Condé Nast Traveler Readers Name Viking The #1 River Cruise Line And #1 Ocean Cruise Line (2024)

FAQs

Is Viking considered a luxury cruise line? ›

Whilst designated as an Upper Premium brand, Viking has all the hallmarks of a Luxury Ocean Cruise Line. From the tastefully appointed, modern, beautifully designed, Scandinavian ships to the luxurious all-inclusive amenities, Viking are recognised as a Luxury Brand within the industry.

It has about $4.7 billion in debt, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The company is backed by private equity firm TPG and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, which together invested about $500 million in additional capital in November 2020, after first investing in 2016.

Many are avid travelers with good stories. Yes, the average age of the population on a Viking River Cruise is probably 70. But it's a largely lovely group of well-traveled people who know how to make small talk and do a good job of it.

Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure.

Daytime Attire

During the daytime, you can wear casual attire such as shorts, jeans, khakis, or skirts. Pair them with comfortable shoes suitable for walking and exploring various ports of call. Don't forget to bring a hat and sunscreen for outdoor activities.

Catering to active travelers, Viking Ocean Cruises encourages a relaxed dress code. During the day, passengers can wear shorts, pants or jeans and shoes that are comfortable for walking tours and excursions.

The upgrade to 'B+' with positive outlook reflects our expectation that Viking's booked position for 2024 will support significant credit measure improvement, with leverage declining to mid-4x. Viking's 2024 advanced bookings for both its river and ocean cruise segments are elevated above 2023 levels.

Torstein Hagen (born 1943) is a Norwegian billionaire businessman, and the founder and chairman of Viking cruise line.

Which river cruise line is best for seniors? ›

Passenger Profile

Although there is a mix of ages on the Viking River ships, most passengers are 60 plus, and many are retired, especially those favoring the longer voyages.

The best cruise lines in 2023. Norwegian Cruise Line ranked as the best cruise line in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler.

Viking Cruises is considered to be what many refer to as an upscale, or luxury cruise line.

For every Viking ship they have reviewed —Viking Venus(2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion(2018), Viking Sky(2017), Viking Sea(2016) and Viking Star(2015)—Cruise Critic's team of expert editors has awarded their highest rating: 5 stars.

But we are always pleased when industry experts categorize Viking as 'luxury',” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.

Can children travel with Viking? All guests must be 18 years old on or before the day they are scheduled to embark on their cruise; we do not maintain facilities or services on board for younger individuals.

Lines like Viking or Regent Seven Seas include everything except sometimes the highest-priced premium alcohols. There's no pay dining, no charge for laundry, and your cruise excursions are included in your fare. You're paying more up front, but you're going to have substantiall fewer incidental charges.