brand is known for having fleetwide. 

Viking River Cruises operates one of the most extensive fleets of river cruise vessels. This includes its renowned longships traversing European waterways and custom-built crafts navigating notable rivers such as the Nile and Mississippi. Viking River Cruises provides almost daily access to destinations and experiences. Onboard, guests enjoy excellent service, great food, and amazing views from all staterooms and public areas. 

Viking Ocean Cruises operates 12 identical ocean vessels that sail the Oceans worldwide. These small, all-veranda ocean ships are showcased with modern amenities. The ships are built to allow access to most ports, each with the capacity to hold 930 guests. 

Viking Expeditions is the newest division for Viking Cruises, launching its first ship, Viking Octantis, in 2022. It added a second ship, Viking Polaris, in 2023. These unique vessels are designed to navigate the most remote territories of the world while providing a comfortable and luxurious experience onboard for guests. Viking employs a 36-person expedition team on these ships who lead guests through scientific research, guide shore excursions, and provide learning expertise about nature, history, culture, and more for guests. 

Viking Cruises is a unique line offering products and itineraries that no other lines currently provide. The following are the top reasons you should consider Viking for your next enrichment-filled vacation. 

1. Worldwide Cruise Operations 

Viking Cruises is renowned for its destination-focused itineraries, on which travelers can explore the culture and history of each region. If you want to visit a remote or less traveled part of the world, check out all of the Viking itineraries—they likely have something to fit your needs. 

Viking Ocean Cruises currently operates in Europe (Meditteranean, Scandinavia, British Isles/Ireland), Africa/The Middle East, North America (U.S., Canada, Alaska, and Mexico), the Caribbean/Central America, South America, Asia (China, Japan, Thailand), and Australia/New Zealand. 

Viking River Cruises operates worldwide, with specially made small-sized vessels that are perfect to explore. The division currently operates in these regions:

• Asia—Viking River Cruises sails in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. 
• Europe—European destinations are among Viking’s most extensive offerings as a brand. Its unique longships offer the perfect way to explore the rivers of Europe with a small number of other guests on the journey. River voyage itineraries here include port visits in The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, Monaco, and Egypt. 
• United States—In the U.S., Viking River operates on the Mississippi River from Minnesota to New Orleans.  
• Middle East—Viking operates Nile River cruises from Cairo from late summer into early winter. The line has previously sailed river cruises in Israel and Jordan. 

Viking Expedition Cruises offers voyages to Antarctica and the North American Great Lakes. In between the seasons, the ship sails latitudinal/longitudinal cruises to destinations spanning from South America through the Panama Canal and the Caribbean to the east coast of Canada. In 2025, Viking Expeditions will begin sailing voyages up to the Arctic.   

Whether you're exploring Norway's majestic fjords, Europe's romantic waterways, or Asia's exotic landscapes, every journey with Viking offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

2. Enrichment as a Focus 

Viking Cruises offers immersive experiences designed to deepen your understanding of the destinations you visit. These include expert-led excursions, onboard lectures by destination specialists, and programming aimed at expanding your knowledge of the region's history, culture, science, and more. 

Whether savoring local cuisine, exploring ancient ruins, or learning about traditions, every moment aboard a Viking cruise is an opportunity for cultural enlightenment and enrichment. 

If you are searching for a cruise on which you will not only explore and see the sites but also learn and gain a new understanding of the destination, Viking Cruises should be considered. 

3. Scandinavian Elegance

Viking Cruises is known for its Scandinavian-inspired design and décor, reflecting its Nordic heritage. Its fleet features elegant interiors with modern amenities. Every aspect is sure to exude sophistication. 

Scandinavian design principles of simplicity, minimalism, and natural elements dominate the onboard spaces, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. Guests will find rich wood accents, clean lines, and expansive windows to view the surrounding landscapes. 

4. Small Ship Experience

Unlike larger cruise ships and lines, Viking emphasizes intimate voyages with smaller ships to create a more tranquil and exclusive atmosphere for travelers.

You won’t find giant waterslides, ziplines, go-karts, Broadway-style theatres, shopping arcades, or casinos on Viking ships. Onboard public areas are designed for relaxing and socializing. Instead of bells and whistles, you will find libraries, art, small pools, and spas. This cruise experience is not for everyone, so something to keep in mind should you choose to sail with Viking. 

5. Adult-Focused Experience

As of 2018, Viking Cruises instituted a policy making all of their cruises adults-only. This includes all Viking Ocean, Viking River, and Viking Expedition voyages. If you are looking for a family cruise or multi-generational trip, this is something to keep in mind. 

The official policy from Viking states, “All guests must be 18 years old on or before the day they are scheduled to embark on their cruise; we do not maintain facilities or services on board for younger individuals.” 

The programming and itineraries curated by Viking are designed for adult travelers, and the cruise line has chosen to make this a priority by allowing only sailors over 18 years of age.

6. Inclusive Amenities

With Viking Cruises, many amenities are included in the upfront cruise fare. Many of these items are extra costs on other lines, making Viking an even better value when all expenses are added together. You can expect to have the following included on your Viking voyage:

• Wi-Fi
• Dining at multiple restaurants
• Select shore excursions in each port 
• Complimentary beer/wine with lunch and dinner, as well as water, sodas, coffee and tea
• Most of all, onboard programming and activities

Extra costs with Viking Cruises may include the Silver Spirits Beverage Package, which allows guests to enjoy unlimited beverages in all onboard venues at any time for $25 per night. Additional fees also apply for treatments at the onboard spa or salon. 

As mentioned, select shore excursions are included in the guest fare. Typically, Viking will offer 1-2 excursions per port, including the transfer from the ship and a guided tour/visit to the highlight of the destination. This is a great selling point for Viking because you can seamlessly plan your port days without extra stress or fees. Additionally, in each port, Viking will offer a range of extra-cost excursions that you can take to see various sites or try regional activities. 

7. Culinary Excellence

Dining plays a central role in the Viking Cruises experience. Guests can savor a variety of cuisines crafted by world-class chefs, with an inclusion of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests will find a range of casual to gourmet dining options, with something to suit all travelers. 

On Viking River, guests can try unique dishes at The Restaurant or dine outside on the Aquavit Terrace. Viking Ocean and Expedition ships offer multiple venues, including Manfredi’s, The World Cafe, and Mamsen’s. 

One of Viking Cruises' unique elements is that cruisers will find many of the same eateries on each ship, offering the same high-quality dining experience. The more you sail with the line, the more you will appreciate having the same venues, and it will start to feel like a home away from home.  

8. Exceptional Service 

From the moment a guest steps onboard, expect to be greeted with the warm hospitality and attentive service that Viking Cruises has become known for. 

Dedicated staff go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels well cared for. With smaller ships in the fleet, Viking maintains a high staff-to-guest ratio, meaning you will always have a crew member nearby ready to assist. All crew, from your stateroom attendants, to waitstaff, guest services, and everyone in between, will be among the highlights of your Viking Cruise experience. 

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the many reasons why sailing with Viking Cruises is a remarkable and unique experience for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation on the high seas. Embarking on a voyage with Viking Cruises isn't merely about the cruise itself; it's an immersive journey filled with luxury, culture, and enrichment. 

If this sounds like the cruise line for you, explore all Viking River Cruises or Viking Ocean and Expedition Cruises

Related:

Expedition Cruising on the Great Lakes with Viking

Deals on Viking River Cruises

Viking Files for IPO