The Origins of Opera

What has made opera such a popular and enduring art form? Join Karine as she takes you behind the scenes of this distinctly Italian creation at its source—the opera houses of Italy.

The Origins of Opera

What has made opera such a popular and enduring art form? Join Karine as she takes you behind the scenes of this distinctly Italian creation at its source—the opera houses of Italy.

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Malta’s Marsovin Winery

Join Karine Hagen at the Marsovin estate in Malta to learn about the winery’s rare vintages and inspiring story with CEO and fourth-generation vintner, Jeremy Cassar.

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Be Curious

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen shares three things his family encouraged while growing up in Norway—kindness, honesty, and hard work. And the fourth that he has come to add over time: be curious.

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Celebrating 24 Years of Exploration

In 1997, we began with four river ships in Russia. Today, as our fleet of river, ocean and expedition ships expands across the globe, we remain committed to exploring the world in comfort.

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Welcome Back to Europe

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen welcomes guests back to a reopened Europe on June 18, 2021.

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Explore the Scandinavian designed spaces of our award-winning ocean and river ships with our engaging 360° ship tours, which allow you to step into the heart of our vessels virtually from the comfort of home.

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Welcome Back to the World

We invite you to reawaken your spirit of discovery and celebrate our return to sailing in 2021. Join us in exploring the world in comfort…once again.

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Chairman Torstein Hagen’s Welcome Back Message

On April 6, 2021, Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen provided an update on restarting operations and introduced our new Welcome Back voyages.

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Wrap yourself in nature at Croatia’s Krka Falls

Join Karine and Finse as they explore the lush, wooded landscape trail that leads to the vivid cascades and azure waters of the impressive Krka Falls.

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King Haakon of Norway’s Daring Escape in WWII

Follow the riveting story of King Haakon, who evaded the Nazis during their invasion of Norway, then continued to lead his people from the UK throughout the conflict.

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Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Uncover the fascinating history behind the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb by archaeologist Howard Carter and George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, and get an exclusive look at Highclere Castle’s collection of Egyptian relics.

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Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Step inside the iconic British estates well known to PBS viewers, including Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey”; Wolf Hall’s Broughton Castle; and Chavenage House, better known as Trenwith in Poldark. Beyond these impressive homes, learn the story behind the legendary Bombay Sapphire gin at its historic distillery.

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Discover Italy’s Magnificent Formal Gardens

Join Karine as she explores several exquisite Italian gardens, where contours and textures, order and nature, mingle in the midst of verdant beauty.

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Norwegian National Romanticism

Trace Norway’s inspiring journey to full independence—a pursuit that gave rise to the Norwegian National Romanticism, a movement that came to define what it means to be Norwegian.

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Viking Jupiter Naming Ceremony

January 15, 2020. Amid a festive celebration that paid tribute to the spirit of exploration, our sixth ocean vessel was officially named in Los Angeles, California. The ship’s godmother, world-renowned Norwegian soprano and crossover singer Sissel, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for Viking Jupiter—a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years.

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Viking: Celebrating Exploration and Growth

First, Viking invented modern river cruising. Then, we reinvented ocean cruising. Now, we are perfecting expedition cruising with journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to home.

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A Year in Books

Give the gift of knowledge with a special book subscription service from iconic London bookseller Heywood Hill, curator of Viking ships’ onboard libraries.

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Caribbean Batik

Using time-honored techniques perfected in the Far East and Africa, island artists produce distinctive batik garments with a Caribbean flair. Discover the steps they take to create elaborate designs on fabric.

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Flavors of the Mekong

History, culture and friends—all rolled into one delicious and creative feast. Explore the floating markets along the Mekong Delta and master the culinary art of rolling your very own Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Karine.

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Churchill’s Britain

Discover the remarkable life and times of revered British statesman Sir Winston Churchill. During this 5-night London extension with Viking, gain Privileged Access to Cabinet War Rooms; visit Churchill’s private Chartwell estate and his birthplace at Blenheim Palace; learn how the British broke the Nazis’ secret code at Bletchley Park and much more.

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Curated Libraries & Recommended Reading

We are pleased to partner with the iconic London bookshop Heywood Hill in the creation of our onboard libraries and Expeditions Recommended Reading lists. Chairman Nicky Dunne explains the history of this literary institution and the value of reading carefully selected books before embarking on your journey.

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Viking Curated Libraries

Learn the story behind our onboard libraries, specially curated by London bookshop Heywood Hill to enrich and enhance your experience both at your destination and on the ship.

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Viking Proudly Presents: The Chaperone

One was reaching for the stars. The other was reaching for her past.

From the writer and director of Downton Abbey comes the first theatrical release from MASTERPIECE FILMS | PBS. Based on Laura Moriarty’s beloved New York Times best-selling novel, The Chaperone reunites the writer (Oscar-winner Julian Fellowes), director (Michael Engler) and star (Elizabeth McGovern) of Downton Abbey for an immersive and richly emotional period piece featuring the story of Louise Brooks, the 1920s silver screen sensation who epitomized the restless spirit of the Jazz Age. In theaters March 29, 2019.

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Viking: Our Norwegian Heritage

Centuries ago, the birth of the Viking Age gave rise to the Norwegian tradition of exploration. Today, Viking proudly carries on this tradition, providing a glimpse into the spirit of Norway with elegant ships built for discovery. Join Karine Hagen, Sr. Vice President of Viking, as she reveals Norwegian influences thoughtfully integrated throughout our ocean ships.

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Top 10 Reasons to Reserve a Viking Ocean Suite

Our award-winning Viking ocean fleet not only provides serene Scandinavian spaces, but also the first-ever true (two-room) suites—some of the largest at sea. When you reserve a Viking Suite, you enjoy added benefits, from more space and comfort to early check-in and priority reservations. Learn more about what the Viking Suite Collection has to offer.

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Top 10 Reasons to Reserve a Viking Suite

Whether you choose to travel with Viking by river or by sea, we bring you closer to your destinations on state-of-the-art ships. In addition to our refined onboard ambience and understated elegance, we are known for our graceful staterooms, including the first-ever true (two-room) suites. From more space and comfort to additional features and amenities, discover the benefits of reserving a Viking Suite.

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Yuyuan Garden

Chosen by the wealthy Pan family as the location of their retirement home, the Yuyuan Garden is a serene example of a traditional Chinese garden—juxtaposed against the backdrop of Shanghai.

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Chinese Porcelain

Join Karine as she learns about the history of Chinese porcelain, an art form created during the Han Dynasty and shaped by artisans from the Song, Ming and other dynasties.

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Beijing Hutongs

To experience an authentic slice of real Chinese life, step into the hidden corners of the hutong alleyways, an ancient maze of traditional courtyard houses linked by narrow corridors.

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Forbidden City

Karine helps reveal the heart of China’s greatest mystery. Once closed to all but royalty, now this legendary “treasure box” is open to guests like us.

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Chinese Medicine

For millennia, the Chinese have balanced their energy with tai chi, acupuncture, herbal medicine and more. Join Karine and learn more about their approach to healthy living.

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Shanghai Acrobats

Dexterity and strength, passion and focus. Join Karine backstage as she watches some of the world’s most courageous artists perfect their gravity-defying acrobatics.

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Our Highly Rated Penthouse Veranda

Our spacious Scandinavian-inspired Penthouse Verandas are 25% larger than our Veranda Staterooms, with ample amenities to enhance your voyage. A welcome bottle of champagne, stocked mini-bar, plush linens and more are also included.

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The Distinctive Bunad, A Statement of Norwegian Pride

The traditional Norwegian bunad is one of the country’s most iconic expressions of cultural identity. Join Karine as she explores the history behind this unique attire.

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Viking Orion Naming Ceremony

June 14, 2018. Amid a spectacular celebration that paid tribute to the spirit of exploration, our fifth ocean vessel was officially named in Livorno, Italy. The ship’s godmother, retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for Viking Orion—a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years.

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Earth: Our Beautiful Planet

Broaden your horizons with retired NASA astronaut and godmother of Viking Orion, Dr. Anna Lee Fisher, as she shares her insights about exploring our magnificent world—and the vast space beyond.

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Follow in the Path of the Vikings on Scotland’s Orkney Islands

The Vikings ruled these rugged landscapes from the 9th to 13th century. Join Karine and learn more about their presence, as well as other Neolithic civilizations that date back 5,000 years.

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Viking Jupiter Float Out

May 10, 2018. The 930-guest Viking Jupiter—the sixth Viking ocean ship—touches water for the first time during its “Float Out” in Ancona, Italy. Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and Norwegian soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø, the ship’s godmother, as they celebrate this major construction milestone.

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Genius: Picasso

Viking is proud to continue as a presenting sponsor of Genius: Picasso, building on our ongoing commitment to providing enriching cultural programming. Executive produced by Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Genius: Picasso costars Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Antonio Banderas as Picasso and True Detective/Glow’s Alex Rich as the younger Pablo.

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Northern Italy Treasures: Verona & Lake Como

Just beyond majestic Venice is a slice of Italy many people never see. Join Karine as she explores Verona’s architectural landmarks, along with Lake Como’s inspiring panoramas and quaint villages.

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Viking Sun Naming Ceremony

March 8, 2018. During the inaugural 2018 Viking World Cruise, our fourth ocean vessel is officially named on Shanghai’s historic Bund. Viking Sun’s stop in Shanghai marks the first time a Viking ocean ship has called in China, and the first time a cruise ship is named on the Bund.

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Karine Cooks: Risotto at Lake Como, Italy

Learn how Italians prepare their delicious risotto con funghi porcini and the bubbly addition that gives this particular version a delightfully unique taste.

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Pisa’s Leaning Tower: A Galileo Laboratory?

Climb up this iconic landmark with Karine and learn about the bell tower’s intriguing history, including the legend of Galileo and his test of a key hypothesis from the top of this slanted structure.

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Dale of Norway

Learn more about our Norwegian heritage and pride at the Dale knitwear factory. Meet the people behind the iconic Viking Dale knitted sweaters and find out what inspired this unique garment.

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Time

Viking is proud to showcase our newest national television commercial, “Time,” featuring Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen.

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Advice

Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen as he shares his insights on travel and the benefits of engaging with new cultures.

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2019 Viking World Cruise

Our 128-day world cruise from Miami to London builds on the legacy of the Vikings who boldly explored the four corners of the globe. Collect more travel milestones in one journey than most do in a lifetime on this grand voyage of discovery.

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Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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Viking Orion Float Out

September 28, 2017. The 930-guest Viking Orion—the fifth Viking ocean ship—touches water for the first time during its “Float Out.” Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and recently retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher, the ship’s godmother, as they celebrate this major construction milestone.

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Fish On! Norway

Majestic vistas and tranquil waters. Norway is home to some of the world’s best fishing and there are many ways to test your skill. Join Karine as she shares a few of the ways locals practice their craft.

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“The Traveler”: Behind the Scenes

Step inside the hallowed halls of London’s Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles recorded nearly all their hits. Join Karine as she shares the process of transforming an original composition into a powerful piece of recorded music.

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“The Traveler”: Meet the Composer

Join Karine and meet Debbie Wiseman, London’s Classic FM Composer in Residence. Learn how Debbie’s voyages with Viking inspired this beautiful piece of music, written to celebrate our 20th Anniversary.

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The Kitchen Table

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind interactive culinary journey at The Kitchen Table, where you will learn to prepare regional cuisine with our world-class chefs, plate and present your dishes, and enjoy a private meal.

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Viking: Reinventing Ocean Cruising

If you prefer an elegant, serene ship ambience, more time in each port and an inclusive experience with exquisite dining and thoughtfully curated shore excursions, join Viking.

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Shetlands! The World’s Favorite Ponies

Join Karine as she gets up close and personal with the iconic little horses that call the rugged Shetland Islands home.

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Viking Sky Christening

June 22, 2017. Viking Sky, the third elegant sister ship in our ocean fleet, is christened in Tromsø, Norway, a popular destination for viewing the Northern Lights—and a key port of call on our Into the Midnight Sun itinerary.

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Listen to “The Traveler”

The National Symphony Orchestra of London records Viking’s beautiful new music score at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios. Written by Debbie Wiseman, Classic FM Composer in Residence, “The Traveler” was created to celebrate the company’s 20th Anniversary, its spirited theme reflecting the exploration and discovery found on Viking voyages.

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Restoring Michelangelo’s David

Get closer to Michelangelo’s towering David, a masterpiece both revered and reviled by Florentine citizens over the centuries. Join Karine in Galleria dell'Accademia as she meets the woman behind the restoration of this remarkable sculpture.

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Vesuvius: Italy’s Slumbering Giant

Explore the history of the notorious Mt. Vesuvius with Karine, from its myths and folklore to the part the volcano played (or did not play!) in the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

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Viking Sun Float Out

December 15, 2016. The 930-guest Viking Sun—the fourth Viking ocean ship—touches water for the first time during its “Float Out” at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona.

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Discover Venice

Whether you are interested in art, architecture, music or history, romantic Venice has it all. Once the center of the cultured Venetian Republic, it retains an unrivaled old-world charm.

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Antoni Gaudí’s Architecture

Step into the mind of Antoni Gaudí, the colorful Barcelona artist whose passion for nature led him to create astounding biomimetic architecture and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Venice’s Most Unusual Bookstore

Join Karine at Libreria Acqua Alta, a Venetian hidden treasure. This extraordinary shop is run by the charismatic Luigi Frizzo, who believes that books “make your soul come alive.”

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Love and Drama at the Acropolis

Every culture has its tale of fated lovers. In Greece, it is Mimikos and Mary, whose romance took an unexpected turn in the shadow of the Acropolis, a story that shook Greek society.

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Brettos, Athens Locals & Ouzo

Mix colorful bottles of ouzo and other spirits, oak casks full of brandy and a colorful owner, and you get Brettos, an Athens bar like no other. Join Karine at this local treasure.

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Viking Sea Christening

May 5, 2016. Viking Sea, the second elegant sister ship in our ocean fleet, is christened by Karine amid the rich maritime heritage of Greenwich, the historic borough of London on the Thames.

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Baci: the Original Chocolate Kiss

Karine joins Chocolate Master Massimiliano Guidubaldi at the Perugina School of Chocolate to learn to make Baci, Italy’s original chocolate “kiss,” invented on Valentine’s Day in 1922.

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Cruising for Explorers

Join us as we usher in a new era of ocean cruising by taking the innovative thinking behind our award-winning river cruises and bringing it to the epic setting of the sea.

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Chairman’s Choice: Norwegian Salmon

Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and Corporate Executive Chef Anthony Mauboussin as they compete in a cucumber salad cook-off in The Kitchen Table, our onboard cooking school.

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The Amalfi Coast’s Tasty Limoncello

This tangy liqueur has long been one of Italy’s favorite after-dinner drinks. Join Karine to discover how simple it is to make this refreshing and iconic Sorrento digestif at home.

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Beneath Naples, Mystery Awaits

Step below the historic streets of Naples into its ancient past. Explore a vast labyrinth where relics from the early Greeks and impressive Roman architecture remain amazingly intact.

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The Proud People of Catalonia

For centuries, the people of Catalonia have pursued independence. Follow their search for this elusive goal and learn about the determination of Catalans to keep their culture alive.

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Italian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Italian words and phrases with Elena, your Viking tutor. Salute!

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Inside Italy’s Coffee Culture

If you cannot tell your macchiato from your espresso corto or you do not know why you should drink your coffee standing, join Karine and friends to explore Italy’s thriving coffee culture.

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Viking Sky Hull Transport to Ancona

Ready for her next stage of construction, Viking Sky’s hull is towed from Venice to our Ancona, Italy shipyard, where engineers guide her into place next to her sister ship Viking Sea.

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Turkish Carpets

Learn about the tradition of Turkish carpets with roots stretching back to the Ottoman Empire. These handmade masterpieces have played an important role in Turkish life for centuries.

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The World of Viking

Immerse yourself in intriguing cultures and awaken your senses. Discover new horizons as you spend more time in port, giving you more opportunities to explore. This is the World of Viking.

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Viking Star Infographic

Go inside the numbers for a unique look at Viking Star, the premier ocean ship from Viking Cruises. From eggs cracked in a week to books in the Library, from available spa treatments to self-serve launderettes, discover interesting facts about Viking Star.

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