Viking
Quick Answer: Explore the world in elegant comfort. Imagine sipping wine in the Explorers' Lounge as Norway's fjords glide past floor-to-ceiling windows, or stepping off your river Longship directly into the medieval heart of a European village. Viking crafts journeys for the curious — adults who believe travel should enlighten as much as it delights, with destination at the heart of every experience.
Is Viking Right for You?
Viking invites thoughtful travelers who seek cultural enrichment over high-energy entertainment — those who would rather attend a lecture by a resident historian than ride a waterslide. Ocean ships sail worldwide with all-veranda staterooms and ~930 guests; river Longships navigate Europe's storied waterways with ~190 guests and the kind of intimate access that larger ships simply cannot offer.
Every detail reflects Nordic design philosophy: clean lines, natural materials, daylight-rich spaces, and an atmosphere that defers to the destination rather than competing with it. The Wintergarden serves afternoon tea while classical music drifts through sunlit lounges. The Aquavit Terrace offers al fresco dining as the Seine or Rhine unfolds before you. Enrichment programming brings destinations to life before you arrive.
Perfect for couples and solo travelers drawn to lectures, classical music, regional cuisine, and unhurried discovery. Viking's adults-only policy (18+) ensures calm public spaces, and generous inclusions — beer & wine at meals, Wi-Fi, laundry, one shore excursion per port — eliminate the nickel-and-dime surprises that frustrate sophisticated travelers. This is travel as it should be: meaningful, peaceful, and beautifully designed.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Brand Identity: Quiet luxury, destination immersion, Nordic design — "The Thinking Person's Cruise"
- Guest Policy: Adults-only (18+), no casinos, no kids' clubs, no umbrella drinks
- Inclusions: Beer & wine at meals, Wi-Fi, laundry, one shore excursion per port, specialty dining, 24-hour room service
- Best For: Cultural travelers, lifelong learners, couples, solo explorers, enrichment seekers
- Signature Spaces: Explorers' Lounge, Wintergarden, Aquavit Terrace, LivNordic Spa
- Fleet: Ocean ships (930 guests) and river Longships (~190 guests)
Search Ships
Ship Classes
Ocean Ships launched 2015+
Viking’s 930-guest Ocean sisters embody quiet luxury at sea: all-veranda accommodations, warm woods, daylight-rich lounges, and design that defers to the view. The pace is unhurried; enrichment and place take center stage.
No casinos and no forced spectacle—just thoughtful venues like the Explorers’ Lounge, serene Wintergarden, and destination-driven dining. Life on board orients you to life ashore.
Longships (River) launched 2012+
Viking Longships bring ~190 guests into the historic hearts of Europe’s rivers. Floor-to-ceiling lounges, the Aquavit Terrace, and walk-off access keep you close to the water—and to the cultures that grew up upon it.
Inside you’ll find Scandinavian restraint: light, air, and textures that serve the story outside your window. Lectures, regional cuisine, and effortless steps ashore complete the picture.
The Viking Experience
From the moment you board, Viking surrounds you with an atmosphere of serene sophistication. The Explorers' Lounge — with its two-story windows, rare books, and Norwegian aquavit collection — becomes your sanctuary for contemplation. The Wintergarden offers afternoon tea with live classical music. The LivNordic Spa features the Snow Grotto cold room and thermal suite inspired by Scandinavian bathing traditions.
Dining emphasizes regional authenticity: The Restaurant brings multi-course menus reflecting your itinerary's destinations, while Manfredi's offers Italian excellence and The Chef's Table presents intimate tasting menus. On river cruises, the Aquavit Terrace lets you dine al fresco as medieval towns and vineyard-draped hillsides drift past.
What cruisers say: "Waking up in a new European village each day, with history lectures and wine included, felt like the journey we'd always dreamed of."
Detailed Ship Guides Coming Soon
We're charting comprehensive guides to the Viking fleet — ocean vs. river ship comparisons, stateroom analysis, venue walkthroughs, and enrichment programming details. Everything the thoughtful traveler needs for unhurried planning. Check back soon, or visit VikingCruises.com to explore current sailings.
Ships A–Z
Ship photos: Rodhullandemu and Tiraspolsky / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Viking unique among cruise lines?
Viking offers adults-only (18+) ocean and river cruising focused on destination immersion and cultural enrichment. No casinos, no kids—just quiet luxury with resident historians, classical music, beer and wine at meals, Wi-Fi, laundry, and select shore excursions all included.
What is included on Viking cruises?
Viking includes beer and wine at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi throughout the ship, laundry services, and one complimentary shore excursion in each port. Most sailings also feature resident historians and cultural programming.
Are Viking cruises adults-only?
Yes. Viking Ocean and River cruises are designed for adults 18 and older. The atmosphere emphasizes quiet sophistication, cultural enrichment, and destination-focused travel without the energy of family-oriented cruise lines.
What is the difference between Viking Ocean and River ships?
Viking Ocean ships carry ~930 guests on worldwide itineraries with all-veranda staterooms and enrichment programming. Viking Longships navigate European rivers with ~190 guests, floor-to-ceiling windows, and intimate access to historic port towns.
Image Credits
Ship images sourced from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licenses. Individual attributions appear beneath each gallery.