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{{Infobox company |
{{Infobox company |
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| name = Viking Cruises |
| name = Viking Cruises |
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| logo = [[File:Viking_Cruises_transparent_logo.png| |
| logo = [[File:Viking_Cruises_transparent_logo.png|180px]] |
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| type = [[Privately held company|Private]] |
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]] |
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| area_served = |
| area_served = |
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| key_people = [[Torstein Hagen]], |
| key_people = [[Torstein Hagen]], <br/> Co-founder, chairman |
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| industry = [[Travel]] and [[ |
| industry = [[Travel]] and [[tourism]] |
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| products = [[River cruise]]s |
| products = [[River cruise]]s <br/> [[Cruising (maritime)|Ocean cruises]] |
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| revenue = |
| revenue = |
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| operating_income = |
| operating_income = |
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| net_income = |
| net_income = |
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| num_employees = 5,000+ (2017)<ref name="ajordan">Allan E. Jordan, [http://www.cruisebusiness.com/images/magazines/2017_02/CBR-2017-02_36-40.pdf "Viking Cruises goes from upstart to leader in 20 years,"] ''Cruise Business Review'', February 2017, pp. 36-39.</ref> |
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| num_employees = |
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| parent = |
| parent = |
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| subsid = Viking River Cruises<br> Viking Ocean Cruises |
| subsid = Viking River Cruises <br/> [[Viking Ocean Cruises]] |
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| homepage = {{URL| |
| homepage = {{URL|vikingcruises.com}} |
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| footnotes = |
| footnotes = |
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| foundation = {{start date|1997}} |
| foundation = {{start date|1997}} |
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| location_city = [[Basel, Switzerland]] |
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| location_city = [[Woodland Hills, Los Angeles]], [[California]] |
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'''Viking Cruises''' is a cruise line providing river and ocean cruises, with operations based in [[Basel, Switzerland]].<ref name="agraham">Adam H. Graham, [https://www.departures.com/travel/how-viking-cruises-changed-cruising-industry "The Rising Tide: How Viking Changed Cruising,"] ''[[Departures (magazine)|Departures]]'', November 21, 2016.</ref> It is the parent company of Viking River Cruises and [[Viking Ocean Cruises]]. As of November 2017, it operates a fleet of 62 river vessels and 4 ocean ships, offering cruises along the rivers and oceans of North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, Egypt, China and Southeast Asia.<ref name="rmcclure">Rosemary McClure, [http://www.latimes.com/travel/cruises/la-tr-viking-cruises-expansion-of-new-ships-20171030-story.html "Viking plans to add 10 new river and ocean-going cruise ships,"] ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', October 31, 2017.</ref> |
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'''Viking Cruises''' is a privately owned company offering river and ocean cruises, aimed at more experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. It is the parent company of Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises. |
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==History== |
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In 2015, the company began offering ocean cruises in [[Scandinavia]], the [[British Isles]], the [[Baltic Sea]] and the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. Viking has a primary sales office in the United States, with secondary sales offices in the United Kingdom and Australia, and operational offices in Switzerland. |
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The company was established as Viking River Cruises in 1997,<ref name="agraham"/> launched by [[Torstein Hagen]] with the purchase of four Russian vessels for $8 million.<ref name="ajordan"/> In 2000, Viking purchased [[Köln-Düsseldorfer|KD River Cruises]] of Europe, which was founded in 1827.<ref name="ajordan"/><ref>Lizz Dinnigan, ''Travel Agent'', September 10, 2001</ref><ref>Arline Bleecker, [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-01-15/travel/9501150049_1_hotel-barges-all-outside-cabins-kd-river-cruises "Serene Sailings,"] ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'', January 15, 1995.</ref> The acquisition added ships to Viking's fleet, bringing its total to 26, making it the largest fleet in the world.<ref name="ajordan"/><ref>''Insight Guide to Great River Cruises,'' 2006, 2007, {{ISBN|978-981-258-397-0}}, p. 22</ref> Since 2000, the company has built nearly all of its own river ships, uniquely designed Longships. The company embarked on a rapid growth in 2012,<ref name="gsloan102617">Gene Sloan, [https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2017/10/26/viking-add-seven-new-river-ships-2019/801981001/ "Viking River Cruises to add seven new ships in 2019,"] ''[[USA Today]]'', October 26, 2017.</ref><ref name="eglusac">Elaine Glusac, [http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/01/travel/interest-in-european-river-cruises-soars.html "Interest in European River Cruises Soars,"] ''[[New York Times]]'', June 29, 2012.</ref> adding 54 ships to the fleet from 2012 to 2017.<ref name="gsloan102617"/><ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2016/03/01/viking-river-cruises-ships-christening/81143364/ "Six new river ships in a day? Rapid Viking expansion continues,"] ''USA Today'', March 1, 2016.</ref> The 28 combined ships built in 2013 and 2014 represented a world record, which was noted in the ''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]''.<ref>[http://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/viking-sets-another-guinness-world-record-christening-new-longships-45145 "Viking Sets Another Guinness World Record in Christening New Longships,"] Travel Agent Central, March 19, 2014.</ref> |
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Viking |
Viking expanded into the American market in 2000, establishing its US headquarters in [[Los Angeles, California]]. The company expanded into [[China]] in 2004 with [[Yangtze River]] cruisetours, itineraries that combine a river cruise with hotel stays in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.<ref name="ajordan"/><ref>[http://www.sealetter.com/news/viking.html "Travel + Leisure Survey Ranks Viking Number One,"] ''SeaLetter Cruise'' magazine.</ref> Since then, the company has brought this model in other regions, including Europe and Southeast Asia.{{citation needed |date=November 2017}} |
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In May 2013, the company modified its name to Viking Cruises as it announced the launch of [[Viking Ocean Cruises]], a division of small, oceangoing vessels.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2013/may/17/news/la-trb-viking-cruises-20130517 "Viking Cruises Will Begin Ocean Cruises on Viking Star in 2015,"] ''Los Angeles Times'', May 17, 2013.</ref> In 2015, its first ship, ''[[Viking Star]]'', began sailing itineraries in Scandinavia, the British Isles, the [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] and Mediterranean Sea. The company launched its second ship, ''[[Viking Sea]]'', in 2016. ''[[Viking Sky]]'' and ''Viking Sun'' joined the fleet in 2017, with ''Viking Orion'' scheduled to debut in 2018 along with three more by 2022.<ref name="gsloan041817">Gene Sloan, [https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2017/04/18/viking-ocean-cruises-orders-more-ships/100592520/ "Fast-growing Viking Ocean Cruises orders two more ships,"] ''USA Today'', April 18, 2017.</ref><ref name="gsloan102017">Gene Sloan, [https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2017/10/20/construction-begins-sixth-ship-viking-ocean-cruises/783283001/ "Construction begins on a sixth ship for Viking Ocean Cruises,"] ''USA Today'', October 20, 2017.</ref> They plan on adding two new ships in 2018, another in 2019, and seven new river boats.<ref name="rmcclure"/> As of November 2017, they operate a fleet of 62 vessels.<ref name="rmcclure"/> The company's operations center is in [[Basel, Switzerland]], with its marketing headquarters in [[Los Angeles, California]], in the United States.<ref>Fran Golden, [https://www.porthole.com/cruise-control-torstein-hagen-chairman-of-viking-cruises/ "Perfect Examples,"] ''[[Porthole Cruise Magazine]]'', August 21, 2017.</ref> Their cruises are marketed primarily toward English-speaking customers in North America, the United Kingdom and Australia.<ref>''Insight Guide to Great River Cruises,'' 2006, 2007, {{ISBN|978-981-258-397-0}}, p. 37</ref> |
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==Company history== |
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In the mid-1990s, the company’s founder and chairman, [[Torstein Hagen]],<ref>Company Overview, Viking Cruises, http://wpc.475d.edgecastcdn.net/00475D/press_kit/Viking_Cruises_Company_Overview.pdf</ref> took a river cruise through Russia. The experience inspired him to create a river cruise company in 1997. Educated at Norwegian Institute of Technology and Harvard Business School, Hagen was formerly CEO of [[Royal Viking Line]], and also served on the boards of [[Holland America Line]] and Kloster Cruise Ltd.<ref>Speaker Biography, Milken Institute 2006 Global Conference, http://www.milkeninstitute.org/events/gcprogram.taf?function=bio&EventID=GC06&SPID=2213</ref> |
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The company started with the purchase of four Russian vessels in 1997. The following year, it acquired additional ships and continued to cater to European passengers. In 2000, Viking purchased Europe's KD River Cruises, which was founded in 1827,<ref>Lizz Dinnigan, ''Travel Agent'' magazine cover story, September 10, 2001</ref> though KD retained its Rhine Line passenger ferries, scheduled services and day-excursion operations. The acquisition added more ships to Viking’s fleet, bringing its total to 26, the largest fleet in the world,<ref>''Insight Guide to Great River Cruises,'' 2006, 2007, {{ISBN|978-981-258-397-0}}, p. 22</ref> and gave the company rights to prime docking locations in key European cities. Since 2000, the company has built nearly all of its own river ships, uniquely designed [[Longships]], adding 6 to the fleet in 2012, 10 of the same in 2013, 18 in 2014, 12 in 2015, 6 in 2016<ref>“Six new river ships in a day? Rapid Viking expansion continues,” ''USA Today'', March 1, 2016, https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2016/03/01/viking-river-cruises-ships-christening/81143364/</ref> and 2 in 2017.<ref>“Two more new Viking river ships debut in Germany,” ''USA Today'', March 7, 2017, https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2017/03/07/viking-river-cruises-ship-naming/98880670/</ref> The number of ships built in 2013 and 2014 represented a world record and was noted in the ''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]''.<ref>“Viking Sets Another Guinness World Record in Christening New Longships,” Travel Agent Central, March 19, 2014, http://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/viking-sets-another-guinness-world-record-christening-new-longships-45145</ref> |
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===River destinations=== |
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The company expanded into China in 2004 with [[Yangtze River]] “cruisetours,” itineraries that combine a river cruise with hotel stays in various cities like Beijing and Shanghai.<ref>“Travel + Leisure Survey Ranks Viking Number One,” ''SeaLetter Cruise'' magazine, http://www.sealetter.com/news/viking.html</ref> Since then, the company has adopted this model to other regions, including Europe and Southeast Asia. |
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In May 2013, the company announced the launch of an ocean cruise division <ref>“Viking Cruises Will Begin Ocean Cruises on Viking Star in 2015,” ''Los Angeles Times'', May 17, 2013, http://articles.latimes.com/2013/may/17/news/la-trb-viking-cruises-20130517</ref> of small, oceangoing vessels and modified its name to Viking Cruises. In 2015, its first ship, ''Viking Star,'' began sailing itineraries in Scandinavia and the [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]], and on the Mediterranean Sea. With a [[float out]] in June 2015,<ref>“Viking Ocean Cruises Celebrates Float Out of Second Ship,” Viking Cruises, http://www.vikingcruises.com/press/press-releases/viking-sea-float-out.html</ref> the company launched its second ship, ''Viking Sea'', in 2016. ''Viking Sky'' and ''Viking Sun'' join the fleet in 2017, with ''Viking Spirit'' scheduled to debut in 2018 along with three more by 2022.<ref>Gene Sloan, “Fast-growing Viking Ocean Cruises orders two more ships,” ''USA Today'', April 18, 2017, https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2017/04/18/viking-ocean-cruises-orders-more-ships/100592520/</ref> |
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A planned expansion into the US along the [[Mississippi River]] was announced in February 2015. Viking's home port will be [[New Orleans, Louisiana]], with vessels cruising north to [[Memphis, Tennessee]]; [[St. Louis, Missouri]]; or [[St. Paul, Minnesota]]. Service is expected to begin in late 2017 using two ships, with the fleet expanding to six by 2019. Each vessel will have a capacity of about 300.<ref>“Viking boats to cruise Mississippi River.” ''Fortune''. Reuters. 2015-02-25. Retrieved 2015-02-25.</ref> |
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[[File:CC Odin Budapest Vert2.jpg|thumb|CC Odin Budapest Vert2|''Viking Longship Odin'', sailing on the Danube River, arrives in [[Budapest]], Hungary.]] |
[[File:CC Odin Budapest Vert2.jpg|thumb|CC Odin Budapest Vert2|''Viking Longship Odin'', sailing on the Danube River, arrives in [[Budapest]], Hungary.]] |
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Viking River Cruises offers cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt |
Viking River Cruises offers cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. Viking's European ships have a typical capacity of 190 passengers;<ref name="gsloan102617"/><ref name="eglusac"/> its Russian ships' capacity averages just over 200<ref>Veronica Stoddart, [https://www.cntraveler.com/story/6-river-cruises-to-take-in-2017 "6 River Cruises to Take in 2017,"] ''Conde Nast Traveler'', March 31, 2017.</ref> and its China ship carries up to 256.<ref>[http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise/Viking-River-Cruises/Viking-Emerald/Schedule "Viking River Cruises Viking Emerald Cruises,"] ''[[Travel Weekly]]''. Accessed November 30, 2017.</ref> Viking itineraries range from 8 to 23 days along Europe's [[Rhine]], [[Main River|Main]], [[Danube]], [[Seine]], [[Rhône]], [[Elbe]] and [[Douro]] Rivers; Russia’s [[Volga]] and [[Svir River|Svir]]; Ukraine’s [[Dnieper]]; China’s [[Yangtze]]; Egypt’s [[Nile]] and [[Lake Nasser]]; and [[Cambodia]] and Vietnam’s [[Mekong]]. Some voyages, including those in China, Southeast Asia and Egypt and a few in Europe, are cruisetours, which include both hotel stays and river cruising.{{citation needed |date=November 2017}} |
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Viking itineraries range from eight to 23 days along Europe’s [[Rhine]], [[Main River|Main]], [[Danube]], [[Seine]], [[Rhône]], [[Elbe]] and [[Douro]] Rivers; Russia’s [[Volga]] and [[Svir River|Svir]]; Ukraine’s [[Dnieper]]; China’s [[Yangtze]]; Egypt’s [[Nile]] and [[Lake Nasser]]; and [[Cambodia]] and Vietnam’s [[Mekong]].<ref>Company Overview, Viking Cruises, http://wpc.475d.edgecastcdn.net/00475D/press_kit/Viking_Cruises_Company_Overview.pdf</ref> Some voyages, including those in China, Southeast Asia and Egypt and a few in Europe, are “cruisetours,” which include both hotel stays and river cruising. |
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In 2009, Viking launched ''Viking Legend'', the first of its ships to have hybrid diesel-electric engines. According to the company, these engines use an estimated 20% less fuel than conventional engines. Noise-insulated engine rooms reduce noise and vibration and the ship has its own membrane water treatment plant to further reduce environmental impact.<ref>[http://www.avidcruiser.com/2009/05/28/a-viking-ship-to-launch-with-a-green-accent/ "A Viking Ship to Launch with a Green Accent,"] ''The Avid Cruiser,'' May 29, 2009.</ref> In 2012, as Viking expanded, it introduced its Viking Longships class designed by Scandinavian naval architects Yran & Storbraaten. The design firm was later replaced by [[Rottet Studio]].<ref name="ajordan"/> The ships have an environmentally friendly engine system, with three decks and an interior design configuration that creates large two-room suites, full-size rooms with full-size verandas and French balcony staterooms. Additional features include an indoor-outdoor terrace for outdoor dining at the prow of the ship; large suites at the stern; solar panels; and an organic herb garden.<ref name="ajordan"/><ref name="tstieghorst">Tom Stieghorst, [http://www.travelweekly.com/In-the-Hot-Seat/Viking-Cruises-chairman-Torstein-Hagen "Viking Cruises' Torstein Hagen,"] ''Travel Weekly'', October 25, 2016.</ref> The first six Viking Longships that launched in 2012 collectively won Cruise Critic's award for Best New River Ship.<ref>[http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5275 "River Cruising Sees Historic Achievement in Amsterdam,"] Cruise Critic, March 20, 2013.</ref> |
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⚫ | Yran & Storbraaten are also designing ''Viking Ra'', an addition to the company's Egypt fleet.<ref>Gene Sloan, [https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2017/05/09/nile-cruise-ship-viking-ra/101459550/ "Viking River Cruises unveils plans for new Nile ship,"] ''USA Today'', May 9, 2017.</ref> The refurbished ship will offer a blend of Scandinavian design, with traditional geometric Arabic patterns. The 48-passenger ''Viking Ra'' is scheduled to sail on the [[Nile River]] in Egypt starting in March 2018.<ref name="rmcclure"/> |
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In 2009, Viking launched ''Viking Legend'', the first of its ships to have hybrid diesel-electric engines. According to the company, these engines use an estimated 20% less fuel than conventional engines. Noise-insulated engine rooms reduce noise and vibration and the ship has its own membrane water treatment plant to further reduce environmental impact.<ref>“A Viking Ship to Launch with a Green Accent,” ''The Avid Cruiser,'' May 29, 2009, http://www.avidcruiser.com/2009/05/28/a-viking-ship-to-launch-with-a-green-accent/</ref> Viking’s next new vessel, ''Viking Prestige'', launched in 2011 with the same "green" features as ''Viking Legend''. |
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In 2012, Viking introduced its Viking Longships class designed by Scandinavian naval architects Yran and Storbraaten. Each of these ships has the same environmentally friendly engine system, plus a patented interior design configuration (Corridor configuration designs U.S. Patent No. 1832106-0001 to 1832106-0011) that creates large two-room suites, full-size rooms with full-size verandas and French balcony staterooms. Additional features include an indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace for outdoor dining at the prow of the ship, large Explorer Suites at the stern; solar panels and an organic herb garden. The first six Viking Longships that launched in 2012 collectively won Cruise Critic’s award for "Best New River Ship."<ref>“River Cruising Sees Historic Achievement in Amsterdam,” Cruise Critic, March 20, 2013, http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5275</ref> The company launched 10 more in 2013;<ref>“See the Top 10 Cruise Ship Innovations of 2013,” ''USA Today,'' December 16, 2013, http://experience.usatoday.com/cruise/story/best-of-cruising/2013/12/16/see-top-ten-cruise-ship-innovations-2013/4040727/</ref> an additional 16 in 2014, plus 2 smaller vessels purpose-built for Portugal’s Douro River;<ref>“Viking Cruises Sails Past Its Own Guinness World Record with Launch of 18 New Ships,” PR Newswire, March 18, 2014, http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viking-cruises-sails-past-its-own-guinness-world-record-with-launch-of-18-new-ships-250891161.html</ref> 12 in 2015; 6 in 2016 and 2 in 2017. Each Viking Longship is named for a figure in [[Norse mythology]] or [[history]].<ref>Viking River Cruises website, http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/ships/longships/ships.html</ref> |
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[[File:Cc Freya Boppard Vert.jpg|thumb|''Viking Longship Freya'' sails through the [[Rhine|Rhine Valley]].]] |
[[File:Cc Freya Boppard Vert.jpg|thumb|''Viking Longship Freya'' sails through the [[Rhine|Rhine Valley]].]] |
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Viking River Cruises operates a fleet of |
Viking River Cruises operates a fleet of 62 vessels as of 2017.<ref name="rmcclure"/> All of its ships have been custom built or fully renovated since 1999. As of 2017, more than two-thirds of the company's European fleet are classed as Viking Longships.<ref>David Swanson, [https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2017/03/07/viking-river-cruises-ship-naming/98880670/ "Two more new Viking river ships debut in Germany,"] ''USA Today'', March 7, 2017.</ref> In 2019, the company plans to launch six new Longships, sailing on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, and an additional smaller vessel for Portugal's [[Douro River]]. This will bring Viking's total to 69 river vessels.<ref name="rmcclure"/><ref name="gsloan102617"/> |
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==Ocean cruises== |
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===Ocean destinations=== |
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{{Main article|Viking Ocean Cruises}} |
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In 2013, Viking announced plans to open its ocean cruise division, [[Viking Ocean Cruises]],<ref name="tstieghorst"/> the first new cruise line in nearly a decade.<ref>[http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5356 "Viking Reveals Details of New Ocean Cruise Line,"] Cruise Critic, May 17, 2013.</ref> Viking's ocean cruise division began sailing its first vessel, ''[[Viking Star]]'', in 2015.<ref name="cwright">Christian L. Wright, [https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruise-vacations-for-the-anti-cruise-crowd-1490277971 "Cruise Vacations for the Anti-Cruise Crowd,"] ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', April 4, 2017.</ref> It was joined by the fleet's second vessel, ''[[Viking Sea]]'', in 2016;<ref name="agraham"/> and its third and fourth ships, ''[[Viking Sky]]'' and ''Viking Sun'', in 2017.<ref name="gsloan102017"/> Viking has announced plans to add four additional ships to its current ocean fleet. ''Viking Orion'' is scheduled to launch in 2018, becoming the company's fifth ocean ship. It will spend its first year sailing in the Mediterranean, before expanding to Asia, Australia and Alaska.<ref name="rmcclure"/> Construction began on an unnamed sixth ship in October 2017, at [[Fincantieri]]'s shipyard in [[Ancona, Italy]].<ref name="gsloan102017"/> Two more are scheduled to launch by 2022.<ref name="gsloan102017"/> |
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Viking's itineraries feature travel in Northern Europe, the Baltic, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.<ref name="gsloan041817"/> Their ships spend more time in port than is common at other ocean lines, emphasizing a focus on the culture of their destinations.<ref name="agraham"/><ref name="cwright"/> |
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Viking Ocean Cruises, the ocean cruise division of Viking Cruises, launched in 2013 to offer the same small ship experience as the company’s river division. Specifically designed to provide more time in port than competitors, including late evening stays and overnights, itineraries sail Scandinavia, the Baltic, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. |
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In December 2017, Viking will launch its first round-the-world cruise, with a 35-country itinerary on the ''Viking Sun'''s maiden voyage.<ref>Chaney Kwak and Charu Suri, [https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/new-cruise-ships-with-beautiful-interior-design "You Won't Believe the Interiors of These 10 New Cruise Ships,"] ''[[Architectural Digest]]'', August 16, 2017.</ref><ref name=mcarey>Meredith Carey, [http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-05-03/viking-plans-a-141-day-world-cruise-for-2017 "Viking Plans a 141-Day World Cruise for 2017,"] ''Condé Nast Traveler'', May 3, 2016.</ref> It will start in [[Miami, Florida]], and continue to five continents, 35 countries and 66 ports, 22 of which will have overnight stays.<ref name=mcarey/> It will be one of the longest around-the-world excursions, at nearly five months.<ref name=mcarey/> |
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In 2013, Viking Cruises announced the first new cruise line in nearly a decade.<ref>“Viking Reveals Details of New Ocean Cruise Line,” Cruise Critic, May 17, 2013, http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5356</ref> Its ocean cruise product line is intended to leverage the company’s managerial experience in ocean cruising as well as its success in the river cruise sector.<ref>Company Overview, Viking Cruises, http://wpc.475d.edgecastcdn.net/00475D/press_kit/Viking_Cruises_Company_Overview.pdf</ref> Viking’s ocean cruise division began sailing its first vessel, ''Viking Star'', in 2015. It was joined by the fleet’s second vessel, ''Viking Sea'', in 2016; and its third and fourth ships, ''Viking Sky'' and ''Viking Sun'', in 2017.<ref>“Fast-growing Viking to have six ocean ships by 2020,” ''USA Today'', March 2, 2016, https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2016/03/02/viking-ocean-cruises-ships/81198520/</ref> ''Viking Spirit'' is scheduled for 2018 sailings and three more will join them by 2022. Initial ocean cruising destinations included Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Mediterranean, calling on ports such as Bergen, Norway; St. Petersburg, Russia; Gdańsk, Poland; and Barcelona, Spain.<ref>“Viking’s New Ocean Cruise Line Reinvents Destination Ocean Voyages,” PR Newswire, October 9, 2013, http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vikings-new-ocean-cruise-line-reinvents-destination-ocean-voyages-227092451.html</ref> With its expansion, Viking is offering itineraries in the Americas, the Caribbean,<ref>“''Viking Star'' to Sail North America and the Caribbean,” ''Porthole Cruise Magazine'', December 2, 2015, http://www.porthole.com/viking-star-to-sail-north-america-and-the-caribbean-cruise-news-dec-2-2015/</ref> Asia, Australia and New Zealand,<ref>Kerry Spencer, “Viking Ocean Cruises Announces Brand-New Itineraries Set to Roll Out in 2017, 2018 and 2019,” Cruise Critic, January 17, 2017, https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=7468</ref> as well as its first ''World Cruise''.<ref>Meredith Carey, “Viking Plans a 141-Day World Cruise for 2017,” ''Condé Nast Traveler'', May 3, 2016, http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-05-03/viking-plans-a-141-day-world-cruise-for-2017</ref> |
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=== Ocean ship design === |
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[[File:CC VSTAR Ship Ocean RND.jpg|thumb|''Viking Star'' |
[[File:CC VSTAR Ship Ocean RND.jpg|thumb|''[[Viking Star]]'' launched in 2015 (artist's rendering).]] |
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Viking Ocean Cruises' vessels carry up to 930 passengers and 550 crew.<ref name="agraham"/><ref name="cwright"/> The ships have a Scandinavian design with modernist décor, and an emphasis on clean, uncluttered spaces.<ref name="agraham"/> They were built by Fincantieri shipyard, and the Scandinavian-influenced interior design was developed by London-based SMC Design and Los Angeles–based [[Rottet Studio]].<ref name="shiptech"/> |
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''Viking Star'' is a 930-passenger all-veranda cruise ship, classified by the Cruise Critic trade publication as a "small ship." <ref>“Viking Star Review,” Cruise Critic, http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=748</ref> The ship, along with its sister ships, was designed by experienced naval architects and designers with features including dual-fuel engines, a hydro-dynamically optimized streamlined hull for maximum fuel efficiency, onboard solar panels and equipment that minimizes exhaust pollution.<ref>“Viking’s New Ocean Cruise Line Reinvents Destination Ocean Voyages,” PR Newswire, October 9, 2013, http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vikings-new-ocean-cruise-line-reinvents-destination-ocean-voyages-227092451.html</ref> |
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Viking Cruises was the first cruise line to launch a new purpose-built ship since [[Disney Cruise Line]] introduced ''[[Disney Magic]]'' in 1998. ''Viking Star'' and its identical sister ships have 465 rooms, all with private verandas.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2015/04/17/viking-star-suites-cabins/25923305/ "Living Large: Inside New Viking Ship's Stylish Suites,"] ''USA Today,'' April 17, 2015.</ref> The cabins are large by cruise ship standards.<ref name="gsloan041817"/><ref name="gsloan102017"/> Onboard areas include lounge and dining venues; a three-story atrium; theater; library; sun deck including two pools, spa, gym and yoga area; and an infinity pool.<ref name="agraham"/><ref>[http://www.fodors.com/cruises/news/viking-to-launch-ocean-cruise-line-in-2015-6787 "Viking to Launch Ocean Cruise Line in 2015,"] [[Fodor's]], May 17, 2013.</ref><ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2015/04/14/viking-star-cruise-charges/25755975/ "Hate Nickel-and-Diming? This New Cruise Ship Is for You,"] ''USA Today,'' April 15, 2015.</ref> ''[[Conde Nast Traveler]]'' called the amenities "industry-changing."<ref name=mcarey/> |
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They were built by Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy, and the interior design, rich in Scandinavian influence, was developed by London-based SMC Design and Los Angeles–based Rottet Studio.<ref>“Viking Star Cruise Ship, Italy,” Ship-Technology.com, http://www.ship-technology.com/projects/viking-star-cruise-ship/</ref> |
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=== Amenities === |
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Viking Cruises is the first cruise line to launch a new purpose-built ship since [[Disney Cruise Line]] introduced [[Disney Magic]] in 1998.<ref>“Where in the World is Cruise Critic?” Cruise Critic, April 13, 2015, http://www.cruisecritic.com/blog/index.php/2015/04/13/where-in-the-world-is-cruise-critic-51/</ref> ''Viking Star'' and its identical sister ships have 465 staterooms in five categories, all with private verandas and a square-footage (270) that exceeds that found on most cruise ships. The ships' largest suite, the Owner’s Suite, is nearly 1,500 square feet.<ref>“Living Large: Inside New Viking Ship’s Stylish Suites,” ''USA Today,'' April 17, 2015, https://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2015/04/17/viking-star-suites-cabins/25923305/</ref> Multiple lounge and dining venues with several options for dining outdoors on deck. Other onboard areas include a three-story atrium, theater, library, sun deck including two pools, Nordic-inspired spa, gym and yoga area, and onboard boutiques. Their infinity pool is one of the first of its kind at sea,<ref>“Viking to Launch Ocean Cruise Line in 2015,” Fodor’s Travel, May 17, 2013, http://www.fodors.com/cruises/news/viking-to-launch-ocean-cruise-line-in-2015-6787</ref> and the floor-to-ceiling windows that bring sunlight into the ship’s interior spaces are unique among ships of this class.<ref>“Viking’s New Ocean Cruise Line Reinvents Destination Ocean Voyages,” PR Newswire, October 9, 2013, http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vikings-new-ocean-cruise-line-reinvents-destination-ocean-voyages-227092451.html</ref> |
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Complimentary amenities on all ocean ships in the Viking fleet include Wi-Fi Internet access; beer and wine with lunch and dinner; at least one shore excursion in every port; a Scandinavia-inspired spa, which includes a thermal pool, hot tub, sauna and a chilled Snow Grotto in which snow gently falls from the ceiling; fitness center; library with curated books to reflect the cruise line’s destinations; 24-hour room service; meals at all the ship’s restaurants; cappuccinos, lattes and other espresso drinks available throughout the ship; self-service laundry; movies on in-room televisions and entertainment, movies and lectures in onboard theaters; and transfers between the arrival airport and the ship. Paid amenities on all ships include several spa and salon services; specialty beer, wine and spirits; and additional shore excursions.<ref>“Hate Nickel-and-Diming? This New Cruise Ship Is for You,” ''USA Today,'' April 15, 2015, https://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2015/04/14/viking-star-cruise-charges/25755975/</ref> |
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=== Technical specifications === |
=== Technical specifications === |
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Each sister ship is one-third the size of many cruise ships being built by major cruise lines |
Each sister ship is one-third the size of many cruise ships being built by major cruise lines, allowing it to enter into smaller ports.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2015/04/12/viking-star-first-look/25669227/ "First Look: Inside the Year's Hottest New Cruise Ship,"] ''USA Today,'' April 13, 2015.</ref> Its overall length is 745.4 ft. (227.2 m); its beam is 94.5 ft. (28.8 m); the draft is 20.7 ft. (6.3 m); and the gross tonnage (GRT) is 47,800 t.<ref name="shiptech">[http://www.ship-technology.com/projects/viking-star-cruise-ship/ "Viking Star Cruise Ship, Italy,"] Ship-Technology.com, March 2015.</ref> |
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== Sponsorships == |
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Since 2011, Viking has sponsored programming on [[PBS]]'s ''[[Masterpiece Theatre]]'', including ''[[Downton Abbey]]'', ''[[Sherlock (TV series)|Sherlock]]'' and ''[[Poldark (2015 TV series)|Poldark]]'',<ref name="agraham"/><ref name="ajordan"/><ref name="pulse">[https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/more-downton-abbey-from-viking-cruises.html "More 'Downton Abbey' from Viking Cruises,"] Travel Pulse, November 21, 2017.</ref> and is a sponsor of [[National Geographic]]'s ''[[Genius (U.S. TV series)|Genius]]'', a scripted series about the life of [[Albert Einstein]].<ref>[https://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/viking-cruises-national-geographic-launch-genius-series "Viking Cruises, National Geographic Launch 'Genius' Series,"] Travel Agent Central, April 21, 2017.</ref> Viking has also sponsored the [[Los Angeles Philharmonic]] at [[The Hollywood Bowl]], [[Metropolitan Opera]], [[BBC]], [[Munch Museum]] in [[Oslo, Norway]], and [[Mariinsky Theatre]] in [[St. Petersburg, Russia]].<ref name="pulse"/> |
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Viking will be adding four additional ships to its current ocean fleet. ''Viking Spirit'' is scheduled to launch in 2018, and three more are scheduled to launch by 2022. They are also being built at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard. |
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== Awards == |
== Awards == |
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=== Viking River Cruises === |
=== Viking River Cruises === |
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Viking’s river cruise division has received many awards and much recognition from publications and organizations within the travel and cruise industries, as well as from the travel press. A summary of the company’s awards follows:<ref>Viking River Cruises website, http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/why-viking/awards/index.html</ref> |
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* [[Cruise Critic]], a cruise review website, has selected Viking River Cruises in its Editors' Picks Awards for 6 consecutive years for awards including Best River Cruise Line, Best New River Ship and Best River Cruise Itineraries. |
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* [[ |
* ''[[Travel Weekly]]'', a trade publication, named Viking River Cruises the Best River Cruise Line for 11 consecutive years, from 2006 to 2016, in its Readers Choice Awards. |
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* '' |
* ''Recommend'' magazine, a publication for travel agents, awarded Viking Best River Cruise Line in their Readers' Choice Awards for 11 consecutive years. |
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* |
* ''[[Porthole Cruise Magazine]]'' readers voted Viking River Cruises the Best River Cruise Line 4 times in the Readers' Choice Awards. |
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* CruiseReport.com commended Viking River Cruises in its Editors' Choice Awards as Best River Cruise Line 3 times, the Best Way to See Russia in 2012 and Best River Cruise Accommodations in 2016. |
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* [http://www.porthole.com/ ''Porthole Cruise Magazine''] readers voted Viking River Cruises the “Best River Cruise Line” 4 times in the Readers' Choice Awards. |
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* |
* LuxuryTravelAdvisor.com has awarded Viking River Cruises the Best Luxury River Cruise Company 4 times. |
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* |
* Seatrade Insider awarded Viking River Cruises their first-ever River Cruise Innovation Award in 2011 for the company's Viking Longships. |
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* [ |
* [[Fodor's|Fodor’s Travel]] awarded Viking River Cruises' ''Legends of the Rhine'' river cruise the World's Best Cruise for 2015. |
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* ''[[Conde Nast Traveler]]'' named Viking River Cruises the Best River Cruise Line in the publication's 2017 Readers' Choice Awards.<ref>[https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2015-10-18/top-25-cruise-lines-in-the-world-readers-choice-awards-2015 "The World's Best Cruise Lines (Full List): Readers' Choice Awards 2017,"] ''[[Conde Nast Traveler]]'', October 17, 2017.</ref> |
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* [[Fodor's|Fodor’s Travel]] awarded Viking River Cruises’ ''Legends of the Rhine'' river cruise the “World’s Best Cruise for 2015.” |
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=== Viking Ocean Cruises === |
=== Viking Ocean Cruises === |
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⚫ | |||
Since the 2015 maiden voyage of ''Viking Star,'' the company has received many accolades from cruise industry experts and critics. |
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⚫ | * ''Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016'' rated ''Viking Star'' the highest in her category during her debut season.<ref>Douglas Ward, ''Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016'', 2015, {{ISBN|978-178-004-8314}}</ref> In the guidebook’s 2017 edition, ''Viking Sea'' was rated the first in her category, with ''Viking Star'' following in second place.<ref>Douglas Ward, ''Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017'', 2016, {{ISBN|978-178-004-9090}}</ref> |
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⚫ | * Cruise Critic named ''Viking Star'' the |
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⚫ | * Cruise Critic’s editors awarded ''Viking Sky'' with 5 stars, the highest rating, in 2017.<ref>[https://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=992 "Viking Sky Review,"] Cruise Critic.</ref> In their 2017 Cruisers' Choice Awards, ''Viking Star'' and ''Viking Sea'' received first place in 10 categories, including Best Overall and Best Shore Excursions.<ref>[https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/cruiserschoice_index.cfm "2017 Cruisers' Choice Awards,"] Cruise Critic.</ref> |
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⚫ | * ''Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016'' rated ''Viking Star'' the highest in her category during her debut season.<ref>Douglas Ward, ''Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016'', 2015, {{ISBN|978-178-004-8314}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | * Cruise Critic’s editors awarded ''Viking Sky'' with 5 stars, |
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⚫ | * ''Travel |
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</ref> |
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== Media == |
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Viking River Cruises sponsors programming on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), including support for Masterpiece’s ''Downton Abbey'', ''Sherlock'' and ''Poldark,'' among several others.<ref>“Viking River Cruises and PBS’ Masterpiece Extend Partnership for Additional Year,” Viking River Cruises Press Release, August 4, 2015, http://www.vikingcruises.com/press/press-releases/masterpiece-partnership-extension.html</ref> Viking is also a sponsor of National Geographic’s ''Genius''.<ref>Chris Owen, “Creative Viking Connection Targets Culturally Curious Travelers,” https://www.chriscruises.com/creative-viking-connection-targets-culturally-curious-travelers/</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Commons category|Viking River Cruises}} |
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* {{official website|http://www.vikingcruises.com/}} |
* {{official website|http://www.vikingcruises.com/}} |
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* [http://www.traveller.com.au/cruise-on-the-middle-rhine-in-germany-a-charming-way-to-travel-116z4d "Cruise on the Middle Rhine in Germany a charming way to travel"] – review in ''[http://www.traveller.com.au/ traveller.com.au]'' ([[Fairfax Media]]) of a cruise from Basel to Amsterdam on ''Viking Var'' |
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[[Category:Companies based in Basel]] |
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[[Category:Privately held companies based in California]] |
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[[Category:American companies established in 1997]] |
[[Category:American companies established in 1997]] |
Revision as of 19:12, 30 November 2017
![]() | |
Company type | Private |
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Industry | Travel and tourism |
Founded | 1997 |
Headquarters | |
Key people | Torstein Hagen, Co-founder, chairman |
Products | River cruises Ocean cruises |
Number of employees | 5,000+ (2017)[1] |
Subsidiaries | Viking River Cruises Viking Ocean Cruises |
Website | vikingcruises |
Viking Cruises is a cruise line providing river and ocean cruises, with operations based in Basel, Switzerland.[2] It is the parent company of Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises. As of November 2017, it operates a fleet of 62 river vessels and 4 ocean ships, offering cruises along the rivers and oceans of North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, Egypt, China and Southeast Asia.[3]
History
The company was established as Viking River Cruises in 1997,[2] launched by Torstein Hagen with the purchase of four Russian vessels for $8 million.[1] In 2000, Viking purchased KD River Cruises of Europe, which was founded in 1827.[1][4][5] The acquisition added ships to Viking's fleet, bringing its total to 26, making it the largest fleet in the world.[1][6] Since 2000, the company has built nearly all of its own river ships, uniquely designed Longships. The company embarked on a rapid growth in 2012,[7][8] adding 54 ships to the fleet from 2012 to 2017.[7][9] The 28 combined ships built in 2013 and 2014 represented a world record, which was noted in the Guinness Book of World Records.[10]
Viking expanded into the American market in 2000, establishing its US headquarters in Los Angeles, California. The company expanded into China in 2004 with Yangtze River cruisetours, itineraries that combine a river cruise with hotel stays in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.[1][11] Since then, the company has brought this model in other regions, including Europe and Southeast Asia.[citation needed]
In May 2013, the company modified its name to Viking Cruises as it announced the launch of Viking Ocean Cruises, a division of small, oceangoing vessels.[12] In 2015, its first ship, Viking Star, began sailing itineraries in Scandinavia, the British Isles, the Baltic and Mediterranean Sea. The company launched its second ship, Viking Sea, in 2016. Viking Sky and Viking Sun joined the fleet in 2017, with Viking Orion scheduled to debut in 2018 along with three more by 2022.[13][14] They plan on adding two new ships in 2018, another in 2019, and seven new river boats.[3] As of November 2017, they operate a fleet of 62 vessels.[3] The company's operations center is in Basel, Switzerland, with its marketing headquarters in Los Angeles, California, in the United States.[15] Their cruises are marketed primarily toward English-speaking customers in North America, the United Kingdom and Australia.[16]
River cruises
River destinations
Viking River Cruises offers cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. Viking's European ships have a typical capacity of 190 passengers;[7][8] its Russian ships' capacity averages just over 200[17] and its China ship carries up to 256.[18] Viking itineraries range from 8 to 23 days along Europe's Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Elbe and Douro Rivers; Russia’s Volga and Svir; Ukraine’s Dnieper; China’s Yangtze; Egypt’s Nile and Lake Nasser; and Cambodia and Vietnam’s Mekong. Some voyages, including those in China, Southeast Asia and Egypt and a few in Europe, are cruisetours, which include both hotel stays and river cruising.[citation needed]
River cruise ship design
In 2009, Viking launched Viking Legend, the first of its ships to have hybrid diesel-electric engines. According to the company, these engines use an estimated 20% less fuel than conventional engines. Noise-insulated engine rooms reduce noise and vibration and the ship has its own membrane water treatment plant to further reduce environmental impact.[19] In 2012, as Viking expanded, it introduced its Viking Longships class designed by Scandinavian naval architects Yran & Storbraaten. The design firm was later replaced by Rottet Studio.[1] The ships have an environmentally friendly engine system, with three decks and an interior design configuration that creates large two-room suites, full-size rooms with full-size verandas and French balcony staterooms. Additional features include an indoor-outdoor terrace for outdoor dining at the prow of the ship; large suites at the stern; solar panels; and an organic herb garden.[1][20] The first six Viking Longships that launched in 2012 collectively won Cruise Critic's award for Best New River Ship.[21]
Yran & Storbraaten are also designing Viking Ra, an addition to the company's Egypt fleet.[22] The refurbished ship will offer a blend of Scandinavian design, with traditional geometric Arabic patterns. The 48-passenger Viking Ra is scheduled to sail on the Nile River in Egypt starting in March 2018.[3]
Fleet
Viking River Cruises operates a fleet of 62 vessels as of 2017.[3] All of its ships have been custom built or fully renovated since 1999. As of 2017, more than two-thirds of the company's European fleet are classed as Viking Longships.[23] In 2019, the company plans to launch six new Longships, sailing on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, and an additional smaller vessel for Portugal's Douro River. This will bring Viking's total to 69 river vessels.[3][7]
Ocean cruises
Ocean destinations
In 2013, Viking announced plans to open its ocean cruise division, Viking Ocean Cruises,[20] the first new cruise line in nearly a decade.[24] Viking's ocean cruise division began sailing its first vessel, Viking Star, in 2015.[25] It was joined by the fleet's second vessel, Viking Sea, in 2016;[2] and its third and fourth ships, Viking Sky and Viking Sun, in 2017.[14] Viking has announced plans to add four additional ships to its current ocean fleet. Viking Orion is scheduled to launch in 2018, becoming the company's fifth ocean ship. It will spend its first year sailing in the Mediterranean, before expanding to Asia, Australia and Alaska.[3] Construction began on an unnamed sixth ship in October 2017, at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy.[14] Two more are scheduled to launch by 2022.[14]
Viking's itineraries feature travel in Northern Europe, the Baltic, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.[13] Their ships spend more time in port than is common at other ocean lines, emphasizing a focus on the culture of their destinations.[2][25]
In December 2017, Viking will launch its first round-the-world cruise, with a 35-country itinerary on the Viking Sun's maiden voyage.[26][27] It will start in Miami, Florida, and continue to five continents, 35 countries and 66 ports, 22 of which will have overnight stays.[27] It will be one of the longest around-the-world excursions, at nearly five months.[27]
Ocean ship design
Viking Ocean Cruises' vessels carry up to 930 passengers and 550 crew.[2][25] The ships have a Scandinavian design with modernist décor, and an emphasis on clean, uncluttered spaces.[2] They were built by Fincantieri shipyard, and the Scandinavian-influenced interior design was developed by London-based SMC Design and Los Angeles–based Rottet Studio.[28]
Viking Cruises was the first cruise line to launch a new purpose-built ship since Disney Cruise Line introduced Disney Magic in 1998. Viking Star and its identical sister ships have 465 rooms, all with private verandas.[29] The cabins are large by cruise ship standards.[13][14] Onboard areas include lounge and dining venues; a three-story atrium; theater; library; sun deck including two pools, spa, gym and yoga area; and an infinity pool.[2][30][31] Conde Nast Traveler called the amenities "industry-changing."[27]
Technical specifications
Each sister ship is one-third the size of many cruise ships being built by major cruise lines, allowing it to enter into smaller ports.[32] Its overall length is 745.4 ft. (227.2 m); its beam is 94.5 ft. (28.8 m); the draft is 20.7 ft. (6.3 m); and the gross tonnage (GRT) is 47,800 t.[28]
Sponsorships
Since 2011, Viking has sponsored programming on PBS's Masterpiece Theatre, including Downton Abbey, Sherlock and Poldark,[2][1][33] and is a sponsor of National Geographic's Genius, a scripted series about the life of Albert Einstein.[34] Viking has also sponsored the Los Angeles Philharmonic at The Hollywood Bowl, Metropolitan Opera, BBC, Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, and Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia.[33]
Awards
Viking River Cruises
- Travel + Leisure magazine’s readers have recognized Viking River Cruises as one of the Best River Cruise Lines in the annual World’s Best Awards 7 times since 2011. Viking River Cruises was also voted the #1 River Cruise Line on Travel + Leisure's 2012 and 2015 World’s Best Lists.
- TravelAge West, a travel industry publication, named Viking River Cruises the best overall cruise line for river cruising 11 times, from 2006 to 2016.
- Cruise Critic, a cruise review website, has selected Viking River Cruises in its Editors' Picks Awards for 6 consecutive years for awards including Best River Cruise Line, Best New River Ship and Best River Cruise Itineraries.
- Travel Weekly, a trade publication, named Viking River Cruises the Best River Cruise Line for 11 consecutive years, from 2006 to 2016, in its Readers Choice Awards.
- Recommend magazine, a publication for travel agents, awarded Viking Best River Cruise Line in their Readers' Choice Awards for 11 consecutive years.
- Porthole Cruise Magazine readers voted Viking River Cruises the Best River Cruise Line 4 times in the Readers' Choice Awards.
- CruiseReport.com commended Viking River Cruises in its Editors' Choice Awards as Best River Cruise Line 3 times, the Best Way to See Russia in 2012 and Best River Cruise Accommodations in 2016.
- LuxuryTravelAdvisor.com has awarded Viking River Cruises the Best Luxury River Cruise Company 4 times.
- Seatrade Insider awarded Viking River Cruises their first-ever River Cruise Innovation Award in 2011 for the company's Viking Longships.
- Fodor’s Travel awarded Viking River Cruises' Legends of the Rhine river cruise the World's Best Cruise for 2015.
- Conde Nast Traveler named Viking River Cruises the Best River Cruise Line in the publication's 2017 Readers' Choice Awards.[35]
Viking Ocean Cruises
- Cruise Critic named Viking Star the Best New Ocean Ship of 2015 in its 8th annual Editors’ Picks Awards.[36]
- Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016 rated Viking Star the highest in her category during her debut season.[37] In the guidebook’s 2017 edition, Viking Sea was rated the first in her category, with Viking Star following in second place.[38]
- Cruise Critic’s editors awarded Viking Sky with 5 stars, the highest rating, in 2017.[39] In their 2017 Cruisers' Choice Awards, Viking Star and Viking Sea received first place in 10 categories, including Best Overall and Best Shore Excursions.[40]
- Travel + Leisure readers named Viking the #1 Ocean Cruise Line in the World's Best Awards in 2016 and 2017.[41]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Allan E. Jordan, "Viking Cruises goes from upstart to leader in 20 years," Cruise Business Review, February 2017, pp. 36-39.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Adam H. Graham, "The Rising Tide: How Viking Changed Cruising," Departures, November 21, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g Rosemary McClure, "Viking plans to add 10 new river and ocean-going cruise ships," Los Angeles Times, October 31, 2017.
- ^ Lizz Dinnigan, Travel Agent, September 10, 2001
- ^ Arline Bleecker, "Serene Sailings," Chicago Tribune, January 15, 1995.
- ^ Insight Guide to Great River Cruises, 2006, 2007, ISBN 978-981-258-397-0, p. 22
- ^ a b c d Gene Sloan, "Viking River Cruises to add seven new ships in 2019," USA Today, October 26, 2017.
- ^ a b Elaine Glusac, "Interest in European River Cruises Soars," New York Times, June 29, 2012.
- ^ "Six new river ships in a day? Rapid Viking expansion continues," USA Today, March 1, 2016.
- ^ "Viking Sets Another Guinness World Record in Christening New Longships," Travel Agent Central, March 19, 2014.
- ^ "Travel + Leisure Survey Ranks Viking Number One," SeaLetter Cruise magazine.
- ^ "Viking Cruises Will Begin Ocean Cruises on Viking Star in 2015," Los Angeles Times, May 17, 2013.
- ^ a b c Gene Sloan, "Fast-growing Viking Ocean Cruises orders two more ships," USA Today, April 18, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e Gene Sloan, "Construction begins on a sixth ship for Viking Ocean Cruises," USA Today, October 20, 2017.
- ^ Fran Golden, "Perfect Examples," Porthole Cruise Magazine, August 21, 2017.
- ^ Insight Guide to Great River Cruises, 2006, 2007, ISBN 978-981-258-397-0, p. 37
- ^ Veronica Stoddart, "6 River Cruises to Take in 2017," Conde Nast Traveler, March 31, 2017.
- ^ "Viking River Cruises Viking Emerald Cruises," Travel Weekly. Accessed November 30, 2017.
- ^ "A Viking Ship to Launch with a Green Accent," The Avid Cruiser, May 29, 2009.
- ^ a b Tom Stieghorst, "Viking Cruises' Torstein Hagen," Travel Weekly, October 25, 2016.
- ^ "River Cruising Sees Historic Achievement in Amsterdam," Cruise Critic, March 20, 2013.
- ^ Gene Sloan, "Viking River Cruises unveils plans for new Nile ship," USA Today, May 9, 2017.
- ^ David Swanson, "Two more new Viking river ships debut in Germany," USA Today, March 7, 2017.
- ^ "Viking Reveals Details of New Ocean Cruise Line," Cruise Critic, May 17, 2013.
- ^ a b c Christian L. Wright, "Cruise Vacations for the Anti-Cruise Crowd," Wall Street Journal, April 4, 2017.
- ^ Chaney Kwak and Charu Suri, "You Won't Believe the Interiors of These 10 New Cruise Ships," Architectural Digest, August 16, 2017.
- ^ a b c d Meredith Carey, "Viking Plans a 141-Day World Cruise for 2017," Condé Nast Traveler, May 3, 2016.
- ^ a b "Viking Star Cruise Ship, Italy," Ship-Technology.com, March 2015.
- ^ "Living Large: Inside New Viking Ship's Stylish Suites," USA Today, April 17, 2015.
- ^ "Viking to Launch Ocean Cruise Line in 2015," Fodor's, May 17, 2013.
- ^ "Hate Nickel-and-Diming? This New Cruise Ship Is for You," USA Today, April 15, 2015.
- ^ "First Look: Inside the Year's Hottest New Cruise Ship," USA Today, April 13, 2015.
- ^ a b "More 'Downton Abbey' from Viking Cruises," Travel Pulse, November 21, 2017.
- ^ "Viking Cruises, National Geographic Launch 'Genius' Series," Travel Agent Central, April 21, 2017.
- ^ "The World's Best Cruise Lines (Full List): Readers' Choice Awards 2017," Conde Nast Traveler, October 17, 2017.
- ^ "2015 Editors' Picks Awards: Ocean Cruise Lines," Cruise Critic, 2015.
- ^ Douglas Ward, Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016, 2015, ISBN 978-178-004-8314
- ^ Douglas Ward, Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017, 2016, ISBN 978-178-004-9090
- ^ "Viking Sky Review," Cruise Critic.
- ^ "2017 Cruisers' Choice Awards," Cruise Critic.
- ^ "The Top 10 Large-ship Ocean Cruise Lines," Travel + Leisure, July 11, 2017.