Luxury river and ocean cruise line Viking is celebrating its 25th anniversary today. To commemorate the occasion, the line released a new video message (which you can watch below) from its founder and chairman Torstein Hagen, as he reflects on the company’s key milestones since its founding in 1997.
All this week, the Viking.TV daily programming has centered on Norwegian culture and history as a tribute to the Hagen family’s Norwegian heritage.
“I am proud of all that we have accomplished in these 25 years. First, we invented modern river voyages; then, we reinvented ocean voyages with our destination-focused approach; now, we are perfecting expedition voyages and exploring all seven continents—in comfort,” said Hagen.
“To every member of our extended Viking family of guests and employees: happy anniversary and thank you. These first 25 years have been very good, but we are just getting started.”
This anniversary comes just after Viking was named #1 Ocean Line and #1 River Line in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 “World’s Best” Awards, where the company became the first cruise line to ever win both categories in the same year. Viking is also rated #1 for rivers and oceans by Condé Nast Traveler, making it the first cruise line to ever simultaneously earn #1 in its categories from both publications.
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2022 has been a milestone year for launches for Viking. In January, the line debuted Viking Expeditions with the first of two expedition vessels, Viking Octantis. The ship is currently operating its inaugural season in the Great Lakes.
In the spring, the company welcomed eight new Viking Longships and its newest ocean ship, Viking Mars.
This month, the line is launching three purpose-built vessels for the Mekong, Nile, and Mississippi Rivers, and by the end of the year, will also launch its second expedition ship, Viking Polaris, as well as another ocean ship, Viking Neptune.
From now through August 31, Viking is offering special savings plus up to free international airfare on select river and ocean voyages as part of its 25th Anniversary Sale.
Watch Torstein’s video:
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