Viking Cruise lines

History & Experience of Viking Cruises

History

• Founded in 1997 by Norwegian entrepreneur Torstein Hagen.

• Originally focused on European river cruises, later expanding:

  • Ocean cruises launched in 2015

  • Expedition cruises added later (polar / remote destinations)

• Brand philosophy: destination-focused travel, culturally immersive itineraries, and an adult-oriented experience (generally 18+).

• Known for smaller ships and an inclusive pricing model (many items included in base fare).

Dinner Experiences

Typical Viking ocean ships emphasize quality, regional cuisine, and inclusions.

Common venues & features

• Main dining restaurant (rotating regional menus)

• World Café buffet (often includes sushi, international cuisine)

• Specialty dining such as Italian-inspired restaurants

• Chef’s tasting menu experiences

• Afternoon tea service

• Complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner

• 24-hour room service

Many dining venues are included in the fare (unlike many mainstream cruise lines).

Community experience (from cruisers):

“Food is available… early morning to late night.”

Onboard Entertainment

Viking focuses more on cultural enrichment vs. big-production shows.

Typical offerings

• Guest lecturers (history, art, destination culture)

• Classical and live music performances

• Guest vocalists or small shows

• Port destination briefings

Some ships emphasize relaxed evening music and guest artists rather than casino or party nightlife.

Community perspective:

• Often quieter, more refined entertainment style

• Some ships feature guest performers and small shows

• Generally no casino; nightlife is low-key compared to mass-market lines