Viking, formerly known as Viking Cruises, is a prestigious cruise line that offers a wide range of experiences, from river cruises to ocean and expedition cruises. With its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, and marketing offices in Los Angeles, California, Viking has established itself as a prominent player in the travel and tourism industry.
A Rich History of Innovation and Growth
Viking was founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen, an industry veteran with a passion for cruising. Hagen's extensive experience, including his role as CEO of the Royal Viking Line, laid the foundation for Viking's success. The company started with four river cruise ships purchased at a bargain price, which became the founding fleet of Viking River Cruises.
Since its inception, Viking has experienced rapid expansion and modernization. It acquired KD River Cruises in 2000, making it the largest river cruising fleet in the world at that time. The company focused on revamping the ships to cater to its target demographic of older travelers. By eliminating unnecessary frills and standardizing the fleet, Viking maximized passenger capacity and profitability.
In 2011, Viking embarked on a new phase of growth and sponsored PBS's Masterpiece Theatre. The company introduced the "longship" design, which increased passenger capacity and allowed for a more comfortable cruising experience. Viking christened 10 ships in one day in 2013, setting a Guinness World Record. The successful expansion continued with the launch of Viking Ocean Cruises in 2015, offering itineraries in Scandinavia, the British Isles, the Baltic and Mediterranean Sea.
A Commitment to Sustainable Travel
Viking is dedicated to environmental responsibility and sustainability. The company introduced ships with hybrid diesel-electric engines in 2009, reducing fuel consumption by an estimated 20% compared to conventional engines. In October 2017, Viking announced plans to develop the world's first cruise ship powered by liquid hydrogen, a groundbreaking project aimed at revolutionizing the industry's environmental impact.
Unforgettable River Cruises
Viking River Cruises offers a remarkable selection of cruises along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia, and Egypt. With an average capacity of 190 passengers on European ships and up to 256 on its Chinese ship, Viking ensures an intimate and personalized experience for its guests. The fleet consists of 76 owned and chartered vessels, showcasing the company's commitment to exceptional service and comfort.
Boundless Exploration with Ocean Cruises
Since its launch in 2015, Viking Ocean Cruises has provided an extraordinary way to discover the world's most captivating destinations. With itineraries covering Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Americas, and more, Viking's ocean vessels offer an immersive experience, spending more time in port than other cruise lines. Its five ships, including Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Orion, and Viking Venus, carry up to 930 passengers and 550 crew members. The Scandinavian-inspired design and focus on cultural enrichment create an exceptional journey for travelers.
Expanding Horizons with Expedition Cruises
In 2020, Viking announced the launch of Viking Expeditions, a thrilling addition to its fleet. The expeditions arm of the brand will operate small-ship trips to exotic destinations, including polar regions and North America's Great Lakes. The highly anticipated first vessel, Viking Octantis, is scheduled to debut in January 2022, with Viking Polaris joining the fleet in August of the same year. These expedition ships, built by VARD, will offer unique opportunities for exploration accompanied by a team of experts.
A Commitment to Excellence and Enrichment
Viking has earned a reputation for excellence in the travel industry. With a focus on providing enriching experiences, Viking partners with leading cultural institutions such as PBS's Masterpiece Theatre, National Geographic, and the Metropolitan Opera. These collaborations enhance the onboard entertainment and educational programs, ensuring that guests have a truly engaging and immersive journey.
A Bright Future of Innovation and Discovery
As Viking continues to expand and innovate, it remains committed to creating unforgettable travel experiences for its guests. With the introduction of new ships and destinations, such as its Future Ocean Ships and the launch of Viking Mars, Viking is poised to redefine the cruise industry once again. Join Viking on a voyage of discovery and adventure, as you explore the world's most captivating destinations in comfort and style.
Note: The images used in this article are from the original source article "Viking (cruise line)" and are property of Viking Cruises.
