viking long travel

How did the Vikings travel around in the world?

The Viking ships

The ships of the Vikings were the key to their success. Although the construction methods remained the same, several types of ship were produced and developed in the Viking period.

The longship is the most well known of these. We know from the Icelandic and Norse sagas that these warships often had names and were regarded as the ultimate weapon and status symbol. The Oseberg Ship shows that the vessels could also be elaborately carved - such decoration emphasising the ship’s symbolic value. The longships of the later Viking Age were highly specialised vessels, which were constructed in order to reach high speeds and transport troops. Their long, narrow shape made them quick in water, but also meant a very limited capacity for cargo. Typically there was only room on board for a week’s supplies, which placed logistical demands upon the Viking expeditions.   

However, there were also other types of ships, which were equally important to the Vikings. The trading vessel was one of these. Just like the warship, this type of ship was produced in different sizes. These ranged from small vessels, that could transport goods around Danish waters, to large ocean-going ships with a cargo capacity of up to 60 tons.

Knowledge regarding navigation and the ability to find the way has been lost during the c. 1000 years since the end of the Viking Age. We know from the Norwegian medieval written source Hauksbók that bearings were taken using geographical features and that sailors were also guided by the sun and stars. Overcast weather on open sea must certainly have given the Vikings problems, but, on the other hand, they had a much greater knowledge about nature than we have today. For example, wild animals could tell them about their position and distance from land. These included bird species, which always stay within a certain distance of their nests, and migrating whales.

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 Facts About Viking Longships

Harry Atkins

02 apr 2023.

The Vikings are best remembered as fearsome warriors, but their longlasting legacy owes just as much to their seafaring aptitude. Both the Vikings’ ships and the skill with which they utilised them were key to the success of many of their exploits, from fishing and exploring the oceans to raiding.

Though Viking boats came in many shapes and sizes, the most iconic and effective Viking vessel was undoubtedly the longship. Long, narrow and flat, longships were fast, durable and capable of navigating both choppy seas and shallow rivers. They were also light enough to be carried over land.

It’s easy to characterise the Vikings as bloodthirsty reprobates rampaging across Europe , but the craft and innovation of the shipbuilding that enabled their conquests deserves recognition.

The fact that Leif Erikson led a Viking crew to North America in around 1,000 — 500 years before Christopher Columbus set foot on the New World — makes clear the Vikings’ remarkable maritime prowess and showcases the robustness of their boats.  

Here are 10 things you may not have known about the impressive longships.

1. Their design evolved over many years

Reenactment of the Viking landing at L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada, 2000

Image Credit: Joyce Hill, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The design principles that led to the Viking longship can be traced back to the beginning of the Stone Age and the umiak, a large open skin boat used by Yupik and Inuit people as long as 2,500 years ago.  

2. Viking ships were clinker built

The so-called “clinker” method of ship construction is based on planks of timber, usually oak, being overlapped and nailed together. Spaces between planks were then filled with tarred wool and animal hair, ensuring a watertight ship.  

3. Longships were able to navigate in shallow waters

A shallow draft allowed navigation in waters as shallow as one metre and made beach landings possible.  

4. Their top speed was around 17 knots

Speed was variable from ship to ship but it’s thought that the quickest longships could achieve speeds of up to 17 knots in favourable conditions.

5. The boats were typically embellished with decorative head pieces

Skilfully carved animal heads often featured as figureheads at the front of longships. These heads – those of dragons and snakes were popular – were designed to provoke fear in the spirits of whichever land the Vikings were raiding.

6. Longships combined rowing power with wind propulsion

Typically equipped with rowing positions along their entire length, longships also utilised one big square sail, woven from wool. Steering came courtesy of a single steering oar at the back of the ship.

7. They were double-ended

Their symmetrical bow and stern design allowed longships to swiftly reverse without having to turn around. This was particularly handy when navigating icy conditions.  

8. Longship classifications were linked to rowing capacity

Skibladner ship on Unst

Image Credit: Unstphoto, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Karvi had 13 rowing benches while the Busse had up to 34 rowing positions.

9. The vessels were instrumental in enabling the Vikings to explore the globe

The breadth of the Vikings’ explorations was remarkable. From North America in the west to Central Asia in the east, the Viking Age is defined by geographically expansive exploration that wouldn’t have been possible without such advanced shipbuilding.

10. The longship design was hugely influential

The Vikings’ shipbuilding skills accompanied their extensive travels. Many of the longship’s characteristics were adopted by other cultures and continued to influence shipbuilding for centuries.

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World History Edu

• Viking History

What were the Viking Longships?

by World History Edu · March 3, 2024

The Viking longships, emblematic of the Viking Age spanning roughly from the late 8th to the early 11th century, were not merely vessels of transportation but pivotal tools of exploration, trade, and warfare that significantly impacted the medieval landscape of Europe and beyond.

These ships, masterfully engineered and crafted, underscored the Vikings’ profound understanding of naval architecture and their deep connection with the sea, enabling them to become some of history’s most formidable and far-reaching seafarers.

The Viking longships stand as a testament to the innovative spirit and maritime skills of the Viking people. Image: A drawing portraying one of the longships created by the Viking people.

Myths About the Viking Age

Origins and design.

The Viking longships originated in Scandinavia (modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark), evolving from earlier, simpler boat types used by the Scandinavian people for fishing and short-range travel. These vessels were the result of generations of boat building and a deep understanding of the maritime environment. They were clinker-built, a method where the planks of oak or pine overlapped each other, creating a sturdy yet flexible hull that could withstand the rough North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

The ships ranged in size, but all shared certain key characteristics: a symmetrical bow and stern, allowing them to reverse direction without turning around; a shallow draft to navigate both deep and shallow waters; and a single mast with a square sail, complemented by oars for maneuvering in calm winds or for additional speed.

The Role of Longships in Viking Society

The Viking longships were more than just vessels; they were symbols of power and prestige. They played a crucial role in the Vikings’ societal structure, serving as the primary means of expanding their influence through exploration, raiding, and establishing trade routes.

The speed and agility of the longships enabled Vikings to launch sudden attacks on coastal monasteries and settlements, often leaving their targets with little time to muster a defense. This tactic contributed to the Vikings’ fearsome reputation and allowed them to accumulate wealth and resources, which were crucial for their communities’ survival and prosperity.

Life and Adventures of Leif Eriksson

Technological Marvels

The engineering of Viking longships was advanced for its time, showcasing the Vikings’ innovative shipbuilding techniques. The use of overlapping planks not only added strength but also flexibility, allowing the longships to bend and twist with the waves rather than resist them.

This construction method, combined with the ships’ long, narrow design, made them exceptionally fast and seaworthy.

The Vikings’ skill in sailing these ships, even in the open ocean, was unmatched, enabling them to reach as far west as North America, a feat not replicated by Europeans until centuries later.

The longships’ design, versatility, and efficiency highlight the Vikings’ mastery of naval architecture and their profound connection with the sea.

Variants and Uses

The term “longship” encompasses a variety of ship types, each designed for specific purposes. The ‘karvi’ was a smaller vessel used for trade and transport, while the ‘snekkja’ was slightly larger, used for raiding.

The ‘drakkar,’ often distinguished by a dragon or serpent head carved at its prow, represented the larger, more formidable class of warships.

Despite these variations, all longships were characterized by their efficiency and versatility, capable of river navigation and open-sea voyages alike.

Viking traders navigated Europe’s coasts and ventured through Russia and Germany’s rivers to trade with Arab and Eastern merchants. Seeking settlements, they reached Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and North America, undertaking extensive voyages.

Did you know…?

• Archaeologists, examining Viking farms, villages, and towns, have reconstructed their lifestyle. Graves, especially of notable Vikings buried with their belongings, offer insights into their customs and daily life.
• Additionally, the discovery of buried or sunken ships has significantly advanced our understanding of Viking seafaring technology, highlighting their advanced naval capabilities and the importance of maritime activities in their culture.
• Viking sea voyages were confined to spring through autumn, avoiding winter’s harsh conditions.
• Lacking maps, Vikings navigated using natural cues: sun and stars’ positions, sea color, wave patterns, wind direction, bird sightings, and land’s scent. While compasses were uncommon, some might have utilized a sun-shadow board, allowing them to determine direction by tracking the sun’s shadow, showcasing their adeptness at maritime navigation through keen observation of their environment.
• In Viking times, ships held such significance that chiefs and wealthy nobles were often honored in death by being burned or buried with their vessel, symbolizing their status and achievements.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The Viking longships were not only tools of war and exploration but also vehicles of cultural exchange and integration.

Through their voyages, Vikings established trade networks that connected the Nordic countries with the rest of Europe, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, and even parts of North Africa and the Middle East. These interactions facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies, influencing various cultures and leaving a lasting legacy on the world.

The Viking longships are not just historical artifacts; they are symbols of human ingenuity and the desire to explore and connect with the wider world, leaving a legacy that continues to fascinate and inspire. Image: A replica of one of a small longship located in Morąg, Poland.

Moreover, the longships played a significant role in the Norse sagas and mythology, reflecting the Vikings’ view of the sea as both a life-giving and a perilous entity. They symbolized the Vikings’ spirit of adventure, their martial prowess, and their readiness to face the unknown, qualities that have cemented the Vikings’ place in history as legendary explorers and warriors.

7 Major Events in Norse Mythology

Frequently Asked Questions about the Viking Longships

The Viking longships were instrumental in shaping the course of medieval history, facilitating the Vikings’ expansion across vast territories and influencing the cultures with which they came into contact.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Viking longships, which provide insight into their significance, construction, and use during the Viking Age.

What were Viking longships used for?

Viking longships served multiple purposes: as warships for raiding and exploring, as cargo ships for trade, and as transport vessels for Vikings on their various expeditions. Their versatility  allowed  the Vikings to travel vast distances, from the rivers of Russia to the shores of North America, engaging in trade, exploration, and conquest.

How were Viking longships built?

Viking longships were constructed using the clinker method, where wooden planks were overlapped and nailed together, creating a strong yet flexible hull. The ships were primarily built from oak, a durable and water-resistant wood. Their design was symmetrical, with a shallow draft for navigating both deep and shallow waters, and they featured a single mast with a square sail, along with oars for propulsion and maneuvering.

How fast could Viking longships travel?

The speed of Viking longships varied depending on the size of the ship, the number of oarsmen, wind conditions, and whether they were under sail or oar. However, it is estimated that longships could reach speeds of up to 15 knots (about 17.2 mph or 27.8 km/h) under favorable wind conditions.

Did Viking longships have names?

Yes, Viking longships often had names, many of which were recorded in sagas and historical texts. These names were typically inspired by mythology, animals (especially dragons and serpents), and attributes of the sea. Names like “Long Serpent” (Ormrinn Langi) and “Sea Stallion” (Havhingsten) reflect the Vikings’ connection to their mythology and the natural world.

How did Viking longships navigate?

Vikings used a combination of celestial navigation, landmark navigation, and possibly rudimentary navigational instruments like the sun compass to find their way across the open sea. They were skilled sailors, familiar with the stars, the color of the ocean, and the flight patterns of birds, all of which helped them navigate long distances with remarkable accuracy.

How many people could a Viking longship carry?

The capacity of a Viking longship varied depending on its size and type. Smaller ships could carry around 20 to 30 warriors, while larger warships could carry up to 60 or more. For longer voyages of exploration or trade, the ships would also need to accommodate supplies and cargo, which would reduce the number of people they could carry.

Were Viking longships used in battles?

Yes, Viking longships were used in naval battles and were highly effective due to their speed, maneuverability, and shallow draft, allowing them to outflank and surprise enemy ships. They were also used for swift hit-and-run raids on coastal settlements, taking advantage of their ability to land directly on beaches.

What made Viking longships so special?

Viking longships were technological marvels of their time, combining speed, agility, and seaworthiness in a way that no other contemporary ships could. Their design allowed the Vikings to navigate both open seas and shallow rivers, facilitating exploration, trade, and warfare over a vast geographical area. The longships symbolized the Vikings’ maritime prowess and adventurous spirit, contributing significantly to their success as explorers, traders, and warriors.

How did the longships compare to other ships built by the Vikings?

Longships, renowned for their speed and agility, were the vehicle of choice for Viking raids and expeditions, carrying warriors across vast distances.

In contrast, cargo vessels, designed for trade and transportation of goods, featured a broader and deeper hull than their longship counterparts, sacrificing speed for increased cargo capacity. These ships typically had planked decks at their ends, leaving ample open space in the center to accommodate trade goods and possessions, facilitating the Vikings’ extensive trade networks across Europe and beyond.

Tags: Maritime History Medieval Warfare Norse Mythology Viking Age Viking Longships

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Long Travel Kits

Standard bracket lifts for the Yamaha Viking are great, but they do have drawbacks that can prove detrimental in some circumstances. And although portal gear lifts are extremely rugged and reliable, they too aren’t perfect for all applications. So if you’re wanting more ground clearance, a wider stance, and a ride that’s smoother than a Cadillac, a Yamaha Viking long travel kit could be right for you! At Everything Yamaha Offroad, we carry all sorts of long travel systems for the Yamaha Viking, the Viking VI, and the Viking 700. Our selection includes Yamaha Viking long travel axles, Yamaha Viking long travel a-arms, and even complete Yamaha Viking long travel kits by companies like Cognito, SuperATV, and HCR Racing. Unlike some long travel products out there, the ones we sell don’t produce excessive amounts of negative camber – which is hard on wheel bearings. And when paired with long travel shocks, our Yamaha Viking long travel kits allow for ultimate adjustability, enabling users to go from one terrain type to another while still maintaining the level of plushness to which they’ve grown accustomed!

Some lifts and aftermarket suspension setups for the Yamaha Viking are designed for slow crawling, while others are geared more towards fast-pace racing environments. Yamaha Viking long travel systems, however, can handle it all. The articulation they provide is super helpful when rock crawling. And when you encounter bumpy roads, ruts, and whoops, you’ll be able to eat them up with ease without even tapping the brakes so long as you’ve got a long travel kit installed! No matter what kind of riding you do, you’re sure to benefit from a Yamaha Viking long travel kit from Everything Yamaha Offroad!

Long Travel Front Coil Overs

$ 695.00

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Price is for a pair. Two threaded body shocks with spring seats and spherical bearings.   $695 base price is for the Strange Engineering coil overs. select from the options for the Viking or the Afco.

14″ 250 lbs spring is provided

Front long travel coil overs for the Nickkey Bobby INC Front Long Travel Shock Towers

Spanner Wrench & Thrust Bearing Kit: Spanner wrench tool is used to adjust vehicle height while shock stays mounted. This wrench is needed to make height adjustments. The thrust bearing kit is designed to be placed between the spring and the spring seat attached to the shock. This makes for easier adjustments since the spring seat is rotating on a bearing. This kit is recommended for easier adjustments but is not needed to complete the installation. We do not recommend adjusting without a thrust bearing kit

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The ultimate guide to Viking cruise ships and itineraries

Some cruise lines try to be all things to all people. Viking isn't one of them.

Since its founding in 1997, the upscale cruise brand has carved out a niche catering to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler looking to explore the world and learn a thing or two along the way.

Most Viking customers are approaching their retirement years — or are already there — and they're eager to finally see all the places they didn't have time to visit when raising kids and establishing careers in their younger years.

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

For this subset of travelers, Viking offers a wide range of both ocean and river cruise itineraries that have a heavy focus on the destinations visited. These aren't cruises where it's all about the ship.

Viking voyages bring a lot of extended stays in ports where passengers get more time to explore historical sites and experience the local culture than is typical on cruises. Unlike most lines, Viking offers included-in-the-fare tours in every port, allowing every passenger on board to get a guided experience during stops without having to pay extra. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy.)

On board, Viking's programming revolves heavily around what the line calls "cultural enrichment" — lectures by experts on topics related to the places its ships visit, as well as cultural and culinary offerings that often have a local tie-in.

What Viking ships don't offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. In fact, the line doesn't even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. It's one of the only major cruise brands in the world with such a rule.

Viking ships also don't cater to the party crowd. If it's a floating celebration you're looking for in a vacation, this isn't the line for you.

As Viking founder Torstein Hagen likes to say, a Viking cruise is the "thinking person's cruise, not the drinking person's cruise."

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

3 things TPG loves about Viking

• Its focus is on destinations and enrichment.
• The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships.
• Its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy.

What we could do without

• The lack of fitness centers on Viking river ships.

The Viking fleet

Viking has more ships than any other major cruise brand in the world, more than 90 in all. It also has both ocean ships and river ships — something that is unusual among major lines. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

That's because the vast majority of Viking's ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. Ditto for the line's river vessels.

Viking currently operates 11 ocean ships, nine of which are nearly identical. The exceptions are two recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

The nine nearly identical ocean ships — Viking Saturn, Viking Neptune, Viking Mars, Viking Venus, Viking Jupiter, Viking Orion, Viking Sky, Viking Sea and Viking Star — began rolling out in 2015. Each has the capacity for 930 passengers. Six more nearly identical vessels are scheduled to debut between 2024 and 2028, and Viking has options with a shipyard to order four more of the ships for delivery in 2029 and 2030.

At 47,800 tons, these ocean ships are less than a fourth the size of the giant megaships being built by the likes of Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, in keeping with Viking's focus on intimate, upscale voyages. Big floating resorts, they aren't.

Note that there is one more vessel in this same series, called Zhao Shang Yi Dun, that has been permanently transferred to a joint venture that operates for the China market. When it debuted in 2017, it originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking's two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are smaller than the above vessels, as is typical for expedition ships, and carry 378 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Then there are the river ships. At last count, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — an astounding number that is the result of blistering growth over the past decade. (As recently as 2012, the line operated just 29 river ships.)

As noted above, almost all of Viking's river ships are of the same basic design and are known as the Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long, the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe's rivers. Viking has also built slightly shorter versions of the Longships measuring 262 feet, 361 feet or 410 feet in length specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require a smaller vessel. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to be able to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships that operated in Russia and Ukraine until recently. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the Ukraine war.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

Destinations and itineraries

Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line, mostly due to the fact that it operates both ocean cruises and river cruises.

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note.

You'll find Viking river ships operating on the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also operated cruises on the Volga in Russia and the Dnieper in Ukraine. (As noted above, sailings on the latter two rivers are on hold due to the war in Ukraine and may not resume for many years.)

Viking also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and it recently began trips on the Mississippi River.

The line's ocean ships can be found in nearly every ocean and sea around the world, from North America to Europe and Asia.

Viking's ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) It's also a big player in the Mediterranean. You'll find Viking's ocean ships in other key cruise destinations as well, such as Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia.

In addition, in early 2022, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. That summer, the same vessel launched the line's first voyages in the Great Lakes — a destination that only a handful of cruise operators visit.

You'll find everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages among the line's voyages.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Who sails Viking

Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. The company's core market is people who range in age from 55 to 75 years, although it does draw some passengers who are younger or older.

In general, it's an educated crowd, with many passengers coming from professional backgrounds or a life of running their own businesses. They're often people who have spent years focused on work and building up savings for retirement, and they're finally ready to start enjoying the fruits of their labor by spending some of the savings on travel to places they've long put off visiting.

They're also people who can afford a relatively high-end vacation experience. While Viking doesn't market itself as a luxury line, some would call it that. Viking vessels are full of luxury touches, with the pricing to match (see more on what Viking trips cost at the bottom of this story).

In general, you'll find a lot of couples on Viking ships and some solo travelers. You'll also find the occasional multigenerational group — a retired couple traveling with their working-age adult children, for instance.

However, unlike nearly every other cruise brand, what you won't find are families with young kids. As noted above, Viking doesn't allow passengers under the age of 18 on its ships — a key differentiator for the brand as compared to other cruise lines.

Cabins and suites

Is a balcony something you can't live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? Viking could be your line.

Viking is one of the only cruise brands in the world that offers a balcony with every cabin on every ocean ship it operates — even the least expensive, smallest cabins. That's something that even the most upscale of Viking's ocean cruise rivals including Oceania Cruises , Azamara , Seabourn , Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises can't say.

Viking's ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. Even the smallest cabins on Viking's ocean ships are large by cruise ship standards at 270 square feet, and the largest suites measure nearly 1,500 square feet.

If you're looking for a big open room on an ocean cruise (and are willing to pay for it), Viking offers you plenty of options.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites

Viking also offers lots of balcony cabins and suites on its river ships, something that isn't always the case in the river cruise business, where space on vessels is at a premium. Unlike its ocean ships, Viking's river ships aren't all-balcony-cabin vessels.

Designwise, Viking cabins and suites across all categories are modern and elegant in an understated sort of way, with Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and decor that tie to the Norwegian heritage of the company's founder.

You'll find beds topped with crisp, white duvets and Scandinavian throws, comfortable contemporary sofas and chairs in neutral tones, and light-wood desks and side tables that combine to offer a residential feel in bedroom areas. Soothing, minimalist colors — think creams, grays and lighter blues — are the order of the day.

Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine-lined walls, Scandinavian-influenced wood-veneered vanities, shiny white sinks and chrome fixtures.

In keeping with the high-end nature of the brand, Viking cabins and suites have a lot of upscale touches, from sumptuous bedding that envelops you to heated floors in bathrooms. The rooms aren't overly flashy, though.

What they are is eminently functional, with storage in all the right places, lots of outlets for charging your devices and lighting right where you need it. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards, which are in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. You won't have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed.

Other little touches in Viking cabins that show a line thinking about functionality as much as decor include the large and clear lettering on the Freyja toiletries that you'll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. The toiletries were specifically designed with bigger and clearer lettering than is common for toiletries on cruise ships and at hotels so that the line's older customers would have no trouble differentiating the body wash from the body lotion and shampoo.

Restaurants and dining

The number of restaurants and other dining options that you'll find on Viking ships will vary greatly depending on whether you are sailing on an ocean or a river ship.

All of Viking's oceangoing ships, which are much bigger than its river ships, have at least four and usually more outlets serving food of some sort.

Every one of the line's 930-passenger ocean ships has a main restaurant (called, simply, The Restaurant) with rotating menus that include dishes that tie to the destination where the vessel is sailing. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. You'll probably eat most of your meals in one of these eateries.

The main restaurants on these ships are notable for their walls of glass that can slide open to create al fresco dining, something that is unusual in the cruise world.

Each of the 930-passenger ocean ships also has two smaller restaurants with specialized cuisine: Manfredi's, a high-end Italian eatery, and The Chef's Table, which offers a five-course tasting menu themed around a specific cuisine that changes every few days.

There's no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. Each passenger is only allowed to make one to three reservations per cruise at the eateries, depending on which category of cabin they have booked.

Viking's bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. Passengers can grab a snack — with a Norwegian twist — at the forward-facing lounges atop the ships, which are home to a small food counter called Mamsen's. Named after Viking founder Torstein Hagen's mother (Ragnhild "Mamsen" Hagen), it offers authentic tastes of Norway such as traditional heart-shaped waffles, specialty cakes and the brown goat cheese that is found around the country.

Passengers will also find finger sandwiches, scones and teas in the afternoon at the glass-topped Wintergarden lounge at the top of every vessel.

The line's smaller expedition ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, offer four of the above venues: The Restaurant, World Cafe, Manfredi's and Mamsen's.

Viking's river ships, by contrast, typically offer just two eateries: a main restaurant where passengers eat most of their meals and a smaller, casual buffet with indoor and outdoor seating.

Fun fact: The Manfredi's restaurants on Viking ocean ships are named after former Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen.

Entertainment and activities

Many of the activities on board Viking's ocean ships revolve around "cultural enrichment," to use a phrase often used by Viking executives. On any given day, you might find an expert on one of the destinations you're visiting lecturing in the theater, or a classical musician performing in the central atrium, known as The Living Room. The ships also offer some traditional entertainment, including production shows with singers and dancers.

On the line's river ships, you'll also find onboard lectures, usually related to the destinations the ships are visiting, as well as destination-related demonstrations and tastings. (On a Seine River voyage, you might have a tasting of local French cheeses or French wines, for instance).

You'll also find live piano music in the evenings in river ship lounges.

Theaters, lounges and shows

Each of the line's ocean ships has a theater at its front that is home to production shows, movie showings (with fresh popcorn available) and enrichment lecturers.

In keeping with Viking's focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places you'll be visiting on your sailing. The line also draws a wide range of interesting and accomplished people from all walks of life to serve as guest lecturers, including well-known academics, diplomats and even astronauts.

In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. It's also known for an extensive collection of Armagnacs, with one from almost every year of the past eight decades. (A fun game is to try the Armagnac from your birth year. Just be careful — some years are far more expensive than others.)

You'll also find musicians including pianists and guitar players performing at times in the Viking Living Room — a three-deck-high, atrium-like space at the center of the ship. Filled with comfortable seating areas and home to a bar, the Viking Living Room serves as a central meeting point for passengers throughout the day and night. It's also home to the ship's Explorers' Desk — the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships.

There's also live music at night in the Explorers' Lounge, a two-deck-high observation lounge and bar area at the very top of the ship. The Explorers' Lounge also is home to Mamsen's, the food counter serving tastes of Norway mentioned above.

The pool deck and other venues

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of Viking's ocean ships is the main pool area, which is home to a pool, hot tub and rows of lounge chairs, as well as comfortable seating areas.

The entire main pool area is covered with a glass magrodome that can be opened on short notice on warm and sunny days — or closed if the ship encounters inclement weather.

Just behind the main pool area on each of the ocean ships is a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden that is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it's one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

Other interior spaces that are part of the ocean ships include a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels) and a fitness center.

Note that Viking river ships do not have fitness centers, which is relatively unusual for river ships. Viking has long argued that few of its customers use fitness centers and the space that would be devoted to one is better used for other things. However, if you're fitness-obsessed, Viking river ships may not be the best choice for your river trip.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's program

Viking does not allow children under the age of 18 on its vessels and thus has no children's programs on any of its vessels.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Viking adds an automatic service gratuity (which it calls a "hotel and dining charge") of $17 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount before disembarking at the Explorers' Desk. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

As part of Viking's "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy, the line offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers on all its ships throughout sailings. Note that internet service can be slow at times of heavy use, as is typical on cruise vessels. In addition, in order to ensure fair usage for all, the line limits some heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads and software upgrades.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Unlike many lines, Viking allows you to bring your own wine, Champagne, beer and liquor onto ships at embarkation with no limits. The line also doesn't charge a corkage fee.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Some Viking ships, including all of the line's ocean vessels (including its one expedition vessel), have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. The launderettes are stocked with detergent for the washing machines that, unlike on many cruise ships with launderettes, do not come with an extra cost.

In addition, most Viking vessels offer laundry and pressing services. Such services are complimentary for passengers staying in certain categories of cabins. Otherwise, fees are comparable to what you'll pay cleaners at home. Dry cleaning is available on the line's ocean ships but not on Viking river ships.

Viking's recently unveiled Mississippi River ship offers self-service launderettes but no send-out laundry and pressing service.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

All of the line's vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins.

The currency used on Viking ships is U.S. dollars.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Viking ships.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, a short-sleeve shirt and shorts are just fine.

Evenings have an official dress code, but it's not too formal. The line asks passengers to keep things "elegant casual" when heading to any of the ship's dining venues, performances or special events. To Viking, that means a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women, and trousers and a collared shirt for men. A tie and jacket for men are optional. Jeans are not permitted.

This evening dress code is not enforced at the casual World Cafe eateries on Viking ocean ships, where passengers can go even more casual in the evenings.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Viking cruise loyalty program

Viking doesn't have a loyalty program in the traditional sense — one where passengers earn points every time they travel with the brand and progress through multiple tiers that bring an ever-expanding array of perks. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests.

Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. As part of this society, you will receive:

• A credit of $200 per passenger anytime you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit.
• An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships.
• Early word by email or regular mail on new Viking Cruises itineraries and new ships, as well as special limited-time offers.

Note that the credits mentioned above cannot always be combined with promotions the line offers.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program

How much does a Viking cruise cost?

Viking sailings aren't inexpensive. Ten-night "Greek Odyssey" voyages to the Greek Islands start at $3,999 per person. That works out to roughly $800 per day for a couple sharing a room. Some of the line's more exotic sailings, such as its expedition trips to Antarctica, cost even more. Fourteen-night Antarctica trips start at $13,995 per person — about $2,000 per day for a couple.

Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style

Still, as is typical for cruise lines at the high end, Viking includes a lot in its base price. In addition to a room on board and all meals, the fares include beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; specialty coffees, teas and bottled water around the clock; shipboard Wi-Fi; and (perhaps most notably) a shore excursion in every port. The latter is something relatively few lines roll into their base fares, and shore excursions can be expensive.

Viking also includes access to the thermal areas of its spa in its base fares. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels.

Viking fares do include port taxes and fees, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per sailing. Most other lines do not include port taxes and fees in their base fares and add them later in the booking process.

Note that Viking does charge extra for two key things that many luxury lines such as Silversea, Seabourn and Regent do not: alcoholic drinks at bars and gratuities. This is one reason some cruisers do not consider Viking at quite the same level as those other brands.

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to Viking.com and book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we always recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Viking is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all of the line's many itineraries in detail and, preferably, has sailed on or at least inspected some of the line's vessels, too, to understand the various cabin types and onboard amenities.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card spending when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining).

Bottom line

Viking can be defined as much by what it isn't as what it is. It's not a line for families with young children. It's not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. And it's not a line for the party crowd.

What it is is a line that has focused very specifically on "thinking person's cruises" that offer a deeper dive into the destinations that its ships visit than is typical at many lines. It's all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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A lot if guys on here are talking about shocks and wanting a longer travel setup. I wonder if the wolverine shocks would fit the viking? They've got over an inch more travel in front and two inches in the rear. Plus they have a 5 way adjustable preload. The viking only weighs about 50 pounds more than the wolverine so I think they would hold the weight about the same.  

Never mind. Found another thread about this. My bad  

Fronts will work but the rears are like 3" too long. Ryan0 is looking at them for us Sent from The Green Machine  

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Daily Life in the Viking Age , Viking Ships , Vikings

What was life like on board a viking longship.

The Viking era, a period from the late 8th century to the early 11th century, witnessed seafaring Norsemen exploring vast regions across Europe, Asia, and North America. The Vikings, as they are popularly known, were famous for their longships – highly sophisticated and agile vessels that enabled their far-reaching voyages. But what was life like aboard these formidable vessels? Let’s delve into “a day in the life of a Viking at sea” and journey into the heart of the Viking world .

What Were Viking Boats Used for? 

Viking boats , particularly the renowned longships, were multifaceted vessels serving various essential purposes in Norse society.

• Exploration: Vikings were renowned explorers, and their longships were the primary vehicles for their wide-reaching voyages. These swift and agile vessels allowed them to navigate the open sea and shallow rivers, facilitating exploration across the North Atlantic, including lands such as modern-day England, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, and even North America.
• Trade: Viking longships were also used for trade. Their large cargo holds were ideal for transporting goods across vast distances. They carried commodities like fur, timber, ivory, and even slaves to trade in foreign lands in exchange for goods like silk, spices, and silver.
• Warfare and Raiding: Perhaps most famously, the longships were used in warfare and raiding missions. Their speed and ability to land directly on beaches made them perfectly suited for surprise attacks. The Vikings conducted raids across Europe, creating a formidable reputation.
• Ceremonies: In Viking society, longships also had ceremonial importance. They were used in ship burials, where high-ranking individuals were laid to rest in their ships, signifying their status and the belief in the ship carrying them to the afterlife.

From exploration to trade, warfare to ceremonial rites, Viking boats were central to Norse culture and their way of life .

What Were Viking Longships Made of? 

Viking longships were primarily made of timber, with oak being the most commonly used wood due to its strength and durability. Still, depending on the region and availability of resources, other types of wood, such as pine, ash, or elm, could also be used.

The construction method used for longships was the ‘clinker-built’ technique, also known as ‘lapstrake.’ This method involved overlapping planks (or ‘strakes’) of wood to create the hull, fastened with iron rivets and caulked with tarred wool or animal hair to ensure water-tightness.

The keel and the stems, forming the ship’s backbone, were typically made of a single, sturdy piece of timber. The ship’s ribs, which provided structural support to the hull, were constructed from naturally curved tree branches, maximizing strength and flexibility.

A single, tall, and straight piece of timber was required for the mast, usually from pine or fir. The sail was typically made from wool, then treated with lanolin or other natural substances to make it water-resistant.

Ropes were crucial for rigging the sail and were usually made from lime bast (fibers from the inner bark of the linden tree) or, less commonly, from animal hide or hair.

The materials and construction methods used in building Viking longships showcased the Vikings’ deep understanding of their environment, mastery of woodworking, and advanced maritime technology.

Life on a Viking Longship: The Basics

• The Ship’s Structure: Viking longships were engineering marvels of their time . With a shallow-draft design, these ships could navigate deep and shallow waters, allowing the Vikings to travel across seas, along rivers, and even land on beaches. The long, narrow hull design provided speed and stability.
• Capacity and Crew: The size of longships varied, with larger ones measuring up to 75 feet and carrying around 60 to 100 men. These warriors were not just mere passengers but formed the ship’s crew, rowing the vessel when winds weren’t favorable.
• Living Quarters: Surprisingly, longships lacked dedicated living quarters. The crew lived, ate, slept, and worked in the same open space. When not rowing or tending to other ship duties, the men would gather around, sharing stories, playing games, or repairing their equipment.

A Day in the Life of a Viking at Sea

Life aboard a Viking longship was a challenging ordeal. The day began at dawn, with the crew waking up from their sleeping spots on the open deck. The ship’s ‘cooks,’ typically less experienced or younger crew members, prepared the first meal of the day, often a gruel or porridge made of grains with dried fish or meat.

After the meal, the crew members would take their positions at the oars if the winds were weak or contrary or manage the ship’s single square sail when the wind was favorable. Navigation relied on the sun, stars, flight patterns of birds, and the experience of seasoned sailors.

The afternoons would see some Vikings attending to ship maintenance, repairing damage, or sharpening their weapons. Evenings were typically reserved for supper, another meal of preserved food washed down with weak beer or mead. The day ended with storytelling, singing, or playing Hnefatafl – a popular Viking board game, before settling down for the night on the deck, shielded from the elements only by their cloaks.

Did Viking Longships Have Cabins?

Contrary to many modern perceptions, Viking longships did not feature designated cabins or separate living quarters. These ships were designed primarily to focus on speed, versatility, and maximum capacity for crew and cargo, not comfort or privacy.

The structure of a Viking longship was open, with a single deck used for various purposes. All activities happened within this single communal space, from rowing to dining to sleeping. When it came to sleeping, the crew often found a spot on the deck and used their cloaks or sails as makeshift blankets against the elements.

Underneath the deck was a small hold for storing cargo, supplies, or plunder gained from raids. This was also where they kept foodstuffs, drinking water for the voyage, and their tools, weapons, and personal belongings.

During long voyages, the crew had to endure the harsh elements, the lack of privacy, and the discomfort of sleeping in the open. This underscores the resilience and adaptability of the Vikings, qualities that were crucial to their successes as seafarers, traders, and explorers.

In conclusion, Viking longships did not have cabins in the way we might understand them today. Instead, these ships were utilitarian structures designed to fulfill their roles as efficient, flexible, and resilient travel, trade, and exploration vessels.

How Did Vikings Eat While They Were on Ships?

The culinary life of Vikings at sea was a far cry from the abundance and variety that their home diets might offer. Yet, they were pragmatic and efficient in their seafaring sustenance, having a practical approach to food and its storage.

First and foremost, the food needed to be non-perishable, as journeys could last weeks or even months. Dried and smoked fish or meat, such as beef, horse, and mutton, were a staple. Vikings were also known to carry hard bread made from rye or barley. These items required no cooking and could be eaten as is. The Vikings relied on preserved fruits, nuts, cheese, and dried legumes for additional sustenance.

The cooking on board, when possible, was basic. Fresh food was a rarity, but if the crew were fortunate to catch fish or birds, they would cook them over an open flame on a firebox – a stone or iron slab – at the ship’s center. Cooking pots could be used to prepare porridge or stew made with grains and any available meat. Water casks stored fresh water for drinking and cooking, but beer or mead – being less prone to spoilage – was also a common drink onboard.

Interestingly, Vikings carried live animals, such as chickens or sheep, on their long voyages. These served as a source of fresh meat, milk, or eggs during the journey.

Meal times aboard a Viking longship were also moments of rest and social interaction. They would gather around the firebox, and share food and stories, reinforcing their bond as shipmates.

Despite the rough and ready conditions, the Vikings managed to maintain a balanced diet , demonstrating their resourcefulness and adaptability. Their approach to eating while on ships was not just a matter of survival but also a testament to their resilience and innovation as seafarers.

Life on Viking Longship: 10 Facts about Viking Longships

• Flexibility in Construction: The flexible construction of longships, using a clinker-built method, allowed the ship to flex with the waves, thus preventing it from breaking apart in harsh conditions.
• The Symbolic Dragon Head: Many longships featured a decorative dragon or serpent head at the prow, believed to ward off evil spirits.
• Multi-Purpose Ships: Viking longships were not only for exploration and raiding but also for trade, transport, and even prestige displays at ceremonial occasions.
• Steered by a Single Steering Oar: Longships were navigated using a single large steering oar on the starboard side, which led to the term ‘starboard’ from ‘steering board.’
• Versatile Sailing Capabilities: Due to the symmetrical bow and stern, longships could reverse direction without turning around.
• Faster than Contemporary Ships: Longships could reach speeds up to 15-20 knots (17-23 miles per hour), making them significantly faster than many contemporary vessels.
• Ancient Ship Burials: Viking chieftains were often buried in their longships, signifying their importance and the central role of these vessels in Viking society.
• Longship Variations: There were different types of longships, such as the larger ‘drekar’ (dragon ship) often used by chieftains and the smaller ‘karvi,’ which could function as a fishing or cargo vessel.
• Significant Manpower: Depending on the size of the ship, up to 60 men would row a longship, with each oar pulling through the water independently, allowing for coordinated changes in speed and direction.
• Built for Speed and Distance: Longships were built for speed and long-distance voyages. Their light and flexible design and large sail made them ideal for swift raids and exploratory expeditions.

How Far Could a Viking Longship Travel in a Day?

Given favorable winds and currents, a Viking longship could cover up to 120-150 nautical miles in a day. However, conditions were seldom ideal, and daily travel distance could be much less. Still, their ability to sustain such distances made longships the maritime workhorses of the Viking Age , facilitating their expansive exploration and raiding activities.

The End of the Voyage

Life aboard a Viking longship was a test of endurance, courage, and camaraderie. It involved facing relentless seas, unpredictable weather, and often dangerous encounters. It required physical strength, navigational skills, and a shared commitment to the crew’s survival and success.

These iconic vessels, constructed with remarkable craftsmanship and nautical knowledge, are a testament to the Vikings’ enduring legacy. They enabled the Vikings not only to journey across vast and diverse territories but also to leave a lasting impact on many parts of the world – a feat that continues to captivate our imaginations today.

Concluding Thoughts: Vikings and Their Seafaring Legacy

The Viking Age, marked by the presence of longships on the open sea, was an era of exploration, conquest, trade, and cultural exchange that reshaped the historical trajectory of many regions. Life aboard a Viking longship, as challenging as it was, offered a glimpse into the character of these audacious Norse seafarers.

From the breaking dawn to the sinking sunset, each day on a Viking longship was a dance of survival, camaraderie, and adventure. Despite their austere living conditions, the Vikings excelled as mariners, navigators, warriors, and traders – a testament to their adaptability and resilience.

The ten facts about Viking longships underscore the sophistication of Viking shipbuilding and navigation skills, enabling them to traverse incredible distances. The flexibility of their designs, the speed they could attain, and the distances they could cover in a day were remarkable for the era.

As we reflect on life aboard a Viking longship, we should not only marvel at the technical prowess of these seafaring explorers but also their courage and thirst for adventure. Their spirit of exploration, their enduring vessels, and the formidable journeys they undertook continue to echo through history, leaving an indelible mark on our collective human story.

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Viking River Cruise 2019/ Best weather?? - Moscow Forum

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Viking River Cruise 2019/ Best weather??

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I'm afraid there's no such a weather forecast service as to predict the next year features but if you consider staying outdoors, the best period would be from the end of May till the middle of September. The "swimming season" is within July as a rule. Anyway, it all depends on the particular year.

Nobody knows what will be the weather like in St.Petersburg in 2019. Usually June, July are very summery with long days & short 'white nights'. Average temperatures are around +21-22C in the day, but can drop to a mid 17-18C. Last year the weather went crazy & our summer was cool (+17-18C) and rainy so best bring an umbrella & waterproof jacket/boots.

Thank you so much! I realize every year is different, but was looking for a general opinion. Weather websites were VERY different in June/July/August temps & rainfall. I appreciate your reply, Gayle

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Tom Musch Photography

~ recent images.

Travel to Moscow and our Viking Ship

23 Sunday Sep 2018

Posted by Tom Musch in Travel Photos

≈ Leave a comment

Moscow , Russia , Viking River Cruises

July 31st 2018 – Viking Travel to Moscow from Munich Germany.

The airports filled up a good part of the day with normal check in, security check,  2x passport control and 2x customs.  The flight was 3 hours and 20 min.

The travel from the Moscow airport to our ship was about 2 hours – not because of the distance but because the traffic was stop and go most all the way.   5 lane road in both directions – just full of cars (Most non-Russian-all the brands you would see in the US) and trucks.  A number of the drivers were looking at their cell phones.  We also viewed a large number of high rise apartment buildings that were grouped together in different areas.  Some looked rather new.

Viking is not allowed to bring its own ships to Russia.  They were required to purchase Russian ships so the lay out of the boat is different that the normal European river boat.  Vikng upgraded the amenities to their standard but the layout of the boat could not be changed, for example the stairs would not meet OHSA standards, but are what you would fined on a working ship, narrow and quite steep.

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Travel firm Viking Holdings aims for up to $10.8 billion valuation in US IPO

(Reuters) -Travel firm Viking Holdings said on Monday it is seeking a valuation of up to $10.8 billion in its initial public offering in the United States, as it joins a slew of companies looking to take advantage of a rebound in the capital market.

The company, backed by private equity firm TPG and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, is aiming to raise up to $1.1 billion by offering 44 million shares priced between $21 and $25 apiece.

After a two-year dry spell, U.S. IPOs are expected to rebound in 2024 on firming bets of a soft landing for the world’s largest economy, although the recovery has been uneven so far.

Viking will list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “VIK”.

BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan, UBS Investment Bank, Wells Fargo Securities, HSBC and Morgan Stanley are the lead underwriters for the IPO.

(Reporting by Jaiveer Singh Shekhawat in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema)

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