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With more than 100 ships sailing on rivers, lakes and oceans around the world, Viking is one of the major players in the world of cruising. With its serene, Scandinavian-inspired décor, a transparent fare structure and a focus on cultural destinations and learning, the Norwegian-owned line has earned a loyal following.
Viking’s river fleet is the largest in Europe, with additional ships also sailing the Mekong, the Nile and the Mississippi River. The fleet continues to expand, with 90 ships currently sailing, and a further 22 river ships expected by 2028. The line will also soon be sailing on the Brahmaputra River in India, with the launch of Viking Brahmaputra expected in late 2027, the first of two new 80-passenger ships that will sail the river.
The line’s ocean fleet includes 11 new-build ocean ships, all of which are identical. Two new ships will launch this year, with Viking Mira in the spring and Viking Libra at the end of 2026. Libra will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, along with two more expected in 2027 and 2028. It also has two luxury expedition vessels.
All of Viking’s ships are adults only, and fares are inclusive of flights, Wi-Fi, a tour in each port, spa access and drinks at mealtimes. There are no additional charges at any of the on-board restaurants.
1. Where does Viking cruise?
Viking’s river ships cruise in Europe, North America, South-East Asia, India and Egypt, on itineraries ranging from eight to 23 days.
In Europe, where Viking cruises on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, Elbe, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde, days revolve around visits to castles, riverside towns and villages, wineries and cities including Amsterdam, Budapest and Paris. In November and December, there are Christmas-market cruises and other themed festive sailings.
When sailing the Mekong, itineraries visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
On the Mississippi River, ships sail both the lower and upper sections of the river, with two new itineraries joining a growing portfolio. In Egypt, Viking sails round-trip from Cairo on a 12-day itinerary that begins with three nights in the city.
Ocean itineraries cover Northern Europe and the British Isles, Mediterranean (more ships have been moved here to meet demand between autumn and spring), Caribbean, North and South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, Alaska and Hawaii.
Among the new sailings is a 142-day world cruise on Viking Vesta, which will sail from Florida in December 2027, arriving in London in May 2028.
Viking’s Grand Journeys combine more than one ocean cruise itinerary. You could, for example, visit several of Scandinavia’s major ports, cruise for a month in Asia (Tokyo to Bangkok) or sail from New Zealand to Indonesia via Australia (Auckland to Bali).
The two expedition ships, Polaris and Octantis, take cruisers on expedition voyages in Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes. They also sail on the line’s “Longitudinal World Cruises”, along with a selection of itineraries in South America.
Some of the newest voyages at sea include a cruise that goes into the Antarctic Circle (launching in 2027) and two new Great Lakes itineraries. New ports of call include Chicago and the Benjamin Islands in Lake Huron.
2. Who does Viking appeal to?
There are no casinos, theatre shows or formal nights on board, which will suit passengers who prefer to focus on the scenery and on-board talks. Itineraries include frequent overnight stays in port and a complimentary excursion in each port.
Its target audience is reflected in the line’s cultural partnerships with the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Horticultural Society, the Munch Museum in Oslo and the Royal Academy of Arts, among others. As part of its range of pre- and post-cruise extensions, Viking guests can benefit from “privileged access” experiences.
This could be a visit to Highclere Castle to view the Earl of Carnarvon’s private collection of Egyptian artefacts, a behind-the-scenes tour at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute and an exclusive tour of the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum.
On-board expert-hosted enrichment programmes delve into local art, architecture, music and more, while expedition ships sail with a raft of field experts.
3. The Viking fleet
River ships
There are 90 river ships in the fleet, the majority of which are Viking Longships that sail on European rivers. These feature floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor and al fresco dining and sun decks with herb gardens. Most of these ships have two Explorer Suites with a wraparound veranda.
On the Douro in Portugal, Viking has six ships, including Viking Helgrim, Hemming, Osfrid and Torgil, each carrying 106 passengers.
Six new longships will launch in 2026, and by the end of 2027, Viking will have an additional two ships sailing the Nile. The majority of cruise ships sail from Luxor; however, Viking’s 12-day cruise-tour (which incorporates lots of land-based activities) leaves from Cairo.
The Viking Mississippi (which carries 386 passengers) has an infinity plunge pool and suites with private verandas. Unique to this ship are the River Café and a terrace for barbecue-style dining. Itineraries sail on the lower and upper sections of the river.
Ocean ships
Viking’s fleet of almost identical ocean ships carries between 930 and 998 guests in sea-view rooms. Interiors feature forest-scape murals, flame-effect firepits, Swedish granite, birch and juniper-toned furniture, and hand-woven textiles.
There are several restaurants and bars, including Mamsen’s café, serving soups, open sandwiches and pastries. The stylish Nordic Spa features a snow grotto and an infinity pool, and you could lose entire days in the library.
Expedition ships
Similar in design to the ocean fleet, Viking Polaris and Octantis each carry a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, two submarines and two 12-seater special operations boats. There are several restaurants, a library, an indoor pool, a science lab and an auditorium for daily lectures, briefings and documentaries.
Each expedition cruise sails with 36 experts, including research scientists, mountain and kayak guides and submarine pilots. Passengers can assist with on-shore fieldwork via several Citizen Science programmes. All cabins have luxury bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows that open halfway and a heated hanging space for expedition gear.
Viking also has partnerships with the likes of Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on its expedition voyages, and contributes to their research.
In March 2026, it was announced that two more expedition ships had been ordered, scheduled to be completed in 2030 and 2031.
4. Access for guests with disabilities
Viking’s river ships have elevators but they don’t serve all decks, and cabins are not suitable for those in wheelchairs. Viking Mississippi has nine accessible cabins that can accommodate wheelchairs. Viking’s ocean ships have a few accessible cabins, but those who require the use of a wheelchair must be accompanied by an able-bodied person. The cruise line advises contacting them directly for any questions on accessibility.
5. Loyalty scheme
Guests automatically become a member of the Viking Explorer Society after their first sailing. Benefits include special offers, early access to new itineraries and invitations to exclusive events. Society members receive a $100 (£75) per person discount when booking a new voyage (increasing to $200 [£149] if booked within a year of returning from a cruise).
This story was first published in December 2023 and has been revised and updated.
