Quick Facts:
- Founded: 1997
- Founder: Torstein Hagen
- Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland (operational offices in Los Angeles, USA)
- Fleet Size: 90+ vessels (river, ocean, and expedition combined)
- Flagship Class: Viking Ocean Class
- Market Segment: Premium / Small-Ship
Viking has redefined what it means to cruise with a focus on cultural immersion, minimalist design, and destination-driven itineraries. Founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen, the company began as Viking River Cruises, operating a handful of vessels along Europe’s iconic waterways. Hagen’s vision was clear from the start: to provide “The Thinking Person’s Cruise” — a travel experience centered on learning, authenticity, and comfort rather than excess.
From those early river ships, Viking has grown into one of the most successful and recognizable names in modern cruising. The brand’s expansion into ocean cruising in 2015 with the launch of Viking Star marked a major turning point, introducing a new generation of small-ship ocean vessels that mirrored the simplicity and elegance of its river fleet. Today, Viking operates a global fleet that spans rivers, oceans, and expeditions, maintaining a consistent identity across all platforms.
Onboard Experience
Viking’s onboard philosophy centers on refined simplicity, cultural enrichment, and Scandinavian-inspired design. The line’s ships share a cohesive aesthetic: clean lines, light woods, and open spaces that evoke the feeling of Nordic hospitality and calm.
Dining reflects the brand’s destination focus, with venues such as The Restaurant, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, and The Chef’s Table showcasing regional cuisine influenced by the ports of call. The World Café offers upscale buffet service, while Mamsen’s, a tribute to Hagen’s mother, serves Norwegian comfort dishes.
Enrichment is at the heart of the experience. Guests enjoy lectures from historians and academics, art and culture programs. The absence of casinos and the inclusion of complimentary shore excursions underscore Viking’s focus on intellectual exploration over conventional entertainment.
Onboard amenities include the LivNordic Spa, which features a traditional snow grotto and thermal suite, as well as spacious staterooms — all of which include verandas as standard. The ocean fleet is designed for 930 guests, creating a small-ship environment with high service levels and no interior cabins.
Operations and Deployment
Viking operates one of the most extensive fleets in the world, divided into river, ocean, and expedition segments. Its river ships sail throughout Europe, Asia, and Egypt, while its ocean vessels visit more than 300 ports across six continents.
The introduction of Viking Expeditions in 2022, beginning with Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, expanded the brand into polar and scientific cruising. These expedition ships are equipped with advanced research laboratories and partnerships with academic institutions, allowing guests to participate in real-world science projects while exploring Antarctica and the Great Lakes.
Viking’s consistent ship design philosophy allows it to operate efficiently while maintaining a recognizable and cohesive brand identity across all vessel types. Its ocean fleet continues to grow with additional ships planned through 2027, all following the same successful formula established by Viking Star.
Future Outlook
Viking shows no signs of slowing its growth. With new ships under construction for both its ocean and expedition divisions, the company remains focused on its core mission: culturally rich, small-ship travel for curious travelers.
The line’s commitment to consistent design, destination focus, and intellectual enrichment has earned it a loyal following and numerous industry awards. Viking’s model challenges traditional cruise segmentation by offering a product that blurs the line between premium and luxury, appealing to travelers who value substance and authenticity over flash and size.
As it approaches three decades of operation, Viking continues to embody Torstein Hagen’s original philosophy — to explore the world in comfort, while deepening guests’ understanding of it.