WHY IT RATES: In the span of a quarter-century, Viking managed to reinvent modern river and ocean cruising by being among the first to offer voyages focusing on the history, culture and cuisine of its destinations; or, as Chairman Torstein Hagen calls them, experiences for The Thinking Person. Now, with this year's launch of two new purpose-built vessels, the company also ventures into expedition cruising. - Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate Writer
Viking is celebrating today the company's 25th anniversary and its leadership in travel. To commemorate the anniversary, Viking has released a new video message from Chairman Torstein Hagen as he reflects on the company's key milestones since its founding on August 5, 1997.
The new video can be viewed on Viking's website, as well as on Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, Viking.TV. All this week, Viking.TV daily programming has centered on Norwegian culture and history as a tribute to the Hagen family's Norwegian heritage.
"I am proud of all that we have accomplished in these 25 years. First, we invented modern river voyages; then, we reinvented ocean voyages with our destination-focused approach; now, we are perfecting expedition voyages and exploring all seven continents-in comfort," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "To every member of our extended Viking family of guests and employees: happy anniversary and thank you. These first 25 years have been very good, but we are just getting started."
The anniversary comes just after Viking was named the #1 Ocean Line and #1 River Line in Travel + Leisure's 2022 "World's Best" Awards, in which the company became the first cruise line ever to top both categories in the same year. Viking is also rated #1 for both rivers and oceans by Condé Nast Traveler, making it the first cruise line to ever simultaneously earn #1 in its categories from both publications.
This milestone year has also been one of the significant launches for the company. In January, the company debuted Viking Expeditions and the first of two purpose-built expedition vessels, the Viking Octantis, which is currently sailing its inaugural season in the Great Lakes. In the spring, the company welcomed eight new Viking Longships and its newest identical ocean ship, the Viking Mars. This month, Viking is launching three purpose-built vessels for the Mekong, Nile and Mississippi Rivers, and by the end of the year, will have also welcomed a second identical expedition ship, the Viking Polaris, and another identical ocean ship, the Viking Neptune.
Booking Details
From now through August 31, 2022, Viking is offering special savings plus up to free international airfare on select river and ocean voyages as part of the company's 25th Anniversary Sale. Call Viking toll-free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel advisor for details.
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