In 2017, Viking Cruises marks two decades of leadership and innovation on the world’s waterways. Founded in 1997, Viking is now the world’s leading river cruise line with the largest fleet of river vessels, including the two new Viking Longships, which launched in March.
Having debuted its small ship ocean cruises in 2015, Viking now also has three 930-guest sister ships and will add a fourth by the end of the year. To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Viking has released a new video in which Founder and Chairman Torstein Hagen reflects on the company’s history, from its start with four river vessels in Russia and the launch of the revolutionary Viking Longships – to the introduction of Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking’s Award-Winning Tradition Continues
Acclaimed for its innovation, distinctive modern Scandinavian design, inclusive value and immersive destination-focused offerings, for the past 20 years Viking Cruises has amassed awards from industry experts and the travel trade. Rounding out a record-breaking year of wins, Town & Country named Viking Ocean Cruises “Best for Design” and “Best Overall, Contemporary Luxury” in the magazine’s recent Cruise Awards. It also named Viking River Cruises “Best for Suites” and “Best for Design.”
Kicking off 2017, Viking’s two ships won the top two placements in nearly every category where they were eligible in Cruise Critic’s 2017 Cruisers’ Choice Awards, including “Best Overall” and “Best for First-Timers.” Viking was also voted “Best River Cruise Line” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and earned second-place honors for “Best Ocean Cruise Line.” Viking Star® and Viking Sea® also took second and third place honors, respectively, in the “Best Cruise Ship for Dining” category.
Viking’s 20th anniversary year will also be a year of significant expansion. By the end of 2017, the company will have welcomed two new Viking Longships on Europe’s rivers and will have doubled its ocean fleet with the addition of Viking Sky, which launched in February, and Viking Sun, which debuts in October.
Viking’s fifth ship, Viking Spirit, will join the fleet in 2018, and will sail itineraries in Australia, Asia and Alaska. A sixth, yet-to-be-named sister ship will be delivered in 2019 and will mark Viking as the largest small ship ocean cruise line. The company has also placed orders for two additional sister ships to debut in 2020 and 2022, respectively.
Through May 31, 2017, Viking is offering U.S. residents 2-for-1 cruise fare, plus up to free air on select river itineraries, including Grand European Tour, Waterways of the Tsars, France’s Finest, European Sojourn and Kiev to the Black Sea, as well as select ocean itineraries, including Alaska & The Inside Passage and most Caribbean itineraries. Plus, for all 2017 sailings of Viking Homelands, a new “choice” offer allows guests to choose between a free beverage package, $400 shipboard credit per stateroom or prepaid onboard gratuities.
For booking or for more details, contact your local travel professional or visit VikingCruises.com.
