Viking River Cruises

Viking Cruises provides luxurious river, ocean, and expedition voyages to destinations across North and South America, the Caribbean, Antarctica, the Great Lakes, Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, and Southeast Asia. Founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen, it operates via three divisions—Viking River Cruises (over 76 vessels averaging 190 passengers), Viking Ocean Cruises (up to 930 passengers per ship), and Viking Expeditions—catering primarily to mature travelers seeking cultural depth. Key offerings include extended port stays for immersive experiences, onboard enrichment like lectures and cooking demos, and all-inclusive perks such as excursions, Wi-Fi, and dining. What sets Viking apart is its focus on sustainability and innovation: hybrid diesel-electric engines for efficiency, "longship" designs optimizing space and views, plans for hydrogen-powered vessels, and partnerships like with NOAA for research. Recent expansions include U.S. Mississippi River routes (2022) and polar/Great Lakes expeditions, emphasizing thoughtful, no-kids-under-18 travel for refined exploration.