Viking Cruises is celebrating its 20th anniversary of operation this year, and a new video showcases its founder and chairman Torstein Hagen reminiscing about the company's humble beginnings and great success since.
"Twenty years ago, river cruising was unknown to most North American travelers, and today we are proud that Viking is a household name. We have spent more than $1 billion marketing the concept of destination-focused cruising," said Hagen, in a press release.
"We lead the river cruise industry, and with our ocean cruises, we have transported the intimacy of a river cruise onto the open seas. With the arrival of our sixth ocean ship in 2019, we will be the largest small ship ocean cruise line, and we look forward to introducing even more guests to the Viking way of travel."
Altogether, Viking Cruises now consists of two brands: Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises. The journey began with the former and just four riverboats in Russia but that has now accumulated into a fleet of acclaimed Viking Longships, another two of which were just launched this March.
The company's first three ocean ships have been equally applauded since coming online in 2015. Now, another five 930-guest sister-ships are scheduled, with options for an additional two.
By 2019, Viking will become the largest small ship ocean cruise line.
Among the many recent awards won by Viking, Town & Country called Viking Ocean Cruises "Best for Design" and "Best Overall, Contemporary Luxury," as well as Viking River Cruises "Best for Suites" and "Best for Design" in its Cruise Awards. Plus, Viking has received top honors in Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List" and "Readers' Choice Awards" and in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards."
[READMORE]READ MORE: Viking River Cruises Christens Two New Longships and Reveals Company News[/READMORE]
Viking differentiators include more intimate vessels on the world's rivers and oceans, along with more overall time spent and overnight calls in destinations. Cultural enrichment also focuses on Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.
Viking's unique river and ocean value proposition features a free shore excursion in every port, onboard meals and all port charges and government taxes. Also included in the cruise fare are beer and wine at lunch and dinner; always available coffee, tea and bottled water; and unlimited Wi-Fi internet access.
Ocean ship guests additionally get complimentary alternative restaurant dining, self-service laundry, LivNordic Spa thermal suite access and 24-hour room service.
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