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Viking tonle, viking vesta, viking vela, viking saturn, viking polaris, viking neptune, viking mars, viking octantis, viking venus, viking jupiter, viking orion, zhao shang yi dun-viking sun, viking star, review of viking cruises.

This is CruiseMapper's page for the three Viking Cruises subsidiary companies - the sister-brands Viking RIVER , Viking OCEAN and Viking EXPEDITIONS , their fleets (riverboats, liners, polar ships), cruisetour itineraries, destinations, homeports, cruise tracker. We have listed all Viking ships as schedules (itinerary calendars with prices) and current position tracking maps. Similarly named is the Finland-based cruiseferry company VIKING LINE (1959-founded).

In April 2021 was inaugurated the joint venture company "China Merchants Viking Cruises Co Ltd" (operating via the brand "Viking China Coastal Cruise"). The new company's fleet currently includes only Viking Sun (Zhao-Shang-Yi-Dun) but will be expanded by adding China-made newbuilds in the following years. China Merchants Viking Cruises' General Manager is Wu Wei. Viking Cruises China's Managing Director is Brendan Tansey.

Note: CruiseMapper's Viking ship schedules show departure and call ports (including towns and cities visited on shore excursions), themed voyages (holiday, itinerary themes) and port times (arrival-departure / port stays and overnights). CruiseMapper's Viking schedules also show how much will cost you to travel with the Viking brand.

In February 2024, Viking filed with SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission USA/an independent federal government agency/1934-created) for an IPO (initial public offering/first selling shares of stock to the public) in 2024-Q2. For the IPO, Viking worked with the major American financial/investment institutions UBS Group AG, Wells Fargo & Co, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America. After becoming a stock exchange-listed company (on May 1st, 2024), Viking's IPO was priced at US$24 per share, representing ~US$11 billion valuation (if fully distributed). The company plans to raise US$500+ million from potential private investors. 

Company history

The VIKING cruise travel brand was officially inaugurated on August 5, 1997.

Next is the company's 25th Anniversary video released in 2022 and presented by Torstein Hagen - Viking Cruises' Founder, President and CEO.

In 2022, Viking reported revenues of USD 3 billion and served ~470,000 tourists. As of 2023, the company owns and operates 9x ocean ships, 2x expedition ships and 79x riverboats, with another 14x riverboats on order (slated to be operational by 2026) and 10x ocean ships ordered (to be operational by 2030).

The company's significant growth is supported by TPG Inc (fka TPG Capital) and CPP Investments (Canada Pension Plan Investment Board) who in 2016 joined Viking as minority shareholders. In November 2020, Viking announced investments from TPG Capital and CPP Investments that added ~USD 500 million in net proceeds to support Viking's development.

Viking Expeditions ships operate in Arctic-Antarctica, Great Lakes , USA and Canada), Viking Ocean (global).

Viking River boats operate on the European inland waterways Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel, Seine, Rhone, Saone, Douro, also in Asia (Mekong, Irrawaddy, Yangtze), Egypt (Nile, Lake Nasser), Ukraine (Dnieper), Russia (Volga, Svir, Neva, Lake Ladoga, Lake Baikal) and in the USA (Mississippi).

Viking Cruises Ltd (shipowner) is the parent company of Viking Flusskreuzfahrten AG (Viking River Cruises) as well as of KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH, which is subsidiary of Koln-Dusseldorfer (aka KD Cruises, fka KD Line). KD Line is an 1826-founded, Cologne -based company with a fleet of 14 cruise vessels (including "event ships" and a paddle steamer) deployed in Germany, on the rivers Moselle, Rhine and Main. Koln-Dusseldorfer was acquired by Viking in 2000.

Viking River Cruises holds 1/2 of North America's market. In the period 2011-2015, the company spent USD 600+ million on promotions. In May 2017, Viking celebrated its 20th anniversary. By the year 2027, the company's 16-ship ocean fleet will have a combined capacity of 16930 berths, ranking Viking OCEAN the world's largest cruise company with ship capacity under 1000 passengers.

Since August 2018, Viking Cruises (both brands/river and ocean) is an adults-only company that doesn't allow minor passengers (under 18 years of age) on its vessels.

On April 3, 2020, was the official launch of Viking.TV (https://viking.tv/). The company-exclusive online TV channel provides enrichment content and real-time video streaming from worldwide locations. Viking.TV targets primarily non-cruising people (those staying home) rather than travelers. The new channel also livestream sessions with various guests (experts, scientists, celebrities) and allows real-time interaction by submitting comments and questions.

Viking Cruises China

In early April 2019, Viking Cruises and China Merchants Group (China's first commercial corporation/1872-founded) unveiled a plan to launch a new cruise line (joint venture company) for the Chinese market. China Merchants Group's shipbuilding subsidiaries will design and construct the newbuilds for the new company. As of 2020, Viking fully owned and operated a fleet of 6 ocean liners plus 76 riverboats (almost all of which are of the patented Longship-Class).

On November 25, 2020, China Merchants Shekou and Viking officially signed the joint venture agreement a separate (China- flagged ) fleet of sea liners for coastal cruises. In mid-December 2020, Viking and China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings officially announced the creation of the new joint venture company "Viking China Coastal Cruise" focused on mid-sized luxury ship voyages in China exclusively.

The new domestic travel brand (China Coastal Cruise Project) was scheduled for inauguration in 2021-Q1 with Viking Sun - transferred to the joint venture (news 8277). In January 2021, the vessel changed registry (from Norway to China) to qualify for the Chinese coasting trade. As flag state , China allows the ship to visit seaports under China's cabotage rules that regulate the shipping of passengers and/or goods between two Chinese ports. The brand's enrichment program is based on shipboard events (lectures, entertainment) and shore excursions themed on local history, traditions, nature, food.

In China (on Yangtze River), Viking Cruises operates under charter the large-sized boat Viking Emerald .

In October 2023 was announced plan for further investments in the Chinese market. Specifically, two new riverboats will be introduced in 2024, in addition to ocean ship cruises in Europe/Mediterranean tailored for Chinese consumers.

Viking RIVER CRUISES

As a division of Viking Cruises, Viking River Cruises has an estimated European river market share of ~49%. Cruisetour itineraries range from 7 to 23 days and include as regions the European rivers Rhine, Main, Danube, Saone, Rhone, Seine, Elbe and Douro, also Ukraine's Dnieper, Russia's Volga, China's Yangtze, Burma's Irrawaddy and Cambodia-Vietnam's Mekong. Most voyages are cruisetours and include river cruising, land tours, and hotel stays. All itineraries have at least one tour or guided shore excursion per day (complimentary / cruise fare-inclusive).

Viking River Cruises provides travelers with top-quality cruisetours and the world's newest and most innovative fleet of newbuild riverboats (by the patented "longship" design).

Viking's Longship fleet totals 65 boats, delivered in the period 2012-2021. Most were constructed by Neptun Werft GmbH in Rostock , and several by Meyer Werft GmbH in Papenburg (Alsvin, Bestla, Eistla, Ingvi, Lif).

On March 20, 2013, the newly renamed company "Viking Cruises" launched 10 ships at one time, thus entering the Guinness Book of World Records. Beginning on March 17, 2014, Viking christened 16 new boats over a 24-hour period, again setting an industry record. Viking named two more ships in Oporto (Portugal) on March 21.

On March 22, 2015, Amsterdam (Holland) witnessed the naming ceremony of 12 longships. Their godmothers were from USA (Los Angeles), the UK, and Russia. In 2015, Viking's river fleet expanded to 64 boats, 40 of which longships (capacity 190 passengers) introduced in 2012.

During the 2015 christening, 8 longships were in Amsterdam. The other 4 longships were named via live video link with the shipbuilding shipyard in Neptun Werft (Rostock, Germany). Two of the longships (Astrild and Beyla) are specifically designed for Elbe River. These boats are with modified longship design ("baby Longships") with only 2 decks (1/4 lighter) and capacity 98 guests (46 cabins).

On March 16, 2022, were joint-christened 8 riverboats - 4x in Paris (Fjorgyn, Kari, Radgrid, Skaga) and 4x in Amsterdam (Egdir, Gersemi, Gymir, Hervor).

On December 5, 2023, the company announced a shipbuilding order for 10x Viking Longships - 8x to be deployed on the rivers Rhine-Main-Danube, and 2x in France (Seine River). The newbuilds are scheduled for deliveries in 2025 (5x units/TBN) and in 2026 (5x units/TBN). Like all Viking Longships, the 10x new riverboats are constructed in Rostock (by Neptun Werft).

Viking European river cruises for Chinese travelers

In 2016 fall, Viking became the first European river cruise brand to offer voyages dedicated to Chinese tourists. The company dedicated two Longships, on which the primary onboard language is Mandarin.

The first longship's 2016 itineraries (starting November 10th) were on Rhine, between homeports Amsterdam and Basel. The second longship's 2017 itineraries were on Danube. On both riverboats, all the hotel staff was Mandarin-speaking and all signage was in Mandarin (from menus to toiletries). The onboard cuisine was traditional Chinese (dishes prepared by Szechuan and Cantonese chefs) plus European dishes by Michelin-star chefs.

After a 3-year hiatus, in 2023 Viking restarted its European river cruise program for Chinese tourists with Longship Viking Eistla (departing on June 1st out of Amsterdam).

All excursion programs ashore are organized by Viking River Cruises. Each ship has all 8 Mandarin-speaking tour guides assigned to 25-passenger groups. The Rhine cruise program includes a shipboard overnight in Amsterdam and 3 days (2 shipboard overnights) in Basel with Lake Lucerne tour. In Strasbourg, passengers take the high-speed TGV train to Paris. Optional (exclusive) deals include private jet travel (to any airport in Europe) for 1 day at the price of US$30,000 pp. Fares start from ~US$4300 pp.

Cruise Lines International Association/CLIA's projections for 2020 were that the number of Chinese cruisers to Europe will be the same (or larger) in comparison to the Americans.

Viking River Cruises line is a global travel corporation (Viking Flusskreuzfahrten AG) headquartered in the USA. And it all started in the not-so-distant 1997 with the establishment of the modest Viking River brand founded by a consortium of Scandinavian and Dutch investors, with only 4 second-hand riverboats bought in Russia.

In the mid-1990s, the company's founder, Torstein Hagen enjoyed a river cruise in Russia and was so excited that decided to create his own river cruising company. He started in 1997 by purchasing four Russian vessels. In 2000 Viking acquired Koln-Dusseldorfer (KD River Cruises). The KD purchase included an extremely valuable asset - the landing stages, and now Viking Cruises owns docks in more cities in Europe than it stops in. This ensures prime docking locations, easy passenger access and ability to walk into town directly.

In 2000 Viking enlarged into the US market by establishing company's US headquarters in Los Angeles, California . In April 2004 Viking expanded in China with cruise tours on Yangtze River. They additionally include hotel stays in a variety of cities, mainly in Shanghai and Beijing. As a result of newbuilds and acquisitions, in 2014 the company had a river fleet of 52 vessels with a total of 9200 berths.

Worldwide, Viking Cruises hires over 2,500 staff and crew. Line's river cruises are targeted primarily to English-speaking travelers in the UK, North America and Australia. Nowadays, Viking manages the world's largest fleet of river cruise vessels, ever.

In 2015, Viking's European river cruise sales became a bit slower than expected. The slower growth was partially related to the reduced demand for cruises in Russia. Viking's Ukrainian and Russian ships were laid up, but their staff remained on the payroll. Until the 2015 slowdown, the company reported a steady growth of over 30% per year for the period 2010-2015. The company's turnover (gross revenue) from both river and ocean shipping operations for 2015 was about USD 2 billion.

In October 2017, Viking River Cruises announced a shipbuilding order for 7 new riverboats . Of those, 6 are Longships ( Einar , Sigrun , Sigyn , Tir , Ullur , Vali ) plus one modified Longship design Douro River cruiser ( Helgrim ). The newbuilds were launched in 2019 and christened together on March 19. The 7-ship "virtual" naming ceremony was via satellite connections and held in 4 riverports - Basel Switzerland (Sigrun and Einar), Rostock Germany (Ullur and Sigyn), Brunsbuttel Germany (Vali and Tir) and Oporto Portugal (Helgrim).

For 2020 were planned the launches and inaugurations of 6 more Longship-Class boats - 4 with smaller capacity (168 pax) and deployed year-round on Seine River in France ( Fjorgyn , Kari , Radgrid , Skaga ) plus 2 standard (190 pax) and deployed on Rhine River ( Gersemi , Hervor ). In March 2021 were delivered Egdir and Gymir - the last longships on order with Neptun Werft.

Viking River Cruises deals include staterooms, onboard dining, most cultural activities, most shore excursions. Beer, soft drinks and wine by the glass are included with lunches and dinners. Viking ships are nonsmoking (interior) with a dedicated smoking area on Sundeck. Since the focus is on the port cities and river cruising, activities onboard are geared towards enrichment lectures.

In 2016-Q3, Viking Flusskreuzfahrten AG terminated the charter deals with Pericon AG (shipowner) and stopped to operate the riverboats Viking Spirit (now Seine Comtesse) , Viking Sun (now Rhein Melodie) , Viking Helvetia (now Rhein Symphonie) , Viking Pride (now Bijou du Rhone) and Viking Danube (now Filia Rheni 2) .

Viking Cruises Longships

In 2009, the newly-launched Viking Legend became the company's first riverboat fitted with hybrid (diesel-electric) engines. These new types marine engines use 20% less fuel than the conventional ones. The engine rooms are noise-insulated and this reduces noise and vibration. Environmental impact is further reduced through the ship's membrane water treatment plant. In 2011 was launched Viking Legend's sistership Viking Prestige.

In 2012 were introduced the "Viking Longship" class of vessels. All of these really long ships have the same/hybrid engine powerplant. They are environmentally friendly, with a patented interior design creating 2-room suites, numerous French Balcony staterooms, full-size rooms, and verandas. 2/3s of Longship's cabins are with French balconies, verandas, or both. Other features include the indoor-outdoor "Aquavit Terrace" (designed for outdoor relaxation and also suitable for alfresco dining), large "Explorer Suites" with wraparound balconies (aft / stern location), an organic herb garden and solar panels (on the Sun Deck).

Next YouTube video is about the original longships of the Vikings.

The first 6 Longships were launched in 2012 and collectively won "Best New River Ship" award. 10 more were launched in 2013, and additional 18 launched in 2014 (including 2 smaller ships purpose-built for Douro River in Portugal). All Viking Cruises Longships are named after Norse mythology gods and entities. Next official video reviews Viking's Longship cruise experience.

Viking Mississippi River Cruises (USA)

The company plans to add cruise ships on Mississippi River (USA). However, the process is slowed due to issues regarding the so-called "Jones Act" (Merchant Marine Act from 1920). It imposes restrictions on where USA-based ships can navigate and how to be staffed.

The company's plan to enter the USA river cruising market was officially announced in 2015. In October 2018 was announced as a potential start-up (with Mississippi-based boats) the year 2021. By 2027, Viking plans to increase its annual river shipping capacity to 100,000+ passengers (compared to 2018's 50,600) by deploying 6x boats. The 7-day American itineraries include roundtrips from NOLA/New Orleans , as well as one-ways between New Orleans and Memphis TN , and between St Louis MO and Minneapolis-Saint Paul MN .

Viking's USA-based riverboats will be newbuilds ( vessel building cost ~USD 90-100 million per unit), each with 5 decks, passenger capacity 386, all-balcony staterooms (193 cabins total), an aft-located infinity pool, bow ramp (for passenger landings). All the 6 ships will be built and owned by ECO Shipyards (subsidiary of Edison Chouest Offshore - 1960-founded as "Edison Chouest Boat Rentals" marine corporation) and operated under charter by Viking Cruises USA.

The first boat ( Viking Mississippi ) starts operations in August 2022. Bookings opened in 2020 - on March 31 (past customers) and on April 15 (general public). Currently, Viking River Cruises USA offers 4 itineraries, themed as:

• "Heart of the Delta" (8-day from New Orleans to Memphis) - prices started from GBP 3390 pp
• "America's Heartland" (8-day from St Louis to St Paul) - from GBP 4790 pp
• "Southern Celebration" (8-day roundtrip from New Orleans) - from GBP 3390 pp
• "America's Great River" (15-day from St Paul to New Orleans) - from GBP 8690 pp

The Viking Mississippi itinerary program offers visiting 7 states (Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota) and the port cities Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans, St Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, Hannibal, St Louis, Burlington, Dubuque, Davenport, La Crosse, Red Wing, St. Paul.

Viking's main competitors in the American market are American Cruise Lines and American Queen Voyages (fka AQSC) .

Viking OCEAN CRUISES

In March 2016, Viking OCEAN confirmed the order of three more ocean vessels, which was increased to four in 2017 (December). By 2023, the newbuilds (by Fincantieri Italy) expanded the fleet to 10 liners.

Viking OCEAN's main competitor on the European market is MSC Explora Journeys .

• The "9-vessel fleet" news was announced at the float-out ceremony of Viking Sky (March 2016). In April 2017, Fincantieri and Viking Cruises signed the MoA for the building of two vessels (fleet's 7th and 8th) with the option for two additional ships.
• The "10-vessel fleet" news was officially announced in December 2017, when Viking Cruises signed the shipbuilding order for the 2 optional vessels.

The "16-fleet" news was announced on March 6, 2018, when Viking entered an agreement with Fincantieri for 6x more ocean vessels, to be delivered in the period 2024-2027. In September 2022 Fincantieri and Viking entered into an agreement for 4x more vessels (based on the option in the 2018-signed contract) with total value ~EUR/USD 1,7 billion. Deliveries were scheduled for 2026 and 2027 (2x units) and 2028 (2x units).

Viking OCEAN's fleet consists of the following vessels - Star (2015), Sea (2016), Sky (2017), Sun (2017), Orion (2018), Jupiter (2019), Venus (2021), Mars and Neptune (2022), Saturn (2023), Vela (2024), Vesta (2025).

• Each vessel has max passenger capacity 928 (plus 465 crew-staff) and building cost ~USD 400 million (EUR 340 million).
• Unlike the preceeding 10-ship series, Viking OCEAN's ships from the second/6-ship series (starting with Vela) are slightly larger (10 m longer, 2 m wider) and with more staterooms (493 vs 464) and bigger passenger capacity (998 vs 928).
• Viking Sun (2017) is also from this series but was transferred to the Viking China joint venture in 2021.
• Viking OCEAN's current plans are for a fleet of 16 sisterships, all of which are Fincantieri -built and Norway- flagged .

Fun fact is that only two Viking OCEAN ships (Orion and Jupiter) have a Planetarium. Named "Explorers' Dome", this theater-like venue is circular, with capacity 26 seats, and located forward on Deck 8, facing Explorers Lounge. It uses the latest video projecting technology to show constellations and other space-related 3D videos on its domed roof.

Among the vessels' innovative marine technologies are energy-saving hybrid engines, top-deck solar panels, pollution-minimizing exhaust systems. These ships also use seawater as a lubricant for their propeller shaft bearings. This technology lowers the vessel's maintenance costs and also the risk of sea pollution. Replacing the biodegradable oils, the water is being directly discharged into the sea.

All Viking OCEAN ships offer destination-rich itineraries marked by "small ship cruise" tour and onboard experiences. Compared to similar-class vessels operated by other companies, Viking OCEAN itineraries feature fewer sea days, longer port stays and many overnight ports of call.

On May 17, 2013, the company announced the launch of its "Viking Ocean" division. This was the reason for modifying the parent company's name to "Viking Cruises". The Viking Ocean brand was introduced in 2015 with Viking Star, which started operations with mostly one-way itineraries in Baltic Sea (Scandinavia, Russia) and Mediterranean Sea.

After Walt Disney Cruise Line (with MS Disney Magic , 1998-launched), Viking became industry's second cruise brand company to launch a purpose-built passenger liner ( Viking Star ). All Viking Ocean ships are from one series - same-designed, with same layouts, interiors and amenities, featuring spacious lounges, multiple dining options (several al-fresco / outdoor deck venues), 3-story Atrium, premium theater/show lounge, Sun Deck (with 2 swimming pools), Nordic-design Spa, Gym and sports area, Snow Room, duty-free boutique shops. The infinity pool (resistance swimming pool) on each ocean ship was a "first at sea" facility,

In mid-September 2016 was announced that TPG Capital and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board intend to make a joint investment of USD 0,5 billion in Viking Cruises. The deal resulted in combined 17% stake in Viking. The funding helped the company's growth, particularly on the ocean cruising market, and also strengthened its balance sheet as it branched into China (since 2016).

• Viking Ocean's port agent for China is Wallem Ship Agency China. The company is responsible for vessels berthing (cruise terminal arrangements), logistics, freshwater supply, customs, crew changes, passenger disembarkation/embarkation.
• Wallem China (part of Wallem Group) has a network of 28 offices across Asia, of which 8 are in China, The shipping agency handles annually over 500 cruise ship calls. The list of its services also includes drydock vessel support, newbuilding supervision, lifeboat servicing, equipment testing.

In 2017, Viking signed a sponsorship with National Geographic Society for shooting NatGeo's "Genius" (anthology series).

MV Viking Star became world's ever-first ocean ship with a "snow room". Must be noted, that the 2013-launched Viking Grace (2800-passenger cruiseferry operated by VIKING LINE ) was the first-ever passenger ship with a Snow Room. Viking Ocean ships' Snow Grotto is a wellness retreat with powdery snow falling down from the ceiling. The experience (touted beneficial to the body's blood circulation) includes heating in a sauna (steam bath), then walking into this small room. It is fitted with benches and has dark stone walls illuminated by blue light. The snow on the floor is kept at sub-freezing temperatures. This Arctic-themed facility is part of the ship's thermal suite (within the spa complex). This relaxation area has 1 hot tub, sauna room, heated ceramic loungers, therapeutic showers, salt-water thermal pool. Snow Grotto access is complimentary to all passengers.

On Apr 4, 2018, Viking and VARD (Norwegian subsidiary of the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri) signed a LoI (Letter of Intent) for designing and building 2 new-class ocean liners.

• The contract's potential value is approx NOK 5 billion (USD 611 million = EUR 525 m) for both ships, and also includes optional two more vessels of the same series.
• The shipbuilding contract was officially signed on July 23, 2018.

The liners will be developed by VARD Design (Norway) with hulls constructed in Romania ( VARD Tulcea ). If started, the project will result in building a new fleet.

Viking OCEAN cruise deals

Just like on all Viking riverboats, Viking Ocean deals are inclusive of popular amenities, such as Wi-Fi Internet, alcohol (beer and wine at lunch and dinner), shore excursions (at least one in every port of call along the itinerary), spa usage (thermal pool, sauna, hot tub, Snow Grotto room (snow falling from its ceiling), Gym (fitness center), library (with books reflecting the cruise itineraries), 24-hour room service; absolutely all meals at any of the onboard restaurants; beverages (cappuccinos, espresso drinks), self-service laundry; in-room movies on demand, lectures, airport to cruise port transfers. At additional cost are only spa massages, beauty salon services; specialty beer, premium alcohol (wine and spirits), and some shore excursions.

In early 2018 was announced, that the Viking Cruises company raised USD 975 million through a private placement of USD 275 million (5,875% secured notes due in 2027) plus USD 675 million (5% secured notes due in 2028).

• The note proceeds were used for repaying all the company's loans used to finance the building of the Viking Ocean liners Star and Sky, as well as for repurchasing Viking Sea (operated on a sale-leaseback agreement).
• As of January 2018, Viking Cruises operated a combined fleet of 62 riverboats plus 4 ocean ships. As ownership, 1/5 (20%) of the company is owned by TPG Capital (US investment company) and CPP Investment Board (CPP=Canada Pension Plan).

The company's Net revenues for FY2017 were estimated at ~USD 1 billion.

Viking EXPEDITIONS

Viking Cruises' ocean liners made the company world's largest "small ship cruise" brand with a dominant share on the luxury travel market (23,9 % by year 2020). In 2019, the parent company also created the brand "Viking Expeditions" with a newbuild fleet of two small-sized expedition vessels - Viking Octantis (2021) and Viking Polaris (2022), plus an option for 2 more same-designed units.

Viking Expeditions (as a travel brand) was officially launched on January 15, 2020, with cruising operations starting in January 2022. Viking Expeditions ships are Norway- flagged (registered in Longyearbyen Spitsbergen ), smaller-sized (GT 30150 tons, LOA length 203 m, beam/width 24 m) and with reduced passenger capacity (378 each, plus 260 crew/staff) in comparison to Viking Ocean's liners (930 passengers plus 465 crew/staff each). The boats are constructed by the Norwegian shipbuilder VARD (subsidiary of Fincantieri Italy). The vessel's hull and superstructure are assembled at the shipyard in Tulcea Romania , then towed to VARD Soviknes Shipyard ( Alesund Norway ) for outfitting.

Traditionally for an expedition vessel, each Viking Expeditions ship has its own fleet of inflatable Zodiacs (speedboats used for passenger tendering and shoreside cruising), rigid-hulled inflatable boats (large-capacity unsinkable boat with a rigid bottom) and sea-kayaks. The ship design features several spacious open-deck areas, including Promenade Deck and bow-located Observation Deck (forward on Lounge Deck). Most passenger staterooms (189 total) are with French balconies, excluding only Deck 6's Suites (OS-Owner, ES-Explorer). Cabin sizes vary between 21 m2 (Nordic Balcony / French Balcony) and 114 m2 (Owner Suite with 73 m2 Terrace Garden).

Viking's expedition fleet will operate mainly polar cruises - in the European Arctic ( Svalbard Islands and Arctic Russia, roundtrips from homeport Tromso Norway ) and Antarctica (roundtrips are from homeport Ushuaia Argentina , with fly-cruise packages from Buenos Aires / included an overnight hotel stay prior departure and return flights). Other destinations are the Great Lakes USA and Canada-New England.

Signature onboard facilities available on each Viking Expeditions boat include:

• Explorers Lounge (Decks 5-6, bow-facing) is 2-deck, circular-shaped, glass-covered and walled indoor observation lounge with wraparound windows. Explorers Bar is on Deck 5.
• Aula Auditorium (Deck 2 aft) is a glass-walled auditorium (with tiered seating) hosting lectures, media presentations, itinerary-themed port talks, live entertainment programs. The lounge has floor-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows (providing 270-degree unobstructed views) and an outdoor deck seating (Finse Terrace). Aula Auditorium also doubles as Cinema, being fitted with a retractable screen (covering the entire window wall towards the stern) and latest sound and visual equipment. Aula Auditorium provides direct access to Finse Terrace, which makes it an indoor-outdoor observation lounge.
• Finse Terrace is an outdoor lounge (adjacent to Aula Auditorium) with comfortable seating (padded sofas) and heated by firepits (heated lava rocks). Finse Terrace also provides alfresco dining and drinking when weather permits.
• Aft-located (at the stern) indoor-outdoor pool deck lounge (Aquavit Terrace) with 3 infinity pools - positioned side by side and covered by a retractable glass roof. Each of the swimming pools is at a different temperature. The mid-pool has indoor-outdoor swimming experience.

Dining venues include The Restaurant (fine dining, regional cuisine specialties, classic dishes), The World Cafe (market-style buffet restaurant with open kitchen, live cooking station, bakery, grill stations, seafood bar with premium sushi, international food choices), Mamsen's Deli Restaurant (Deck 5, traditional Scandinavian dishes, Italian cuisine specialties) plus Room Service (24-hour, complimentary). Other venues include The Living Room, The Library Lounge, Auditorium Theater (Conference Room / Cinema), Expedition Central (Photography Studio / Photo Gallery / Coffee Bar), Nordic Spa Badestamp (Hot Tub Room), wellness complex (Hydrotherapy Pool, Spa Lounge, Gym, Saunas, Massage Rooms).

The Hangar is an aft-located indoor marina for launching the smaller-sized RIBs (rigid inflatable boats). The launch platform features a 26 m (85 ft) wide rollers-covered slipway (boat ramp) that allows safe and sheltered embarkation on the RIBs inside the ship.

The ship's expedition equipment is provided complimentary and to all passengers (regardless of cabin category). It includes Zodiacs (military-type rigid inflatable high-speed boats used for landings and coastal cruising), 2-seater sea-kayaks, two RIB boats (12-seats each), two mini-submarines (6-passenger, with revolving seats, spherical windows / 270-degree), Expedition Kit (cold-weather boots, waterproof pants, snowshoes, trekking poles, skis, binoculars). Each tour boat is fitted with latest Safety Equipment (satellite phone, VHF radio, ropes, life jackets, survival kits).

Exclusively for Viking Expeditions voyages, Viking Cruises partnered with Cambridge University's Scott Polar Research Institute (Polar Museum) that specializes in polar researches and glaciology. Via this exclusive partnership, on every voyage scientists from the Institute undertake on the ship and also share with the cruisers their expertise. Another exclusive partnership was signed with Cornell Lab of Ornithology (unit of Ithaca NY's Cornell University) which specializes in global bird research. Cornell Lab's ornithologists are also always present on the ship to interact with the passengers. Viking Cruises also partnered with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). NOAA scientists are present on all Great Lakes USA voyages to conduct researches (on local weather changes and ecosystems) and present lectures themed on the Great Lakes region.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Viking suspended passenger shipping operations fleetwide (ocean ships and riverboats worldwide) by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 12, 2020, through July 2021. Fleetwide operations were planned to resume on October 1, 2020. However, due to ongoing travel restrictions in Europe and the USA, as well as Canada's and Australia's ban on cruise shipping, Viking canceled the entire 2020 program (river+ocean) in mid-August.

• VIKING OCEAN restarted operations on May 22, 2021, with Viking Venus (UK from Portsmouth England).
• VIKING RIVER (European boats) restarted in July 2021 (Rhine-Douro-France rivers), VIKING's Egypt boat (Ra) - in August.
• In March-April 2021, Viking OCEAN announced plans to restart operations with Viking Venus ("England's Scenic Shores" UK coastal itineraries roundtrip from Liverpool and Portsmouth /since May 22), Viking Orion ("Bermuda Escape" 8-day itinerary roundtrip from homeport Hamilton /since June 15) and Viking Sky ("Iceland's Natural Beauty" 8-day itinerary roundtrip from homeport Reykjavik /since June 26). All these voyages were open for booking to UK residents only. In May were added July-October departures (11-day roundtrips from Valletta Malta ) for the ships Viking Sea and Viking Venus.

All affected bookings received a 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) with rebooking or 100% monetary refund. Fully refunded (100% in FCC) were also all prepurchased through Viking packages and services. The FCC is valid for 24 months (after cancellation), for any Viking cruise itinerary (river-ocean-expedition) and fully transferable.

All bookings made by April 30, 2020, received Risk-Free Guarantee that allows penalty-free cruise cancellation up to 24 hours prior departure.

In January 2022, Viking became the world's first (and only) cruise line to built full-scale PCR laboratories onboard all OCEAN and EXPEDITION ships. All passengers and crew are daily tested onboard and Viking’s medical teams get the results quickly. Each PCR lab contains equipment and chemicals for conducting test analysis. The components are kept in freezers and refrigerators and stored at correct temperatures. Raa Labs (via RaaEdge/digital data processing system) gathers data from Wi-Fi sensors onboard, allowing real-time monitoring.

Itinerary of Viking Cruises

Here you can compare all Viking cruise ships ( RIVER , OCEAN , EXPEDITIONS ) and their itineraries, destinations, and departure dates. CruiseMapper provides you with free-of-charge schedules with listed cheapest ticket prices per person per itinerary.

In 2013, the company launched its new brand "Viking Ocean Cruises". Viking OCEAN's product was introduced in May 2015 with the launch of its first vessel MV Viking Star .

In 2019 the parent company created the brand "Viking Expeditions", with a newbuild fleet of two small-sized expedition vessels - Viking Octantis (2021) and Viking Polaris (2022), plus 2 more (optional) same-designed units.

Year-round European river cruises

In May 2023 Viking announced the inauguration of a year-round river cruising program in Europe by introducing the new 10-day "Treasures of the Rhine" winter itinerary.

The voyage is between Amsterdam Netherlands and Basel-Zurich Switzerland (in both directions) and visits as call ports Amsterdam (overnight), Arnhem , Cologne , Middle Rhine/Lorelei Rock, Heidelberg , Speyer , Kehl-Strasbourg , Breisach , Basel (overnight).

Viking's winter river cruise itinerary is run by the Longships/190-passenger boats Viking Alruna and Viking Tialfi .

The maiden voyage starts on December 23, 2023, with prices from EUR 1835 / GBP 1595 / USD 1970 per person for bookings made by June 30th.

(NEW) Longitudinal World Cruises 2023-2026

In 2023, celebrating the company's 25th anniversary, Viking EXPEDITIONS scheduled the "Longitudinal World Cruise I".

The 65-day itinerary (March 2 through May 5, 2023/ship Viking Octantis) visited 29 ports (9 countries, 3 continents) departing from Buenos Aires Argentina . The voyage visited the Antarctic Peninsula , continued northward around Cape Horn , along South America's coast (Chile, Peru, Ecuador), passed through Panama Canal , then up to Mexico, Florida USA, NYC New York , Canada (Nova Scotia and Quebec) and via St Lawrence River to Ontario and via Detroit MI , ending in Milwaukee WI . Fares started from USD 45000 per person with double occupancy.

On September 12, 2023, departed "Longitudinal World Cruise II" (ship Viking Polaris). The longer/71-day itinerary visited 33 ports (10 countries, 3 continents). The voyage started in the USA ( Duluth MN ) and ended in Argentina (Ushuaia), also visiting Antarctica.

The 70-day "Longitudinal World Cruise III" (ship Viking Polaris) was from Milwaukee WI to Ushuaia.

The 71-day Grand Journeys offered unique travel experiences within a single itinerary, navigating North America's inland waterways and engineering marvels Welland Canal and Panama Canal , as well as the scenic Chilean Fjords/Patagonia .

Viking's Longitudinal World Cruises included chartered domestic flights in Argentina (between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires).

Addressing the demand for Antarctic voyages, Viking EXPEDITIONS in December 2023 opened bookings for season 2025-2026.

The program featured the 87-day "From the Arctic to Antarctica" itinerary ( Nuuk Greenland to Ushuaia) departing in September 2025 and passing through the Canadian Arctic, then North and South America's eastern coast, visiting ports in the Caribbean, the Chilean glaciers, and ending in Antarctica.

In March 2024, were opened for booking two grand voyages ("Longitudinal World Cruise VI" and "Longitudinal World Cruise VII") traversing from  Antarctica to the Americas, plus "Viking World Journeys 2026" (from  Los Angeles  to  London-Greenwich ).

(ship  Viking Octantis ) The 69-day "Longitudinal World Cruise VI" ( Buenos Aires  to  Milwaukee ) groups 5 distinct itineraries spanning 9 countries. This voyage starts on February 24, 2026, and features transition through Panama Canal and an optional excursion to the Galapagos . Pricing started at US$96,000 per person, inclusive of business class airfare.

(ship  Viking Polaris ) The 63-day "Longitudinal World Cruise VII" (Buenos Aires to Milwaukee) groups 5 shorter itineraries (9 countries) begining on February 21, 2026. Fares started at US$89,000 pp (inclusive of business class airfare.

(ship  Viking Sky ) The 121-day "Viking World Journeys 2026" (Los Angeles to London) encompasses 50 complimentary land tours and visits destinations in 23 countries. Prices started at US$92,500 per person (inclusive of business class airfare).

VIKING RIVER itineraries

In 2013, Viking had 37 operational riverboats. Till the end of 2014, the fleet grew to 52. All European boats are Longships, with passenger capacity 190. Viking's ships in Russia are with average capacity 200+, while Viking's ships in China accommodate up to 246 guests.

Note: "Longship" is a new patented ship design. "Modified" longships are smaller in size.

Viking river cruise itineraries range from 7 to 23 days. They are operated along the:

• European rivers Rhine, Main, Danube, Saone, Rhone, Seine, Elbe, and Douro
• Asian rivers - Ukraine's Dnieper, Russia's Volga, China's Yangtze, Myanmar-Burma's Irrawaddy and Vietnam's Mekong.
• Some voyages (few in Europe, Egypt, Southeast Asia, and China) are "cruise tours" marked. They include both the river cruising portion and hotel stays.

Viking's schedule 2024 (March thru November) included the new 12-day "Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary" cruisetour (from London England to Paris France ) commemorating the Allies' "Operation Overlord" (Battle of Normandy). The cruisetour begins in London where are visited historic sites like Bletchley Park (an estate that was the principal center for codebreaking during WW2), Churchill War Rooms (museum), Imperial War Museum London, Gunwharf Quays, Southwick House, D-Day Museum.

After 4 days in England, tourists arrive in Paris City to embark a Viking Longship. The roundtrip French itinerary visits Giverny (Claude Monet's farmhouse and gardens), Rouen , as well as Normandy's American Military Cemetery and the World War beaches.

As the unparalleled leader in river travel, boasting a fleet of 80 river ships and commanding over 50% of the market share for North American travelers, Viking continues to set the industry standard. The company's 2026 itineraries in Europe include:

• Danube Waltz (8 days;  Budapest  to  Passau )
• Rhine Getaway (8 days;  Amsterdam  to  Basel )
• Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days;  Paris  roundtrip)
• Lyon & Provence (8 days;  Lyon  to  Avignon )
• Portugal's River of Gold (10 days;  Lisbon  to  Porto ).

All itineraries have at least one tour or guided shore excursion per day - all included in the fares.

Viking Mississippi (2022) is a 5-deck riverboat operated in the USA under charter.

• Aegir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria
• Alruna longship (Rhine) Germany, France, Switzerland
• Viking Akun (Volga-Svir-Neva) Russia
• Alsvin longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Astrild longship-modified (Elbe River) Germany, Czechia
• Atla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
• Baldur longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Bestla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland
• Beyla longship-modified (Elbe River) Germany, Czechia
• Bragi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland
• Buri longship (Saone-Rhone) France
• Delling longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
• Egil longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Austria, Germany, France, Hungary, Holland, Switzerland
• Einar longship (Moselle-Rhine-Dutch waterways)
• Eir longship (Rhine River) Germany, Holland
• Eistla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Embla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria
• Viking Emerald (Yangtze) China
• Forseti longship (Dordogne-Garonne-Gironde) France
• Freya longship (Danube) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
• Gefjon longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Czechia
• Gullveig longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Heimdal longship (Saone-Rhone) France
• Helgi (Volga) Russia
• Helgrim (Douro) Portugal, Spain
• Hemming (Douro) Portugal, Spain
• Herja longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Hermod longship (Saone-Rhone) France
• Hild longship (Rhine) Holland, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland
• Hlin longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Idi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Idun longship (Danube) Germany, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia
• Ingvar (Volga) Russia
• Ingvi longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Jarl longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
• Kadlin longship (Seine) France
• Kara longship (Rhine-Main-Danube - Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
• Kvasir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland
• Viking Legend (Danube) Austria, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia
• Lif longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
• Lofn longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Switzerland, Holland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, France, Slovakia, Czechia
• Magni longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
• Mani longship (Rhine) Holland, Switzerland, Germany, France
• Viking Mekong (2002) , Viking Saigon (2021) and Viking Tonle (2025) - Mekong River, in Vietnam and Cambodia
• Mimir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary
• Modi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, France
• Njord longship (Danube) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
• Odin longship (Danube-Main-Rhine-Moselle) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, France, Czechia, Luxembourg
• Osfrid longship (Douro) Portugal and Spain
• Viking Prestige (Danube) Austria, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia
• Rinda longship (Danube) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria
• Rolf longship (Seine) France
• Rurik (Volga) Russia
• Sigrun longship (Moselle-Rhine-Dutch waterways)
• Sigyn longship (Rhine and Moselle)
• Sineus (Dnieper) Ukraine
• Skadi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland, Belgium
• Skirnir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Belgium and Slovakia
• Tialfi longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Tir longship (Danube-Rhine-Dutch waterways)
• Tor longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Torgil (Douro) Portugal, Spain
• Truvor (Volga) Russia
• Ullur longship (Danube)
• Vali longship (Rhine and Danube)
• Var longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
• Ve longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
• Vidar longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
• Vilhjalm longship (Danube)
• Vili longship (Rhine-Main-Danube)Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
• (2021-built) longships on Rhine River - Egdir , Gymir
• (2020-built) longships on Seiner River in France - Fjorgyn , Kari , Radgrid , Skaga
• (2020-built) longships on Rhine River - Gersemi , Hervor
• (2020-built) RheinGalaxie Eventschiff (KD Line, charter cruises between homeports Cologne and Dusseldorf)

Note: In 2025 and 2026, Viking's river fleet will be expanded with 10 new Longships, by adding 5 boats per year.

Viking Cruises Egypt & Asia

Viking Ra (2018), Viking Osiris (2022), Viking Aton (2023), Viking Hathor (2024) and Viking Sobek (2025) are the company's owned ships deployed on Lake Nasser/Nile River in Egypt, in addition to MS Antares (an Amarco-owned hotelship) which is chartered by Viking.

Before the newbuild sisterships, Viking Cruises Egypt also chartered the boats MS Steigenberger Omar El Khayam (a Steigenberger-owned hotelship on Lake Nasser) and MS Mayfair (a privately-owned hotelship).

Century Legend and Century Paragon are the Yangtze River cruise ships in China. Both are privately owned and operated by Viking under a charter. These riverboats are also chartered by other major European lines, like AmaWaterways , Avalon , and Uniworld .

In Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos) Viking River Cruises charters riverboats from the Pandaw fleet - including the ships Katha Pandaw (as Viking Mandalay), and Orient Pandaw (as Viking Orient) .

Above is the Viking Yangtze River (China) cruise itinerary map that shows all ports locations (along Yangtze River) as well as the domestic flight connections ( Beijing - Xian - Chongqing and Shanghai - Wuhan ).

In April 2024, Viking introduced land tours to Mongolia. The new "Spirit of Mongolia" cruisetour extension is a 5-night (pre- or post-cruise) guided extension offering a visit to the Gobi Desert out of Ulaanbaatar (aka Ulan Bator). Other ex-China cruisetour extensions included departures/tours from Hong Kong and Beijing. Viking’s new China itineraries (titled "Best of China", "China Discovery", "Classic China", "Coast & Wonders of China") are for the Viking Yi Dun ship .

Egypt cruisetour packages (optional hotel+land travel)

In 2023-2024, Viking Cruises Egypt introduced pre- and post-cruise packages as optional extensions of the brand's premium Nile River voyages.

The 3-night Pre-Istanbul Package (priced from US$1400 pp) is inclusive of 3 hotel nights in Istanbul (at Westin Istanbul Nisantasi Hotel or similar), 3 meals (breakfasts), 2 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Istanbul Old City Tour, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace), flight from Istanbul to Cairo, as well as all transfers.

The 4-night Pre-Jerusalem Israel Package (priced from US$2400 pp) is inclusive of 4 hotel nights in Orient Jerusalem Hotel (or similar), 8 meals (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner), 3 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Bethlehem Walking Tour, Jerusalem City Tour, Israel Museum Tour), a flight from Tel Aviv to Cairo, as well as all transfers.

The 4-night Pre-British Collections of Ancient Egypt package (priced from US$3700 pp) is inclusive of 2 hotel nights in London (Rosewood Hotel), 2 hotel nights in Oxford (Old Bank Hotel), 6 meals (4 breakfasts, 2 lunches), 4 Privileged Access visits (British Museum, Sir John Soane's Museum, Griffith Institute, Highclere Castle), 3 3 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Petrie Museum, Oxford Walking Tour, Ashmolean Museum), flight from London to Cairo, as well as all transfers.

The 4-night Post-Petra Jordan, Dead Sea and Amman Package (priced from US$2200 pp) is inclusive of 1 flight from Cairo to Amman, 4 nights (1x at Dead Sea, 2x in Petra, 1x in Amman), 8 meals (4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners), 4 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Ancient Town of Madaba; Dead Sea Museum, Petra, Amman, Jerash), as well as all transfers. The home flight (from Amman) costs extra.

Viking Cruises USA

Starting operations in 2022 with 1 ship (out of all 6 planned newbuilds), Viking's USA-based river cruise ships will be 5-deck, with all-balcony staterooms, aft-located infinity pool, bow ramp (for passenger landings).

All the 6 ships will be built and owned by ECO Shipyards (subsidiary of Edison Chouest Offshore) and operated under charter. The 8-day cruisetours include roundtrips from New Orleans , as well as one-ways between New Orleans and Memphis TN , and between St Louis MO and Minneapolis-Saint Paul MN .

Viking Mississippi cruise itineraries visit seven US states (Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota) and the riverport cities Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans, St Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, Hannibal, St Louis, Burlington, Dubuque, Davenport, La Crosse, Red Wing, Minneapolis-St Paul.

On July 2, 2020, Viking opened for booking its 2023 Mississippi River cruises. The first boat ( Viking Mississippi ) was scheduled to debut in August 2022 and sail on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, between homeports Saint Paul Minnesota , and New Orleans Louisiana .

Viking's first USA river voyages were highly anticipated when they were announced in April 2020. The strong demand led the company to open additional 2023 sailings sooner than expected.

Viking's arrival in the USA represented a major commitment to economic and tourism development in numerous communities along the Mississippi River. It was expected that the new voyages would bring 5800+ tourists to the region in 2022 and 17600+ during the first full cruise season in 2023.

2022-2023 Viking Mississippi itineraries included:

• 15-day "America's Great River" from New Orleans to St. Paul on nearly the entire length of the Mississippi River (multiple sailing dates in June, September, and October 2023) prices start at US$11000 per person, with discounted airfare from US$200 per person.
• 8-day "America's Heartland" from St Louis MO (Missouri) to St Paul on the Upper Mississippi (multiple sailing dates in August-September 2022; additional sailings now available in July, August, and September 2023) prices start at US$4600 per person, with discounted airfare from US$200 per person.
• 8-day "Heart of the Delta" from New Orleans to Memphis Tennessee on the Lower Mississippi (multiple sailing dates in October-November 2022; additional sailings now available in May-June 2023) prices start at US$4200 per person, with discounted airfare from US$200 per person.
• 8-day "Southern Celebration" roundtrip from New Orleans, visiting Vicksburg Mississippi exploring the Lower Mississippi (multiple sailing dates in November-December 2022; additional sailings now available in January 2023) prices start at US$3700 per person, with discounted airfare from US$200 per person.

In April 2021, Viking opened 2024 Mississippi River voyages for sale.

Viking Cruises Egypt

Starting in 2018, Viking River Cruises is the first non-domestic company licensed to operate cruise ships on the Nile River in Egypt . The itineraries are operated by three new riverboats - Viking Ra (March 2018), Viking Osiris (August 2022) and Viking Aton (September 2023). Previously, Viking Egypt operated the Nile River and Lake Nasser itineraries with two chartered ships ( Steigenberger Omar El Khayam and Mayfair ).

The Viking riverboats Ra-Osiris-Aton cruise only on the Nile portion (roundtrip from Luxor ). The sailings are with fly-cruise packages inclusive of two domestic flights ( Cairo -Luxor-Cairo). Viking's Nile River cruisetour is themed "Pharaohs and Pyramids".

The 12-day itinerary incorporates 7-day cruising on Nile River and starts with a 3-night hotel stay in Cairo and tours to iconic attractions like Grand Egyptian Museum, Great Pyramids of Giza, Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Cruise tourists then fly to Luxor to visit Karnak and the Temples of Luxor before boarding the Viking cruise ship for a 7-night Nile cruise to Aswan and back. Tours include a private visit to Nefertari's tomb (Valley of the Queens) and excursions to Khnum Temple (Esna) and the Dendera Temple complex (Qena). A visit to a Nubian village is also included.

VIKING OCEAN itineraries

VIKING OCEAN operates a fleet of newbuilds (identically designed vessels) named Viking Star (2015), Viking Sea (2016), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Orion (2018), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Neptune and Viking Mars (2022), Viking Saturn (2023), Viking Vela (2024), Vesta (2025).

See below the list of main Viking OCEAN itineraries as themes and ports of call:

• Mediterranean cruises leave from: Turkey (Istanbul), Italy (Venice, Rome /port Civitavecchia), Spain (Barcelona).
• Northern Europe/Baltic cruises depart from Norway (Bergen) and Sweden (Stockholm).

All voyages include overnight stays in both ports (of departure and final disembarkation). In the UK, Viking OCEAN ships are homeported in London-Greenwich England .

Repositioning cruises are officially themed as:

• Northbound Atlantic: "VIKING EMPIRE" (Istanbul-Stockholm)
• Southbound Atlantic: "PASSAGE THROUGH WESTERN EUROPE" (Bergen-Barcelona), "SCANDINAVIA TO SPAIN" (Stockholm-Barcelona)
• Baltic-UK: "BALTIC JEWELS and THE MIDNIGHT SUN" (Stockholm-London) and "INTO THE MIDNIGHT SUN" (Bergen-London).

Viking Baltic itineraries are operated in the summer, themed as "Viking Homelands" (14 nights in length). Baltic Sea routes offer visits to 8 different countries, with a total of 11 cruisetours (all complimentary, included in the Viking Baltic deals prices). Viking Mediterranean itineraries are themed as:

• (Barcelona to Rome, 7-nights) "Romantic Mediterranean" (visits 4 countries, includes 8 land tours)
• (7-nights) "Mediterranean Getaway" (visits 3 countries, includes 6 land tours)
• (9-nights) "Empires of the Mediterranean" (visits 5 countries, includes 7 land tours)
• (12-nights) "Mediterranean Odyssey" (visits 6 countries, includes 10 land tours)
• (14-nights) "Mediterranean Explorer" (visits 5 countries, includes 12 land tours).

In November 2018, Viking announced an 11-day itinerary named "Greek Odyssey". It is expected to allow passengers to explore the Aegean Sea's ancient empires of antiquity during the quiet season. Voyages aboard the Viking Sea are roundtrips from Piraeus-Athens and begin January 2021. The itinerary includes 3 new ports of call for the cruise line: Nafplio , Volos and Thessaloniki in Greece, as well as a visit to Ephesus marking Viking's return to Turkey.

Highlights of the Greek Odyssey itinerary include:

• Volos, Greece is a cosmopolitan port city, and the region was once considered the playground of the gods. Passengers can experience the exciting scenery of Meteora, with its medieval monasteries, or explore the religious center of Dion, situated on the foothills of Mt Olympus.
• Thessaloniki, Greece is the 2nd-largest city in the country and offers a mix of modern life and ancient culture. While in port, passengers can walk the waterfront promenade with its many restaurants and cafes, or head outside the port city to the remains of the Macedonian kingdom of Alexander the Great.
• Nafpilo, Greece is set between the Bay of Argos and breathtaking mountains. Travelers can explore its Byzantine churches and Venetian homes, take a drive to the imposing fortress towering over the city, Palamidi, or travel to the Peloponnese peninsula.
• Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey is among the world's best-preserved cities of antiquity. Passengers can visit the remains of Byzantine Basilica of St John, enjoy sights like the massive Great Theater and Library of Celsus, and see the modest home where the mother of Jesus, Mary, lived out her final days.
• Scenic cruising: Mt Athos: On sea days, passengers will sail past Mt Athos, the "Holy Mountain" (UNESCO Site, the spiritual capital of Orthodox Christianity). The soaring peaks of the peninsula are home to twenty monasteries where monks work to preserve a vast collection of liturgical works and art.

The cruise fare includes balcony cabins for all passengers, complimentary shore excursions in all ports, all onboard meals, complimentary wifi, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, access to spa's Thermal Suite, and 24-hour room service.

Viking's 7th ocean ship ( Viking Venus ) joined the fleet in 2021, with an inaugural season in Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Itineraries include "In Search of the Northern Lights", "Into the Midnight Sun", "British Isles Explorer" and "Viking Homelands". Viking is also expanding its Mediterranean program by adding 5 new itineraries visiting Istanbul. The new 8-day "Ancient Mediterranean Treasures" itinerary (between Athens and Istanbul ) features overnights in both cities.

Travelers looking for an extended experience in the region are able to choose longer versions of the itinerary, such as:

• 15-day Ancient Adriatic Treasures, sailing between Venice and Istanbul
• 15-day Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities, sailing between Rome and Istanbul
• 22-day Iconic Mediterranean Treasures, sailing between Barcelona and Istanbul, or
• 29-day Mediterranean's Iconic Shores, also sailing between Barcelona and Istanbul and including visits to Croatia and Montenegro.

In September 2020, Viking introduced a new (2023 itinerary) - the 29-day "Baltic Jewels And The Midnight Sun" from London UK to Stockholm Sweden via Norway, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden. Viking Venus is scheduled to depart on July 22, 2023, and visit 10 countries (with 19 guided shore excursions included in the fares).

In August 2020, Viking Cruises opened for sale two new Panama Canal itineraries - 18-day "Panama Canal and Coastal Holiday" (departing December 24, 2021) and 11-day "Classic Panama Canal Passage" (departing November 6 and 16, 2021, and visiting Key West , Cozumel , Belize City , Roatan , San Jose , Colon ). In addition, Viking announced 3 new departures (in October, November and December 2021) of the 15-day "Panama Canal and Central America" itinerary roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) . Viking's Panama Canal cruises are on Viking Star .

In May 2023, Viking EXPEDITIONS revealed 3 new Arctic voyages for the summer. Starting in July 2025, these new itineraries, ranging from 13 to 27 days, offer explorations of Canada and Greenland in the polar north, with two of the three voyages visiting the Canadian High Arctic.

The first itinerary, "Into the Northwest Passage ," is a 13-day roundtrip voyage from Nuuk, Greenland . It takes guests to remarkable destinations such as the pristine waters of the Ilulissat Icefjord and the eastern entrance of the renowned Northwest Passage in Pond Inlet, Canada. Travelers can immerse themselves in Inuit traditions, witness stunning natural beauty, and partake in activities like kayaking or Zodiac landings. This voyage offers a chance to discover undiscovered territories under the midnight sun, with sailing dates available from July through September 2025.

The second itinerary, "Canada & Greenland Explorer," spans 15 days and operates between Toronto, Ontario, and Nuuk. Travelers on this awe-inspiring journey explore the rugged shores of Canada and Greenland, surrounded by drifting icebergs and dramatic landscapes. They have the opportunity to learn about Inuit traditions in remote communities and experience the stark beauty of the Arctic. Sailing dates for this itinerary are available in July and September 2025.

For those seeking a more comprehensive exploration, Viking offers the 27-day "Canada & the Northwest Passage" voyage. This itinerary sails between Nuuk and Toronto, Ontario , showcasing the majesty of floating icebergs, rugged lands, and deep-blue fjords rich in marine life. Guests gain insights into Inuit communities and their enduring traditions, while enjoying the endless daylight of the midnight sun. Sailing dates for this voyage are also available in July and September 2025.

ex-Malta cruises 2021

Following the COVID crisis, in May 2021 VIKING OCEAN scheduled for three ships ( Sea , Venus , Star ) a mini-season (July-October departures) based on 11-day roundtrips (3 itineraries) from homeport Valletta Malta .

• The "Malta and Adriatic Jewels" itinerary started with an overnight in Valletta and visited ports in Montenegro ( Kotor ) and Croatia ( Dubrovnik , Split , Zadar , Sibenik ), plus Gozo Island Malta (Mgarr Harbour) .
• The "Malta and Greek Isles Discovery" itinerary also started with an overnight in Valletta and visited ports in Greece ( Kalamata , Piraeus-Athens , Santorini , Rhodes , Crete/Souda ).
• The "Malta and the Western Mediterranean" itinerary started with Valletta overnight and visited ports in Sicily ( Messina ), mainland Italy ( Naples , Civitavecchia-Rome , Livorno , Genoa ), and Spain ( Barcelona ).

Later was added the 21-day "Malta, the Adriatic and Greece". The B2B itinerary started with Valletta overnight and visited Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Sibenik, Mgarr Malta, Valletta (overnight), Kalamata, Piraeus-Athens (overnight), Santorini, Rhodes, Souda Crete.

For the ex-Malta season, Viking partnered with Lufthansa (Deutsche Lufthansa AG - Germany's largest airline) to offer non-stop Transatlantic flights between New Jersey USA (Newark Liberty Airport) and Malta Airport, exclusively for Viking OCEAN customers.

Viking World Cruise 2021-2022 (Viking Star)

In mid-July 2020, Viking Ocean announced the company's "Viking World Cruise 2021-2022" planned for MS Viking Star . The 136-day itinerary visits 56 ports in 27 countries, with 11 port city overnights and 3x new for Viking cruise ports ( Phillip Island Victoria Australia , Eden NSW Australia , Yangon Burma ).

The voyage starts from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA) on December 24, 2021, and ends in London City England . Signature destinations include Central America, Panama Canal transit , USA West Coast, Hawaii, Transpacific crossing to New Zealand and Australia, Asia, Middle East, Suez Canal transit to Europe (Mediterranean) and the UK.

Shorter itinerary segments are also available for booking, including the 119-day "Viking World Horizons 2022" (Los Angeles to London, departure January 10, 2022) that visits 49 ports in 22 countries.

Both packages are priced from USD 50000 (EUR 43100 / ~GBP 39300) per person (double occupancy outside cabin rates). Bookings made by September 30, 2020, receive USD 2000 pp in "shore excursion credit" plus USD 1000 pp in OBC (onboard credit).

Viking World Cruises 2022-2023-2024 (Viking Neptune, Viking Sky)

Viking Neptune itinerary program was announced by VIKING OCEAN in late-December 2020. The new ship was scheduled to start operations with a World Cruise 2022-2023 . The 138-day itinerary visited ports in 28 countries (total 58 ports) with overnights in 11 port cities.

Departing on December 22, 2022, from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale Florida) , Viking World Voyage 2022 visits ports in Central America, follows Panama Canal transit and sailing up North America's West Coast. A 121-day segment (Viking World Journeys) allows travelers to join the cruise ship in Los Angeles CA , from where the itinerary continues to Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East, Europe (Mediterranean and Atlantic Coastal) ending in London-Greenwich, England UK .

Viking Neptune's World Cruise itinerary offers overnights (also double overnights) in 11 ports, including Auckland New Zealand , Sydney NSW Australia , Benoa Bali Indonesia , Saigon Vietnam , Singapore , Yangon Burma , Colombo Sri Lanka , Mumbai India , Haifa Israel , Istanbul Turkey and London-Greenwich (before the debarkation). Note: For the itinerary's all call ports see at the ship's Wiki section here .

Curiously, in August 2021, Viking OCEAN announced a "double world cruise 2023-2024" with two ships (Neptune and Sky) sailing on an identical itinerary from Florida to the UK. While Viking Neptune departs on December 23 (2023), Viking Sky departs earlier (on December 20, 2023), sailing in parallel with Neptune.

• Departing from Fort Lauderdale and ending in London-Greenwich, "Viking World Voyage 2023-2024" prices started from USD 60,000 (EUR 51015) on Viking Sky/Dec 20, and from USD 55,000 (EUR 46760) on Viking Neptune/Dec 23.
• An Early Booking promo (for bookings made for September 30, 2021) offered USD 2000 pp (shore excursions credit), USD 1000 pp (OBC-onboard credit) plus USD 1000 pp OBC (for Viking Explorer Society/loyalty program members).

Viking's World Cruise record (2019-2020, Viking Sun)

On August 31, 2019, Viking Sun started the 245-day "Viking World Voyage 2019" spanning 6 continents and visiting 51 countries via 111 call ports (including 21 port overnights). The London City (Port Greenwich) roundtrip itinerary was officially listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's "longest continuous passenger cruise".

VIKING OCEAN's 8-month long westbound voyage (officially named "Ultimate World Cruise") included a Transatlantic crossing (RepositionCruises.com) and passing through Suez Canal .

"Viking World Cruise 2019" prices started from USD 90,000 per person (with double occupancy).

VIKING EXPEDITIONS itineraries

The inaugural cruise itineraries of both expedition vessels are 13-day polar voyages - one in Antarctica , the other in the European Arctic. Viking's Arctic cruises (to Svalbard Islands and Arctic Russia) are roundtrips from homeport Tromso Norway and priced from USD 14,000 per person (double-occupancy balcony cabin). Viking's Antarctic roundtrips are from homeport Ushuaia Argentina , with prices starting from USD 15,000 pp (fly-cruise packages from Buenos Aires with included overnight hotel stay prior departure and return flights to Europe-USA-Canada-Australia).

Next are listed all Viking Expeditions cruise itineraries by length and theme.

• 44-day "From the Arctic to Antarctica" (from Tromso to Ushuaia)
• 19-day "Antarctic and South America Discovery" (from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro)
• 18-day "South America and Antarctic Discovery" (from Rio de Janeiro to Ushuaia)
• 15-day and 13-day "Antarctic Adventure" (from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)
• 15-day "Atlantic and Equator Sojourn" (from Cork to Rio de Janeiro)
• 13-day "Arctic Adventure" (roundtrip from Tromso Norway)
• 13-day "Viking's Northern Isles" (from Tromso to Cork)
• 13-day "Canadian Discovery"(from NYC New York City to Toronto)
• 10-day "Caribbean Connections" (from Bridgetown to NYC New York)
• 8-day "Niagara and the Great Lakes" (from Toronto to Milwaukee)
• 8-day "Undiscovered Great Lakes" (from Thunder Bay to Milwaukee)
• 8-day "Great Lakes Explorer" (from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay)
• 15-day "Great Lakes Collection" (from Toronto to Duluth, and the reverse)

Viking's Great Lakes cruises visit ports and destinations in Canada's Ontario state ( Thunder Bay , Toronto , Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, Point Pelee NP) and the USA's Minnesota-Michigan-Wisconsin states ( Detroit MI , Alpena MI , Mackinac Island MI in Lake Huron , Apostle Islands WI, Houghton MI on Lake Superior , Traverse City MI , Milwaukee WI on Lake Michigan , Duluth MN ) and feature passing through Soo Locks at Sault Ste Marie (Lake Superior - Lake Huron transition).

Viking's Canada cruises visit NYC New York , Halifax NS , Gulf of St Lawrence (scenic cruising, Cape Breton National Park), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) , Magdalen Islands Quebec (scenic cruising), Cap-aux-Meules (Quebec), Sept-Iles Quebec , Saguenay Quebec (zodiac cruising through Saguenay Fjord), Quebec City , Trois-Rivieres Quebec , Montreal Quebec , Seaway Locks (transit to Lake Ontario), Toronto Ontario .

Viking's Antarctic cruises are inclusive of 2 domestic charter flights (between Buenos Aires - Ushuaia ) and an overnight hotel (in Buenos Aires / pre-cruise). Signature destinations include Beagle Channel (Glacier Alley) and Drake Passage , Cape Horn , Half Moon Island , Deception Island (Whalers Bay) , Brown Bluff , Wiencke Island (Damoy Point) , Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island , Cuverville Island , Neko Harbor ( Antarctic Peninsula ),

Viking's Arctic cruises visit Tromso Norway , Svalbard Islands Norway , Polar Ice Cap (scenic cruising), Spitsbergen Island (Barentsburg, Smeerenburg, Barentsburg, Alicehamna/Alice Harbour, Hornsund, Nordfjorden, Liefdefjorden), Bjornoya (Bear Island) , Barents Sea (cruising).

Viking EXPEDITIONS summer 2023 season includes a new 2-week itinerary in the Great Lakes along with additional offers in North & South America. Debuting in June 2023, the 15-day Great Lakes Collection itinerary is due to sail between Toronto (Ontario Canada) - Duluth MN (Minnesota USA) , providing passengers with a complete view of the region and call ports in all 5 Great Lakes. Due to strong demand, Viking Cruises has also announced 2023 dates for 4 existing Great Lakes expeditions: the 8-day Great Lakes Explorer, Undiscovered Great Lakes, Niagara & the Great Lakes itineraries, as well as the 13-day Canadian Discovery.

3 additional expedition cruises in North & South America are also due to debut in summer 2023. The new, 16-day Canada & the Atlantic Coastline itinerary will expand offerings along the St. Lawrence River and Atlantic coastline, featuring destinations including Quebec City , Charleston SC , Norfolk VA , Trois-Rivieres (Quebec) , and more. Vacationers can discover the beauty of Patagonia while sailing out of Santiago (Valparaiso, Chile) to Ushuaia (Argentina) on the new 2-week Patagonian Shores & Chilean Fjords itinerary, while passengers looking to explore destinations in North, Central & South America, can choose the new 18-day Panama & Scenic South America itinerary.

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Sail 'right in the heart of the US' on Viking's new Mississippi River cruise ship

Viking has brought American travelers to destinations around the world on its cruises, but until now has not had a river ship based in North America.

The company operates close to 100 river and ocean vessels, and 82% of its guests come from America, Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, told USA TODAY.

"But we had one white spot on our map, and it said 'USA,'" Hagen said.

That was part of the motivation for the company to design its first vessel purpose-built for the Mississippi River, aptly named Viking Mississippi. The five-deck ship welcomed its first guests in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on Sept. 3.

The ship will sail itineraries on the Upper and Lower Mississippi River between St. Paul and New Orleans, where Hagen said Viking saw an opportunity to sail a modern ship in the company's style "right in the heart of the U.S., where all our guests come from in the first place."

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"It's a wonderful country you have, and I'm proud that we can play our role in it," he added. 

Here's what guests can expect from Viking Mississippi.

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What can guests expect from the Viking Mississippi?

The Viking Mississippi will sail itineraries on the Upper and Lower Mississippi River between St. Paul and New Orleans.

The ship has 193 staterooms, all of which are outside, and can accommodate up to 386 passengers, according to a news release . Across seven cabin categories, rooms range from 268 to more than 1,000 square feet, and each has a French balcony or private veranda, heated bathroom floor and king-size bed.

The ship boasts a 360-degree promenade deck that wraps around the ship, along with a sun terrace that has a glass-backed infinity pool and a library curated by Heywood Hill, a bookstore in London.

Dining options include The Restaurant, the ship's primary eatery featuring classic dishes and regional offerings on rotating menus, and the indoor-outdoor River Café, which serves both American food such as Southern barbecue, and Norwegian cuisine from Mamsen's, a flagship Viking's offering that has a separate counter within the café.

As part of their cruises, guests can also take in lectures on topics such as the history, architecture and art of the region, and attend performances of local music, from Delta blues to New Orleans jazz.

How much does the Viking Mississippi cost?

Available rooms on a Jan. 7 round-trip cruise from New Orleans, with stops in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi, among others, start at $3,999 per person based on double occupancy, according to Viking's website .

The fare includes port taxes and fees, a shore excursion at each port, complimentary Wi-Fi, all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and more.

A trip with an eclipse (literally): Watch a solar eclipse from the sea on this Ponant cruise

'More than I hoped for': This is what it's like cruising with a disability right now

What else do travelers need to know?

The Viking Mississippi has nine accessible staterooms. Viking asks guests with disabilities to travel with "an able-bodied companion who can assist them as the staff is not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs," according to its website .

Passengers who use wheelchairs must bring their own – with the exception of emergencies – and fill out an accessibility form at least 30 days before their trip. They can request a copy of the form by calling 1-877-668-4546.

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• River Cruises

Explore America’s Most Iconic Waterways With the 5 Best U.S. River Cruises

Discover natural and cultural treasures close to home.

You don't need to fly to Europe for a river cruise, with new ships and routes creating even more options right here in the United States. Some of the most scenic itineraries traverse the Mississippi, Hudson, Columbia, and Snake rivers, showcasing natural, cultural, and historical attractions along the way. Passengers can visit wineries in Washington, taste Creole cuisine in New Orleans, or learn about the Siege of Vicksburg right where it happened.

On these voyages, you'll sail with anywhere from 100 to 400 other guests aboard either modern riverboats or classic paddle wheelers that hearken back to a different time. Like their European counterparts, river cruises in the U.S. typically package everything at a single price, including staterooms, meals, guest lectures and enrichment programs, entertainment, and most shore excursions. Some even include pre-cruise hotel stays.

Here are five river cruises that will show you the U.S. in a whole new light.

American Cruise Lines’ Music Cities Cruise from Memphis to Nashville

It's hard to choose from American Cruise Lines' 35 itineraries. For arts and culture lovers, the eight-day Music Cities Cruise along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers presents an opportunity to visit several charming cities and towns in the South. The itinerary is offered on four different 180-passenger ships, including the American Serenade and the classic American Splendor paddle wheeler.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The voyage begins in Memphis, where passengers can visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, take in a show at one of the nightclubs along legendary Beale Street, or tour Elvis Presley's mansion, Graceland. After a day of cruising, the ship stops at Paducah, Kentucky, where you can admire the more than 50 murals on the floodwall along Water Street before exploring the National Quilt Museum. The next day, the ship travels through the Barkley Lock and past the stunning coves and limestone bluffs of the Cumberland River's Lake Barkley– a view best enjoyed from the balcony of your stateroom. In Dover, Tennessee, guests visit historic Fort Donelson National Park and learn about the garrison's role during the Civil War. The next day, passengers can tour the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center and Fort Defiance in Clarksville, Tennessee, and cap off the experience with a whiskey tasting at Old Glory Distilling Co. The voyage ends in Nashville, where you can stroll along historic Lower Broadway, visit museums dedicated to Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, and take in a Grand Ole Opry show. 

American Queen Voyages' Upper Mississippi Cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis

History buffs will love this nine-day cruise along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers aboard American Queen Voyages' 245-passenger American Countess paddle wheeler. The itinerary offers guests a chance to explore the idyllic river towns that inspired the Father of American Literature.

After departing St. Louis, the cruise arrives in Alton, Illinois, where guests can play golf on championship courses, explore the National Great Rivers Museum , or just stroll around the town's historic districts. Day three brings passengers further upriver to Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, from which the author drew inspiration for several of his novels. On day four, the ship stops at Bettendorf, Iowa, for a hop-on hop-off tour of museums, artist studios, the German American Heritage Center , and the Quad City Botanical Center . In Dubuque, Iowa, guests can take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator, billed as "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway". Day nine, finds the the ship at La Crosse, Wisconsin, famous for its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. The final port is Red Wing, Minnesota, home to beautifully preserved artisan workshops, factories, and pioneer-era architecture. After disembarking, passengers can explore nearby Minneapolis before going home.

American Cruise Lines’ Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

This eight-day fall foliage-themed cruise takes leaf peeping to a new level. The round-trip voyage out of New York City takes nature lovers through the heart of the Hudson Valley  –  swathed every fall in a blanket of bright orange, red, and yellow. Whether you sail on the classic 48-stateroom American Star or the 100-passenger American Eagle , you'll enjoy a stunning display of colors from the comfort of your balcony. On shore, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to the highest waterfall in the Empire State , walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in the world , and visit the homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park and author Washington Irving in Sleepy Hollow.

Viking Cruises’ New Orleans & Southern Charms Lower Mississippi Cruise

This eight-day round-trip cruise takes in historic estates, military sites, and comunities bursting with Cajun and Creole culture. After departing New Orleans, the Viking Mississippi stops in the Louisiana towns of Darrow and St. Francisville, which boast Greek Revival mansions, Spanish moss-draped avenues, and even a haunted house . Day four brings travelers to the oldest city on the river, Natchez, Mississippi, home to a rich African American heritage . The next day, guests can learn about one of the most consequential battles of the Civil War at Vicksburg National Military Park before setting sail for the vibrant capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The ship then returns to New Orleans, where guests can stay longer or catch a flight home.

Courtesy of Viking

UnCruise Adventures’ Rivers of Adventure & Wine Columbia and Snake River Cruise

Spotting wildlife and sipping wine go hand-in-hand on this UnCruise Adventures expedition around the Pacific Northwest. The seven-night round-trip journey from Portland isn't your typical leisure cruise. Instead, passengers get to go on rainforest hikes, rafting adventures, winery visits, and scenic kayaking excursions through dramatic canyons.

After the champagne departure from Portland and a stop at Astoria, Oregon, the ship passes through the Columbia River Gorge. Passengers can disembark for a guided hike, then return for a wine tasting with the ship's sommelier. The gourmand adventures continue with an excursion to Walla Walla, Washington, which includes visits to olive oil makers, chocolatiers, and family-owned wine cellars. Day five begins at the mouth of the Palouse River, where guests can kayak or paddleboard. The next day, passengers can visit Columbia Hills State Park and Rowena Plateau on foot or by skiff boat while enjoying river dips, farm-to-fork delights, and a wine tour and tasting. Guests then disembark at The Dalles, Oregon, for whitewater rafting or a relaxing winery tour. The adventure ends with a farewell dinner back at Portland.

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Viking Venus

Launched in May 2021 from Portsmouth, England, Viking Venus features modern amenities and a contemporary design. The ship can hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Amenities include multiple pools and shops, as well as a cinema, a live performance theater, a jazz lounge, a spa, a fitness center and a salon. Plus, you can attend a lecture or discussion with the onboard historian, who helps educate passengers on the cultural aspects of each destination. An onboard cooking school, The Kitchen Table, also allows guests to learn about each destination's unique cuisine. 

Cruisers can enjoy daily updated food options at The Restaurant, diverse cuisine at the World Café, expertly paired tasting menus at The Chef's Table and Italian favorites at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. There are eight dining venues on board in total, in addition to the ship's cooking school at The Kitchen Table and 24/7 room service.

When it's time to rest, there are six types of accommodations to choose from – all with private verandas. The standard Veranda Staterooms measure 270 square feet and feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Higher-tier rooms come with extras like priority shore excursion reservations, priority spa reservations, in-room coffee and free laundry services. Plus, travelers in these cabins will have more space: Rooms reach up to 1,448 square feet and may include separate living and dining areas.

The Viking Venus sails to popular European destinations like Barcelona , Athens , Bangkok , Istanbul , Rome , London , Sydney and Stockholm .

Viking Saturn

Debuted in May 2023, the adults-only Viking Saturn has the capacity to hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Travelers love the ship's clean Scandinavian design and compact size, which allows it to dock in smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach.

On board, travelers have access to a slew of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, a library, a state-of-the-art theater, a hair salon, an infinity pool and more. A resident historian is also on board to offer lectures and educational programming about upcoming port destinations. When hunger strikes, Viking Saturn offers an array of dining options, from fresh seafood at World Café to afternoon tea service at Wintergarden to traditional Norwegian cuisine at Mamsen's. Or, learn how to prepare regional dishes from your itinerary at the onboard cooking school.

Starting at 270 square feet, standard staterooms come equipped with king-size mattresses (which can be converted into two twin beds), flat-screen TVs, full-size verandas and bathrooms with heated floors. What's more, each accommodation includes 24-hour room service. Travelers who opt to stay in one of the ship's upgraded suites (which reach up to 1,448 square feet) have access to additional perks such as separate living areas and dining rooms, complimentary laundry services and a welcome bottle of Champagne, among other luxuries.

Viking Saturn sails to a variety of destinations in northern Europe (such as Bergen, Norway; London  and Stockholm ) and the Mediterranean (think: Barcelona, Spain ; Rome ; Athens, Greece ; and Istanbul ).

The 930-passenger Viking Sky – which debuted in February 2017 – receives rave reviews from past cruisers for its port-heavy itineraries (fares include one complimentary excursion per port) and luxurious, comfortable staterooms. Cabins offer between 270 and 1,448 square feet of space and include balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with heated floors, among other amenities. Those who opt for an upgraded stateroom or suite are treated to additional perks, like priority reservations at the spa and specialty restaurants.

Viking Sky's activities include classes at the fitness center, treatments at the spa and destination-focused lectures. The ship also offers two pools and two whirlpools, including an infinity pool on the stern of the ship. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas.

Guests also have their choice of cuisine, from alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace to Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. With 550 crew members on board, the ship maintains a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio.

Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central America and more. The ship also offers world voyages.

Viking Mars

Viking's newest ship, the Viking Mars accommodates 930 passengers and, since it's a smaller vessel, it can dock in many ports where some of the larger ocean-faring cruise ships can't reach. The all-veranda accommodations on this ship, which debuted in May 2022, range in size from around 270 square feet to 1,448 square feet. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars filled with drinks and snacks, robes, slippers and 24-hour room service.

Visitors will find a relaxing spa, a hair salon, a yoga area and a well-equipped indoor fitness center (plus an outdoor fitness center) aboard the ship. Those looking to unwind with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other should snag a cozy spot in The Living Room. Like other Viking ships, the Viking Mars offers educational programming, lectures, cooking classes and more on board.

Cruisers can also enjoy amenities like the main pool and hot tub, the infinity pool, the cinema, the theater, a jazz lounge and various bars. Dining options on this ship include Manfredi's Italian Restaurant, Aquavit Terrace, World Café, The Chef's Table and The Kitchen Table.

Viking Mars receives rave reviews from recent cruisers. The variety of excursions, the delectable onboard dining and the comfortable cabins are a few things previous guests highlighted as superb. However, the staff received mixed reviews: Some experienced attentive and friendly employees, while a few noted they were expecting better service across the board for the price point.

Upcoming itineraries on the Viking Mars include cruises with ports of call in Iceland, Norway, Greece, Italy, Spain, the U.S. and Canada.

Viking Jupiter

Debuted in February 2019, Viking Jupiter is the cruise line's sixth ocean vessel. The ship sleeps up to 930 guests in luxurious staterooms that include everything from large bathrooms to comfortable king-sized beds. As an added bonus, each room is equipped with free Wi-Fi access.

Travelers will have the opportunity to indulge in several onboard activities. They can visit the spa's snow grotto and chill beneath the snowflakes, go for a swim in the infinity pool or let their worries melt away in the hot tub. The Bar and The Living Room offer additional spaces to unwind with a cocktail or mingle with fellow cruisers.

For afternoon tea and light snacks, travelers can stop by Wintergarden, or for a heartier meal, the main dining room, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant or World Café offer scrumptious European delicacies, Chinese fare and everything in between. In the evening, cruisers can catch a live show in The Theater or a destination-themed movie in one of two onboard cinemas.

Recent travelers were wowed by the ship, appreciating its tasteful, minimalist decor. They also found the food delicious and suggested purchasing the upgraded drink package.

Viking Jupiter visits ports in Buenos Aires , Barcelona  and more on both regional and transatlantic cruises.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Viking Jupiter and Viking Orion are the only two ships in the fleet that have a planetarium called the Explorer’s Dome. Refer to the daily program, the Viking Star, to see what shows are available during your voyage. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Launched in April 2016, Viking Sea is the second vessel in Viking's Ocean Cruises fleet. Carrying 930 passengers, the ship's small size is designed to allow direct access to smaller ports around the world.

Viking Sea's staterooms range from 270-square-foot Veranda Staterooms to the 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. All accommodations include balconies, flat-screen TVs, king-sized beds, complimentary Wi-Fi access and bathrooms with heated floors. Those who splurge on upgraded staterooms receive extra perks like priority reservations for excursions, spa treatments and specialty restaurants.

The ship's facilities include a fitness center, a Nordic spa (complete with a snow grotto), an outdoor gym and yoga area, a theater and a one-of-a-kind infinity pool on the stern of the ship that gives the illusion of swimming in the ocean.

When you work up an appetite, the Viking Sea offers a variety of dining options to quell your hunger. They range from casual Norwegian cuisine at Mamsen's to alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace. Recent passengers report a stellar onboard experience, describing the food as delicious, the ship as comfortable and the service as top-notch.

Viking Sea sails to ports across Alaska, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and the West Indies.

Viking Star

Debuted in 2015, Viking Star was the fleet's first ocean liner. Welcoming up to 930 passengers, the ship features all-veranda staterooms ranging from 270 to 1,448 square feet. The Owner's Suite offers a dining area that can seat six, an ocean view dry sauna and a 12-seat boardroom, among other amenities.

Beyond their rooms, passengers will find a spa, several shops, a theater that hosts live performances and lectures, two cinemas for screening movies and two pools, including a glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern.

There are eight dining options to choose from, all with no additional charge or fee. For fine dining, there's The Restaurant, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table, which touts a multicourse tasting menu with wine pairings. For a more casual atmosphere, passengers can stop at Mamsen's for Norwegian deli-style eats or the Wintergarden for afternoon tea.

Viking Star sails to destinations in Europe, Central America, the Mediterranean and more.

Viking Orion

The 930-passenger Viking Orion set sail in 2018. All staterooms on the Viking Orion are equipped with balconies, flat-screen LCD TVs and minibars. Cabins also feature bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and heated floors.

When it's time to relax, cruisers can head to the spa for a treatment or – for a unique experience – cool their body temperatures down in the snow grotto (where snowflakes fall) before jumping into the sauna or hot tub to warm up. Recent travelers said this spa experience is not to be missed. 

The ship is also home to a fitness center, a living room that hosts live entertainment, a library, shops, a salon and two movie theaters. The main pool area is expansive, featuring ample lounge seating, a retractable roof and a poolside bar. At night, the ship screens poolside movies under the stars. 

Viking Orion's guests can enjoy meals at several onboard restaurants, including the main restaurant where menus rotate daily. Or, guests can book a private dining room for intimate gatherings. Recent cruisers raved about the service and food quality across the ship. Come nighttime, the ship's theater offers live performances ranging from themed shows to history and art lectures.

Viking Orion sails to Australia and New Zealand, Asia and Alaska.

U.S. News Insider Tip: One of the most relaxing spaces on Viking Orion (and all of Viking’s ocean ships) is the glass-enclosed Wintergarden, which is located next to the pool area. Afternoon tea is served every day, and it’s not to be missed at least one time during your cruise. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Viking Neptune

Viking Neptune sailed its maiden voyage in December 2022. Those familiar with Viking Cruises may notice this ship is not the first Viking Neptune; an earlier vessel from the early 2000s was the first to bear the name. 

The new 930-passenger, 470-crew boat resembles its sister ship Viking Mars with its modern features and contemporary Scandinavian design. Amenities on board include a spa, a fitness center, a jazz lounge and theaters that host destination-focused live entertainment and movies. 

The all-veranda ship allows guests to enjoy ocean views from any room. The standard Veranda Stateroom measures 270 square feet and features a king-size bed, 42-inch flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi access. Travelers looking for more spacious accommodations can opt for a Suite room. These rooms can reach up to 1,448 square feet and may include separate living and dining room spaces. 

Cruisers have eight restaurants to choose from. The Restaurant – the ship's main dining facility – provides regional cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, while the World Café serves up international dishes. The ship also has a few specialty restaurants included in the fare, such as Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and Mamsen's, a Norwegian specialty cafe. Just keep in mind, these specialty eateries require guests to make reservations. 

Viking Neptune sails to ports throughout Europe , the Mediterranean, Canada and the United States . The ship also offers transatlantic and world cruises.  

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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7 best US river cruises

Whether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option.

Choose from two main waterways for your U.S. river cruise: the Mississippi River — which flows through nine states from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans — or the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington. Some cruise lines also venture onto three smaller, lesser-known rivers: the Ohio, the Cumberland and the Tennessee. You can also explore New York's Hudson River on a fall foliage cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Your choice of cruise line is equally limited. Just two companies offer multiple itineraries on U.S. rivers. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Read on for our picks of the seven best U.S. river cruises. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest.

American Cruise Lines' 8-night Music Cities Cruise

From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You'll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history.

While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

Viking's 14-night America's Great River Cruise

Want the total Mississippi experience? You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing.

Available three times a year (in July, September and October), the America's Great River cruise begins in Minnesota (either St. Paul or Red Wing) and concludes in New Orleans, allowing you to experience an intricate tapestry of American history and culture.

There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. As you cruise the lower Mississippi, you'll delve into civil rights history in Memphis; Civil War battles and historic architecture in Mississippi's Vicksburg and Natchez; Cajun and Creole music in Baton Rouge; and the legendary culinary treats and jazz of New Orleans.

All sailings are aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool.

American Cruise Lines' 8-Night Columbia & Snake River Cruise

If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise . You'll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa).

On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980.

In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour. During a call on Richland, Washington, you can admire the scenic beauty around the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers at Sacajawea State Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventure awaits on the way to Clarkstown.

American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Viking's 7-night New Orleans & Southern Charms

If you've never visited New Orleans, or it's been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city's food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking. Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks.

From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War's most famous battlefields. Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, has something to satisfy every interest, from Cajun cuisine to tours of the restored World War II-era USS Kidd.

The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

American Cruise Lines' 7-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York's Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river's shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years.

Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise . You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. Feel like apple-picking? That's an option here, too.

Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship.

Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Sailings are onboard either the 100-passenger American Eagle, American Liberty, American Glory or American Legend (all built in 2023 or 2024), or the older 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

Nature-focused cruise line Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Food & Wine magazine to offer a new seven-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History cruise on multiple dates in April, September and October 2024; there are also sailings in March, April, September and October 2025. The voyages will sail between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington.

Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship's route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.

Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington.

These sailings occur on two identical Lindblad ships: the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird.

American Cruise Line's 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise

Did you know that you can cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis? If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines. You'll enjoy regionally inspired dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as you sail.

Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.

This itinerary is available from June to August 2024, 2025 and 2026 on the 180-passenger modern river ship American Melody and the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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Cruise operator Viking raises $1.5 billion in year’s largest IPO

The largest IPO of 2024 now belongs to Viking Holdings, which just raised $1.5 billion. Shares of the cruise operator opened Wednesday at $24 and closed at $26.10, up nearly 9%.

Viking’s solid first day of trading came after the cruise line operator again increased the size of its deal, boosting the number of shares offered by 20% to 64 million, which it sold at $24, near the top of its $21-to-$25 range. Previously, at $1.37 billion , a public offering by Amer Sport, the maker of Wilson tennis rackets, had been the year’s largest.

Of Viking’s 64 million shares, 11 million were offered by Viking, with the remainder coming from shareholders, according to a regulatory filing dated April 29.

CEO Torstein “Tor” Hagen said that the decision to take the company public was to provide liquidity to the firm’s backers, specifically Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and TPG . Both CPPIB and TPG agreed to sell 21 million shares, according to the company’s F-1. At $24, each firm raised $504 million. (CPPIB declined to comment. TPG could not be immediately reached for comment.)

“The private equity firms, at some stage, have to create liquidity from their investments, and they’ve been in now for eight years—so it was as good a time as any,” Hagen told Fortune in an interview. “During the pandemic, it was not easy, and I think now coming out of that and having good results, that was the natural thing to do.”

Rest of 2024

Viking’s performance comes as the IPO market continues to gain strength. In April, 18 public offerings raised a combined $5.3 billion, according to Renaissance Capital. This total comes close to the $7.8 billion collected by new issues market in all of the first quarter.

“We’re back to valuations that are similar to 2018, 2019 for most companies in technology,” Colin Stewart, Morgan Stanley’s global head of technology equity capital markets, said on CNBC’s TechCheck . “Those are good valuations on a relative basis—that’s why I think people are starting to come back.” 

However, Stewart said the actual comeback for IPOs may occur in 2025, with many companies leery of going public while awaiting the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.

“If you’re a technology company thinking about going public, you’re pretty much starting new in ’25,” said Stewart.

The Ernst & Young Q1 Global IPO Trends report also mentions the U.S. elections as a factor that could affect the overall marketplace. The report warns that although, historically, election years don’t affect public offerings, companies should be prepared for investor sentiment to change as a result of political events, including the election and other geopolitical factors.

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Cruise operator Viking shares rise 9% in New York debut

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Luxury cruise operator Viking Holdings IPO raises US$1.54bil

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Thursday, 02 May 2024

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Viking and the investors sold 64.04 million shares for US$24 apiece. — Bloomberg

NEW YORK: Viking Holdings Ltd priced its initial public offering (IPO) near the top of a marketed range to raise US$1.54bil for the luxury cruise operator and two investors, according to people familiar with the matter.

Viking and the investors sold 64.04 million shares for US$24 apiece, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information wasn’t public yet.

Best known for its art and history-rich river tours of Europe, Viking had marketed the shares for US$21 to US$25 each. It increased the number of shares offered by private equity firm TPG Inc and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board at the time of the pricing to 53.04 million, the people said.

The size of the potential over-allotment was also increased to 9.6 million shares, the people said. A representative for TPG declined to comment, while Viking and CPPIB didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

The two investors had already increased the number of shares offering to 42 million ahead of the pricing, while the company had marketed 11 million shares.

At the IPO price, Viking will have a market value of US$10.4bil based on the outstanding shares listed in its filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Viking’s founder, chairman and chief executive officer Torstein Hagen, will continue to control the company with his daughter Karine Hagen, exercising 87% of the company’s voting power.

TPG and CPPIB will each control 4.5% of votes.

Founded in 1997, Viking operates cruises around the world and has 92 vessels, according to the filing. It has more than 10,000 employees in over 90 countries.

While the company has expanded beyond its original tours of rivers such as the Danube and the Rhine, it continues to cater to older, wealthier travellers seeking “more than just a vacation”, Torstein said in the company’s prospectus.

“We maintain a clear focus on our most relevant customer group – English-speaking travellers aged 55 and over, who have the time, money and desire to explore the world,” Torstein wrote.

“We do not try to be all things to all people, which is why we only offer a single-language experience on board our ships – there are no casinos and children under 18 are not allowed.”

Viking is the second-biggest consumer-oriented company to go public on a US exchange this year, after the US$1.57bil listing by Amer Sports Inc in January.

Since then, an assortment of tech, health-related and industrial businesses have held IPOs, raising more than US$13bil, not including Viking.

Bermuda-based Viking is joining its publicly traded peers Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Carnival Corp and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd Royal Caribbean, the largest of them with a market value of about US$37bil, is the only one of the three whose shares have climbed back to where they started before the pandemic.

In 2022, Viking reported a profit of US$399mil on US$3.2bil of revenue, which rose sharply compared to the previous two years as the pandemic ebbed.

Last year, the company lost US$1.8bil as revenue grew to US$4.7bil.

The filings showed adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciations and amortisation of US$1.09bil for 2023, which included a gain of about US$2bil from the re-measurement of derivatives associated with preference shares that will convert with the IPO.

Viking’s offering is being led by Bank of America Corp, JPMorgan Chase & Co, UBS Group AG and Wells Fargo & Co.

Viking’s shares were expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VIK. —Bloomberg

Tags / Keywords: VikingCruiseIPO , LuxuryCruiseLine , PublicMarketDebut , NYSEListing

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Viking Shares Climb 9% Following $1.5 Billion Public Debut

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Shares of luxury cruise operator Viking Holdings—the parent company of Viking cruise line—rose as much as 12% in intraday trading Wednesday following the company’s initial public offering, which raised $1.54 billion following the company’s decision to upsize the number of shares offered in its public debut.

The company's stock debuted at $24 per share. (Photo Illustration by Budrul Chukrut/SOPA ... [+] Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Viking Holdings shares began trading at $24 under the ticker “VIK” and jumped as high as $26.78 before dropping to $26.10 by close—up 9% on the day.

Viking’s opening price gave it an $11.3 billion market value, with the cruise operator closing the day with a $1.4 billion market cap.

Viking’s $1.54 billion IPO rivals Amer Sports Inc. as the largest IPO in the U.S. this year, according to Bloomberg , noting Viking’s offering will beat Amer’s $1.57 billion IPO if its underwriters exercise their ability to allow the sale of additional shares.

The IPO also makes Viking the third-largest cruise operator behind Royal Caribbean and Carnival, which both traded down a fraction of a percent Wednesday.

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$7,251. That’s Viking’s revenue per passenger, which is significantly higher than other publicly traded cruise lines, according to CNBC .

Key Background

The IPO comes a day after Viking upsized its IPO, offering more than 64 million shares at a public offering price of $24. The decision to do so was made after existing shareholders decided to sell 9 million shares, which were not initially set to be part of the IPO, amid strong demand from mutual fund investors, CNBC reported, citing an unnamed source familiar with the matter. Viking reported $4.7 billion in revenue and $1.8 billion in net losses in 2023. However, the cruise line operator may be able to capitalize on an improving outlook for the global cruise market, which was valued at $7.25 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow around 11% by 2028. Viking, a cruise operator geared toward adults with high income, operates 92 vessels and has more than 10,000 employees.

Further Reading

Cruise Industry Continues Strong Growth Post-Covid (Forbes)

Viking shares rise more than 10% after cruise line operator’s market debut (CNBC)

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