Is this the ultimate way to see the world?

When your destination is just as important as the journey, Viking offers luxury floating hotels that take you – and fully immerse you – in landscapes across all seven continents

Often, when you think about cruising, the image of bulging buffets, long queues, cocktails with umbrellas, casinos and packed coaches springs to mind. Forget all your preconceptions when you’re on a Viking voyage.

The Viking Difference

Born in Scandinavia in 1997, this boutique line has the ethos, the “Thinking Person’s Cruise Line.” For good reason. While everything is extremely comfortable on board your ship of choice – indeed, each was conceptualised by hotel designers – the ultimate emphasis is on cultural immersion. Getting you to really experience the destinations you’re visiting.

This begins on the ship via activities curated for enrichment and renewal, whether that’s lectures and workshops hosted by experts in the history, art, culture and wildlife of the ports you’re calling in to; cooking demonstrations that reveal the culinary nuances of the places you’re visiting; performances by musicians who have just stepped aboard; or gourmet cuisine that speaks to the region, using locally sourced produce to give you a real taste of place.

Then when you step ashore, excursions are carefully considered to offer you a local’s perspective – a side to the destination that few others get to see.

Foodie? Join the ship’s chef to visit local markets and pick up produce that will later be served for dinner. Cultural enthusiast? Expert guides can take you behind the scenes at a famous theatre or to view a museum’s private collection. Wildlife fanatic? Biologists and ornithologists can lead you to spot everything from penguins to polar bears – they know the best locations to find them, and will reveal their fascinating role in the environment.

Destination focus

Whether you’re a fan of cruising oceans or rivers, Viking will take you there. The  line sails to all seven continents in serious style, from Scandinavia – where it was born – to Central Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, Egypt, Antarctica, North and South America, and Australia.

And the fact that Viking is an expert when it comes to small ships – the largest in its fleet holds 998 guests; the smallest just 80 – means that you have access to destinations and ports that larger ships simply cannot go. This gives you more time on the ground, immersing yourself in local life.

Privileged access

Since it launched almost 30 years ago, Viking’s team has cultivated an unparalleled network of connections and contacts across all seven continents – the ‘best-of-the-best’ on the ground to ensure Viking guests have access to the most exclusive experiences.

This means skipping the queue at major attractions; getting after-hours access to museum collections when the crowds have all departed; being a special guest at local homes; meeting and mingling with the vintners and makers on wine estates and in restaurants to take a deep dive into the ‘working world’ of your destination; or attending a private event in a palace, perhaps, whether an orchestral recital or an intimate ballet performance.

These are experiences that others simply don’t have access to – and most don’t even know exist.  

Attention to detail – and quality

Every one of Viking’s modern, purpose-built ships delivers premium comfort and high-quality service. Style is Scandinavian and sleek, from the well-stocked Library to the Living Room, where resident musicians perform and cocktails flow. And when it comes to mealtime, you can look forward to meals and wines that highlight local region – Viking is all-inclusive, after all.

Depending on your ship, there’s the chance to lounge beside the pool on the Aquavit Terrace, enjoy high tea in the Wintergarden, check out a show in the theatre or bliss out in The Nordic Spa.

When it comes to accommodation, all staterooms and suites are designed to provide you maximum focus on the destinations you’re visiting – most come with private verandas to bring the outside in, whether you’re cruising between icebergs or between karst islets, on the lookout for toucans or polar bears.

Whatever your destination, you’re guaranteed award-winning service – the kind that is at once unobtrusive and yet attentive. The crew will know your name by the end of your voyage.

Explore The Viking Way today