Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking was founded in 1997 with the vision that travel could be more destination-focused and culturally immersive.

The company expanded into the North American market in 2000, establishing a sales and marketing office in Los Angeles.

Since then, Viking has grown to a fleet of more than 100 vessels, offering river, ocean and expedition voyages exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents.

Viking provides destination-focused itineraries for curious travelers, with each journey including a shore excursion in every port and an onboard and onshore enrichment program that provides deep immersion in the destination through musical performances, art, cooking demonstrations, informative port talks and carefully selected guest lecturers.

With a clear focus on creating experiences For The Thinking Person™, Viking does not try to be all things to all people.

This contrarian approach resonates with guests. With more than 450 awards to its name, Viking is a leader in experiential travel including being consistently rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans by Condé Nast Traveler in its Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure – no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Ocean Ships and Itineraries

Viking introduced its destination-focused ocean voyages in 2015. The award-winning fleet is comprised of small, all-veranda sister ships that are engineered at a size allowing direct access to most ports.

Guests can easily and efficiently embark and disembark—allowing for more time in port. Viking’s ocean fleet features an elegant Scandinavian design with abundant public space and attention to detail.

Each ship boasts a private veranda in every stateroom, a choice of restaurants offering a variety of fine dining options and the most al fresco dining at sea—as well as an infinity pool, Nordic-inspired spa, two-deck Explorers’ Lounge, thoughtfully curated book collections throughout the ship and more.

Ocean itineraries are designed to maximize the amount of time travelers spend in their destination. These enriching itineraries include voyages around the world—with particular focus in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, the Mediterranean during the “quiet season,” the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Alaska, North and South America and Africa.

Viking’s ocean ships have been designed to be environmentally considerate, with an energy-efficient hull, propeller and rudder arrangements and engines with heat recovery systems.

This allows ships to reach the best Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)* in its class, exceeding the 2025 International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements by almost 20 percent.

Additionally, Viking ships were the first newbuilds in the world with a closed-loop exhaust cleaning system designed so that pollutants can be removed and disposed of safely.

In late 2026, Viking plans to take delivery of the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions.

Viking’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, which is scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen powered.