Culture Discovery Cruises
The Infinity Pool at the stern of a Viking ocean ship overlooking the wake
Premium Cruise Line

Viking Ocean

Adults-only, destination-first sailing on identical Scandinavian ships, with no casino and no crowds.

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The line

The thinking traveler’s ocean line

Viking built its ocean fleet on a clear philosophy: no children, no casino, no nickel-and-diming. The ships are aimed squarely at curious adults who come for the destination, and the onboard experience is calm, uncluttered and unmistakably Scandinavian.

Founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen, Viking grew from Europe’s rivers to the ocean in 2015 and now runs a growing fleet of near-identical ships, each carrying about 930 guests. Because every vessel shares the same layout, you always know the ship before you board.

Fares lean generous by premium standards, with one included shore excursion in every port, wifi, specialty dining, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, and access to the Nordic spa all part of the price.

Style
Adults-only premium
Guests
930 per ship
Onboard
No casino, no kids
Design
Scandinavian
Sails to
Europe, worldwide
Founded
1997
In a word

“Viking strips the ocean cruise back to the destination: no children, no casino, no clutter, just an elegant Scandinavian ship and the world outside it.”

A light Scandinavian-styled veranda stateroom on a Viking ocean ship

Identical ships, all-veranda and Scandinavian

Every Viking ocean ship is built to the same plan, a small ship for about 930 guests where every stateroom has a veranda. The look is restrained and elegant: pale woods, natural light and clean Nordic lines rather than the bright, busy interiors of a mega-ship.

Because the fleet is identical, the experience is remarkably consistent. Guests who love their first Viking voyage know exactly what they are booking on the next, from the layout of the deck to the design of the cabin.

A refined dining venue aboard a Viking ocean ship

Generous by design, and adults-only

Viking includes a great deal in the fare: one shore excursion in every port, wifi throughout, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, specialty restaurants at no surcharge, and self-service laundry. There is no casino and no photographer chasing sales, which keeps the mood calm.

Wellness is central too, with a Nordic-inspired spa on every ship that includes a snow grotto and thermal experiences. With no guests under eighteen aboard, the atmosphere stays quiet, grown-up and focused on the journey.

The Explorers’ Lounge with forward sea views on a Viking ship

Europe first, then the wider world

Europe is Viking’s core, with deep Mediterranean, Northern Europe and British Isles programs built around port-intensive itineraries and overnight calls that give more time ashore. The line’s destination focus shapes every voyage.

The ships also sail the Caribbean and the Americas, Asia, Australia and long World Cruises, and Viking has expanded into expedition and Great Lakes sailing under the same brand. We help you match the right ship, season and itinerary to your plans.

Because Viking Ocean calls in the western Mediterranean, it sets up a Sicily food and wine tour to your trip.

Booking Viking Ocean with CDV

Why book through us

Exclusive Viking value

Group amenities and onboard credit on Viking sailings that you will not find booking direct.

Combinable offers

Our exclusive value can usually be layered with Viking's current promotions, plus full Viking loyalty credit.

Premium specialists

Advisors who know the identical fleet and its port-intensive itineraries, and match the right voyage and cabin to you.

Seamless land and sea

Because we run our own tours ashore, we make it easy to add a CDV land tour where your voyage begins or ends.

Pair your voyage with a land tour

Sail the Mediterranean, then dig into Sicily

Viking’s Mediterranean voyages call the length of Italy, which makes them a natural match for our own culinary tours. Add a Culture Discovery week in Sicily and let its markets, vineyards and coastal kitchens carry the destination focus of your cruise ashore.

Explore a Sicily food tour
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Frequently asked questions

What is Viking known for?

Viking is known for adults-only, destination-focused ocean cruising on small, identical Scandinavian ships. The line makes a point of what it leaves out, with no casino, no children under eighteen and no constant upselling, and includes a shore excursion in every port along with wifi and other extras in the fare.

Is Viking Ocean adults-only?

Yes. Viking ocean cruises are for adults only, with a minimum age of eighteen aboard. That policy is central to the brand and keeps the onboard atmosphere quiet and grown-up, focused on the destination rather than family entertainment.

Do Viking ships have a casino?

No. Viking deliberately leaves the casino off its ships, along with children’s facilities and the high-pressure sales found on some lines. The chairman has described the concept as travel for thinking people, with no children and no casinos.

How big are Viking ocean ships?

Viking ocean ships are small by modern standards, each carrying about 930 guests, and every stateroom has a veranda. The fleet is built to a single near-identical design, so the layout and experience are consistent from one ship to the next.

What is included in a Viking fare?

Viking fares typically include one shore excursion in each port, wifi throughout the ship, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, access to all restaurants including specialty venues, use of the Nordic spa’s thermal areas and self-service laundry. Premium drinks packages and additional excursions are available for an extra cost.

Who owns Viking?

Viking was founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen and operates as its own company, Viking, which runs river, ocean, expedition and Great Lakes cruises. Its ocean product launched in 2015 with Viking Star and has grown steadily since.

What is the dress code on Viking?

Viking keeps a relaxed, elegant-casual dress code. There are no formal nights, so most guests wear smart-casual clothing in the evening. It suits travelers who would rather not pack black tie.

Who is Viking Ocean for?

Viking suits well-traveled adults who prize the destination, calm surroundings and included value over big-ship entertainment. Guests tend to be couples and solo travelers who appreciate the quiet, the Scandinavian design and the port-intensive itineraries.

How much does a Viking cruise cost?

Fares vary by ship, cabin category, season and itinerary length, and because a shore excursion and other extras are included, the headline number is not directly comparable to a mainstream fare. Rather than quote a misleading range, we price your specific voyage and secure the best available CDV value. Request a complimentary quote and we will lay out the real numbers.

Ready to sail with Viking Ocean?

Complimentary quote, exclusive CDV value, and a specialist who plans it around you.

Request a Quote+1 (656) 333-6123 ext. 403