For the thinking traveller. Oceans, rivers, and expedition — one consistent standard across all three.
- Luxury Cruises
- Viking
OCEAN, RIVER & EXPEDITION CRUISING
Viking
Cruises
Founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen, Viking has grown into the world’s most awarded cruise line — rated number one for oceans, rivers, and expedition simultaneously. Adults only, no casinos, and one included guided shore excursion in every port. Three distinct products, one consistent philosophy.
1997
15
RIVER SHIPS
80+
EXPEDITION
2 ships
ADULTS ONLY
18+
CASINOS
None
FOUNDED
1997
Torstein Hagen, Norway
OCEAN SHIPS
15
Growing to 16, Dec 2026
RIVER SHIPS
80+
On 21 rivers, 6 continents
EXPEDITION
2 ships
378 guests each
ADULTS ONLY
18+
All products, every ship
AWARDS
#1 All Three
Oceans, rivers & expedition
THE MEMORII PERSPECTIVE
What Viking is, and what it includes
Viking is the world’s most awarded cruise brand — rated number one for oceans, rivers, and expedition cruising simultaneously by Condé Nast Traveler. That is not a coincidence. It is the result of a single consistent philosophy applied across three distinct products: adults only, no casinos, destination-first, and one included guided excursion in every port of call.
Viking started on the rivers of Europe in 1997, when Torstein Hagen bought four river ships and built what would become the largest river cruise operation in the world — over 80 ships sailing 21 rivers across Europe, Asia, Egypt, and the Americas. The river product built the brand’s reputation for calm, educated, destination-focused travel. It remains the purest expression of what Viking stands for.
In 2015, Viking extended that philosophy to the ocean with the launch of Viking Star. Today, 15 ocean ships carry between 930 and 998 guests each, all-veranda, adults only, with the same enrichment programme, the same included excursion commitment, and the same Nordic Spa that guests know from the river ships. The ocean product is the river experience, scaled.
In 2022, Viking pushed further with Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris — two purpose-built expedition ships for Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Great Lakes of North America. All excursions and Zodiac landings included. A science and discovery programme on every voyage. The same Viking standard, in the most remote places on earth. Three products, one brand, one standard. That is what makes Viking unique.
IS VIKING RIGHT FOR YOU
The guests Viking
is made for
Viking is not the right answer for everyone. In our experience, the guests who love it most share a few things in common — whether they are joining on ocean, river, or expedition.
Guests who travel primarily for the destination — Viking’s itineraries across ocean, river, and expedition are built around extended port stays, more time ashore, and deeper engagement with the places visited
Those who value a guided excursion in every port as a standard inclusion — Viking includes one complimentary guided experience per port of call on every ocean and expedition voyage
Adults who want a calm, sophisticated onboard atmosphere without children, casinos, or entertainment focused on spectacle rather than culture — the adults-only policy applies across all three Viking products
River cruise guests looking to extend their Viking loyalty to the ocean — the onboard philosophy, enrichment programme, and service standard are consistent across river and ocean ships
Curious travellers interested in history, culture, cuisine, and science — the Viking Resident Historian programme and destination-led cultural experiences apply to ocean and expedition voyages
Expedition travellers who want Antarctica, the Arctic, or the Great Lakes at the Viking standard — all excursions and Zodiac landings included, with a science and discovery programme on every voyage
Viking ocean ships carry 930 to 998 guests — larger than Silversea, Seabourn, or Ponant. For guests who want the smallest and most intimate ships in the ultra-luxury category, those lines will be a closer fit. For guests who want the best destination experience and the most consistent standard across ocean, river, and expedition, Viking is frequently the answer. Tell us how you travel and we will be honest about which Viking product and which line is right for you.
WHAT DEFINES Viking
Six things that make
Viking, Viking
The features and commitments that define the Viking experience across ocean, river, and expedition — verified from Viking’s own website and multiple current sources.
ONE EXCURSION PER PORT
INCLUDED FOR ALL GUESTS
One complimentary shore excursion in every port
Viking includes one complimentary guided shore excursion in every single port of call on every voyage. No other major ocean cruise line makes this commitment as a standard fare inclusion across the full fleet. For a 14-night itinerary with ten port calls, this alone represents significant added value. Additional excursions and Privileged Access experiences — private after-hours access to museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions — are available at additional cost.
We pre-book preferred excursions for every Memorii client as soon as the booking window opens.
ADULTS ONLY — 18+
NO CHILDREN, NO CASINOS
Adults only. No exceptions.
Every Viking ocean, river, and expedition ship is adults only. Every guest must be 18 or older. There are no children’s programmes, no arcades, and no casinos on any Viking vessel. This is a structural decision, not a policy — the ships are not designed for children, and the experience is built entirely around adult curiosity and a calm, sophisticated onboard atmosphere. For guests who have sailed larger ships and found the environment too chaotic, Viking’s approach is frequently described as transformative.
18+ strictly enforced across the full fleet worldwide.
CULTURAL ENRICHMENT
BUILT INTO EVERY VOYAGE
The Viking Resident Historian programme
Every Viking ocean voyage features a Resident Historian — an expert in the history and culture of the destinations being visited, who delivers daily lectures, leads guided experiences, and is available throughout the voyage for conversation and questions. Combined with destination-focused culinary programming, port talks, and Privileged Access experiences, the enrichment programme is the most substantive in the category. This is what Hagen means when he talks about travel for The Thinking Person.
Ask your Memorii advisor which sailings carry the strongest enrichment programme for your interests.
THE NORDIC SPA
INCLUDED FOR ALL GUESTS
The Nordic Spa & Fitness Centre — included
Access to the Nordic Spa and Fitness Centre is included for all guests on every Viking ocean ship. The spa draws on the Scandinavian wellness tradition: thermal suite, heated pool, sauna, and a carefully designed environment built around the restorative qualities of heat, water, and rest. Spa treatments are priced separately. The infinity pool — one of the first of its kind at sea — gives guests the sensation of swimming at the edge of the ship’s horizon.
Spa treatment appointments fill on popular sailings. We submit preferences before departure for every Memorii client.
CONSISTENT FLEET DESIGN
ONE STANDARD, 14 SHIPS
One consistent design across 14 ships
Every Viking ocean ship is built on the same design philosophy. If you have sailed one, you know what to expect on another. This consistency — unusual among cruise lines of this scale — means the Viking experience is predictable in the best sense: the same standard of stateroom, the same dining philosophy, the same enrichment approach, the same Nordic Spa. Guests choose based on itinerary and date, not ship. Ten more ocean ships are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2031.
Choose based on itinerary, not ship preference. The experience is consistent across the full fleet.
WORLD VOYAGES
UP TO 170 DAYS
World cruises up to 170 days
Viking’s world voyage programme is among the most ambitious in cruising. The Viking World Voyage III spans 170 days, visits 41 countries across six continents, includes 82 guided tours, and features overnight stays in 18 cities. Business class airfare, transfers, and onboard credits are included on world cruise fares. For guests who cannot commit to the full circumnavigation, shorter Grand Voyages of 50 to 90 days offer regional segments that can be combined or taken individually.
World cruise suites sell out early. Contact your Memorii advisor to register interest as soon as possible.
Viking IN IMAGES
Viking
in images
DAILY LIFE ABOARD
Life aboard
Viking
What Viking includes across ocean, river, and expedition voyages — dining, enrichment, spa, and the details that define the Viking experience
Dining
All dining is included with no cover charges. Regional menus reflecting the destinations visited, with local ingredients and destination-focused culinary programming throughout.
- The Restaurant — main dining, open seating, all meals included
- The Chef’s Table — specialty restaurant, included
- Manfredi’s Italian Kitchen — specialty restaurant, included
- The World Café — casual buffet dining, all meals, included
- Aquavit Terrace — indoor/outdoor casual dining, included
- The Pool Grill — casual poolside, included
- 24-hour room service — included
No cover charges on any dining venue. Reservations recommended for specialty restaurants.
Nordic Spa & Wellness
The Nordic Spa and Fitness Centre is included for all guests. Treatments are priced separately. The spa draws on the Scandinavian wellness tradition with thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
- Nordic Spa access — included for all guests
- Thermal pool, sauna, and steam room — included
- Fitness centre — included
- Infinity pool — one of the first at sea
- Spa treatments — priced separately
- Yoga and wellness classes on deck
Spa appointments fill on popular sailings. We submit preferences before departure for every Memorii client.
Enrichment
The most substantive cultural enrichment programme in ocean cruising — a Resident Historian on every voyage, destination-led lectures daily, and culinary and cultural programming tied to each port.
- Viking Resident Historian — daily lectures, every ocean voyage
- Guest speakers and expert presenters on select sailings
- Destination-focused culinary demonstrations
- Port briefings and destination talks throughout
- The Planetarium — on Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter
- Film screenings and classical music performances
Ask your Memorii advisor which sailings carry the most relevant enrichment programme for your interests.
Expedition & Beyond
Viking also operates two expedition ships — Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris — for Antarctica, Arctic, and Great Lakes voyages. Expedition fares include all excursions and Zodiac landings.
- Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris — expedition ships
- Antarctica, Arctic, and Great Lakes deployments
- All Zodiac landings and expedition excursions included
- Science and discovery programme on board
- Partnership with NOAA for scientific research
Antarctic voyages on Viking Octantis and Polaris book well in advance. Contact your Memorii advisor early.
Beverages
House wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water available at any time. Premium spirits and cocktails available via the Silver Spirits package.
- House wine, beer, soft drinks — included with lunch and dinner
- Specialty coffees and teas — complimentary throughout
- Bottled water — complimentary throughout
- Silver Spirits premium beverage package — available at additional cost
- Self-service laundry — included
- Wi-Fi — included
The Silver Spirits package upgrades to unlimited premium beverages throughout the ship and all hours.
Shore & Excursions
One included guided shore excursion in every port of call, every voyage. Privileged Access experiences at select cultural institutions available at additional cost.
- One complimentary guided excursion — every port, every voyage
- Privileged Access — after-hours access to museums and historic sites
- Optional additional excursions — priced separately
- Extended port stays and overnight calls throughout itineraries
- Pre and Post Extensions — guided city programmes in key ports
We pre-book Seabourn Exclusive excursions for all Memorii clients. Priority access included.
THE VIKING FLEET
Three products.
One standard.
Viking operates across ocean, river, and expedition — the same philosophy, the same adults-only commitment, and the same included excursion in every port. Here is what each product delivers.
VIKING OCEAN
Viking Ocean
15 SHIPS — GROWING TO 16 DECEMBER 2026
15 identical ocean ships carrying 930 to 998 guests each, all-veranda, adults only. One included guided shore excursion in every port. Nordic Spa access included. All dining included. Resident Historian on every voyage. The recommended starting point for most Memorii clients considering Viking. Choose by itinerary — not by ship.
VIKING RIVER
Viking River
OVER 80 SHIPS — 21 RIVERS, 6 CONTINENTS
Regions
Europe, Egypt, Asia, Americas
The product that built Viking’s reputation. Over 80 Longships and classic river vessels on 21 rivers worldwide. Intimate at up to 190 guests per ship, with direct access to town centres and ports unavailable to ocean ships. Adults only, no casinos, all dining included. The original Viking experience — and still the purest expression of the brand’s destination-first philosophy.
VIKING EXPEDITION
Viking Expedition
VIKING OCTANTIS & VIKING POLARIS
Regions
Antarctica, Arctic, Great Lakes
Two purpose-built expedition ships for Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Great Lakes of North America. All Zodiac landings and expedition excursions included. Science mission equipment and underwater research capabilities on board. NOAA scientific research partnership. A very different Viking experience from the ocean and river products — speak to your Memorii advisor about whether expedition is right for you before booking.
MEMORII STATEROOM GUIDE — VIKING OCEAN
Choosing the right
Viking stateroom
The guide below covers Viking Ocean stateroom categories. Every ocean stateroom has a private veranda. River cabin categories differ by ship — speak to your Memorii advisor for Viking River cabin guidance. Expedition stateroom categories on Octantis and Polaris are available on request.
| Stateroom Category | Veranda | Memorii Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veranda Stateroom | ✓ | The entry-level category and the most widely available. Private veranda, king-size bed, Scandinavian design, and all Viking inclusions. The right starting point for first-time Viking guests. Ask your Memorii advisor about deck position. |
| Deluxe Veranda Stateroom | ✓ | Slightly larger than the standard Veranda with a wider veranda. A modest step up — worth considering if available at a small price difference. |
| Penthouse Veranda | ✓ | ★ A meaningful increase in interior and veranda space. Located on higher decks with forward or aft-facing positions on select ships. Prioritised seating and other enhanced benefits included. |
| Penthouse Junior Suite | ✓ | ★★ Separate living and sleeping areas. Significantly more space than the Penthouse Veranda. Silver Spirits beverage package included. A substantial upgrade for longer voyages. |
| Explorer Suite | ✓ | ★★★ The largest suite category. Full Silver Spirits package included, complimentary laundry, priority dining and shore excursion reservations, and an expansive veranda. The finest Viking stateroom available on most ships. |
Our advice: Every Viking stateroom includes the same excursion, dining, spa, and gratuity inclusions — the decision is purely about space and the added comfort of higher categories. The Explorer Suite is notable for including the Silver Spirits premium beverage package and complimentary laundry, which changes the value equation on longer voyages. Speak to your Memorii advisor before selecting — deck and position vary by ship.
THE FARE — COMPLETE CLARITY
What is in the fare
and what is not
Complete clarity before you book. Viking calls this Viking Inclusive Value — transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
INCLUDED IN THE VIKING FARE
- Veranda stateroom with king-size bed and private veranda
- One complimentary guided shore excursion — every port of call
- All dining across all restaurants — no cover charges
- House wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water throughout
- 24-hour room service — included
- Nordic Spa and Fitness Centre access — all guests
- Wi-Fi throughout the voyage
- All onboard gratuities
- Self-service laundry (complimentary in Explorer Suites)
- Viking Resident Historian programme
NOT INCLUDED — PRICED SEPARATELY
- Flights and transfers (included on select world cruise fares)
- Premium spirits, cocktails, and beverages outside house selection
- Silver Spirits premium beverage package (optional add-on)
- Additional shore excursions beyond the one included per port
- Privileged Access experiences
- Spa treatments
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases and boutique
WHAT MEMORII CLIENTS RECEIVE ON TOP — PREFERRED PARTNER STATUS WITH VIKING
- Preferred advisor rates not available through Viking direct or standard travel agents
- Complimentary onboard credits on select sailings
- Priority stateroom upgrade consideration before departure
- Memorii welcome amenity arranged directly with the ship — waiting in your stateroom on arrival
- Priority excursion and spa pre-booking from the earliest available window
*Benefits vary by sailing, stateroom category, and availability. Confirmed in writing at time of booking.
Plan your Viking voyage
with Memorii
We hold preferred partner status with Viking and know the fleet, the stateroom categories, and which itineraries deliver the best destination experience. Tell us where you want to go, and we will come back to you within 24 hours with the right ship, the right stateroom, and the right sailing.
- PRIVATE · COMPLIMENTARY · NO OBLIGATION · RESPONSE WITHIN 24 HOURS
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