Viking
Ocean Cruises
The thinking person's cruise line. Viking operates on a principle of "radical simplicity," prioritizing cultural enrichment over casinos, photographers, and water parks.
The Mission:
Quiet Intelligence.
Viking omits typical industry tropes to focus purely on the destination. You will find no casinos, no art auctions, no photographers interrupting your dinner, and absolutely no children under 18. This is a curated environment designed for guests who value conversation and history over spectacle.
The operational philosophy is based on "The Viking Way," which emphasizes cultural immersion. This manifests in resident historians giving university-level lectures, cooking classes focused on regional cuisine, and a shore excursion included in every single port of call. It is a product built for the "curious traveler," not the "tourist."
"The consistency of the Star Class design means frequent guests can navigate any ship in the fleet from the moment they step on board—the layout is identical across 10+ vessels."
Target: The Intellectual
Guests who attend port talks to learn about the Hanseatic League or the Romanovs. The on-board library is curated by Heywood Hill of London, and the atmosphere is more akin to a floating boutique hotel than a cruise ship.
Target: The Global Explorer
For those venturing further, the Polar Class ships utilize a unique 'Viking Octantis' design that includes an enclosed in-ship marina (The Hangar) for launching zodiacs and submarines in comfort, shielded from the elements.
Value Proposition
Viking is nearly all-inclusive. Wi-Fi, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, specialty dining restaurants, and the thermal spa access are all included in the fare. There are very few opportunities to spend extra money on board.
Global Fleet Inventory
Official Naval Classifications (Complete Registry).
| Vessel Identity Deck Plans | Class Designation | Max Capacity | Commissioned | Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viking Vesta | Vela (Extended) | 998 | 2025 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Vela | Vela (Extended) | 998 | 2024 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Saturn | Star | 930 | 2023 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Neptune | Star (Hybrid) | 930 | 2022 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Mars | Star | 930 | 2022 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Venus | Star | 930 | 2021 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Jupiter | Star | 930 | 2019 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Orion | Star | 930 | 2018 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Sky | Star | 930 | 2017 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Sea | Star | 930 | 2016 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Star | Star | 930 | 2015 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Polaris | Polar Class 6 | 378 | 2022 | VIEW SAILINGS |
| Viking Octantis | Polar Class 6 | 378 | 2022 | VIEW SAILINGS |
Engineering Profile
Class Evolution: Star to Vela
The original Star Class vessels (47,800 GT) were engineered for agility, specifically designed to fit into smaller ports like Venice, London (Greenwich), and Kotor that mega-ships cannot access. The new Vela Class has been lengthened by 10 meters, increasing gross tonnage to 54,300 to allow for larger fuel cells and hydrogen technology integration without reducing passenger space.
The "Infinity" Cantilever
A signature engineering feat of the Viking fleet is the aft Infinity Pool. This glass-backed pool is cantilevered off the stern of the ship, allowing guests to swim literally "over" the ocean. Structural reinforcement in the aft superstructure was heavily modified to support this weight while minimizing vibration from the azimuth thrusters below.
Polar Capability (Expedition)
On the Polar Class ships (*Octantis/Polaris*), the "Aula" is a panoramic auditorium modeled after the University of Oslo's ceremonial hall. Engineering this required massive floor-to-ceiling glass panes capable of withstanding Arctic gales and ice impact, utilizing specialized heating elements to prevent fogging and ice buildup.
Operational Data
- Service Speed 20.0 Knots
- Draft 6.3m (Star) / 6.7m (Vela)
- Propulsion Diesel-Electric + Hydrogen
- Hull Length 227m (Star) / 238m (Vela)
- Beam (Width) 28.8 Meters
- Stabilizers Rolls-Royce Aquarius