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Viking Cruises

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Viking Cruises fleet

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This is CruiseMapper's page for the three Viking Cruises subsidiary companies - the sister-brands Viking RIVER , Viking OCEAN and Viking EXPEDITIONS , their fleets (riverboats, liners, polar ships), cruisetour itineraries, destinations, homeports, cruise tracker. We have listed all Viking ships as schedules (itinerary calendars with prices) and current position tracking maps. Similarly named is the Finland-based cruiseferry company VIKING LINE (1959-founded).

In April 2021 was inaugurated the joint venture company "China Merchants Viking Cruises Co Ltd" (operating via the brand "Viking China Coastal Cruise"). The new company's fleet currently includes only Viking Sun (Zhao-Shang-Yi-Dun) but will be expanded by adding China-made newbuilds in the following years. China Merchants Viking Cruises' General Manager is Wu Wei. Viking Cruises China's Managing Director is Brendan Tansey.

Note: CruiseMapper's Viking ship schedules show departure and call ports (including towns and cities visited on shore excursions), themed voyages (holiday, itinerary themes) and port times (arrival-departure / port stays and overnights). CruiseMapper's Viking schedules also show how much will cost you to travel with the Viking brand.

In February 2024, Viking filed with SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission USA/an independent federal government agency/1934-created) for an IPO (initial public offering/first selling shares of stock to the public) in 2024-Q2. Reportedly, after becoming a stock exchange-listed company, Viking could raise US$500+ million from potential private investors. For the IPO, the company works with the major American financial/investment institutions UBS Group AG, Wells Fargo & Co, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America.

Company history

The VIKING cruise travel brand was officially inaugurated on August 5, 1997.

Next is the company's 25th Anniversary video released in 2022 and presented by Torstein Hagen - Viking Cruises' Founder, President and CEO.

In 2022, Viking reported revenues of USD 3 billion and served ~470,000 tourists. As of 2023, the company owns and operates 9x ocean ships, 2x expedition ships and 79x riverboats, with another 14x riverboats on order (slated to be operational by 2026) and 10x ocean ships ordered (to be operational by 2030).

The company's significant growth is supported by TPG Inc (fka TPG Capital) and CPP Investments (Canada Pension Plan Investment Board) who in 2016 joined Viking as minority shareholders. In November 2020, Viking announced investments from TPG Capital and CPP Investments that added ~USD 500 million in net proceeds to support Viking's development.

Viking Expeditions ships operate in Arctic-Antarctica, Great Lakes , USA and Canada), Viking Ocean (global).

Viking River boats operate on the European inland waterways Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel, Seine, Rhone, Saone, Douro, also in Asia (Mekong, Irrawaddy, Yangtze), Egypt (Nile, Lake Nasser), Ukraine (Dnieper), Russia (Volga, Svir, Neva, Lake Ladoga, Lake Baikal) and in the USA (Mississippi).

Viking Cruises logo - CruiseMapper

Viking Cruises Ltd (shipowner) is the parent company of Viking Flusskreuzfahrten AG (Viking River Cruises) as well as of KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH, which is subsidiary of Koln-Dusseldorfer (aka KD Cruises, fka KD Line). KD Line is an 1826-founded, Cologne -based company with a fleet of 14 cruise vessels (including "event ships" and a paddle steamer) deployed in Germany, on the rivers Moselle, Rhine and Main. Koln-Dusseldorfer was acquired by Viking in 2000.

Viking River Cruises holds 1/2 of North America's market. In the period 2011-2015, the company spent USD 600+ million on promotions. In May 2017, Viking celebrated its 20th anniversary. By the year 2027, the company's 16-ship ocean fleet will have a combined capacity of 16930 berths, ranking Viking OCEAN the world's largest cruise company with ship capacity under 1000 passengers.

Since August 2018, Viking Cruises (both brands/river and ocean) is an adults-only company that doesn't allow minor passengers (under 18 years of age) on its vessels.

On April 3, 2020, was the official launch of Viking.TV (https://viking.tv/). The company-exclusive online TV channel provides enrichment content and real-time video streaming from worldwide locations. Viking.TV targets primarily non-cruising people (those staying home) rather than travelers. The new channel also livestream sessions with various guests (experts, scientists, celebrities) and allows real-time interaction by submitting comments and questions.

Viking Cruises China

In early April 2019, Viking Cruises and China Merchants Group (China's first commercial corporation/1872-founded) unveiled a plan to launch a new cruise line (joint venture company) for the Chinese market. China Merchants Group's shipbuilding subsidiaries will design and construct the newbuilds for the new company. As of 2020, Viking fully owned and operated a fleet of 6 ocean liners plus 76 riverboats (almost all of which are of the patented Longship-Class).

On November 25, 2020, China Merchants Shekou and Viking officially signed the joint venture agreement a separate (China- flagged ) fleet of sea liners for coastal cruises. In mid-December 2020, Viking and China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings officially announced the creation of the new joint venture company "Viking China Coastal Cruise" focused on mid-sized luxury ship voyages in China exclusively.

The new domestic travel brand (China Coastal Cruise Project) was scheduled for inauguration in 2021-Q1 with Viking Sun - transferred to the joint venture (news 8277). In January 2021, the vessel changed registry (from Norway to China) to qualify for the Chinese coasting trade. As flag state , China allows the ship to visit seaports under China's cabotage rules that regulate the shipping of passengers and/or goods between two Chinese ports. The brand's enrichment program is based on shipboard events (lectures, entertainment) and shore excursions themed on local history, traditions, nature, food.

In China (on Yangtze River), Viking Cruises operates under charter the large-sized boat Viking Emerald .

In October 2023 was announced plan for further investments in the Chinese market. Specifically, two new riverboats will be introduced in 2024, in addition to ocean ship cruises in Europe/Mediterranean tailored for Chinese consumers.

Viking RIVER CRUISES

As a division of Viking Cruises, Viking River Cruises has an estimated European river market share of ~49%. Cruisetour itineraries range from 7 to 23 days and include as regions the European rivers Rhine, Main, Danube, Saone, Rhone, Seine, Elbe and Douro, also Ukraine's Dnieper, Russia's Volga, China's Yangtze, Burma's Irrawaddy and Cambodia-Vietnam's Mekong. Most voyages are cruisetours and include river cruising, land tours, and hotel stays. All itineraries have at least one tour or guided shore excursion per day (complimentary / cruise fare-inclusive).

Viking River Cruises provides travelers with top-quality cruisetours and the world's newest and most innovative fleet of newbuild riverboats (by the patented "longship" design).

Viking's Longship fleet totals 65 boats, delivered in the period 2012-2021. Most were constructed by Neptun Werft GmbH in Rostock , and several by Meyer Werft GmbH in Papenburg (Alsvin, Bestla, Eistla, Ingvi, Lif).

Viking River Cruises Longship

On March 20, 2013, the newly renamed company "Viking Cruises" launched 10 ships at one time, thus entering the Guinness Book of World Records. Beginning on March 17, 2014, Viking christened 16 new boats over a 24-hour period, again setting an industry record. Viking named two more ships in Oporto (Portugal) on March 21.

On March 22, 2015, Amsterdam (Holland) witnessed the naming ceremony of 12 longships. Their godmothers were from USA (Los Angeles), the UK, and Russia. In 2015, Viking's river fleet expanded to 64 boats, 40 of which longships (capacity 190 passengers) introduced in 2012.

During the 2015 christening, 8 longships were in Amsterdam. The other 4 longships were named via live video link with the shipbuilding shipyard in Neptun Werft (Rostock, Germany). Two of the longships (Astrild and Beyla) are specifically designed for Elbe River. These boats are with modified longship design ("baby Longships") with only 2 decks (1/4 lighter) and capacity 98 guests (46 cabins).

On March 16, 2022, were joint-christened 8 riverboats - 4x in Paris (Fjorgyn, Kari, Radgrid, Skaga) and 4x in Amsterdam (Egdir, Gersemi, Gymir, Hervor).

On December 5, 2023, the company announced a shipbuilding order for 10x Viking Longships - 8x to be deployed on the rivers Rhine-Main-Danube, and 2x in France (Seine River). The newbuilds are scheduled for deliveries in 2025 (5x units/TBN) and in 2026 (5x units/TBN). Like all Viking Longships, the 10x new riverboats are constructed in Rostock (by Neptun Werft).

Viking European river cruises for Chinese travelers

In 2016 fall, Viking became the first European river cruise brand to offer voyages dedicated to Chinese tourists. The company dedicated two Longships, on which the primary onboard language is Mandarin.

The first longship's 2016 itineraries (starting November 10th) were on Rhine, between homeports Amsterdam and Basel. The second longship's 2017 itineraries were on Danube. On both riverboats, all the hotel staff was Mandarin-speaking and all signage was in Mandarin (from menus to toiletries). The onboard cuisine was traditional Chinese (dishes prepared by Szechuan and Cantonese chefs) plus European dishes by Michelin-star chefs.

After a 3-year hiatus, in 2023 Viking restarted its European river cruise program for Chinese tourists with Longship Viking Eistla (departing on June 1st out of Amsterdam).

All excursion programs ashore are organized by Viking River Cruises. Each ship has all 8 Mandarin-speaking tour guides assigned to 25-passenger groups. The Rhine cruise program includes a shipboard overnight in Amsterdam and 3 days (2 shipboard overnights) in Basel with Lake Lucerne tour. In Strasbourg, passengers take the high-speed TGV train to Paris. Optional (exclusive) deals include private jet travel (to any airport in Europe) for 1 day at the price of US$30,000 pp. Fares start from ~US$4300 pp.

Cruise Lines International Association/CLIA's projections for 2020 were that the number of Chinese cruisers to Europe will be the same (or larger) in comparison to the Americans.

Viking River Cruises line is a global travel corporation (Viking Flusskreuzfahrten AG) headquartered in the USA. And it all started in the not-so-distant 1997 with the establishment of the modest Viking River brand founded by a consortium of Scandinavian and Dutch investors, with only 4 second-hand riverboats bought in Russia.

In the mid-1990s, the company's founder, Torstein Hagen enjoyed a river cruise in Russia and was so excited that decided to create his own river cruising company. He started in 1997 by purchasing four Russian vessels. In 2000 Viking acquired Koln-Dusseldorfer (KD River Cruises). The KD purchase included an extremely valuable asset - the landing stages, and now Viking Cruises owns docks in more cities in Europe than it stops in. This ensures prime docking locations, easy passenger access and ability to walk into town directly.

In 2000 Viking enlarged into the US market by establishing company's US headquarters in Los Angeles, California . In April 2004 Viking expanded in China with cruise tours on Yangtze River. They additionally include hotel stays in a variety of cities, mainly in Shanghai and Beijing. As a result of newbuilds and acquisitions, in 2014 the company had a river fleet of 52 vessels with a total of 9200 berths.

Worldwide, Viking Cruises hires over 2,500 staff and crew. Line's river cruises are targeted primarily to English-speaking travelers in the UK, North America and Australia. Nowadays, Viking manages the world's largest fleet of river cruise vessels, ever.

In 2015, Viking's European river cruise sales became a bit slower than expected. The slower growth was partially related to the reduced demand for cruises in Russia. Viking's Ukrainian and Russian ships were laid up, but their staff remained on the payroll. Until the 2015 slowdown, the company reported a steady growth of over 30% per year for the period 2010-2015. The company's turnover (gross revenue) from both river and ocean shipping operations for 2015 was about USD 2 billion.

In October 2017, Viking River Cruises announced a shipbuilding order for 7 new riverboats . Of those, 6 are Longships ( Einar , Sigrun , Sigyn , Tir , Ullur , Vali ) plus one modified Longship design Douro River cruiser ( Helgrim ). The newbuilds were launched in 2019 and christened together on March 19. The 7-ship "virtual" naming ceremony was via satellite connections and held in 4 riverports - Basel Switzerland (Sigrun and Einar), Rostock Germany (Ullur and Sigyn), Brunsbuttel Germany (Vali and Tir) and Oporto Portugal (Helgrim).

For 2020 were planned the launches and inaugurations of 6 more Longship-Class boats - 4 with smaller capacity (168 pax) and deployed year-round on Seine River in France ( Fjorgyn , Kari , Radgrid , Skaga ) plus 2 standard (190 pax) and deployed on Rhine River ( Gersemi , Hervor ). In March 2021 were delivered Egdir and Gymir - the last longships on order with Neptun Werft.

Viking River Cruises deals include staterooms, onboard dining, most cultural activities, most shore excursions. Beer, soft drinks and wine by the glass are included with lunches and dinners. Viking ships are nonsmoking (interior) with a dedicated smoking area on Sundeck. Since the focus is on the port cities and river cruising, activities onboard are geared towards enrichment lectures.

In 2016-Q3, Viking Flusskreuzfahrten AG terminated the charter deals with Pericon AG (shipowner) and stopped to operate the riverboats Viking Spirit (now Seine Comtesse) , Viking Sun (now Rhein Melodie) , Viking Helvetia (now Rhein Symphonie) , Viking Pride (now Bijou du Rhone) and Viking Danube (now Filia Rheni 2) .

Viking Cruises Longships

In 2009, the newly-launched Viking Legend became the company's first riverboat fitted with hybrid (diesel-electric) engines. These new types marine engines use 20% less fuel than the conventional ones. The engine rooms are noise-insulated and this reduces noise and vibration. Environmental impact is further reduced through the ship's membrane water treatment plant. In 2011 was launched Viking Legend's sistership Viking Prestige.

In 2012 were introduced the "Viking Longship" class of vessels. All of these really long ships have the same/hybrid engine powerplant. They are environmentally friendly, with a patented interior design creating 2-room suites, numerous French Balcony staterooms, full-size rooms, and verandas. 2/3s of Longship's cabins are with French balconies, verandas, or both. Other features include the indoor-outdoor "Aquavit Terrace" (designed for outdoor relaxation and also suitable for alfresco dining), large "Explorer Suites" with wraparound balconies (aft / stern location), an organic herb garden and solar panels (on the Sun Deck).

Next YouTube video is about the original longships of the Vikings.

The first 6 Longships were launched in 2012 and collectively won "Best New River Ship" award. 10 more were launched in 2013, and additional 18 launched in 2014 (including 2 smaller ships purpose-built for Douro River in Portugal). All Viking Cruises Longships are named after Norse mythology gods and entities. Next official video reviews Viking's Longship cruise experience.

Viking Mississippi River Cruises (USA)

The company plans to add cruise ships on Mississippi River (USA). However, the process is slowed due to issues regarding the so-called "Jones Act" (Merchant Marine Act from 1920). It imposes restrictions on where USA-based ships can navigate and how to be staffed.

The company's plan to enter the USA river cruising market was officially announced in 2015. In October 2018 was announced as a potential start-up (with Mississippi-based boats) the year 2021. By 2027, Viking plans to increase its annual river shipping capacity to 100,000+ passengers (compared to 2018's 50,600) by deploying 6x boats. The 7-day American itineraries include roundtrips from NOLA/New Orleans , as well as one-ways between New Orleans and Memphis TN , and between St Louis MO and Minneapolis-Saint Paul MN .

Viking River Cruises USA ship

Viking's USA-based riverboats will be newbuilds ( vessel building cost ~USD 90-100 million per unit), each with 5 decks, passenger capacity 386, all-balcony staterooms (193 cabins total), an aft-located infinity pool, bow ramp (for passenger landings). All the 6 ships will be built and owned by ECO Shipyards (subsidiary of Edison Chouest Offshore - 1960-founded as "Edison Chouest Boat Rentals" marine corporation) and operated under charter by Viking Cruises USA.

The first boat ( Viking Mississippi ) starts operations in August 2022. Bookings opened in 2020 - on March 31 (past customers) and on April 15 (general public). Currently, Viking River Cruises USA offers 4 itineraries, themed as:

  • "Heart of the Delta" (8-day from New Orleans to Memphis) - prices started from GBP 3390 pp
  • "America's Heartland" (8-day from St Louis to St Paul) - from GBP 4790 pp
  • "Southern Celebration" (8-day roundtrip from New Orleans) - from GBP 3390 pp
  • "America's Great River" (15-day from St Paul to New Orleans) - from GBP 8690 pp

The Viking Mississippi itinerary program offers visiting 7 states (Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota) and the port cities Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans, St Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, Hannibal, St Louis, Burlington, Dubuque, Davenport, La Crosse, Red Wing, St. Paul.

Viking's main competitors in the American market are American Cruise Lines and American Queen Voyages (fka AQSC) .

Viking OCEAN CRUISES

In March 2016, Viking OCEAN confirmed the order of three more ocean vessels, which was increased to four in 2017 (December). By 2023, the newbuilds (by Fincantieri Italy) expanded the fleet to 10 liners.

Viking OCEAN's main competitor on the European market is MSC Explora Journeys .

  • The "9-vessel fleet" news was announced at the float-out ceremony of Viking Sky (March 2016). In April 2017, Fincantieri and Viking Cruises signed the MoA for the building of two vessels (fleet's 7th and 8th) with the option for two additional ships.
  • The "10-vessel fleet" news was officially announced in December 2017, when Viking Cruises signed the shipbuilding order for the 2 optional vessels.

The "16-fleet" news was announced on March 6, 2018, when Viking entered an agreement with Fincantieri for 6x more ocean vessels, to be delivered in the period 2024-2027. In September 2022 Fincantieri and Viking entered into an agreement for 4x more vessels (based on the option in the 2018-signed contract) with total value ~EUR/USD 1,7 billion. Deliveries were scheduled for 2026 and 2027 (2x units) and 2028 (2x units).

Viking OCEAN's fleet consists of the following vessels - Star (2015), Sea (2016), Sky (2017), Sun (2017), Orion (2018), Jupiter (2019), Venus (2021), Mars and Neptune (2022), Saturn (2023), Vela (2024), Vesta (2025).

  • Each vessel has max passenger capacity 928 (plus 465 crew-staff) and building cost ~USD 400 million (EUR 340 million).
  • Unlike the preceeding 10-ship series, Viking OCEAN's ships from the second/6-ship series (starting with Vela) are slightly larger (10 m longer, 2 m wider) and with more staterooms (493 vs 464) and bigger passenger capacity (998 vs 928).
  • Viking Sun (2017) is also from this series but was transferred to the Viking China joint venture in 2021.
  • Viking OCEAN's current plans are for a fleet of 16 sisterships, all of which are Fincantieri -built and Norway- flagged .

Fun fact is that only two Viking OCEAN ships (Orion and Jupiter) have a Planetarium. Named "Explorers' Dome", this theater-like venue is circular, with capacity 26 seats, and located forward on Deck 8, facing Explorers Lounge. It uses the latest video projecting technology to show constellations and other space-related 3D videos on its domed roof.

Among the vessels' innovative marine technologies are energy-saving hybrid engines, top-deck solar panels, pollution-minimizing exhaust systems. These ships also use seawater as a lubricant for their propeller shaft bearings. This technology lowers the vessel's maintenance costs and also the risk of sea pollution. Replacing the biodegradable oils, the water is being directly discharged into the sea.

All Viking OCEAN ships offer destination-rich itineraries marked by "small ship cruise" tour and onboard experiences. Compared to similar-class vessels operated by other companies, Viking OCEAN itineraries feature fewer sea days, longer port stays and many overnight ports of call.

Viking Ocean cruise ship (aerial)

On May 17, 2013, the company announced the launch of its "Viking Ocean" division. This was the reason for modifying the parent company's name to "Viking Cruises". The Viking Ocean brand was introduced in 2015 with Viking Star, which started operations with mostly one-way itineraries in Baltic Sea (Scandinavia, Russia) and Mediterranean Sea.

After Walt Disney Cruise Line (with MS Disney Magic , 1998-launched), Viking became industry's second cruise brand company to launch a purpose-built passenger liner ( Viking Star ). All Viking Ocean ships are from one series - same-designed, with same layouts, interiors and amenities, featuring spacious lounges, multiple dining options (several al-fresco / outdoor deck venues), 3-story Atrium, premium theater/show lounge, Sun Deck (with 2 swimming pools), Nordic-design Spa, Gym and sports area, Snow Room, duty-free boutique shops. The infinity pool (resistance swimming pool) on each ocean ship was a "first at sea" facility,

In mid-September 2016 was announced that TPG Capital and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board intend to make a joint investment of USD 0,5 billion in Viking Cruises. The deal resulted in combined 17% stake in Viking. The funding helped the company's growth, particularly on the ocean cruising market, and also strengthened its balance sheet as it branched into China (since 2016).

  • Viking Ocean's port agent for China is Wallem Ship Agency China. The company is responsible for vessels berthing (cruise terminal arrangements), logistics, freshwater supply, customs, crew changes, passenger disembarkation/embarkation.
  • Wallem China (part of Wallem Group) has a network of 28 offices across Asia, of which 8 are in China, The shipping agency handles annually over 500 cruise ship calls. The list of its services also includes drydock vessel support, newbuilding supervision, lifeboat servicing, equipment testing.

In 2017, Viking signed a sponsorship with National Geographic Society for shooting NatGeo's "Genius" (anthology series).

MV Viking Star became world's ever-first ocean ship with a "snow room". Must be noted, that the 2013-launched Viking Grace (2800-passenger cruiseferry operated by VIKING LINE ) was the first-ever passenger ship with a Snow Room. Viking Ocean ships' Snow Grotto is a wellness retreat with powdery snow falling down from the ceiling. The experience (touted beneficial to the body's blood circulation) includes heating in a sauna (steam bath), then walking into this small room. It is fitted with benches and has dark stone walls illuminated by blue light. The snow on the floor is kept at sub-freezing temperatures. This Arctic-themed facility is part of the ship's thermal suite (within the spa complex). This relaxation area has 1 hot tub, sauna room, heated ceramic loungers, therapeutic showers, salt-water thermal pool. Snow Grotto access is complimentary to all passengers.

On Apr 4, 2018, Viking and VARD (Norwegian subsidiary of the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri) signed a LoI (Letter of Intent) for designing and building 2 new-class ocean liners.

  • The contract's potential value is approx NOK 5 billion (USD 611 million = EUR 525 m) for both ships, and also includes optional two more vessels of the same series.
  • The shipbuilding contract was officially signed on July 23, 2018.

The liners will be developed by VARD Design (Norway) with hulls constructed in Romania ( VARD Tulcea ). If started, the project will result in building a new fleet.

Viking OCEAN cruise deals

Just like on all Viking riverboats, Viking Ocean deals are inclusive of popular amenities, such as Wi-Fi Internet, alcohol (beer and wine at lunch and dinner), shore excursions (at least one in every port of call along the itinerary), spa usage (thermal pool, sauna, hot tub, Snow Grotto room (snow falling from its ceiling), Gym (fitness center), library (with books reflecting the cruise itineraries), 24-hour room service; absolutely all meals at any of the onboard restaurants; beverages (cappuccinos, espresso drinks), self-service laundry; in-room movies on demand, lectures, airport to cruise port transfers. At additional cost are only spa massages, beauty salon services; specialty beer, premium alcohol (wine and spirits), and some shore excursions.

In early 2018 was announced, that the Viking Cruises company raised USD 975 million through a private placement of USD 275 million (5,875% secured notes due in 2027) plus USD 675 million (5% secured notes due in 2028).

  • The note proceeds were used for repaying all the company's loans used to finance the building of the Viking Ocean liners Star and Sky, as well as for repurchasing Viking Sea (operated on a sale-leaseback agreement).
  • As of January 2018, Viking Cruises operated a combined fleet of 62 riverboats plus 4 ocean ships. As ownership, 1/5 (20%) of the company is owned by TPG Capital (US investment company) and CPP Investment Board (CPP=Canada Pension Plan).

The company's Net revenues for FY2017 were estimated at ~USD 1 billion.

Viking EXPEDITIONS

Viking Cruises' ocean liners made the company world's largest "small ship cruise" brand with a dominant share on the luxury travel market (23,9 % by year 2020). In 2019, the parent company also created the brand "Viking Expeditions" with a newbuild fleet of two small-sized expedition vessels - Viking Octantis (2021) and Viking Polaris (2022), plus an option for 2 more same-designed units.

Viking Expeditions (as a travel brand) was officially launched on January 15, 2020, with cruising operations starting in January 2022. Viking Expeditions ships are Norway- flagged (registered in Longyearbyen Spitsbergen ), smaller-sized (GT 30150 tons, LOA length 203 m, beam/width 24 m) and with reduced passenger capacity (378 each, plus 260 crew/staff) in comparison to Viking Ocean's liners (930 passengers plus 465 crew/staff each). The boats are constructed by the Norwegian shipbuilder VARD (subsidiary of Fincantieri Italy). The vessel's hull and superstructure are assembled at the shipyard in Tulcea Romania , then towed to VARD Soviknes Shipyard ( Alesund Norway ) for outfitting.

Traditionally for an expedition vessel, each Viking Expeditions ship has its own fleet of inflatable Zodiacs (speedboats used for passenger tendering and shoreside cruising), rigid-hulled inflatable boats (large-capacity unsinkable boat with a rigid bottom) and sea-kayaks. The ship design features several spacious open-deck areas, including Promenade Deck and bow-located Observation Deck (forward on Lounge Deck). Most passenger staterooms (189 total) are with French balconies, excluding only Deck 6's Suites (OS-Owner, ES-Explorer). Cabin sizes vary between 21 m2 (Nordic Balcony / French Balcony) and 114 m2 (Owner Suite with 73 m2 Terrace Garden).

Viking's expedition fleet will operate mainly polar cruises - in the European Arctic ( Svalbard Islands and Arctic Russia, roundtrips from homeport Tromso Norway ) and Antarctica (roundtrips are from homeport Ushuaia Argentina , with fly-cruise packages from Buenos Aires / included an overnight hotel stay prior departure and return flights). Other destinations are the Great Lakes USA and Canada-New England.

Signature onboard facilities available on each Viking Expeditions boat include:

  • Explorers Lounge (Decks 5-6, bow-facing) is 2-deck, circular-shaped, glass-covered and walled indoor observation lounge with wraparound windows. Explorers Bar is on Deck 5.
  • Aula Auditorium (Deck 2 aft) is a glass-walled auditorium (with tiered seating) hosting lectures, media presentations, itinerary-themed port talks, live entertainment programs. The lounge has floor-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows (providing 270-degree unobstructed views) and an outdoor deck seating (Finse Terrace). Aula Auditorium also doubles as Cinema, being fitted with a retractable screen (covering the entire window wall towards the stern) and latest sound and visual equipment. Aula Auditorium provides direct access to Finse Terrace, which makes it an indoor-outdoor observation lounge.
  • Finse Terrace is an outdoor lounge (adjacent to Aula Auditorium) with comfortable seating (padded sofas) and heated by firepits (heated lava rocks). Finse Terrace also provides alfresco dining and drinking when weather permits.
  • Aft-located (at the stern) indoor-outdoor pool deck lounge (Aquavit Terrace) with 3 infinity pools - positioned side by side and covered by a retractable glass roof. Each of the swimming pools is at a different temperature. The mid-pool has indoor-outdoor swimming experience.

Dining venues include The Restaurant (fine dining, regional cuisine specialties, classic dishes), The World Cafe (market-style buffet restaurant with open kitchen, live cooking station, bakery, grill stations, seafood bar with premium sushi, international food choices), Mamsen's Deli Restaurant (Deck 5, traditional Scandinavian dishes, Italian cuisine specialties) plus Room Service (24-hour, complimentary). Other venues include The Living Room, The Library Lounge, Auditorium Theater (Conference Room / Cinema), Expedition Central (Photography Studio / Photo Gallery / Coffee Bar), Nordic Spa Badestamp (Hot Tub Room), wellness complex (Hydrotherapy Pool, Spa Lounge, Gym, Saunas, Massage Rooms).

The Hangar is an aft-located indoor marina for launching the smaller-sized RIBs (rigid inflatable boats). The launch platform features a 26 m (85 ft) wide rollers-covered slipway (boat ramp) that allows safe and sheltered embarkation on the RIBs inside the ship.

Viking Expeditions cruise ship (Boat Marina)

The ship's expedition equipment is provided complimentary and to all passengers (regardless of cabin category). It includes Zodiacs (military-type rigid inflatable high-speed boats used for landings and coastal cruising), 2-seater sea-kayaks, two RIB boats (12-seats each), two mini-submarines (6-passenger, with revolving seats, spherical windows / 270-degree), Expedition Kit (cold-weather boots, waterproof pants, snowshoes, trekking poles, skis, binoculars). Each tour boat is fitted with latest Safety Equipment (satellite phone, VHF radio, ropes, life jackets, survival kits).

Exclusively for Viking Expeditions voyages, Viking Cruises partnered with Cambridge University's Scott Polar Research Institute (Polar Museum) that specializes in polar researches and glaciology. Via this exclusive partnership, on every voyage scientists from the Institute undertake on the ship and also share with the cruisers their expertise. Another exclusive partnership was signed with Cornell Lab of Ornithology (unit of Ithaca NY's Cornell University) which specializes in global bird research. Cornell Lab's ornithologists are also always present on the ship to interact with the passengers. Viking Cruises also partnered with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). NOAA scientists are present on all Great Lakes USA voyages to conduct researches (on local weather changes and ecosystems) and present lectures themed on the Great Lakes region.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Viking suspended passenger shipping operations fleetwide (ocean ships and riverboats worldwide) by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 12, 2020, through July 2021. Fleetwide operations were planned to resume on October 1, 2020. However, due to ongoing travel restrictions in Europe and the USA, as well as Canada's and Australia's ban on cruise shipping, Viking canceled the entire 2020 program (river+ocean) in mid-August.

  • VIKING OCEAN restarted operations on May 22, 2021, with Viking Venus (UK from Portsmouth England).
  • VIKING RIVER (European boats) restarted in July 2021 (Rhine-Douro-France rivers), VIKING's Egypt boat (Ra) - in August.
  • In March-April 2021, Viking OCEAN announced plans to restart operations with Viking Venus ("England's Scenic Shores" UK coastal itineraries roundtrip from Liverpool and Portsmouth /since May 22), Viking Orion ("Bermuda Escape" 8-day itinerary roundtrip from homeport Hamilton /since June 15) and Viking Sky ("Iceland's Natural Beauty" 8-day itinerary roundtrip from homeport Reykjavik /since June 26). All these voyages were open for booking to UK residents only. In May were added July-October departures (11-day roundtrips from Valletta Malta ) for the ships Viking Sea and Viking Venus.

All affected bookings received a 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) with rebooking or 100% monetary refund. Fully refunded (100% in FCC) were also all prepurchased through Viking packages and services. The FCC is valid for 24 months (after cancellation), for any Viking cruise itinerary (river-ocean-expedition) and fully transferable.

All bookings made by April 30, 2020, received Risk-Free Guarantee that allows penalty-free cruise cancellation up to 24 hours prior departure.

In January 2022, Viking became the world's first (and only) cruise line to built full-scale PCR laboratories onboard all OCEAN and EXPEDITION ships. All passengers and crew are daily tested onboard and Viking’s medical teams get the results quickly. Each PCR lab contains equipment and chemicals for conducting test analysis. The components are kept in freezers and refrigerators and stored at correct temperatures. Raa Labs (via RaaEdge/digital data processing system) gathers data from Wi-Fi sensors onboard, allowing real-time monitoring.

Itinerary of Viking Cruises

Here you can compare all Viking cruise ships ( RIVER , OCEAN , EXPEDITIONS ) and their itineraries, destinations, and departure dates. CruiseMapper provides you with free-of-charge schedules with listed cheapest ticket prices per person per itinerary.

In 2013, the company launched its new brand "Viking Ocean Cruises". Viking OCEAN's product was introduced in May 2015 with the launch of its first vessel MV Viking Star .

In 2019 the parent company created the brand "Viking Expeditions", with a newbuild fleet of two small-sized expedition vessels - Viking Octantis (2021) and Viking Polaris (2022), plus 2 more (optional) same-designed units.

Year-round European river cruises

In May 2023 Viking announced the inauguration of a year-round river cruising program in Europe by introducing the new 10-day "Treasures of the Rhine" winter itinerary.

The voyage is between Amsterdam Netherlands and Basel-Zurich Switzerland (in both directions) and visits as call ports Amsterdam (overnight), Arnhem , Cologne , Middle Rhine/Lorelei Rock, Heidelberg , Speyer , Kehl-Strasbourg , Breisach , Basel (overnight).

Viking's winter river cruise itinerary is run by the Longships/190-passenger boats Viking Alruna and Viking Tialfi .

The maiden voyage starts on December 23, 2023, with prices from EUR 1835 / GBP 1595 / USD 1970 per person for bookings made by June 30th.

(NEW) Longitudinal World Cruises 2023-2024

In 2023, celebrating the company's 25th anniversary, Viking EXPEDITIONS scheduled the "Longitudinal World Cruise I".

The 65-day itinerary (March 2 through May 5, 2023/ship Viking Octantis) visited 29 ports (9 countries, 3 continents) departing from Buenos Aires Argentina . The voyage visited the Antarctic Peninsula , continued northward around Cape Horn , along South America's coast (Chile, Peru, Ecuador), passed through Panama Canal , then up to Mexico, Florida USA, NYC New York , Canada (Nova Scotia and Quebec) and via St Lawrence River to Ontario and via Detroit MI , ending in Milwaukee WI . Fares started from USD 45000 per person with double occupancy.

On September 12, 2023, departed "Longitudinal World Cruise II" (ship Viking Polaris). The longer/71-day itinerary visited 33 ports (10 countries, 3 continents). The voyage started in the USA ( Duluth MN ) and ended in Argentina (Ushuaia), also visiting Antarctica.

The 70-day "Longitudinal World Cruise III" (ship Viking Polaris) was from Milwaukee WI to Ushuaia.

The 70-/71-day Grand Journeys offered unique travel experiences within a single itinerary, navigating through North America's heartland and engineering marvels like the Welland Canal and Panama Canal , the scenic Chilean Fjords/Patagonia .

Viking's Longitudinal World Cruises included chartered domestic flights in Argentina (between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires).

Addressing the demand for Antarctic voyages, Viking EXPEDITIONS in December 2023 opened bookings for the 2025-2026 season. The program features the 87-day "From the Arctic to Antarctica" itinerary from Nuuk Greenland to Ushuaia. Departing September 2025, this journey enables tourists to traverse the historic waterways of the Canadian Arctic, then follows North and South America's eastern coast, visiting ports in the Caribbean, Peru, the Chilean glaciers, and ending in Antarctica.

VIKING RIVER itineraries

In 2013, Viking had 37 operational riverboats. Till the end of 2014, the fleet grew to 52. All European boats are Longships, with passenger capacity 190. Viking's ships in Russia are with average capacity 200+, while Viking's ships in China accommodate up to 246 guests.

Note: "Longship" is a new patented ship design. "Modified" longships are smaller in size.

Viking River Cruises Longship

Viking river cruise itineraries range from 7 to 23 days. They are operated along the:

  • European rivers Rhine, Main, Danube, Saone, Rhone, Seine, Elbe, and Douro
  • Asian rivers - Ukraine's Dnieper, Russia's Volga, China's Yangtze, Myanmar-Burma's Irrawaddy and Vietnam's Mekong.
  • Some voyages (few in Europe, Egypt, Southeast Asia, and China) are "cruise tours" marked. They include both the river cruising portion and hotel stays.

Viking's schedule 2024 (March thru November) included the new 12-day "Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary" cruisetour (from London England to Paris France ) commemorating the Allies' "Operation Overlord" (Battle of Normandy). The cruisetour begins in London where are visited historic sites like Bletchley Park (an estate that was the principal center for codebreaking during WW2), Churchill War Rooms (museum), Imperial War Museum London, Gunwharf Quays, Southwick House, D-Day Museum.

After 4 days in England, tourists arrive in Paris City to embark a Viking Longship. The roundtrip French itinerary visits Giverny (Claude Monet's farmhouse and gardens), Rouen , as well as Normandy's American Military Cemetery and the World War beaches.

As the unparalleled leader in river travel, boasting a fleet of 80 river ships and commanding over 50% of the market share for North American travelers, Viking continues to set the industry standard. The company's 2026 itineraries in Europe include:

  • Danube Waltz (8 days;  Budapest  to  Passau )
  • Rhine Getaway (8 days;  Amsterdam  to  Basel )
  • Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days;  Paris  roundtrip)
  • Lyon & Provence (8 days;  Lyon  to  Avignon )
  • Portugal's River of Gold (10 days;  Lisbon  to  Porto ).

All itineraries have at least one tour or guided shore excursion per day - all included in the fares.

Viking Mississippi (2022) is a 5-deck riverboat operated in the USA under charter.

  • Aegir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria
  • Alruna longship (Rhine) Germany, France, Switzerland
  • Viking Akun (Volga-Svir-Neva) Russia
  • Alsvin longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
  • Astrild longship-modified (Elbe River) Germany, Czechia
  • Atla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
  • Baldur longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
  • Bestla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland
  • Beyla longship-modified (Elbe River) Germany, Czechia
  • Bragi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland
  • Buri longship (Saone-Rhone) France
  • Delling longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
  • Egil longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Austria, Germany, France, Hungary, Holland, Switzerland
  • Einar longship (Moselle-Rhine-Dutch waterways)
  • Eir longship (Rhine River) Germany, Holland
  • Eistla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
  • Embla longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria
  • Viking Emerald (Yangtze) China
  • Forseti longship (Dordogne-Garonne-Gironde) France
  • Freya longship (Danube) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Gefjon longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Czechia
  • Gullveig longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
  • Heimdal longship (Saone-Rhone) France
  • Helgi (Volga) Russia
  • Helgrim (Douro) Portugal, Spain
  • Hemming (Douro) Portugal, Spain
  • Herja longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
  • Hermod longship (Saone-Rhone) France
  • Hild longship (Rhine) Holland, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland
  • Hlin longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
  • Idi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
  • Idun longship (Danube) Germany, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia
  • Ingvar (Volga) Russia
  • Ingvi longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
  • Jarl longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
  • Kadlin longship (Seine) France
  • Kara longship (Rhine-Main-Danube - Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
  • Kvasir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland
  • Viking Legend (Danube) Austria, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia
  • Lif longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
  • Lofn longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Switzerland, Holland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, France, Slovakia, Czechia
  • Magni longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Belgium
  • Mani longship (Rhine) Holland, Switzerland, Germany, France
  • Viking Mekong (2002) , Viking Saigon (2021) and Viking Tonle (2025) - Mekong River, in Vietnam and Cambodia
  • Mimir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary
  • Modi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, France
  • Njord longship (Danube) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Odin longship (Danube-Main-Rhine-Moselle) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, France, Czechia, Luxembourg
  • Osfrid longship (Douro) Portugal and Spain
  • Viking Prestige (Danube) Austria, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia
  • Rinda longship (Danube) Austria, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria
  • Rolf longship (Seine) France
  • Rurik (Volga) Russia
  • Sigrun longship (Moselle-Rhine-Dutch waterways)
  • Sigyn longship (Rhine and Moselle)
  • Sineus (Dnieper) Ukraine
  • Skadi longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland, Belgium
  • Skirnir longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Belgium and Slovakia
  • Tialfi longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
  • Tir longship (Danube-Rhine-Dutch waterways)
  • Tor longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
  • Torgil (Douro) Portugal, Spain
  • Truvor (Volga) Russia
  • Ullur longship (Danube)
  • Vali longship (Rhine and Danube)
  • Var longship (Rhine) Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
  • Ve longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Vidar longship (Rhine-Main-Danube) Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Vilhjalm longship (Danube)
  • Vili longship (Rhine-Main-Danube)Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
  • (2021-built) longships on Rhine River - Egdir , Gymir
  • (2020-built) longships on Seiner River in France - Fjorgyn , Kari , Radgrid , Skaga
  • (2020-built) longships on Rhine River - Gersemi , Hervor
  • (2020-built) RheinGalaxie Eventschiff (KD Line, charter cruises between homeports Cologne and Dusseldorf)

Note: In 2025 and 2026, Viking's river fleet will be expanded with 10 new Longships, by adding 5 boats per year.

Viking Cruises Egypt & Asia

Viking Ra (2018), Viking Osiris (2022), Viking Aton (2023), Viking Hathor (2024) and Viking Sobek (2025) are the company's owned ships deployed on Lake Nasser/Nile River in Egypt, in addition to MS Antares (an Amarco-owned hotelship) which is chartered by Viking.

Before the newbuild sisterships, Viking Cruises Egypt also chartered the boats MS Steigenberger Omar El Khayam (a Steigenberger-owned hotelship on Lake Nasser) and MS Mayfair (a privately-owned hotelship).

Century Legend and Century Paragon are the Yangtze River cruise ships in China. Both are privately owned and operated by Viking under a charter. These riverboats are also chartered by other major European lines, like AmaWaterways , Avalon , and Uniworld .

In Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos) Viking River Cruises charters riverboats from the Pandaw fleet - including the ships Katha Pandaw (as Viking Mandalay), and Orient Pandaw (as Viking Orient) .

Next is the Viking Yangtze River (China) cruise itinerary map that shows all ports locations (along Yangtze River) as well as the domestic flight connections ( Beijing - Xian - Chongqing and Shanghai - Wuhan ).

Egypt cruisetour packages (optional hotel+land travel)

In 2023-2024, Viking Cruises Egypt introduced pre- and post-cruise packages as optional extensions of the brand's premium Nile River voyages.

The 3-night Pre-Istanbul Package (priced from US$1400 pp) is inclusive of 3 hotel nights in Istanbul (at Westin Istanbul Nisantasi Hotel or similar), 3 meals (breakfasts), 2 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Istanbul Old City Tour, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace), flight from Istanbul to Cairo, as well as all transfers.

The 4-night Pre-Jerusalem Israel Package (priced from US$2400 pp) is inclusive of 4 hotel nights in Orient Jerusalem Hotel (or similar), 8 meals (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner), 3 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Bethlehem Walking Tour, Jerusalem City Tour, Israel Museum Tour), a flight from Tel Aviv to Cairo, as well as all transfers.

The 4-night Pre-British Collections of Ancient Egypt package (priced from US$3700 pp) is inclusive of 2 hotel nights in London (Rosewood Hotel), 2 hotel nights in Oxford (Old Bank Hotel), 6 meals (4 breakfasts, 2 lunches), 4 Privileged Access visits (British Museum, Sir John Soane's Museum, Griffith Institute, Highclere Castle), 3 3 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Petrie Museum, Oxford Walking Tour, Ashmolean Museum), flight from London to Cairo, as well as all transfers.

The 4-night Post-Petra Jordan, Dead Sea and Amman Package (priced from US$2200 pp) is inclusive of 1 flight from Cairo to Amman, 4 nights (1x at Dead Sea, 2x in Petra, 1x in Amman), 8 meals (4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners), 4 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Ancient Town of Madaba; Dead Sea Museum, Petra, Amman, Jerash), as well as all transfers. The home flight (from Amman) costs extra.

Viking Cruises USA

Starting operations in 2022 with 1 ship (out of all 6 planned newbuilds), Viking's USA-based river cruise ships will be 5-deck, with all-balcony staterooms, aft-located infinity pool, bow ramp (for passenger landings).

All the 6 ships will be built and owned by ECO Shipyards (subsidiary of Edison Chouest Offshore) and operated under charter. The 8-day cruisetours include roundtrips from New Orleans , as well as one-ways between New Orleans and Memphis TN , and between St Louis MO and Minneapolis-Saint Paul MN .

Viking Mississippi cruise itineraries visit seven US states (Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota) and the riverport cities Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans, St Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, Hannibal, St Louis, Burlington, Dubuque, Davenport, La Crosse, Red Wing, Minneapolis-St Paul.

On July 2, 2020, Viking opened for booking its 2023 Mississippi River cruises. The first boat ( Viking Mississippi ) was scheduled to debut in August 2022 and sail on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, between homeports Saint Paul Minnesota , and New Orleans Louisiana .

Viking's first USA river voyages were highly anticipated when they were announced in April 2020. The strong demand led the company to open additional 2023 sailings sooner than expected.

Viking's arrival in the USA represented a major commitment to economic and tourism development in numerous communities along the Mississippi River. It was expected that the new voyages would bring 5800+ tourists to the region in 2022 and 17600+ during the first full cruise season in 2023.

2022-2023 Viking Mississippi itineraries included:

  • 15-day "America's Great River" from New Orleans to St. Paul on nearly the entire length of the Mississippi River (multiple sailing dates in June, September, and October 2023) prices start at US$11000 per person, with discounted airfare from US$200 per person.
  • 8-day "America's Heartland" from St Louis MO (Missouri) to St Paul on the Upper Mississippi (multiple sailing dates in August-September 2022; additional sailings now available in July, August, and September 2023) prices start at US$4600 per person, with discounted airfare from US$200 per person.
  • 8-day "Heart of the Delta" from New Orleans to Memphis Tennessee on the Lower Mississippi (multiple sailing dates in October-November 2022; additional sailings now available in May-June 2023) prices start at US$4200 per person, with discounted airfare from US$200 per person.
  • 8-day "Southern Celebration" roundtrip from New Orleans, visiting Vicksburg Mississippi exploring the Lower Mississippi (multiple sailing dates in November-December 2022; additional sailings now available in January 2023) prices start at US$3700 per person, with discounted airfare from US$200 per person.

In April 2021, Viking opened 2024 Mississippi River voyages for sale.

Viking Cruises Egypt

Starting in 2018, Viking River Cruises is the first non-domestic company licensed to operate cruise ships on the Nile River in Egypt . The itineraries are operated by three new riverboats - Viking Ra (March 2018), Viking Osiris (August 2022) and Viking Aton (September 2023). Previously, Viking Egypt operated the Nile River and Lake Nasser itineraries with two chartered ships ( Steigenberger Omar El Khayam and Mayfair ).

Viking River Cruises Egypt ship

The Viking riverboats Ra-Osiris-Aton cruise only on the Nile portion (roundtrip from Luxor ). The sailings are with fly-cruise packages inclusive of two domestic flights ( Cairo -Luxor-Cairo). Viking's Nile River cruisetour is themed "Pharaohs and Pyramids".

The 12-day itinerary incorporates 7-day cruising on Nile River and starts with a 3-night hotel stay in Cairo and tours to iconic attractions like Grand Egyptian Museum, Great Pyramids of Giza, Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Cruise tourists then fly to Luxor to visit Karnak and the Temples of Luxor before boarding the Viking cruise ship for a 7-night Nile cruise to Aswan and back. Tours include a private visit to Nefertari's tomb (Valley of the Queens) and excursions to Khnum Temple (Esna) and the Dendera Temple complex (Qena). A visit to a Nubian village is also included.

VIKING OCEAN itineraries

VIKING OCEAN operates a fleet of newbuilds (identically designed vessels) named Viking Star (2015), Viking Sea (2016), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Orion (2018), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Neptune and Viking Mars (2022), Viking Saturn (2023), Viking Vela (2024), Vesta (2025).

See below the list of main Viking OCEAN itineraries as themes and ports of call:

  • Mediterranean cruises leave from: Turkey (Istanbul), Italy (Venice, Rome /port Civitavecchia), Spain (Barcelona).
  • Northern Europe/Baltic cruises depart from Norway (Bergen) and Sweden (Stockholm).

All voyages include overnight stays in both ports (of departure and final disembarkation). In the UK, Viking OCEAN ships are homeported in London-Greenwich England .

Repositioning cruises are officially themed as:

  • Northbound Atlantic: "VIKING EMPIRE" (Istanbul-Stockholm)
  • Southbound Atlantic: "PASSAGE THROUGH WESTERN EUROPE" (Bergen-Barcelona), "SCANDINAVIA TO SPAIN" (Stockholm-Barcelona)
  • Baltic-UK: "BALTIC JEWELS and THE MIDNIGHT SUN" (Stockholm-London) and "INTO THE MIDNIGHT SUN" (Bergen-London).

Viking Baltic itineraries are operated in the summer, themed as "Viking Homelands" (14 nights in length). Baltic Sea routes offer visits to 8 different countries, with a total of 11 cruisetours (all complimentary, included in the Viking Baltic deals prices). Viking Mediterranean itineraries are themed as:

  • (Barcelona to Rome, 7-nights) "Romantic Mediterranean" (visits 4 countries, includes 8 land tours)
  • (7-nights) "Mediterranean Getaway" (visits 3 countries, includes 6 land tours)
  • (9-nights) "Empires of the Mediterranean" (visits 5 countries, includes 7 land tours)
  • (12-nights) "Mediterranean Odyssey" (visits 6 countries, includes 10 land tours)
  • (14-nights) "Mediterranean Explorer" (visits 5 countries, includes 12 land tours).

In November 2018, Viking announced an 11-day itinerary named "Greek Odyssey". It is expected to allow passengers to explore the Aegean Sea's ancient empires of antiquity during the quiet season. Voyages aboard the Viking Sea are roundtrips from Piraeus-Athens and begin January 2021. The itinerary includes 3 new ports of call for the cruise line: Nafplio , Volos and Thessaloniki in Greece, as well as a visit to Ephesus marking Viking's return to Turkey.

Highlights of the Greek Odyssey itinerary include:

  • Volos, Greece is a cosmopolitan port city, and the region was once considered the playground of the gods. Passengers can experience the exciting scenery of Meteora, with its medieval monasteries, or explore the religious center of Dion, situated on the foothills of Mt Olympus.
  • Thessaloniki, Greece is the 2nd-largest city in the country and offers a mix of modern life and ancient culture. While in port, passengers can walk the waterfront promenade with its many restaurants and cafes, or head outside the port city to the remains of the Macedonian kingdom of Alexander the Great.
  • Nafpilo, Greece is set between the Bay of Argos and breathtaking mountains. Travelers can explore its Byzantine churches and Venetian homes, take a drive to the imposing fortress towering over the city, Palamidi, or travel to the Peloponnese peninsula.
  • Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey is among the world's best-preserved cities of antiquity. Passengers can visit the remains of Byzantine Basilica of St John, enjoy sights like the massive Great Theater and Library of Celsus, and see the modest home where the mother of Jesus, Mary, lived out her final days.
  • Scenic cruising: Mt Athos: On sea days, passengers will sail past Mt Athos, the "Holy Mountain" (UNESCO Site, the spiritual capital of Orthodox Christianity). The soaring peaks of the peninsula are home to twenty monasteries where monks work to preserve a vast collection of liturgical works and art.

The cruise fare includes balcony cabins for all passengers, complimentary shore excursions in all ports, all onboard meals, complimentary wifi, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, access to spa's Thermal Suite, and 24-hour room service.

Viking's 7th ocean ship ( Viking Venus ) joined the fleet in 2021, with an inaugural season in Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Itineraries include "In Search of the Northern Lights", "Into the Midnight Sun", "British Isles Explorer" and "Viking Homelands". Viking is also expanding its Mediterranean program by adding 5 new itineraries visiting Istanbul. The new 8-day "Ancient Mediterranean Treasures" itinerary (between Athens and Istanbul ) features overnights in both cities.

Travelers looking for an extended experience in the region are able to choose longer versions of the itinerary, such as:

  • 15-day Ancient Adriatic Treasures, sailing between Venice and Istanbul
  • 15-day Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities, sailing between Rome and Istanbul
  • 22-day Iconic Mediterranean Treasures, sailing between Barcelona and Istanbul, or
  • 29-day Mediterranean's Iconic Shores, also sailing between Barcelona and Istanbul and including visits to Croatia and Montenegro.

In September 2020, Viking introduced a new (2023 itinerary) - the 29-day "Baltic Jewels And The Midnight Sun" from London UK to Stockholm Sweden via Norway, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden. Viking Venus is scheduled to depart on July 22, 2023, and visit 10 countries (with 19 guided shore excursions included in the fares).

In August 2020, Viking Cruises opened for sale two new Panama Canal itineraries - 18-day "Panama Canal and Coastal Holiday" (departing December 24, 2021) and 11-day "Classic Panama Canal Passage" (departing November 6 and 16, 2021, and visiting Key West , Cozumel , Belize City , Roatan , San Jose , Colon ). In addition, Viking announced 3 new departures (in October, November and December 2021) of the 15-day "Panama Canal and Central America" itinerary roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) . Viking's Panama Canal cruises are on Viking Star .

In May 2023, Viking EXPEDITIONS revealed 3 new Arctic voyages for the summer. Starting in July 2025, these new itineraries, ranging from 13 to 27 days, offer explorations of Canada and Greenland in the polar north, with two of the three voyages visiting the Canadian High Arctic.

The first itinerary, "Into the Northwest Passage ," is a 13-day roundtrip voyage from Nuuk, Greenland . It takes guests to remarkable destinations such as the pristine waters of the Ilulissat Icefjord and the eastern entrance of the renowned Northwest Passage in Pond Inlet, Canada. Travelers can immerse themselves in Inuit traditions, witness stunning natural beauty, and partake in activities like kayaking or Zodiac landings. This voyage offers a chance to discover undiscovered territories under the midnight sun, with sailing dates available from July through September 2025.

The second itinerary, "Canada & Greenland Explorer," spans 15 days and operates between Toronto, Ontario, and Nuuk. Travelers on this awe-inspiring journey explore the rugged shores of Canada and Greenland, surrounded by drifting icebergs and dramatic landscapes. They have the opportunity to learn about Inuit traditions in remote communities and experience the stark beauty of the Arctic. Sailing dates for this itinerary are available in July and September 2025.

For those seeking a more comprehensive exploration, Viking offers the 27-day "Canada & the Northwest Passage" voyage. This itinerary sails between Nuuk and Toronto, Ontario , showcasing the majesty of floating icebergs, rugged lands, and deep-blue fjords rich in marine life. Guests gain insights into Inuit communities and their enduring traditions, while enjoying the endless daylight of the midnight sun. Sailing dates for this voyage are also available in July and September 2025.

ex-Malta cruises 2021

Following the COVID crisis, in May 2021 VIKING OCEAN scheduled for three ships ( Sea , Venus , Star ) a mini-season (July-October departures) based on 11-day roundtrips (3 itineraries) from homeport Valletta Malta .

  • The "Malta and Adriatic Jewels" itinerary started with an overnight in Valletta and visited ports in Montenegro ( Kotor ) and Croatia ( Dubrovnik , Split , Zadar , Sibenik ), plus Gozo Island Malta (Mgarr Harbour) .
  • The "Malta and Greek Isles Discovery" itinerary also started with an overnight in Valletta and visited ports in Greece ( Kalamata , Piraeus-Athens , Santorini , Rhodes , Crete/Souda ).
  • The "Malta and the Western Mediterranean" itinerary started with Valletta overnight and visited ports in Sicily ( Messina ), mainland Italy ( Naples , Civitavecchia-Rome , Livorno , Genoa ), and Spain ( Barcelona ).

Later was added the 21-day "Malta, the Adriatic and Greece". The B2B itinerary started with Valletta overnight and visited Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Sibenik, Mgarr Malta, Valletta (overnight), Kalamata, Piraeus-Athens (overnight), Santorini, Rhodes, Souda Crete.

For the ex-Malta season, Viking partnered with Lufthansa (Deutsche Lufthansa AG - Germany's largest airline) to offer non-stop Transatlantic flights between New Jersey USA (Newark Liberty Airport) and Malta Airport, exclusively for Viking OCEAN customers.

Viking World Cruise 2021-2022 (Viking Star)

In mid-July 2020, Viking Ocean announced the company's "Viking World Cruise 2021-2022" planned for MS Viking Star . The 136-day itinerary visits 56 ports in 27 countries, with 11 port city overnights and 3x new for Viking cruise ports ( Phillip Island Victoria Australia , Eden NSW Australia , Yangon Burma ).

The voyage starts from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA) on December 24, 2021, and ends in London City England . Signature destinations include Central America, Panama Canal transit , USA West Coast, Hawaii, Transpacific crossing to New Zealand and Australia, Asia, Middle East, Suez Canal transit to Europe (Mediterranean) and the UK.

Shorter itinerary segments are also available for booking, including the 119-day "Viking World Horizons 2022" (Los Angeles to London, departure January 10, 2022) that visits 49 ports in 22 countries.

Both packages are priced from USD 50000 (EUR 43100 / ~GBP 39300) per person (double occupancy outside cabin rates). Bookings made by September 30, 2020, receive USD 2000 pp in "shore excursion credit" plus USD 1000 pp in OBC (onboard credit).

Viking World Cruises 2022-2023-2024 (Viking Neptune, Viking Sky)

Viking Neptune itinerary program was announced by VIKING OCEAN in late-December 2020. The new ship was scheduled to start operations with a World Cruise 2022-2023 . The 138-day itinerary visited ports in 28 countries (total 58 ports) with overnights in 11 port cities.

Departing on December 22, 2022, from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale Florida) , Viking World Voyage 2022 visits ports in Central America, follows Panama Canal transit and sailing up North America's West Coast. A 121-day segment (Viking World Journeys) allows travelers to join the cruise ship in Los Angeles CA , from where the itinerary continues to Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East, Europe (Mediterranean and Atlantic Coastal) ending in London-Greenwich, England UK .

Viking Neptune's World Cruise itinerary offers overnights (also double overnights) in 11 ports, including Auckland New Zealand , Sydney NSW Australia , Benoa Bali Indonesia , Saigon Vietnam , Singapore , Yangon Burma , Colombo Sri Lanka , Mumbai India , Haifa Israel , Istanbul Turkey and London-Greenwich (before the debarkation). Note: For the itinerary's all call ports see at the ship's Wiki section here .

Curiously, in August 2021, Viking OCEAN announced a "double world cruise 2023-2024" with two ships (Neptune and Sky) sailing on an identical itinerary from Florida to the UK. While Viking Neptune departs on December 23 (2023), Viking Sky departs earlier (on December 20, 2023), sailing in parallel with Neptune.

  • Departing from Fort Lauderdale and ending in London-Greenwich, "Viking World Voyage 2023-2024" prices started from USD 60,000 (EUR 51015) on Viking Sky/Dec 20, and from USD 55,000 (EUR 46760) on Viking Neptune/Dec 23.
  • An Early Booking promo (for bookings made for September 30, 2021) offered USD 2000 pp (shore excursions credit), USD 1000 pp (OBC-onboard credit) plus USD 1000 pp OBC (for Viking Explorer Society/loyalty program members).

Viking's World Cruise record (2019-2020, Viking Sun)

On August 31, 2019, Viking Sun started the 245-day "Viking World Voyage 2019" spanning 6 continents and visiting 51 countries via 111 call ports (including 21 port overnights). The London City (Port Greenwich) roundtrip itinerary was officially listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's "longest continuous passenger cruise".

VIKING OCEAN's 8-month long westbound voyage (officially named "Ultimate World Cruise") included a Transatlantic crossing (RepositionCruises.com) and passing through Suez Canal .

"Viking World Cruise 2019" prices started from USD 90,000 per person (with double occupancy).

VIKING EXPEDITIONS itineraries

The inaugural cruise itineraries of both expedition vessels are 13-day polar voyages - one in Antarctica , the other in the European Arctic. Viking's Arctic cruises (to Svalbard Islands and Arctic Russia) are roundtrips from homeport Tromso Norway and priced from USD 14,000 per person (double-occupancy balcony cabin). Viking's Antarctic roundtrips are from homeport Ushuaia Argentina , with prices starting from USD 15,000 pp (fly-cruise packages from Buenos Aires with included overnight hotel stay prior departure and return flights to Europe-USA-Canada-Australia).

Next are listed all Viking Expeditions cruise itineraries by length and theme.

  • 44-day "From the Arctic to Antarctica" (from Tromso to Ushuaia)
  • 19-day "Antarctic and South America Discovery" (from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro)
  • 18-day "South America and Antarctic Discovery" (from Rio de Janeiro to Ushuaia)
  • 15-day and 13-day "Antarctic Adventure" (from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)
  • 15-day "Atlantic and Equator Sojourn" (from Cork to Rio de Janeiro)
  • 13-day "Arctic Adventure" (roundtrip from Tromso Norway)
  • 13-day "Viking's Northern Isles" (from Tromso to Cork)
  • 13-day "Canadian Discovery"(from NYC New York City to Toronto)
  • 10-day "Caribbean Connections" (from Bridgetown to NYC New York)
  • 8-day "Niagara and the Great Lakes" (from Toronto to Milwaukee)
  • 8-day "Undiscovered Great Lakes" (from Thunder Bay to Milwaukee)
  • 8-day "Great Lakes Explorer" (from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay)
  • 15-day "Great Lakes Collection" (from Toronto to Duluth, and the reverse)

Viking's Great Lakes cruises visit ports and destinations in Canada's Ontario state ( Thunder Bay , Toronto , Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, Point Pelee NP) and the USA's Minnesota-Michigan-Wisconsin states ( Detroit MI , Alpena MI , Mackinac Island MI in Lake Huron , Apostle Islands WI, Houghton MI on Lake Superior , Traverse City MI , Milwaukee WI on Lake Michigan , Duluth MN ) and feature passing through Soo Locks at Sault Ste Marie (Lake Superior - Lake Huron transition).

Viking's Canada cruises visit NYC New York , Halifax NS , Gulf of St Lawrence (scenic cruising, Cape Breton National Park), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) , Magdalen Islands Quebec (scenic cruising), Cap-aux-Meules (Quebec), Sept-Iles Quebec , Saguenay Quebec (zodiac cruising through Saguenay Fjord), Quebec City , Trois-Rivieres Quebec , Montreal Quebec , Seaway Locks (transit to Lake Ontario), Toronto Ontario .

Viking's Antarctic cruises are inclusive of 2 domestic charter flights (between Buenos Aires - Ushuaia ) and an overnight hotel (in Buenos Aires / pre-cruise). Signature destinations include Beagle Channel (Glacier Alley) and Drake Passage , Cape Horn , Half Moon Island , Deception Island (Whalers Bay) , Brown Bluff , Wiencke Island (Damoy Point) , Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island , Cuverville Island , Neko Harbor ( Antarctic Peninsula ),

Viking's Arctic cruises visit Tromso Norway , Svalbard Islands Norway , Polar Ice Cap (scenic cruising), Spitsbergen Island (Barentsburg, Smeerenburg, Barentsburg, Alicehamna/Alice Harbour, Hornsund, Nordfjorden, Liefdefjorden), Bjornoya (Bear Island) , Barents Sea (cruising).

Viking EXPEDITIONS summer 2023 season includes a new 2-week itinerary in the Great Lakes along with additional offers in North & South America. Debuting in June 2023, the 15-day Great Lakes Collection itinerary is due to sail between Toronto (Ontario Canada) - Duluth MN (Minnesota USA) , providing passengers with a complete view of the region and call ports in all 5 Great Lakes. Due to strong demand, Viking Cruises has also announced 2023 dates for 4 existing Great Lakes expeditions: the 8-day Great Lakes Explorer, Undiscovered Great Lakes, Niagara & the Great Lakes itineraries, as well as the 13-day Canadian Discovery.

3 additional expedition cruises in North & South America are also due to debut in summer 2023. The new, 16-day Canada & the Atlantic Coastline itinerary will expand offerings along the St. Lawrence River and Atlantic coastline, featuring destinations including Quebec City , Charleston SC , Norfolk VA , Trois-Rivieres (Quebec) , and more. Vacationers can discover the beauty of Patagonia while sailing out of Santiago (Valparaiso, Chile) to Ushuaia (Argentina) on the new 2-week Patagonian Shores & Chilean Fjords itinerary, while passengers looking to explore destinations in North, Central & South America, can choose the new 18-day Panama & Scenic South America itinerary.

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Viking Ocean Cruises, In Search of the Northern Lights, February 17, 2024

Viking Ocean Cruises Norwegian Fjords 12-day route

Cruising from: Bergen, Norway ;

Departure Date: 17 February, 2024 ;

Cruise Line: Viking Ocean Cruises ;

Cruise Ship: Viking Venus ;

Duration: 12-day cruise ;

Ports of Call: Bergen, Bergen, Alta, Alta, Tromso, Tromso, Narvik, Amsterdam, London Tilbury ;

12-day cruise to Bergen, Bergen, Alta, Alta, Tromso, Tromso, Narvik, Amsterdam, London Tilbury on board Viking Venus.

Day 0 bergen, norway.

Bergen, situated between the longest fjord Sognefjord and the beautiful Hardangerfjord is a popular cruise destination and the leading cruise port in Norway. This stunning destination is home to some of the country's top museums and galleries, so it's a fantastic place to learn more about the colourful characters that helped shape Norway's history and culture.

Day 1 Bergen, Norway

Day 2 at sea, at sea.

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 3 At Sea, At Sea

Day 4 alta, norway.

Alta is largest town in Norway's Finnmark offers winter adventures, northern lights, midnight sun, mountains, Sami culture, reindeer and World heritage rock carvings. The biggest attraction in town is a collection of Unesco protected rock carvings, dating from around 4200 to 500 BC. Sorrisniva has a 2,500m2 igloo hotel, located just outside the Northern Lights city of Alta, where you will be ideally positioned for seeing the Northern Lights.

Day 5 Alta, Norway

Day 6 tromso, norway.

Tromso, a city in Norway, is a major cultural hub 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. It's famed as a viewing point for colorful Northern Lights, with a season that last from September throughout March. The city's historic center, on the island of Tromso, is distinguished by its centuries-old wooden houses. Here you find art, history, sophistication, good food and an infamous nightlife in a bustling, tiny city.

Day 7 Tromso, Norway

Day 8 narvik, norway.

Narvik or Ahkanjarga is the third-largest town and municipality in Nordland county, Norway by population, located on the shores of the Ofotfjorden. Narvik is surrounded by majestic mountains, and is perfect for both mountaineering and skiing. There is also a cable car to Fagernesfjellet, with a stunning view and the possibility to walk even higher up in the mountains.

Day 9 At Sea, At Sea

Day 10 at sea, at sea, day 11 amsterdam, netherlands.

Amsterdam is a popular tourist destination for both new and returning visitors all year. Many cruise ships arriving in the Dutch capital berth at the unique premises of Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA). There is a fairytale quality to the tree-lined canal streets of Amsterdam. Boutiques, cafes, apartments, and hotels may hide behind the facades of the gabled townhouses, but the look of this beautiful old city has not changed much since its 17th-century Golden Age.

Day 12 London Tilbury, England

The London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury is located on the River Thames at Tilbury in Essex, England just 25 miles east of London. Tilbury has become increasingly popular as a turnaround port for Baltic and Northern European destinations but it is also perfectly placed for transit calls to visit England's capital city, Kent and the south east.

Sail with Viking Ocean Cruises from Bergen to Norwegian Fjords on board Viking Venus cruise ship. Discover the best of Norway, Netherlands, England on this Norwegian Fjords cruise and discover amazing Bergen, Bergen, Alta, Alta, Tromso, Tromso, Narvik, Amsterdam, London Tilbury. Viking Venus leaving Bergen, Norway for 12 days from February 17, 2024.

Norwegian Fjords cruise February 2024

Norwegian Fjords cruise from Bergen February 2024

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Viking Ocean Cruises website.

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Viking is perhaps the biggest and most recognized name in river cruising, so the company decided to take their sterling reputation and apply it to ocean cruising – thus, Viking Oceans was born. The fleet is comprised of medium sized ships, where every stateroom is a suite. But, like their river ships, the focus of Viking Oceans is on the destinations. They look to immerse their passengers in the culture of each region and port. Continue below to view our best Viking Oceans cruise deals.

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What’s New For Viking in 2024 and Beyond

John Shallo

Viking offers guests exciting new itineraries and ships slated for 2024 and beyond. Viking has something to provide you with no matter what vacation experience you may be interested in, from enchanting river cruises to ocean cruises and even expedition voyages. Viking continues to satisfy new and past guests alike with its award-winning product.

What’s New For Viking in 2024

Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated at the top of its categories for oceans, rivers, and expeditions by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors from both publications.

Viking Mars Naming

Viking’s Chairman Torstein Hagen’s clear vision of offering guests a no-nonsense product at a great value continues to find a loyal following. Hagen says this continued growth is about the “Viking Difference.”

Viking Vela

Feeling adventurous ? You can take an expedition voyage on the new 87-day itinerary from the Arctic to Antarctica. Don’t forget you can also take a cruise closer to home aboard Viking’s first river vessel based in the United States, the Viking Mississippi , for cruises on the Mississippi River. Here is a complete list of exciting details:

River Voyages  

What's New For Viking in 2024 - Viking Mississippi

New Itineraries:  

  • Viking launched a special 12-day voyage to commemorate the 80 th  anniversary of Operation Overlord and the historic battles of Normandy with the new  Paris & D-Day 80 th  Anniversary  voyage from London to Paris with departure dates running from March through November 2024. Due to strong demand, Viking will also offer the  London, Paris & D-Day  itinerary starting in 2025.  
  • With increased interest in extended voyages, Viking added a new 15-day river voyage,  Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland , that combines a sailing on the Rhine River with one in Southern France beginning March 2024. 

New Ships:  

Viking Tonle Rendering Exterior

  • Viking recently announced an expansion of its river fleet in Southeast Asia with the new  Viking Tonle .  Designed for the Mekong River, the 80-guest vessel will join its identical sister ship, the Viking Saigon (debuted in 2022), and will sail between Kampong Cham, Cambodia, and Mỹ Tho, Vietnam, as part of Viking’s popular 15-day Magnificent Mekong itinerary. The ship is under construction and is scheduled to debut in October 2025. More details are available in the press release  here . 
  • With solid demand on the Nile River, Viking will add two sister ships, the Viking Hathor and the Viking Sobek, delivered in 2024 and 2025, respectively. By 2025, Viking will have six ships on the Nile, offering the largest and most elegant fleet.  
  • In 2025, Viking will also welcome a new  Viking Longship on the Seine River . This identical sister ship will join our current fleet of four Viking Longships sailing the river , docking in our exclusive location in the heart of Paris, near the Eiffel Tower, offering an exceptional experience for travelers and coinciding with the Paris Summer Olympics in 2024. 

Ocean Voyages  

What's New For Viking in 2024 and Beyond | 4

New Itineraries:  

  • Beginning in 2024, Viking will introduce the  Iconic Iceland, Greenland & Canada  itinerary. This 15-day voyage will immerse guests in striking natural beauty and volcanic landscapes while delving into the rich history of Viking exploration , allowing for leisurely strolls through the charming streets in ports of call.  
  • The  Malta, Morocco & the Mediterranean  itinerary will make its inaugural voyage in late 2024. The roundtrip journey from Barcelona spans seven countries in 16 days, featuring visits to UNESCO-designated sites, North African cities, the Alhambra palace, and other scenic wonders.  
  • Viking is set to unveil the  Viking World Voyage I  in 2025. The colossal 180-day adventure traverses the globe, encompassing 37 countries on an unforgettable voyage across six continents.  
  • Setting sail in 2025, Viking will embark on a new adventure with the  Grand Australia Circumnavigation  itinerary. The 32-day sailing takes guests on a voyage around Australia, offering the chance to uncover a harmonious blend of iconic natural wonders, lesser-known cultural gems, and captivating histories in cities such as Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne. The itinerary includes an exploration of Indonesian treasures Komodo and Bali.  

New Ships: 

What's New For Viking in 2024 and Beyond | 4

  • In late 2024, Viking will welcome a new sister ship to the Ocean fleet, the  Viking Vela . 

Expedition Voyages  

Viking Octantis

Longitudinal World Cruises 

  • In 2023, Viking launched the new intercontinental  Longitudinal World Cruise  collection , with expedition ships sailing between Antarctica and the Great Lakes. On these epic voyages, guests will achieve more travel milestones in a single journey than most people accomplish in a lifetime – from the heart of North America through engineering marvels like the Welland and Panama Canals into the Chilean fjords, and finally to Antarctica. Upcoming new 2024/2025 itineraries:  Longitudinal World Cruise IV  and  Longitudinal World Cruise V.  

Antarctica and the Arctic 

Viking Expeditions

  • Viking announced three new summer season expedition voyages in the Arctic set to debut in July 2025. The new itineraries range from 13 to 27 days and explore the polar north in Canada and Greenland. More specific itinerary information is available online:  Into the Northwest Passage ,  Canada & Greenland Explorer , and  Canada & the Northwest Passage . 
  • More recently, Viking announced another wave of new itineraries in Antarctica for the 2025 season. The new 87-day  From the Arctic to Antarctica  itinerary will expand offerings to the “White Continent,” sailing from Nuuk, Greenland to Ushuaia, Argentina. 

Booking Details

Viking River Cruises Longship Aquavit Terrace

From now through December 31, 2023, Viking is offering North American travelers the Holiday Sale, with up to FREE international airfare , special fares and a $25 deposit on all 2026 European river voyages—as well as other river, ocean and expedition voyages.

Call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel advisor for details. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit  https://www.viking.com/ . Be sure to watch Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit  https://www.viking.tv/ .

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  • Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen

John Shallo

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All aboard! 10 bucket-list cruise vacations to take this year

Chelle Koster Walton

February 29, 2024 // By Chelle Koster Walton

By Chelle Koster Walton Naples Local Expert February 29, 2024

Regent Seven Seas' latest Grandeur ship is full of luxurious amenities

Versace tableware in a restaurant that feels like an electrified topsy-turvy forest. A blingy atrium chandelier inspired by a tennis bracelet. Hand-blown glass cherry blossoms and wallflowers designed by Coco Chanel. And a custom-designed Fabergé egg in a nest of pearls on a seven-seas-motif pedestal. The beauty of Regent Seven Seas' Grandeur cruise ship lies in its details.

The luxury cruise line is already known for its high-end amenities, exquisite beauty, and ports of call. There's so much to discover on Grandeur, from the mesmerizing fish-bowl fantasy of the Observation Lounge to restaurants ranging from pan-Asian to French and classic steakhouse. Take a cooking class with chef John Stephano in the Culinary Arts Kitchen one day, and end the night with glam stage productions to inspire the sweetest dreams.

This all comes on a cruise ship where fewer than 750 passengers occupy 372 balcony suites, and 548 crew members are aboard to indulge every whim.

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The Grandeur is just one cruise ship that excels and elevates the cruising experience, as luxury lines continue to outdo each other with over-the-top vessels, services, and itineraries.

Here, in no particular order (impossible to rank such varied offerings), are 10 bucket-list cruise vacations not to miss this year.

Regent Seven Seas' Grandeur: Spotlight on Fabergé

The first Fabergé egg at sea is part of the Grandeur's art collection

My fascination with Fabergé and Grandeur’s first-ever Egg Objet in residence puts this 10-night, all-inclusive European cruise on my bucket radar. Departing from Rome’s Civitavecchia port on July 1, it hits such ports as Valletta, Malta; Ibiza, Spain; and Marseille, France.

It includes pre-cruise experiences, excursions, private tours, and onboard discussions tied to Fabergé. Onboard, the attraction is the ship’s godmother, Sarah Fabergé, great-granddaughter of legendary artist-jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, and the first-ever Fabergé egg nested permanently on a cruise ship, dubbed “Journey in Jewels.”

Royal Caribbean International's Icon of the Seas: Eastern Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas rules in the size department

When size matters, here’s a cruise ship so big, it has neighborhoods — eight of them, to be exact. Although, at 1,198 feet long, Royal Caribbean International's Icon of the Seas isn’t just about size. One of 2024's newest cruise ships , it's now in the spotlight, thanks to the high-profile launch with international soccer star Lionel Messi.

To thrill every type of vacationer with theme park largesse, the more than 40 restaurants and entertainment options are unequaled. This Eastern Caribbean cruise departs from Miami with stops in St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Royal Caribbean International’s private Bahama island, CocoCay.

French Country Waterways' Nenuphar: Canals of Champagne

Nenuphar plies the waterways of Champagne for bubbly and top cuisine

The ultimate in exclusive cruising, French Country Waterways' Nenuphar transports 12 guests on a gustatory voyage through the waterways of France’s most celebrated wine region. Regal staterooms with antique provincial furnishings and innovative cuisine make the onboard experience enough to celebrate. Imagine exploring grand cathedrals and gardens, touring and tasting at prestigious wine cellars, and a special Michelin-rated dinner with wine pairings.

Guests also can enjoy independent walking and bicycling excursions along the canals and into charming villages. The inclusive cruise builds in a fully stocked open bar and wines, many from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards.

Star Clippers' Royal Clipper: Barbados to Lisbon Ocean Crossing

The Royal Clipper is the largest in the Star Clippers fleet

For those enamored by square-rigged sailing ships, a 16-day ocean crossing aboard Star Clippers' Royal Clipper , a Guinness World Record-setting ship for size, is the ultimate. She boasts 42 majestic sails, plus modern amenities to balance with old-world elegance.

There's plenty to fill your days at sea, including water sports, a spa and health club with underwater portholes, social lounges, 19,000 square feet of open deck, and mast-climbing to crow’s nests 75 feet above the water. The one port of call between Barbados and Lisbon allows the opportunity to explore the Azores on the gorgeous and historic Portuguese island of San Miguel.

Scenic Eclipse II: Discover the Kimberley Coastline (Australia)

The Scenic Eclipse II has veranda suites and lots of dining options

Aboard the Scenic Eclipse II , an 11-day itinerary titled, "An Ancient Wilderness Wonderland," travels along the rugged Australian coast from Darwin to Broome. Discover waterfalls, rookery islands, reefs, and nature reserves on inflatable boat excursions, or luxuriate aboard the cruise ship that's outfitted for exploration and pampering.

With a one-to-one crew ratio, you'll want for nothing. As one of the best boutique cruise lines , the 228-passenger ship features veranda suites and 10 dining experiences. On the intellectual side, expect deep-dive lectures and educational programs from a team led by award-winning wilderness expert Mike Cusack.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Ilma: Maiden Voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome

Ilma's pool deck fits the Ritz-Carlton brand to a tee

The second luxury superyacht for the new Ritz-Carlton brand, which debuts September 2, offers a Mediterranean cruise that takes in medieval hilltop towns along the Livorno countryside, Florence, the French Riviera, and the sophisticated ports of Corsica and Porto Cervo. It sails into the Roman port Civitavecchia eight days later.

With fewer than 450 passengers aboard and a near one-to-one crew ratio, Ilma , like its predecessor Evrima (the first-ever hotel-company cruise ship), is all about personal, exclusive service. Suites with private terraces, a nice mix of fine restaurants and bars, a signature brand spa, plus an onboard marina bring its level of amenities to the Ritz standard.

Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Explorer: Antarctica Direct

Kayaking excursions get Explorer guests up-close to Antarctica wildlife

Those looking for high arctic adventure and enrichment with the most luxury and least travel time possible will find it aboard Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Explorer , which skips the slow crossing through the Drake Passage with a quick flight.

Built for polar exploration and recently refurbished to bolster its luxe adventure mission, Explorer maximizes its observation experience with high perches and a welcoming bridge. You become part of the scenery with wildlife explorations on kayaking and inflatable excursions, from onboard observation vantages, and even from staterooms outfitted with “Command Center” tools.

The eight-day itinerary begins in Puerto Natales, Chile, with a two-hour flight to King George Island to board the Explorer. Whales, penguins, elephant seals, icebergs, and glaciers headline the breathtaking views, all of which are interpreted by expert team members. Three departure dates are available during the Explorer 2024 season: Nov. 26, Dec. 1, and Dec. 15.

Silversea's Silver Nova: Panama City to Lima

Silversea's on-board S.A.L.T. lab is a foodie paradise

Food and fine dining have always beat at the heart of the cruising experience, but Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) concept takes culinary cruising to the next level. Developed by a James Beard award-winning editor, the program immerses guests into rare on-shore and on-board foodie fantasies.

On this seven-day cruise aboard the all-suites, 728-passenger Silver Nova , shore excursions visit a cacao hacienda in Ecuador and include a gala with Peruvian dinner in a colonial Lima mansion.

UnCruise's Family Wilderness Adventurer: Juneau to Juneau

Families can take the polar plunge in Glacier Bay

In an informal poll among fellow travel writers about the best Alaskan cruises , UnCruise was a clear winner. They cited its small-boat ability to go where no others have gone before them (apologies to “Star Trek”) and the fact that guests have the option to take daily off-boat excursions, from hiking to kayaking.

In the past, UnCruise excursions into Glacier Bay were age-limited. New in 2024, the cruise line offers a family-friendly itinerary. Specially tailored family activities fill the eight days in renowned Glacier Bay National Park aboard the 60-guest Adventurer . Six Family Explorer cruises are on the docket starting in June.

Viking Sky: World Voyager I

The Explorers' Lounge of the Viking Ocean Ship

Move over, Magellan and Phineas Fogg. They're not the only ones who can go around the world. You can too!

Board Viking Sky to circumnavigate the globe — the ultimate cruise. A Dec. 19 departure from Fort Lauderdale ends up in New York City three months later. In between, you’ll visit 37 countries with the possibility of 83 guided, culturally immersive tours, from Panama and Los Angeles to Tahiti, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Turkey.

Although more commonly aligned with river cruises , Viking boasts ocean liners with the same small-ship (930 guests max) nimbleness and sleek, Scandinavian design. Viking Sky’s staterooms garner praise for their private verandas and understated elegance.

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About Chelle Koster Walton

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America’s Great River Map

Map of America's Great River itinerary

Span the length of the Mississippi

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History and culture unfold as you traverse the Mississippi on this enriching voyage. Enjoy relaxing scenic sailing and unparalleled bird-watching as the landscape changes between the bluffs of the North and the bayous of the South. Learn about the American civil rights movement and the Civil War. Along the way, tap your feet to the rhythm of American folk, soul and jazz music—and taste a delicious array of regional cuisine.

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

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One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

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Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

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River-view stateroom

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Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

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40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

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*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

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The 11 Best Cruise Lines for Adults

By Janice Wald Henderson

These Are the Best Cruise Lines for Adults in 2024

The world's best cruise lines for adults have one major perk in common: the child-free utopia passengers are afforded while sailing. Daydreaming on deck , leisurely romantic dinners, dancing into the wee hours, popping champagne, and even getting tatted—such unabashed joys have everything to do with being grownup and nothing to do with kids.

The best adult cruises allow passengers to pursue relaxation, rejuvenation, and indulgence, undisturbed by tantrum-minded toddlers and other children potentially ruining your me-time groove. For when it's time to sail away from the stresses of life on land, we've pulled together the very best cruise lines for adults, plus their most exciting itineraries available for booking in 2024 and early 2025.

Note that while some of these lines are strictly adults-only, others are adults-oriented, meaning that they may have some well-behaved older children on board during school holidays but otherwise, rarely do. Most are small ship experiences with geared-to-grownup itineraries spanning the globe and leaning into all-inclusiveness and luxury—all the better to admire when it’s all about you.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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Formerly Crystal Cruises, the adults-driven luxury line was purchased by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, then dramatically remodeled and reborn as Crystal. Its legions of fiercely loyal fans are largely back, as are many familiar crew who pamper passengers incessantly. Its two gorgeous ships, 740-passenger Crystal Serenity and 606-passenger Crystal Symphony , fairly ooze sophistication and style. Crystal renewed its partnership with Nobu Matsuhisa; the line's award-winning onboard restaurant Umi Uma presents the globally renowned chef’s only plates at-sea. These ships voyage most of the world, with inclusions like nearly all dining, alcohol, 24-hour room service, gratuities, butler service, and WiFi.

The sailing to take this year: Crystal Serenity offers a 12-day Cape Town to Tema, Ghana , visiting Namibia , Angola, and São Tomé, a dual-island nation dubbed Africa’s Galápagos. Incredible outings include climbing Walvis Bay’s colossal sand dunes and exploring São Tomé’s pristine forests with nearly 200 endemic species. Departs May 5, 2024, from $6,900 per person .

Cruise Ship Ponant's Le Laperouse

This adults-oriented luxury French line of small sleek ships include its six newest 184-passenger “Ponant Explorer” vessels, four 264-passenger expedition sister ships, and 32-passenger yacht Le Ponant . While many cruises are bilingual, sails in partnership with the prestigious Smithsonian Journeys are English-only. Count on some 44 such itineraries including onboard talks given by world-class experts, one excursion in each port, and other fare-included perks such as dining, alcohol, WiFi, and gratuities. So many Smithsonian Journeys compel, such as a nine-day Celtic Voyage, eight-day Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea, and a nine-day Circumnavigation of Sicily.

The sailing to take this year: Hats-off to Le Champlain’s immersive Sicily voyage sailing roundtrip Valletta, Malta . Besides noted ports, this sail includes visits to Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Maltese isle of Gozo; and another UNESCO stunner, Lipari in the Aeolian Islands. The line's 2025 departures add Tunis as a further temptation. Departs April 14, 2024, June 2, 2025, and August 29, 2025, from $8,580 per person .

Seabourn an ultraluxury adultsoriented line recently introduced twin polarclass expedition ships 264passenger Seabourn...

Seabourn, an ultra-luxury adults-oriented line, recently introduced twin polar-class expedition ships, 264-passenger Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture, with exploration toys like submarines and a 24-expert team to guide and engage passengers. Luxe elements include all-suite accommodations, complimentary caviar, and eight dining venues. Seabourn’s five all-suite ocean liners include the two newest and most glam 600-passenger sister ships, Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Encore . Seabourn fares include all the restaurants on board (including the new Mediterranean venue Solis on non-expedition ships), alcohol, 24-hour suite dining, dancing on deck, and caviar in the surf beach barbecues.

The sailing to take this year: Seabourn ships roam the globe, with knockout itineraries like a 12-day “Canary Island Jewels and Morocco” on Seabourn Ovation , sailing roundtrip Lisbon . Imagine sipping local wine in the westernmost Canaries, wandering lively souks in Tangier, and learning to cook delicious Moroccan specialties. Departs April 26, from $6,204 per person .

Ultraluxurious and opulent this adultsoriented sixship line is inclusive to the max think businessclass airline tickets...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ultra-luxurious and opulent, this adults-oriented six-ship line is inclusive to the max: think business-class airline tickets for international flights, fine dining, all-suite accommodations, 24-hour suite service, alcohol, dining, valet laundry, gratuities, transfers, and some shore excursions. Multi-million-dollar art collections on the three newest ships stun. On brand-new 744-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur , revel in 1,600 masterpieces including multiple Picassos and a Fabergé egg, the first to reside at-sea. The entire ship’s design is jaw-droppingly beautiful and restaurants, like pan-Asian Pacific Rim and the French Chartreuse, excel.

The sailing to take this year: This ship sails many locales, like an enchanting 12-day fall foliage cruise from Boston to Montréal , with complimentary excursions like visiting Kennebunkport, Maine , a Nova Scotia pub tour, and high tea at the iconic Château Frontenac in Quebec City . Departs October 1, 2024, from $12,699 per person .

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Windstar Cruises Lisbon

Windstar Cruises

This luxe-minded, adults-oriented line counts six vessels that accommodate between 148 and 342 passengers. Three are tall-sails Wind Class ships; three are all-suite Star Plus Class yachts. All offer a relaxed, friendly on-board ambiance, with itineraries leaning into small ports, late-night departures, and port overnights . From the water sport platform, guests can kayak, paddle board, snorkel, or water trampoline. Besides the Caribbean and Mediterranean, Windstar ships also ply far-flung waters, from transatlantic crossings to cruises in South America and Iceland . Star Breeze now sails Tahiti voyages, cruising the unforgettable turquoise waters of French Polynesia year-round.

The sailing to take this year: “Tahitian Treasures and Magnificent Marquesas ” (the latter a cruise rarity) sails 14-days roundtrip Papeete, including visiting Paul Gauguin’s former home on Hiva Oa, exploring a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and ogling the Pacific’s largest Tiki sculptures. Departs July 4, 2024, from $6,199 per person .

Scenic Eclipse cruise

Scenic is an adults-oriented, ultra-luxury polar-class expedition line with two 228-passenger vessels, Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II . The ships feel sexy and sophisticated, with all-suite accommodations, butler service, up to 10 dining experiences, nine bars and lounges, and a huge spa with a yoga and Pilates studio. Expect numerous inclusions, like alcohol, dining, WiFi, gratuities, and shore excursions (other than helicopter or submersible rides) led by seasoned experts. Scenic explores the globe, emphasizing polar itineraries .

The sailing to take this year: The line recently introduced a Scenic Eclipse II Western Australia Kimberley region itinerary. Expedition highlights include coral islands with thousands of endemic birds, vertical waterfalls, and ancient Indigenous rock art. Sailing May until September, 11-day voyages between Broome and Darwin, Australia, begin at $11,730 per person .

If you want to cruise with the cool kids book an adultsonly Virgin Voyages cruise. This line puts the hip in hipster it...

Virgin Voyages

If you want to cruise with the cool kids, book an adults-only Virgin Voyages cruise. This line puts the hip in hipster; it calls cruisers sailors , is LGBTQ+-friendly, and attracts everyone from 20-something groups of friends to middle-aged-and-up couples. The premium line’s fares includes complimentary dining in a whopping 20 restaurants like Gunbae, a Korean bbq hotspot, WiFi, group fitness classes, and gratuities. Think high-energy happy campers, er, sailors, who celebrate with new tats done on board, many cocktails (don’t miss the Champagne Lounge), dance parties, pop-up circus performances, and hanging in port late-night. The three 2,770-passenger sister ships Scarlet Lady , Valiant Lady , and Resilient Lady sail the Caribbean and Med.

The sailing to take this year: Find fast fun on Scarlet Lady five-day roundtrip Miami cruises, like “Fire and Sunset Soirées,” with a private Beach Club experience in Bimini, Bahamas ; it’s abuzz with private cabanas, beach bonfires, and floaty pool parties. Departures March 20, April 17, May 1, December 11, from $1,620 per person .

An adultsoriented ultraluxury line Silversea offers both polarclass expedition ships and ocean liners that sail to more...

An adults-oriented ultra-luxury line, Silversea offers both polar-class expedition ships and ocean liners that sail to more than 900 destinations across all seven continents. Fares include all-suite accommodations, butlers, caviar service, gratuities, alcohol, most dining, and some shore excursions (all outings on expedition ships).

The sailing to take this year: Among itineraries, consider cruising Antarctica on board the intimate and glam 200-passenger (in polar regions) Silver Endeavor . With spacious suites, four restaurants, and a passionate expedition team, the ship sails the region between late October 2024 into March 2025. Six-day itineraries include roundtrip flights to Antarctica, bypassing the often-turbulent Drake Passage. Sailing six to 18-days roundtrip from Puerto Williams, Chile, starting at $12,150 per passenger .

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On this adults-only cruise line, choose between river , ocean, and expedition vessels. Viking ships sail all seven continents. Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris explore the poles but also sail Niagara, the Great Lakes, and Chilean fjords. While categorized as upper premium, Viking’s ocean and expedition fleet includes many amenities, such as one shore excursion per port, all dining, afternoon tea, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, spa Thermal Suite access, WiFi, and 24-hour room service.

The sailing to take this year: Since Viking is Norwegian, start with a “Viking Homelands” cruise. The 15-day voyages on various 930-passenger ocean-going sister ships sails between Stockholm and Bergen, Norway, and visits six countries including Poland, Denmark, and Germany. The packed itinerary includes sailing fjords and hiking remote Swedish islands, to touring Berlin and Copenhagen . Departures from May 3, 2024 to August 36, 2024; from $7,999 per person.

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SeaDream Yacht Club

Pajamas embroidered with your name, sleeping under the stars on Balinese Dream Beds, candlelit dinners under the stars, water sports from the ships’ marina with a slide into the sea—there are so many allures of the adults-oriented, privately-owned 112-passenger Sea Dream I and Sea Dream II . The extensively remodeled luxury ships feel like exclusive yachts, with crew quickly learning your personal preferences. Elegant staterooms and suites offer amenities like organic bath toiletries, plush robes, and 24-hour room service. Stellar cuisine includes raw, plant-based, and organic selections with included wine pairings.

The sailing to take this year: The mega-yachts primarily cruise the Med and Caribbean, with standouts like Sea Dream I ’s seven-day “Secluded Southern Spain and Morocco” itinerary from Lisbon to Málaga . Excursions include a Seville, Spain , overnight with flamenco performance, visit to an Algarve, Portugal , fishing village with wine-tasting and exploring historical Cordoba, Spain . Departs May 13, 2024, from $7,699 per passenger .

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Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Adults-oriented Uniworld has a stunning fleet of 17 river cruise ships . Awash in antiques, custom fabrics, and original art, the vessels resemble luxurious European boutique hotels rather than typical riverboats. Each possesses its own vibrant personality, reflecting the waters it sails. Count handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, marble baths with Asprey toiletries, and towel warmers among posh amenities. Alcohol, farm-to-table dining, airport transfers, excursions, gratuities, and wellness classes are included, and often-local entertainment. These posh boats sail throughout Europe and Asia , as well as Peru , with some offering land or rail extensions.

The sailing to take this year: Beloved by oenophiles, S.S. Bon Voyage’s Brilliant Bordeaux sails eight days roundtrip Bordeaux, France on three rivers, promising multiple wine tastings, and village and heritage walking tours. Departing March 31, 2024 to October 27, 2024 from $3,599 per person .

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Unforgettable Getaways: Discover the Best Adults-Only Cruises

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See recent posts by Megan Johnson

Going on a cruise is on the bucket list of many travelers. While most cruises seem adult-oriented, most of them allow children, and although many do have kid zones and clubs, there is no avoiding them on the ship unless you book an adults-only cruise. Luckily, there are several to choose from. 

While some cruise lines aren’t necessarily adults, they cater to older crowds, and you’d be hard-pressed to find any younger passengers. Most of these adult cruises are fairly luxurious and not particularly family-friendly. From Europe to the South Pacific, 3-day to 3-months, here are the best adults-only cruises (or nearly adults-only) for your next sailing adventure. 

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Venus

Viking Ocean Cruises offers luxurious small-ship cruises with elegant Scandinavian-inspired decor, cultural enrichment programs, and inclusive amenities such as shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and fine dining. Travel to destinations in Europe, Africa/The Middle East, North America, the Caribbean, South America, Asia and Australia. Kids aren’t the only thing you won’t find on Viking Ocean Cruises; they also have no casinos, no charge for wine or beer at lunch and dinner, and no entrance fee for the spa. 

Every room on a Viking Ocean Cruise has a king-sized bed, private veranda, heated bathroom floors, and other amenities to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Depending on the cabin category, amenities may include comfortable bedding with premium linens, ample storage space, flat-screen TVs with complimentary on-demand movies and programming, mini-refrigerators with complimentary beverages, and luxury toiletries in the bathrooms.

Enjoy one offshore excursion at all ports of call, including visits to UNESCO sites. Onboard, you’ll have access to serene Scandinavian spaces like the library (curated with literature pertinent to your destination), and the Living Room, a perfect escape for tranquility during your cruise vacation. You’ll have a pool, lounge, spa and more to keep you occupied during days at sea. 

Minimum Age: 18

Viking River Cruises

Viking Seine Ships

Viking River Cruises offers luxury river cruises across Europe, Asia, and Egypt. They focus on providing immersive cultural experiences with expert-led shore excursions, onboard enrichment programs, and upscale amenities. Viking emphasizes comfort, exploration, and enrichment, catering to travelers interested in history, art, and cuisine. Viking aims to provide a refined and intimate cruising experience along some of the world’s most iconic waterways with a fleet of modern river ships.

Choose from rooms with windows, balconies, and verandas; all beds come with queen-sized beds that can convert into two twin beds if you wish. Higher-end suites include welcome champagne to start your journey off right. Amenities include heated bathroom floors, individual climate control, and underbed suitcase storage. 

Onboard, enjoy guest lectures and port talks for a more in-depth look at your destination, live performances, craft and cooking demonstrations, and more to keep you occupied on river days. While you may not have as many restaurant choices, the Restaurant and Aquavit Terrace® provide a culinary experience like no other. Wine, beer, and other non-alcoholic drinks are included in your base fare. Offshore, enjoy privileged access to attractions not normally open to the general public.

P&O Cruises – Aurora and Arcadia

Aurora

P&O offers adults-only cruises and family-friendly sailings, with Aurora and Arcadia reserved for adults only. With stylish decor, gourmet dining options, and a focus on hospitality, P&O appeals to couples and solo travelers seeking a refined experience. 

Aurora is the smallest ship, at an 1874-passenger capacity, and provides a more intimate experience. Choose from a wide range of itineraries through Spain, the British Isles, and the Mediterranean. Although a smaller ship, you won’t be lacking for entertainment; the Aurora hosts three pools, nineteen restaurants and bars, entertainment including a game show, illusion show, theatre, live music, and a spa. 

Budget travelers can choose from inside, and sea-view rooms, and travelers with a bit more to spend and who prefer a bit more comfort in their accommodations can choose from balcony rooms or suites and mini-suites. 

Arcadia, with a 2388-passenger capacity, is the bigger of the two, but you still won’t see anyone under eighteen onboard. Choose from itineraries in Europe, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take Arcadia’s 99-day around-the-world cruise. With two pools, fifteen restaurants and bars, a three-tier theatre, an art gallery, a cinema and more – you won’t be without things to see and do while on board. 

Like Aurora, Arcadia has a room for whatever your needs are: budget inside rooms for those who know they won’t be spending a lot of time in their room, sea view rooms, balcony rooms, as well as mini-suites and suites for those who need more space while traveling. 

Virgin Voyages 

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ cruises are all adults-only (though for the young at heart)- they offer a trendy and inclusive atmosphere with unique features like drag brunches, experimental dining, and wellness offerings. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a playful and unconventional cruise experience. Choose from destinations worldwide, with each ship holding about 2700 passengers. Setting sail in 2021, Virgin Voyages has quickly become the go-to cruise line for anyone looking to cruise the waters without kids.

You won’t find any buffets on Virgin cruises; instead, you’ll find “intimate spaces and diverse options to match your mood” with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs. Stay fit with the outdoor running track or fitness room, relax at the spa, and be entertained on-board with your choice of dance, musical and theatrical performances. 

You’ll have your pick from choice of rooms, from the insider rooms, the most affordable sea view rooms, a Sea Terrace Cabin, which have the added feature of a private terrace where you can relax and take in the ocean breeze. And for those looking for the ultimate luxury, you can choose from RockStar Suites: which include various perks such as access to a dedicated RockStar Agent, priority boarding, and exclusive dining experiences, or Mega RockStar Suites which feature private hot tubs, and access to exclusive areas of the ship.

Silversea Cruises  

Silver Whisper

Silversea specializes in ultra-luxury small-ship cruises, with spacious suites, personalized service, and immersive itineraries to exotic destinations on all seven continents. While not strictly adult-only, Silversea’s intimate atmosphere appeals to travelers seeking a refined and exclusive experience. 

Included in your booking is a suite, butler, one on-shore excursion per port, and all food and beverages. Every suite has an ocean view, and the more luxurious ones have a veranda and ample seating room. No matter what you choose, it will be spacious – Silversea boasts the most space per guest than any other cruiseline. 

You’ll find a spa, fitness center, various restaurants, and entertainment onboard.  On Silver Nova, Silver Moon, and Silver Dawn, you’ll find Silversea’s S.A.L.T. program, S.A.L.T stands for Sea And Land Taste, which gives you the chance to delve into a true culinary experience wherever you are: from meeting the most famous chef in a country, exploring an organic farm, or making pastry- you’ll get a hands-on culinary experience.

Related: Our 9 Favorite Cross-Body Bags for Travel

Holland America Line 

Rotterdam

Like Silversea, Holland America allows guests under eighteen, but they are geared towards adults, and any cruise over 25 days does not offer a kids club. Holland America appeals to travelers seeking a traditional yet sophisticated cruise experience. Destinations for cruises over 25 days include around-the-world cruises, the Arctic Circle, the Pacific, and Japan. 

Holland America’s ships offer budget inside rooms without windows for guests who merely want a place to lay their head at night, and they offer sea view suites in various sizes to suit your needs. All rooms include 24-hour in-room dining, daily housekeeping, storage, and complimentary shoe-shining service. 

Onboard, you’ll find a spa and salon, fitness center, pools, a casino, restaurants, and a wide variety of entertainment. 

Minimum Age: None

Regent Seven Seas Cruises  

Seven Seas Splendor®

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for its all-inclusive luxury, offering spacious suites, gourmet dining, and complimentary shore excursions. Another line that is not exclusively adults-only, Regent’s upscale atmosphere attracts discerning travelers seeking a refined and pampering experience. 

Regent’s ships are smaller than the major cruise lines – ranging from 490 passengers to 750. One thing they all have in common? Luxury. Their Explorer line features balconies with every suite, with the highlight being their Regent Suite, which features a balcony with a mini pool, private in-suite spa with sauna, steam room, jetted tub, walk-in closets, two bedrooms, living room, and free laundry. Prices start around $10,000 a night for the Regent suite, so save your pennies. Their small cruise ships offer an intimate luxury experience, and two of the ships in this class (the Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner are all-balcony suites. 

On board, you’ll stay busy with pools, a library, a casino, a spa, a salon, a fitness center, and evening entertainment. Enjoy meals at restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world, poolside service, and in-room service. 

Saga Cruises

Spirit of Discovery

The minimum age for someone to book a Saga Cruise is fifty, although companions can be forty or older. Saga prides itself on offering a premium and all-inclusive experience. They offer a variety of itineraries to destinations around the world, including Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Balconies are standard with whatever type of cabin you choose and include ensuite bathrooms, turndown service, fresh fruit, and more. Many cabins include full in-cabin afternoon tea service, have a personalized mini bar, and some include butler service.

Saga Cruises often includes enrichment programs and activities, including lectures, workshops, and cultural experiences onboard and during shore excursions.  Passengers can enjoy amenities like spas, fitness centers, live music performances, and theaters, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable cruise experience. 

Minimum Age: 50 (to book), 40 (companion)

Grand Circle

M/S Bizet

Grand Circle Cruises also specializes in cruises for passengers over fifty, although they allow kids over thirteen to join, and they claim that there are long bus sightseeing tours that younger travelers may not enjoy. They operate a fleet of small ships, offering intimate and immersive experiences that larger vessels cannot provide. Their itineraries span regions worldwide, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, often focusing on off-the-beaten-path destinations and cultural immersion. 

Grand Circle has a high crew-to-passenger ratio to ensure individual attention and a comfortable experience. The ships in their fleet carry only 86-162 passengers, are privately owned, and every cabin has an outside window. Rooms are basic yet comfortable and provide all you need for your voyage. Grand Circle is the perfect cruise line for solo travelers – they have a roommate matching program, where you will be matched up with another solo traveler to room with, and, don’t worry, if they can’t find the perfect roommate for you, they will cover your single supplement fee. 

While you may not find the extravagant entertainment there is on bigger cruises, they encourage socializing with other guests and occasionally have local musicians on board to entertain in the evenings. You’ll have the privilege of a local program director who will accompany you off shore and bring you to the top attractions of your destination.

Minimum Age: 13

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16 Top Adults-Only Cruises for 2024

I f your idea of getting away from it all includes a vacation without the kids, consider booking an adults-only or adults-oriented cruise . While some lines provide a fully adults-only experience (i.e., children are not allowed on board), others offer adult-focused venues and activities on the ship to keep you separate from younger patrons.

When you're ready to plan your adventure on the high seas, the following cruise lines provide upscale amenities, immersive excursions, sophisticated dining options, lively nighttime entertainment and time for relaxation among like-minded – and similarly aged – travelers.

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Top Adults-Only Cruises

Viking ocean cruises.

Travelers 18 and older are welcome aboard Viking 's adults-only ships, which feature destination-focused itineraries around the world. The line's nine oceangoing 930-passenger ships offer luxurious, Scandinavian-style accommodations and comfortable spaces to relax with a book or gaze out at the ocean. Viking's exploration program boasts special access to behind-the-scenes experiences curated for travelers interested in history, food or science. Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a traditional farm near Bergen, Norway, or spend an evening dining on Caribbean Creole cuisine prepared by renowned chefs in a mansion in Cartagena, Colombia.

In addition to these off-the-beaten-path excursions, guests can visit iconic sites like the ancient city of Ephesus (Kuşadasi) in Turkey and the Acropolis in Athens, Greece . Viking also hosts onboard enrichment programs like destination-themed performances, cooking classes and lectures by historians. Cruise fares include stateroom accommodations with a private veranda, all meals (including specialty dining venues), wine and beer at lunch and dinner, one free excursion per port, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to onboard amenities such as the Nordic Spa.

In addition to its ocean vessels, Viking offers river cruises in destinations around the world – including the U.S. – on the new Viking Mississippi, a ship purpose-built for Mississippi River cruises . The line also has two Polar Class 6 expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which traverse waterways from Canada to the Caribbean to remote destinations in Antarctica .

Explore Viking cruise deals on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only retreat for guests ages 18 and older. The line currently has two sister ships: Scarlet Lady – the first in the fleet – and Valiant Lady. The line's third ship, Resilient Lady, is set to debut in May 2023 in Athens. Brilliant Lady, Virgin's fourth vessel, is scheduled to launch by the end of 2023.

All the ships in this adults-only cruise line feature 1,330 cabins (most with balconies) and 78 RockStar Quarters suites, where guests have access to Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive outdoor deck space. The superyacht-inspired vessels boast 20-plus eateries, including restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, and a variety of onboard fitness and wellness spaces. At Redemption Spa, relax and recharge in the mud room or salt therapy chamber. You can even order a bottle of bubbly anywhere on the ship via the Virgin Voyages Sailor app's secret "Shake for Champagne" feature.

Itineraries span destinations in the Caribbean , Europe and trans-Atlantic crossings, as well as Australia, Asia and the Middle East during repositioning cruises. Cruise fares cover meals at all the dining venues; basic beverages such as water, tea and coffee; gratuities for the crew; Wi-Fi; and unlimited fitness classes. While on board, be sure to indulge in a swanky dinner at The Wake and an immersive show at The Red Room, the first multiform theater at sea.

Book a Virgin Voyages cruise on GoToSea.

Saga Ocean Cruises

Hop across the pond to sail on U.K.-based Saga Cruises, which specifically caters to guests 50 and older (though travelers may bring a companion as young as 40). Saga's boutique luxury ocean cruise ships carry a maximum of 987 passengers each. The line's two ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, feature all-balcony cabins and depart from the Dover, Portsmouth and Tilbury cruise ports in England.

The British-inspired sailings are all-inclusive: Fares cover meals at all onboard restaurants as well as access to entertainment venues, Wi-Fi, and unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Prices also include excursions in certain ports of call, gratuities and chauffeur service from locations in the U.K. to the embarkation port. Guests can enjoy wellness-focused activities on the ship, such as yoga classes, spa treatments and customized fitness programs.

The company offers itineraries in Europe, the Caribbean, the U.S. and Canada , in addition to Greenland, Iceland, the Canary Islands and West Africa. On Spirit of Adventure, Saga's newest ship, passengers can spend evenings indulging in Italian cuisine at Amalfi, sampling Nepalese dishes at Khukuri House, or settling in for drinks and dinner at the Supper Club, which features jazz music and cabaret-style entertainment.

Read: Cruise Packing List

P&O Cruises

Two ships in P&O Cruises' U.K.-based fleet – Arcadia and Aurora – are exclusively for adults 18 and older. Arcadia, the slightly newer of the two ships since it debuted in 2005, carries 2,094 guests and 866 crew. The ship departs from Southampton in the U.K. and sails to the Canary Islands , Spain and Portugal; the British Isles; Norway and Iceland; and the U.S., Caribbean and Canada.

Arcadia's five restaurants and 10 bars and cafes include Indian offerings with a British twist at Sindhu as well as steaks and seafood by renowned British chef Marco Pierre White at Ocean Grill. Passengers can sip Champagne at Intermezzo, the ship's cocktail and Champagne venue, or enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif at the yacht-inspired Spinnaker. After exploring exciting ports of call, head back on board to enjoy Arcadia's elegant interiors and top-notch service. You can splurge on a stone therapy treatment at the Oasis Spa for some extra pampering, followed by a live show at the three-tiered theater, The Palladium. Then, finish off the evening dancing the night away at The Globe.

Aurora is a slightly more intimate ship, carrying 1,874 passengers and 850 crew members. A four-level atrium gallery sits at the heart of Aurora. Itineraries include destinations in the Mediterranean, the Baltic region, Spain and Portugal, and the U.S. and Canada, plus a world cruise. There are seven dining venues as well as 11 bars and cafes on the ship. Dine at the same time every evening at club-style restaurant Alexandria, or opt for a more flexible schedule at The Beach House or Medina. Cruisers can also sit down for a tasty meal at The Glass House, which serves casual bites paired with wines from around the world. After dinner, live entertainment and dancing await you at the show lounge Carmen's, as do larger productions at the ritzy 652-seat Curzon Theatre.

Read: The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Top Cruises Designed for Adults

While many all-inclusive – or mostly all-inclusive – boutique and luxury cruise lines are family-friendly, many of the onboard venues and activities are adult-by-design. Since there are few (or no) activities geared toward younger cruisers and no babysitting services, you typically won't find parents with young children on these ships.

Azamara's four upscale boutique ships provide immersive travel experiences geared toward adults. These smaller ships – accommodating a maximum of 702 guests – sail waterways and rivers larger ships can't access, docking in city centers and unique ports of call around the globe.

Many Azamara voyages also offer longer stays and overnights in port not found on many other itineraries, including wine and culture itineraries. Some even feature special events, such as a voyage to the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2023 and 2024, or a 12-night round-trip cruise from Buenos Aires, Argentina , to attend Carnival in Rio de Janeiro . In addition, the line is extending its offerings on Country Intensive voyages in 2023 and 2024 with itineraries in destinations like various European countries, South Africa, Australia and Japan.

On board you'll find a wide selection of casual and formal dining options ranging from Windows Cafe to the main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant. Specialty restaurant offerings include top-notch steak and seafood at Prime C or, if you prefer, Italian fare at Aqualina. First offered on Azamara Onward (the newest ship) before being expanded to the whole fleet, Atlas Bar serves innovative craft cocktails like the London Fog Martini or Tuscan Delight. Discoveries Lounge is another guest favorite for mingling with fellow cruisers at the end of the day. Wine aficionados will enjoy pairing limited-production and rare vintages from the Wine Cellar with dinner in the evenings.

Cruise fares include stateroom accommodations; select spirits, wine and beer; gratuities; and nonalcoholic beverages like bottled water, specialty coffees and tea. You'll also get access to complimentary AzAmazing Celebrations with special evening and daytime events ashore and on the ship. Additional amenities like a complimentary internet package, free specialty dining, butler service and other perks come with suite accommodations.

Find an Azamara cruise on GoToSea.

Scenic Eclipse, touted as "The World's First Discovery Yacht," offers an all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious experience for just 228 guests (with 172 crew). The ship's Polar Class 6 rating enables it to sail to destinations like Antarctica. On these expedition-style voyages, the ship will carry only 200 guests and a total of 192 crew. All suite accommodations include a private veranda or terrace; butler service; state-of-the-art amenities; Egyptian cotton linens; and an in-suite minibar stocked with Champagne, wine and other personally selected beverages. You'll also find indulgences like onboard helicopters for intimate excursions and Scenic Neptune, an underwater submarine.

Guests can enjoy up to 10 dining experiences on the ship, including fine dining at Lumière. This elegant French restaurant seats just 35 guests and features a multicourse degustation menu and a Champagne bar. For a less formal option, check out the Asian, Indian and Middle Eastern specialties – and the intimate teppanyaki grill experience – at Night Market @ Koko's. When it's time for an after-dinner drink, sample one (or several) of 100-plus whiskeys available at Scenic Lounge Bar. Other onboard activities include taking a culinary class at Scenic Épicure, getting an invigorating treatment at Senses Spa, or just relaxing with spectacular sea views and Champagne on deck 10 at the Panorama Bar.

The line's second luxury yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, set sail on its inaugural voyage from Lisbon, Portugal , in mid-April 2023. The new ship is 550 feet in length and nearly identical to its sister ship, Scenic Eclipse. One addition to the vessel is the new Sky Deck. This space boasts 270-degree views, a bar with indoor and outdoor seating, and six private cabanas. What's more, the oval-shaped Sky Deck pool is the perfect place to kick back – and it's the place to be during the sail-away deck party, especially as the sun sets over the ocean.

Read: The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This cruise line has five luxury vessels in its fleet – with the sixth ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, set to launch in November 2023. The all-inclusive fares on Regent Seven Seas Cruises include perks like round-trip business class or coach airfare (depending on the destination); complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays; two- or three-night land packages; all meals and beverages; free shore excursions; and more. Seven Seas Splendor , christened in February 2020, is the line's newest vessel at sea. This elegant ship boasts 373 luxurious all-balcony suites and a ratio of 548 crew members to just 746 guests.

In the evenings, diners can choose between French cuisine at Chartreuse; creative Asian fare at Pacific Rim; aged steaks at Prime 7; Italian dishes at Sette Mari at La Veranda; or design-your-own-entree options at Compass Rose. For a casual evening, plan to dine alfresco at the Pool Grill. Adults can also enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in one of the lounges and nightly entertainment at the Constellation Theater. For a nightcap, sip a fine cognac in one of the ship's favorite hideaways, Connoisseur Club. There are also plenty of options for exercise, fitness and relaxation at Serene Spa & Wellness.

If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the high seas, consider booking the Regent Suite. Situated on deck 14 – and boasting more than 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space – this luxurious accommodation features one of the largest balconies at sea with a Treesse minipool, in addition to two bedrooms and a private in-suite spa. Cruise fare for the suite also includes a long list of high-end amenities such as access to a private dining room called The Study, a personal car and driver in port, free in-suite spa services, a private butler, and more.

Explore Regent Seven Seas Cruises on GoToSea.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea's all-inclusive luxury ocean and expedition cruises offer voyages to more than 900 destinations across the seven continents. The line's 10 ultra-luxury ships and expedition vessels range in size from 51 to 364 suites and boast spacious ocean view accommodations – most with private verandas. Cruise fares cover door-to-door transfers from home to the ship, including airfare (business class in some destinations) and pre- and post-cruise hotel stays. On board, guests will have butler service, a nearly one-to-one ratio of guests to staff, 24-hour gourmet dining, premium alcoholic beverages, one complimentary shore excursion in each port, gratuities and more.

Silversea 's newest ship, Silver Nova, is set to debut in summer 2023. The luxury flagship of the line boasts an even more upscale guest experience in the suites with butler service for every accommodation, an impressive crew-to-guest ratio, more open spaces and top-notch cuisine. Silver Nova is also the first vessel in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is billed as a more sustainable cruise ship. Silver Nova will begin sailing in the Mediterranean before repositioning to the Caribbean and South America for the winter.

The second-newest ship in the fleet, Silver Endeavour, was regarded as one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea when it launched in July 2022. With its Polar Class 6 rating, the ship visits the far ends of the Earth in the remote polar regions of Antarctica and the Arctic.

Endeavour's features include state-of-the-art technology for navigation and exploration – and what Silversea bills as industry-leading ratios of Zodiac boats and experts to guests. Passengers also enjoy luxurious amenities among the ship's eight public decks, from the various dining and drinking venues to a two-story solarium with a swimming pool and whirlpool tub; cruisers can also take advantage of indoor and outdoor observation areas and a spa. You'll receive Silversea's high level of service with just 200 guests and 200 crew, providing an immersive and personalized experience aboard.

Compare Silversea Cruises on GoToSea.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn also features an all-inclusive adult-focused experience on its five luxury ocean vessels and two expedition ships. The line's newest ship, Seabourn Venture, is an ultra-luxury Polar Class 6 purpose-built vessel with 132 ocean-front veranda suites. Seabourn Pursuit, the second expedition vessel, is scheduled to debut in fall 2023. The ships are equipped with two submarines for underwater exploration, kayaks and 24 Zodiacs. They will also each have a 24-person expedition team to explore far-reaching destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic and the Kimberley region of Australia, as well as places closer to home such as Iceland, South America and the British Isles.

Seabourn Ovation , the line's newest luxury cruise ship, accommodates up to 600 guests and offers amenities found on most of Seabourn 's ships: well-appointed oceanfront suites, living areas with dining tables, verandas, a nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio and a Personal Suite Host to cater to your every need. World-class dining options are in partnership with renowned chef Thomas Keller, such as The Grill, Seabourn's signature restaurant. You'll also find health and wellness programs curated by Dr. Andrew Weil.

The "Seabourn Conversations" program is another highlight, where accomplished experts host adventures ashore, participate in meals and chat with guests on board the ship. For a special treat during your cruise, don't miss "Caviar in the Surf" beach party. This event in select destinations includes chilled Champagne, caviar, music and a barbecue set against the backdrop of white sand beaches and turquoise waters in beautiful locales around the world.

Book a Seabourn Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar's six intimate ships offer two styles of yachting that accommodate between 148 and 342 guests. Passengers can choose between cruising on one of the line's three masted Wind Class vessels or one of its three Star Plus Class ships. Windstar's adult-focused and casual – but still elegant – onboard experiences feature locally inspired top-notch dining (in partnership with the James Beard Foundation), guest lecturers, a water sports platform on all the ships, an open bridge policy and an engaging social environment.

If you're looking for a romantic getaway , Windstar is also regarded as one of the most romantic cruise lines for a wedding, honeymoon , vow renewal or anniversary trip, especially in magical destinations like the South Pacific, Cinque Terre along Italy's Ligurian coast and Monte Carlo in Monaco . Windstar's smaller ships can reach small ports, coves, harbors and villages not accessible by larger vessels. They also offer more than 2,000 immersive cultural experiences in port, many with small groups. You'll find late evenings and overnights in the ports of call where you can experience the local culture and cuisine after dark.

New itineraries for 2023 and 2024 include Australia and New Zealand sailings as well as intensive voyages to the Holy Lands that explore Arabia and the Red Sea. You can also travel to the Central American coast or book a 10-day sailing from Copenhagen to Amsterdam. If the Middle East is on your must-see list, the 10-day Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf itinerary checks all the boxes with stops in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and other ports of call.

Read: Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees

Other Top Adults-Only Cruise Options

While these larger ships are kid-friendly – and offer activities for families and children of all ages – adults can also find hidden retreats and dining and bar venues just for grown-ups. These spaces are typically quieter and away from the crowds. If you're traveling with (or without) children on one of these lines, you'll want to know the adults-only venues to plan your afternoon or evening out – sans kids.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers spaces created with adults in mind. On Celebrity Beyond and the new Celebrity Ascent (debuting in December 2023), guests can have a unique adults-only dining experience at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. The world-renowned Global Culinary Ambassador for the line, Daniel Boulud, created the menu at this elegant venue, incorporating dishes inspired by his travels. You'll also find an impressive wine list to accompany your dining experience at the restaurant.

When it's time to relax, The Solarium is a popular adults-only area that's found on the Resort Deck of all Celebrity ships, including Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Apex . This light-filled pool area encased by a glass dome is the perfect quiet space for reading a book or taking a nap. While there, you can also grab a light breakfast or lunch at the Spa Cafe and Juice Bar – or order your favorite adult beverage while lounging in the hot tub.

Other adult-focused venues to check out on Celebrity Beyond and Apex and are the new elevated bar spaces. The Edge series World Class Bar – a popular spot on other Celebrity ships – features craft cocktails in a beautiful setting. And don't miss the two-story Sunset Bar on Celebrity Beyond, reimagined by interior designer and TV personality Nate Berkus. The aft location of the bar offers almost twice the space as previous iterations – plus beautiful wake views.

Compare Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

Princess Cruises

The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat (for ages 18 and older), offers cruisers an escape from bustling public spaces on your ship. The relaxing top-deck venue is available on all Princess Cruises ships and features plush lounge chairs, a spa-like setting and Serenity Stewards, who serve light bites, spa cuisine and other refreshments. To fully unwind, consider reserving a private cabana, where you can book an open-air massage. The child-free venue varies from ship to ship. On six ships – Sky Princess , Majestic Princess , Regal Princess , Royal Princess , Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess – adults can also enjoy an exclusive Retreat pool, cabanas and bar area. On the newer vessels – Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess – The Sanctuary also offers an expanded space with more cabanas.

If you're heading off the ship for an excursion to Princess Cays (the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas), plan to chill out for the day in an adults-only Sanctuary Bungalow. Located just minutes from the ocean and beach, the rentals accommodate four people, and the price includes two complimentary float rentals. You can also order a gourmet picnic to enjoy while lounging on shore.

Back on the ship, adults can reserve a spot for the line's new Winemaker Dinners in partnership with Napa Valley's Caymus Vineyards. These special evenings are offered fleetwide, two to three times during each cruise, for just 12 guests in the Crown Grill specialty restaurant. Winemaker Chuck Wagner personally selected the wines from the notable Napa Valley winery to pair with the elevated five-course menu.

Explore Princess Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Carnival Cruise Line

Located on all of Carnival Cruise Line 's cruise ships , Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is a tranquil oasis hidden away from bustling venues and family-friendly areas. Access to the space is complimentary for passengers 21 and older; while there, guests can enjoy relaxing loungers, daybeds and whirlpools. Take in the warm sun and ocean breeze with a signature sangria in hand, or stop for a healthy meal at Fresh Creations Salad outlet (available on select ships) for an alfresco lunch. Passengers can make the most of some alone time with a quick nap and a good book – or simply kick back and relax before heading back into the high-energy environment elsewhere on the ship.

Book a Carnival Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

Disney Cruise Line

Though Disney Cruise Line tends to attract families and younger travelers, it also offers multiple spaces and activities for adults 18 and older. Disney's newest ship, Disney Wish , even boasts several adults-only luxurious venues featuring characters and scenes from "Beauty and the Beast."

For top-notch steaks, contemporary Italian cuisine and panoramic ocean views, make a reservation at the Cogsworth-inspired Palo Steakhouse. If you prefer French-style fare and world-class wines served in an elegant and shimmering setting (think Lumiere), Enchanté by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement is the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two. Before dinner at either venue, enjoy a signature cocktail at The Rose. After dinner, you won't want to miss the galactic libations and ever-changing views of faraway galaxies at the adults-only Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge bar.

Depending on the ship, adult travelers can also dance the night away in a trendy club, watch live entertainment or a cabaret show, catch a sports game on satellite TV, or relax with an after-dinner cocktail at a bar or lounge. Outdoors, Quiet Cove Pool is a tranquil place to relax on all the ships. For even more pampering, Senses Spa & Salon boasts treatment rooms with ocean views, luxurious spa villas and other amenities. On Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line 's private island, adults can head to Serenity Bay – a scenic, adults-only stretch of the beach.

Find a Disney Cruise Line deal on GoToSea.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has three adults-only outdoor venues for guests 18 and older (though specific spaces vary by ship). The venues feature ocean views, bars, plush seating and other amenities. On Norwegian 's Bliss , Joy , Escape , Getaway and Breakaway ships, the Vibe Beach Club sun deck invites guests to relax in oversized hot tubs and enjoy perks like a full-service bar and chilled towels. Norwegian Encore , one of the line's newest ships, boasts an impressive two-level beach club. On Norwegian Prima and soon-to-launch Norwegian Viva, an elevated beach club experience includes the line's first infinity hot tubs. You can purchase a multiday pass in advance for Vibe Beach Club, and cabana rentals are available for more privacy.

At Norwegian Epic 's Posh Beach Club, complimentary perks include fruit skewers, cold water spritzers and a snack menu. Single- or multiday passes are available to all adult cruisers, while travelers who book a Haven suite can access Posh Beach Club for free. Spice H2O is another adults-only venue on the Norwegian Bliss, Joy, Escape, Getaway, Breakaway, Epic, Star and Spirit vessels; access is complimentary. At night, the space becomes an open-air dance club where you can spend the evening partying under the stars.

Compare Norwegian Cruise Line cruises on GoToSea.

Royal Caribbean International

Solarium is Royal Caribbean International 's complimentary, child-free space open to guests 16 and older. Located at the front of every ship in the fleet, this indoor-outdoor oasis (or indoors-only on Quantum Class ships) offers impressive vistas and endless views of the sea. Thanks to a full glass canopy over the interior space, adult passengers can enjoy quiet lounging areas, swimming pools and whirlpool tubs with a view, no matter the weather. On top of that, select ships feature a cascading lagoon for further relaxation. Be sure to grab a tropical cocktail or zero-proof drink at Solarium Bar (or Sunshine Bar, on Quantum ships) to sip poolside while enjoying the ocean vistas.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

FAQ Module : Travel - Top Adults-Only Cruises FAQs

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, classic paddlewheels, and an 18-stateroom ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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Six adults, drinking and laughing, at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat on Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras

Great Lakes cruise business -- and Cleveland’s port -- take a hit with American Queen shutdown

  • Published: Mar. 01, 2024, 9:34 a.m.

Ocean Navigator arrives at Cleveland port, May 11, 2022

The Ocean Navigator docked in Cleveland in 2022. The ship, part of American Queen Voyages, won't be sailing in 2024. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com

  • Susan Glaser, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The nascent cruise industry in Cleveland will take a hit this summer as one of the major players in Great Lakes cruising is going out of business.

American Queen Voyages announced last week that it was shutting down. The company, based in Fort Lauderdale, operated both the Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager, sister ships carrying 202 passengers each, which spent their summers in recent years crisscrossing the Great Lakes.

Last year, the two ships made as many as 30 stops in Cleveland – far more than any other cruise line.

Dave Gutheil, chief commercial officer with the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, said that while the two American Queen ships will be missed in the region, Great Lakes cruising – and Cleveland’s port of call – are still strong.

“The number of calls will be down,” he said. “But we’re hoping that the number of passengers per call will be up.”

In 2023, eight ships made a total of 48 stops in Cleveland, bringing 8,100 visitors to town, primarily for daytime tours of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and other Northeast Ohio attractions.

It was the port’s busiest year for cruise ships since the resurgence of Great Lakes cruising a decade or so ago.

This year, the port is expecting 26 cruise ships to stop in Cleveland, starting May 26.

Because several of the ships coming are larger than the Navigator and Voyager, the number of overall passengers shouldn’t drop too much, Gutheil said.

Among those with planned stops in Cleveland: Both the Viking Polaris and the Viking Octantis, with room for 378 passengers each, ships with the well-known Viking Cruises brand, best known for its upscale European river cruises.

Viking made its first stop in Cleveland last year, and plans 10 stops in the summer of 2024.

Also on the schedule for Cleveland’s port, which sits just west of Cleveland Browns Stadium in downtown:

  • The Pearl Mist , an all-balcony small ship that accommodates a maximum of 210 passengers.
  • Ponant’s luxurious Le Bellot, with an underwater lounge and room for 184 passengers, sailing a Toronto-Chicago itinerary that’s part of several late-summer Tauck tour s.
  • MS Hamburg, operated by German-based Plantours , which was built in 1997 and is the oldest and largest ship in the Great Lakes, with room for 420 passengers.

Gutheil added that he and others who promote Great Lakes cruising are pursuing other cruise lines to come to the region, as well.

“I’m still optimistic for the future of cruising in the Great Lakes,” he said. “There are still lines out there looking for new places to go. The Great Lakes is still virgin territory.”

Many Great Lakes passengers, Gutheil noted, have never been to the Midwest, haven’t seen Niagara Falls or toured the Rock Hall. “They’re excited and have a good time when they come through,” he said.

Viking Polaris makes maiden voyage to Cleveland,June 13,2023

The new 378-guest Viking Polaris ship arrives in Cleveland for its inaugural visit as part of the new “Great Lakes Collection” itinerary. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com

The two Voyager ships were among the first to buy into this new era of Great Lakes cruising. The two were formerly part of Victory Cruise Lines, which started sailing in the Great Lakes in 2016.

Victory Cruise Lines was purchased by American Queen Steamboat Company in 2019, which changed its name to American Queen Voyages in 2021.

American Queen Voyages was perhaps best known for its domestic river cruises on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and other inland waterways. American Queen owns numerous other ships, including the American Queen, built in 1995 as a replica of a classic Mississippi River paddle-wheeler.

Last year, American Queen said it planned to discontinue its Great Lakes sailings in 2024, to concentrate on its river cruise business. Then, in late February, American Queen’s parent company, Hornblower Group, announced that it was shutting down the entire cruise line and putting it up for sale, as part of a bankruptcy filing.

“Despite our best efforts, demand for overnight cruises has not recovered following the pandemic, and AQV has become financially unsustainable,” the company said on its website. “We thank you for your support and deeply regret any inconvenience this causes you.”

Booked passengers are directed to aqvrefunds.com for refund information.

Touring Viking Polaris, the cruise line’s newest Great Lakes ship, now stopping in Cleveland (photos)

Viking Cruises coming to Cleveland next month, as busiest ever Great Lakes cruising season gets under way

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