Accredited as the most award-winning river cruise line in the industry, Viking River Cruises provides remarkable value while placing high on competitive rankings, like Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, Reader’s Choice, and Best Small Ships awards and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.
Viking Cruises offers both river cruises and ocean cruises through two product lines. A global corporation headquartered in the United States with main operational headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, the company was established in 1997 by a Scandinavian and Dutch consortium led by Torstein Hagen. Initially the company purchased four Russian ships and provided a Russian river-cruise product to Europeans. The following year the company purchased additional ships and continued to cater to the European market. In 2000, the company expanded into the American market, establishing U.S. headquarters as Viking River Cruises in Los Angeles, California. Through rapid expansion, the purchase of KD River Cruise lines, and unprecedented new builds, the river cruise division grew to be the world’s largest river cruise line, and currently offers cruises along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. In May 2013, the company announced the launch of a new small-ship ocean cruising division, scheduled to begin with the maiden season of Viking Star® in spring of 2015, and featuring Baltic and Mediterranean itineraries. And in 2016, Viking Star will be joined by two equally elegant sister ships, Viking Sea® and Viking Sky®.
Guaranteed Experience
Whether on river or ocean cruises, Viking Cruises offers cruises that are destination focused and thoughtfully designed with a mix of cosmopolitan and smaller ports of interest. Ocean itineraries are specifically designed to offer longer hours in port than competitors, including late evening stays and overnights to take advantage of night life in select ports, and river cruise itineraries are similarly planned. Cruises are priced to provide top consumer value by leveraging economies of scale and experienced management, and include such items as shore excursions and wine or beer with onboard meals. The company also ensures a focus on enrichment through shore excursions by local guides, regional foods, and Privileged Access for in-depth exploration of the destinations. All Viking cruises include the exclusive Viking Culture Curriculum program that brings history and culture to life through onboard enrichment lectures; language classes; hands-on cooking demonstrations and classes; and local entertainment to complement included shore excursions.
With more itineraries in more destinations worldwide, Viking River Cruises offers behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set them apart from other travel companies. While Viking delivers the expected and iconic, such as visits to museums and landmarks, they also go beyond. On every itinerary, you can experience local life through such excursions as home-hosted visits or trips to local markets. Viking also offers the opportunity to see the working world of bakers and artisans, and the option for guests to experience Privileged Access to museums, private collections and after-hours events that the river cruise line thoughtfully curates.
DISCOVER YOUR DESTINATION
Daily shore excursions include must-see highlights and delightful surprises. These expertly guided tours bring your clients closer to the art, architecture, history and people of the land.
GAIN GREATER INSIGHT
Watch a local German glassblower or learn about French Impressionism. The Culture Curriculum, an enriching onboard program, infuses every cruise and brings history to life.
CAPTURE THE CULTURE
Embark on a shopping trip to the local market. Walk through the door of a centuries-old cathedral or visit a contemporary art museum. Meet local fine food and wine purveyors. The tastings and demonstrations provided will expand your mind and satisfy your senses.
EXPLORE ASHORE
Have your clients yearned to visit the vaults of the famed Hermitage Museum? Attend a classical concert in Vienna? Enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show in Xian? Your Program Director can organize a variety of optional tours.
PERSONALIZE
An appointment at the best spa in Prague or dinner at one of Lyon’s Michelin-star restaurants? The onboard Viking Concierge is there to assist you with special requests.
“When you book your clients with Viking, they sail with the world’s leading river cruise company, and enjoy the rewards of more than 175 years of heritage and a level of expertise second to none. Inspiring destinations, thoughtfully designed itineraries, expert tour guides, elegant ships, fine cuisine, excellent service, remarkable value—our success is defined by all these things, and something else, too: personal attention to every detail. At Viking, we never forget that looking after you and your clients is why we have become the world’s favorite river cruise line, and why your clients return to cruise with us again and again. Indeed, it is our guests who are our greatest ambassadors, making us the most honored river cruise line in the world. If your clients have experienced the pleasure of traveling with us, then they will appreciate what makes a river cruise with Viking so special. And if that experience is still ahead, then it is one your clients are sure to enjoy.”
