December 17, 2017 — Viking has crafted its Cuban itineraries a little differently from other lines, and it is to Viking’s advantage. Rather than docking in Havana, Viking spends three days anchored off Cienfuegos, Cuba, on the southern part of the Island.
December 12, 2017 — Viking Cruises dominated the 10th annual Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards with five wins. Viking won three river cruise awards (best enrichment, best for first timers and best shore excursions) and two ocean luxury awards (best spa and best value for money). Viking also dominated the website's Cruisers' Choice Awards in February, which are chosen by reviews posted by travelers registered with the site.
December 9, 2017 — Viking is best known for its river cruises (hello, “Masterpiece” fans); the company has added ocean cruises and does them very well, with new, comfortable and relatively small ships. They carry a maximum of 930 passengers and have witty lectures by academics in place of casinos.
November 25, 2017 — If you’re fascinated by these larger-than-life legends – or just want to visit their home countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden – the best place to get in touch with your inner Viking is probably on a Viking cruise. Like its namesake, the Norwegian-born ships are all about travel, exploration and new experiences.
November 7, 2017 — Best known for its river cruise ships, Viking is gaining recognition for its ocean vessels, including the first ship, Viking Star, which began sailing in 2015. Since then, three sister ships have been christened, including Viking Sea. Each ship design emanates Scandinavian influences in the color palette of pale blues and pure whites, as well as in the light-colored woods.
October 31, 2017 — The cruise industry is growing by leaps and bounds, with companies regularly announcing the upcoming launch of new ships. But none can compete with the marathon efforts of Viking, which is adding two new ships to its fleet in 2018, another ship in 2019 and seven new river boats. Viking, which currently operates a fleet of 62 vessels, offers scenic cruising along the rivers and oceans of the Americas, Europe, Russia, Egypt, China and Southeast Asia.
October 27, 2017 — A highlight of a cruise on Viking Homelands is stops at eight countries with unforgettable scenery. “Scandinavia is Viking territory, and the Viking Homelands itinerary brings guests along the original trade routes of the Viking explorers. [While] sailing from Bergen to Stockholm, guests have opportunities to see the great cities of the Baltic Sea, along with Norwegian fjords, rural historical sites and ancient Viking settlements that provide a glimpse at how the original Vikings lived,” says Torstein Hagen, Viking Cruises’ Chairman. “One of our signature itineraries, I’m pleased to offer it for guests to experience my home country of Norway and the homelands of the original Viking explorers,” he adds.
October 17, 2017 — Viking was voted the Best River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking has scored in the top of the list every year since the river cruise category was introduced. Also, after only two years of operating ocean cruises, Viking was again named one of the Best Ocean Cruise Lines.
October 16, 2017 — Viking Ocean Cruises has announced plans for another epic world cruise — only its second ever. Kicking off Jan. 9, 2019 in Miami, the 128-day voyage will span nearly the entire globe and include stops in 44 ports in 21 countries. The sailing will take place on Viking's soon-to-debut, 930-passenger Viking Sun, the same ship that in December will operate Viking's first world cruise.
October 11, 2017 — Viking’s policy of no casino, no children, no “umbrella drinks” and no “nickel and diming” strikes a chord with many travelers. What Viking does offer are midsized ships (930 maximum guests) and all-balcony accommodations. These masterfully designed ships are works of art from bow to stern. Revolutionary to ocean cruising is the inclusion of complimentary Wi-fi available to all guests throughout the ship, a true perk in this digital age.
October 5, 2017 — Viking Cruises CEO Torstein Hagen weighs in on cruise line business.
September 5, 2017 — Viking Cruises has announced its second world cruise, scheduled for January 2019. The cruise will circle the globe for 128 days, spanning five continents, 21 countries, and 44 ports — for the price tag of $49,995.
September 2, 2017 — Few people would ever have predicted that river cruises could overtake the ocean market to become the fastest-growing segment of the industry. Yet, founded just 20 years ago with four modest riverboats and a home office consisting of two cell phones, Viking River Cruises has successfully leveraged the river market to achieve industry-leading growth. Now it is poised to become the world’s largest small-ship cruise line. Cruise Business Review traces the rapid growth of Viking Cruises.
August 22, 2017 — Viking Ocean Cruises already had a fantastic ship design with its first Viking Star and Viking Sea sister-ships, but the line did make some minor changes for the third Viking Sky. They are so subtle, however, that most are likely to go unnoticed without being pointed out.
August 13, 2017 — Viking Ocean Cruises’ third sister-ship—the Viking Sky—is yet another gem. Besides her main bragging points, she also presents a number of experiences that may not be first on your list to try but are worth digging deeper into.
August 9, 2017 — Viking Cruises has announced new partnerships that will continue the cruise line’s focus on cultural enrichment. Viking has signed on to sponsor the United States tour of the acclaimed English boys choir, LIBERA, and the Ballet Sun Valley international festival this summer. The company has also extended its sponsorship of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at The Hollywood Bowl for the fifth consecutive season.
August 7, 2017 — Ordinarily, when a third of anything comes out, one might be tempted to think, “well, third times the charm.” But in the case of Viking Ocean Cruises, the line hit it out of the park with the fantastic Viking Star prototype and follow up Viking Sea. So, the third new Viking Sky sister-ship that I’m now heading out to experience is sure to continue their established excellence.
July 26, 2017 — One of the most wonderful things about Viking Ocean cruises? There are two specialty dining options available to everyone onboard at no additional charge.
July 13, 2017 — Viking Ocean Cruises is doubling down on Scandinavia with three new itineraries that focus on Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Two-year-old Viking Ocean has made Scandinavia-focused voyages one of the cornerstones of its schedule. It already operates 14-night summer sailings between Bergen, Norway and London that center on the coast of Norway. Stops in Norway as well as Sweden and Denmark also are a significant part of the line's signature, 14-night Baltic itinerary called Viking Homelands.
July 11, 2017 — There are now three 930-passenger sister ships in the Viking Ocean fleet — Viking Star, Viking Sea, and Viking Sky — and they sail to destinations like the Baltic, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean (yes, even Cuba). But the vessels themselves are destinations in their own right: guests can lounge by the cantilevered infinity pool at the back of the ship, taste bistecca fiorentina at Manfredi’s Italian restaurant, or try the spa’s Snow Room and hydrotherapy pools.
July 10, 2017 — Why go on a cruise to the Arctic Circle in winter? To see the northern lights of course. It’s the time of year when small ships ply the Norwegian coast and points north to see brilliant displays of green and purple shards of light. Viking Cruises is jumping into the aurora borealis market with a new cruise called In Search of the Northern Lights.
June 25, 2017 — Always wanted to see the Northern Lights? An unusual new series of winter voyages into the Arctic from Viking Cruises will offer the chance. Scheduled to debut in 2019, the 12-night In Search of the Northern Lights sailings will take place between January and March on the 930-passenger Viking Sky and focus on northern parts of Norway that are known for spectacular displays of Northern Lights in the winter.
June 22, 2017 — River cruise giant Viking's move into ocean cruising hit another milestone on Thursday as the company christened its third ocean ship, Viking Sky, along the waterfront of Tromso, Norway. Speaking at the event in Norwegian, Chairman Torstein Hagen spoke about how pleased he was to be having the christening in Tromso.
June 12, 2017 — Even the Viking Sky corridors get the full art treatment. Fin Serck-Hanssen's black-and-whites of port cities are gorgeous, whether he's captured a tram in Lisbon (or is it Porto?), the Acropolis, or Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue. The prints are so crisp that it’s impossible not to stop and admire a new detail in each passing to and from your stateroom.
June 8, 2017 — In late winter, the 930-passenger Viking Sky made its maiden voyage in the western Mediterranean. The vessel is the third ocean ship for the twenty-year-old cruise line that until recently was best known for its innovative river Longships.
June 7, 2017 — Viking Cruises has been honored as “Best Cruise Line for Luxury Ocean Cruises” and “Best Luxury River Cruise Company” in Luxury Travel Advisor magazine’s 2017 “Awards of Excellence,” marking the first time the annual Awards of Excellence have recognized the same company in both ocean and river cruising categories. “It is an honor to receive these two awards from Luxury Travel Advisor readers and their clients,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises.
June 1, 2017 — Viking Cruises is celebrating its 20th anniversary of operation this year, and a new video showcases its chairman Torstein Hagen reminiscing about the company’s humble beginnings and great success since.
May 25, 2017 — 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.
May 2, 2017 — Torstein Hagen, the line’s chairman, is Norwegian, and the Vikings were Scandinavian, Riveire said, inspiring him to create a “Scandinavian feel—clean, very modern, lighter colored, simpler. It’s deliberately not elaborately or overly decorated, not overdone.” This aesthetic is identical in all five of the fleet’s ships, with a color palette that focuses on pale blues, pure whites, and an occasional rust; light woods also predominate.
May 1, 2017 — A European river-cruise vacation last summer had brought me to this beautiful part of Austria. I was exploring the Danube, which crosses 10 countries as it snakes 1,770 miles from western Germany to its destination at the Black Sea. My weeklong trip aboard Viking Cruises' longboat Var traveled from Budapest to Nuremberg, Germany.
April 24, 2017 — Viking Cruises announced it has signed on to sponsor National Geographic’s first fully scripted global anthology series, “Genius,” which in its debut season tells the story of the 20th century’s most brilliant icon, Albert Einstein. The new premier partnership with National Geographic builds on Viking’s continued commitment to supporting enriching cultural programming, with current and past partnerships including PBS’ MASTERPIECE, the Los Angeles Philharmonic at The Hollywood Bowl, the Munch Museum and more.
April 6, 2017 — Ready to be schooled in history on your next cruise? Viking Cruises has created a new resident historian program on its ocean ships that goes way beyond the usual on-board lectures. This team of historians lead refresher courses on the history of European art, music, architecture and other cultural subjects.
April 3, 2017 — Viking Ocean Cruises, a relative newcomer to the business of ocean cruising (its first ship debuted in early 2015), already has emerged as a favorite among newbies, with Viking Star winning top honors among first-timers twice. All of Viking's ocean ships are nearly identical, so if you're interested in sailing with the line, you'll have virtually the same experience no matter which of the 930-passenger vessels you choose. Viking is a perfect choice for first-time cruisers. Here are five reasons why.
March 29, 2017 — Want to see all of these cities in one trip? Check out all of these destinations and more on Viking Cruises’ new 8-day Mediterranean Getaway itinerary.
March 25, 2017 — Viking Cruises has announced a rollout of their new onboard Viking Resident Historian program. A carefully selected faculty of historians will provide an enhanced level of enrichment for guests onboard all of Viking’s ocean cruise ships (Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky).
March 3, 2017 — As the executive director of culinary development for Viking Cruises since 2014, Anthony Mauboussin has been responsible for the creation of dozens of shipboard menus. The veteran French-born chef has a new showcase for some of his favorite dishes in the form of Anthony's French Bistro, a five-course tasting menu debuting this month on Viking's new ocean vessel, Viking Sky.
March 1, 2017 — Viking Ocean Cruises' just-unveiled third ship, Viking Sky, is an almost identical sister to the line's first two vessels, Viking Star and Viking Sea. But it's not an exact copy. Among the spaces on Sky that have a new look are the outdoor seating area at the back of Deck 2, the Owner's Suite and the fitness center.
February 15, 2017 — It didn't take long for Viking Ocean Cruises to crush the competition. The company, which is already established in river cruising, launched its first ocean cruise ship in 2015 to wide acclaim. The company dominated the 2017 Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Awards, winning awards in 10 categories.
February 3, 2017 — The Kitchen Table Experience happens once or twice per cruise and is part of Viking's philosophy of "cultural immersion" – creating experiences that bring a sense of place aboard their ships. When asked about his culinary approach for Viking Cruises, Mauboussin replies: "My philosophy is simple – I hand-select only the highest quality ingredients from the best markets – ones that support local farmers. Where possible, I use organic and sustainable products ... I cook everything with passion."
January 31, 2017 — Fast-growing Viking Ocean Cruises has rolled out a wide range of new itineraries for 2018 and 2019 that include a voyage from Japan to Alaska. The 22-night sailing kicks off May 5, 2019 in Tokyo and includes visits to Sapporo, Japan and two ports in Russia — Korsakov and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
January 30, 2017 — Responding to a demand for more destination-oriented trips, Viking looked to the sea, offering itineraries to the Baltic, Mediterranean, Caribbean and North America. Just as the Norsemen ventured off into the unknown, Viking Cruises was sailing into somewhat uncharted territory with its In the Wake of the Vikings voyage, a 15-day trip first offered in the fall of 2016. The sailing will be repeated in September 2017.
January 27, 2017 — Make that three ships for fast-growing Viking Ocean Cruises. The California-based cruise operator's fleet on Thursday grew from two vessels to three with the addition of the 930-passenger Viking Sky.
January 16, 2017 — We are currently on a 14 night Grand Mediterranean cruise on Viking Sea, the second ocean cruise ship from Viking Ocean Cruises. After the cruise, we will showcase the highlights of this incredible Grand Mediterranean cruise, a trip that has really blown us away so far. Until then, here are 16 things (in no particular order) that we love about Viking Sea.
January 6, 2017 — Viking Ocean Cruises’ hands-on cooking classes beat the competition, hands down. The program offered by Viking Ocean Cruises is a winner, combining the full attention of one of the chefs responsible for giving Viking the highest passenger rating for food in the industry, according to Cruise Critic, the No. 1 web site for cruisers.
January 4, 2017 — I joined Viking Cruises aboard the Viking Sea on an inspiring 15-day cruise through the eastern Mediterranean embarking from Athens and debarking in Rome. I was never much of a cruiser until I discovered how amazing smaller boutique ships are and the new fleet Viking ocean cruises are no exception.
January 4, 2017 — Though more known for its European river itineraries, Viking Cruises and its new oceangoing vessels already excel at creating itineraries that showcase the highlights of various destinations, yet remain highly personalized and hit all the right notes.
January 3, 2017 — Several major cruise lines that market to North Americans are rolling out new oceangoing ships in 2017. Here, USA TODAY profiles two of the new offerings: Viking Cruises' Viking Sky and Viking Sun.
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