Expeditions Ship Design

To optimize guest safety and comfort, Chairman Torstein Hagen called upon the expertise and collaboration of Viking teams, including maritime architects, interior designers, and nautical and technical staff. After the traditional steel cutting, the ceremonial keel laying ushered in the next milestone of the ship construction process.

More All Videos

Three Values

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen shares his thoughts on three important values for human beings—and why travel is good for the world.

NOW PLAYING

Viking Expedition Ships: A Closer Look

All Viking ships are carefully designed to enable exploration. Understated, elegant interiors feature our signature Scandinavian design that never upstages the destination, and thoughtful details throughout are chosen specifically with comfort in mind. This video provides a closer look at the design of our state-of-the-art expedition vessels, which are built specifically to navigate some of the world’s most remote areas.

NOW PLAYING

2024 New Year’s Message from Torstein Hagen

Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen as he reflects on the past year and looks ahead to the future in a New Year’s message for the extended Viking family of guests and crew.

NOW PLAYING

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen discusses his trip to Antarctica

Discover what a journey to Antarctica is really like during this exclusive conversation between Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and award-winning British photographer Alastair Miller. Learn more about the magnificent landscapes and majestic wildlife Tor encountered during his own expedition to the “White Continent” on board the Viking Polaris. Follow along as our chairman shares the intriguing story of how his lifelong passion for travel and interest in far-flung destinations began during his childhood, when he sent a letter to Ushuaia from his home in Norway.

NOW PLAYING

Tor’s Travels

In this new video diary about his December 2022 voyage to Antarctica, Viking Chairman Tor Hagen invites viewers to join him on the trip of a lifetime. Filmed by his Oslo neighbor, Lene, the home videos showcase the incredible wildlife, scenery and scientific research that Tor and his fellow travelers experienced while exploring the “White Continent.”

NOW PLAYING

Discover Our Expedition Ships

Small enough to navigate remote polar regions, yet large enough to provide superior handling and stability, our right-sized, state-of-the-art expedition vessels are designed for exploration.

NOW PLAYING

Discover Viking Expeditions

Our thoughtfully curated and refreshingly innovative expedition itineraries offer you once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from the wilds of Antarctica and the breathtaking Arctic region to the majestic Great Lakes, nestled in the heart of North America. With extensive programs both on board and on shore, Viking guests enjoy an unprecedented immersion in these majestic regions. (2022)

NOW PLAYING

Viking is #1 for Rivers, Oceans and Expeditions | Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

The results of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards have been announced, and we are delighted to share that Viking was voted #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions. This is the first time a travel company has been voted the best across all three of these categories simultaneously, and the third consecutive year we have won for both rivers and oceans. Where do we go next? Onwards.

NOW PLAYING

Be Curious

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen shares three things his family encouraged while growing up in Norway-kindness, honesty, and hard work. And the fourth that he has come to add over time: be curious.

NOW PLAYING

Named "World's Best" for Oceans, Rivers & Expeditions

In a special recorded message, Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen thanks our extended Viking family of guests and colleagues, following the July 11, 2023 announcement that Viking has been voted to the top of our categories for oceans, rivers and expeditions by the readers of Travel + Leisure in the 2023 World's Best Awards.

NOW PLAYING

Viking’s 26th Anniversary

In this informative video message recorded in 2023, Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen reflects on our 26th anniversary and the destination-focused approach that has helped make us the world’s leading exploration company. Learn more about our offerings on all seven continents, as well as the historic recognition we have received from the readers of  Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.

NOW PLAYING

An Invitation to Join Tor in Antarctica

Enjoy a brief preview of Tor’s Travels, a new video diary in which Viking Chairman Tor Hagen shares highlights from his December 2022 voyage to Antarctica on board the Viking Polaris. Filmed by his Oslo neighbor, Lene, the home videos showcase the incredible wildlife, scenery and scientific research that Tor and his fellow travelers experienced while exploring the “White Continent.”

NOW PLAYING

Chairman Torstein Hagen’s Presentation

On January 15, 2020, Chairman Torstein Hagen provided an update on our river and ocean cruise business before officially unveiling the details of Viking Expeditions and our new journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to home.

NOW PLAYING

Onwards

Viking has been voted the world’s #1 for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure as well as Condé Nast Traveler. Our 2022 national television commercial, “Onwards,” celebrates these prestigious awards.

NOW PLAYING

Antarctic & Arctic Fauna

In Antarctica, spot humpback whales, leopard seals, and Adélie and emperor penguins; in the Arctic, discover polar bears, walruses, Svalbard reindeer, and the Arctic tern—a tiny, ambitious creature that migrates between the poles.

NOW PLAYING

Antarctica Has to be Experienced

Learn how experiencing Antarctica on a Viking voyage allows you to truly appreciate the majesty of the “White Continent.”

NOW PLAYING

Arctic & Antarctic Flora

From the delicate Svalbard poppy and varieties of Saxifraga to myriad Antarctic lichen and moss, gain a glimpse of nature’s precious treasures.

NOW PLAYING

Celebrating 24 Years of Exploration

In 1997, we began with four river ships in Russia. As our fleet of river, ocean and expedition ships expands across all seven continents, we remain committed to exploring the world in comfort. (2021)

NOW PLAYING

Curated Libraries & Recommended Reading

We are pleased to partner with the iconic London bookshop Heywood Hill in the creation of our onboard libraries and Expeditions Recommended Reading lists. Chairman Nicky Dunne explains the history of this literary institution and the value of reading carefully selected books before embarking on your journey.

NOW PLAYING

Damon Stanwell-Smith: Recommended Reading

Damon Stanwell-Smith, Science and Sustainability Manager of Expedition Operations, shares his favorite book selections related to our Antarctic itineraries.

NOW PLAYING

Discover Norway's Mountain Code

Join members of our Viking Expeditions team as they share Norway’s mountain code, the Fjellvettreglene. To aid hikers, these nine safety rules are written inside the wrappers of Kvikk Lunsj chocolate bars, a traditional Norwegian treat.

NOW PLAYING

Expedition Itinerary: Great Lakes Explorer

Discover the granite islands of Georgian Bay, experience Mackinac Island’s charm, venture into boreal forests of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and explore coastal wetlands.

NOW PLAYING

Expedition Itinerary: Niagara & the Great Lakes

From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover North America’s wilderness at Niagara Falls, Point Pelee and Alpena, as well as the timeless charm of Mackinac Island.

NOW PLAYING

Expedition Itinerary: Undiscovered Great Lakes

Cross the width of Lake Superior from Duluth to the Soo Locks, exploring the ecosystems of wilderness islands, quaint streets of Mackinac Island and maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.

NOW PLAYING

Expedition Perspectives: Damon Stanwell-Smith

Dr. Damon Stanwell-Smith, Science and Sustainability Manager of Expedition Operations, describes the transformative power of the polar expedition experience and the enrichment provided by Viking partnerships with the world’s leading academic and scientific institutions.

NOW PLAYING

Expedition Perspectives: Jørn Henriksen

Jørn Henriksen, Director of Expedition Operations, relates his passion for the landscape and wildlife of the Arctic and why our subject matter experts are uniquely positioned to lead Viking guests in the polar regions both on shore and on board.

NOW PLAYING

Expeditions Ship Design

NOW PLAYING

Explore Iguazú Falls

Discover our extension at majestic Iguazú Falls and find out why our Chairman and CEO, Torstein Hagen, recommends visiting this natural wonder. Then, learn about the included overnight stay in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, home of the enchanting tango.

NOW PLAYING

Going Ashore in Antarctica

This short briefing was created by the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) for visitors traveling on ships who will make landings in Antarctica and surrounding islands.

NOW PLAYING

Great Explorers: Roald Amundsen

On December 14, 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the South Pole and secured his place in history as one of the great explorers.

NOW PLAYING

Great Lakes Collection

Journey across the waterways of all five of the majestic Great Lakes, where you can experience thundering Niagara Falls, discover remarkable First Nations traditions and explore rugged granite islands.

NOW PLAYING

Guest Reviews: Antarctica Expeditions

Hear from guests who have explored Antarctica with Viking and praised it as one of their best-ever travel experiences.

NOW PLAYING

Jørn Henriksen: Recommended Reading

Jørn Henriksen, Director of Expedition Operations, shares his favorite book selections related to Svalbard and our Arctic itineraries.

NOW PLAYING

Journey to Finse Plateau

Join the Viking Expeditions Team as they explore Norway’s Finse Plateau to train for polar explorations, just as some of the most famous explorers did in the early 20th century.

NOW PLAYING

Journeys to the Extraordinary

“Our expeditions reveal a breathtaking view of the planet in its purest state, and take you to pristine landscapes to witness wildlife in its natural habitat.”
—Torstein Hagen, Chairman

NOW PLAYING

Named #1 for Both Rivers & Oceans

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen thanks our extended Viking family of guests and colleagues, following the July 12, 2022 announcement that Viking has been voted the world’s #1 for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure as well as Condé Nast Traveler. Where do we go next? Onwards.

NOW PLAYING

Our Expedition Vessels

To explore the world’s most remote regions, we have introduced two specifically built, cutting-edge expedition class small ships: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.

NOW PLAYING

The Aula & Finse Terrace

The world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea, The Aula is a stunning panoramic auditorium. Inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall where the Nobel Peace Prize was historically awarded, The Aula will offer a dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment, with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views. Adjacent to The Aula through sliding glass walls is the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge area with comfortable couches and warming lava rock “firepits”—perfect for panoramic views of the surroundings. Together the two spaces can be combined to create an unmatched indoor-outdoor al fresco experience for guests to be immersed in nature.

NOW PLAYING

The Hangar

An industry first, The Hangar brings true comfort to expedition cruising. This enclosed, in-ship marina permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s multiple shell doors. The Hangar’s most innovative feature is an 85 ft. slipway that allows guests to embark on Special Operations Boats from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded from wind and waves.

NOW PLAYING

The Story Behind Finse Terrace

Join Karine as she shares the story of her connection to Finse Plateau.

NOW PLAYING

Viking Octantis & Viking Polaris Naming Ceremony

On September 30, 2022, we marked our 25th anniversary and named our expedition ships, the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris, with a historic celebration in Amsterdam. The ceremonial godmothers of the ships, renowned explorers and educators, Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft, named their ships and offered a blessing for good fortune and safe sailing. The event also closed with another milestone—for the first time ever, three classes of Viking ships met and sailed in a special convoy.

NOW PLAYING

Polar Regions

South America

North America

Videos

Videos

Expeditions Ship Design

Related Itineraries

Antarctic Explorer

Three Values

Viking Expedition Ships: A Closer Look

2024 New Year’s Message from Torstein Hagen

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen discusses his trip to Antarctica

Tor’s Travels

Discover Our Expedition Ships

Discover Viking Expeditions

Viking is #1 for Rivers, Oceans and Expeditions | Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

Be Curious

Named "World's Best" for Oceans, Rivers & Expeditions

Viking’s 26th Anniversary

An Invitation to Join Tor in Antarctica

Chairman Torstein Hagen’s Presentation

Onwards

Antarctic & Arctic Fauna

Antarctica Has to be Experienced

Arctic & Antarctic Flora

Celebrating 24 Years of Exploration

Curated Libraries & Recommended Reading

Damon Stanwell-Smith: Recommended Reading

Discover Norway's Mountain Code

Expedition Itinerary: Great Lakes Explorer

Expedition Itinerary: Niagara & the Great Lakes

Expedition Itinerary: Undiscovered Great Lakes

Expedition Perspectives: Damon Stanwell-Smith

Expedition Perspectives: Jørn Henriksen

Expeditions Ship Design

Explore Iguazú Falls

Going Ashore in Antarctica

Great Explorers: Roald Amundsen

Great Lakes Collection

Guest Reviews: Antarctica Expeditions

Jørn Henriksen: Recommended Reading

Journey to Finse Plateau

Journeys to the Extraordinary

Named #1 for Both Rivers & Oceans

Our Expedition Vessels

The Aula & Finse Terrace

The Hangar

The Story Behind Finse Terrace

Viking Octantis & Viking Polaris Naming Ceremony

Viking: 25 Years of Exploration

Viking’s 25th Anniversary

Welcome Back to the World