Who Is Viking Cruises?
Viking Cruises is a bit of an anomaly in the cruise industry in that they offer one of the most diverse selections of itineraries of any other cruise line sailing the world’s waterways. Most companies offer river cruises or ocean cruises, but Viking offers both, opening up practically every area of the world to cruisers.
When it comes to rivers, Viking cruises are offered on practically every major European river, as well as the Nile in Egypt, the Mekong River in Southeast Asia and, coming soon, the Mississippi River. As for oceans, Viking plies the seas of Northern Europe and Scandinavia quite a bit (they were founded by a Norwegian family, after all) while also establishing a presence in North America, Asia and Australia. They are starting expedition cruises to Antarctica aboard the company’s first adventure trip. Between eight-day European cruises to 138-day world voyages, there’s certainly something in the Viking lineup for everyone.
Image: Viking Cruises, Halong Bay, Vietnam
So Where Should I Sail with Viking Cruises?
Name the subject of your wanderlust and Viking can most likely take you there, in their trademark consummate style, of course. But if we were pressed to choose our favorite Viking Cruises destinations, these would be our favorite four:
Northern Europe/Scandinavia
This is Viking’s homeland and the starting and ending point for many of the company’s most intriguing itineraries. Centered around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea, Norway, Iceland and other “Viking region” destinations (according to founder Torstein Hagen), these routes range from Norwegian fjords cruises departing from Bergen, to two-week, one-way trips from Bergen to Stockholm. You can also hit up more typical Baltic cruise ports, including Helsinki, Finland. You might sail from Bergen to Iceland, or to France, Portugal or Spain. You may hit the northernmost part of Norway, above the Arctic Circle, or visit Scotland’s rugged and remote Shetland or Orkney islands. With itineraries ranging from 7 to 28 nights, there’s a cruise length to match any vacation time off. Most cruises in this area of the world will depart from Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen, London or Reykjavik.
Image: Viking Cruises, Copenhagen, Denmark
European Rivers
For English speakers looking for the quintessential Europe river-cruising experience, Viking is the first name that comes to mind. It stands to reason - they operate approximately 70 river ships on most of the continent’s major (and some minor) rivers. Choose itineraries along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in Central Europe; France’s Seine, Rhône, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde; the Douro in Portugal; and Germany’s Moselle and Elbe.
Image: Viking Cruises, Durnstein, Austria
The Mediterranean
Gliding effortlessly into the warmer, more southerly waters, Viking Cruises is focused on Western Med and Easter Med, with a few options that include ports in both destinations. They offer more than 30 different itineraries, including a two-week, one-way sailing from Athens to Barcelona that visits Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain. Choose a voyage from Venice to Athens, stopping in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. You can expect Mediterranean sailings to embark from Barcelona, Rome (actually, the nearby port of Civitavecchia, nearby), Venice, Athens (the nearby port of Piraeus) and Istanbul.
Image: Viking Cruises, Barcelona, Spain
Antarctica
If there was any silver lining to be born of the Covid pandemic, it’s the “seize the moment” mentality of travelers re-emerging into the world. Bucket-list trips are happening, including the biggest of the big: Antarctica. Viking is new to the White Continent and is arriving in this vast, remote land via two 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels designed specifically for this environment. The Viking Octantis boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open in every cabin, so guests won’t miss a moment of the incredible scenery passing by outside. The ship also offers The Hangar, which allows for interior transfers to the ship’s Zodiac landing crafts, making the experience more pleasant and accessible. Typically, you’d depart from Buenos Aires, Argentina, take a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, then board one of the ships for your 11-night voyage to Antarctica and back.
Image: Viking Cruises, Wilhemina Bay, Antarctica
And there’s more! This year, Viking Cruises is offering fantastic itineraries in our own backyard: North America’s Great Lakes.
Viking Cruises, Niagara Falls, Canada
Whether you’re hoping for a food- and wine-focused cruise in France, a voyage of discovery in historic Viking territory or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to witness the hotel-sized icebergs and playful penguins of Antarctica, Viking can take you there. Let’s schedule a consultation and chat! If you haven't signed up for my weekly small-ship experience newsletter, you can do so here: