Nordic Heritage, Global Footprint

In 1997, Torstein Hagen from Norway founded Viking Cruises with the maiden voyage of four river cruises on the inland rivers of Russia.

The name "Viking" reflects Tor's admiration towards the adventurous Viking forefathers who pioneered oceangoing voyages with exquisite shipbuilding techniques, as well as bears his entrepreneurship vision - offer curious travelers an "elegant, luxurious and smart journey" cored upon destinations and immersed in local culture.。

Today, Viking Cruises boasts over 80 river cruises, 9 sea cruises and 2 expedition cruises, with routes spanning seven continents across the world, standing as a signature brand in the international cruise industry for small and medium-sized cruises. With operational headquarters set up in Basel, Switzerland, the Company has branches and offices in Los Angeles, USA, London, UK, Sydney, Australia, and Shanghai and Beijing, China.

Nordic Heritage, Global Footprint

In 1997, Torstein Hagen from Norway founded Viking Cruises with the maiden voyage of four river cruises on the inland rivers of Russia.

The name "Viking" reflects Tor's admiration towards the adventurous Viking forefathers who pioneered oceangoing voyages with exquisite shipbuilding techniques, as well as bears his entrepreneurship vision - offer curious travelers an "elegant, luxurious and smart journey" cored upon destinations and immersed in local culture.。

Today, Viking Cruises boasts over 80 river cruises, 9 sea cruises and 2 expedition cruises, with routes spanning seven continents across the world, standing as a signature brand in the international cruise industry for small and medium-sized cruises. With operational headquarters set up in Basel, Switzerland, the Company has branches and offices in Los Angeles, USA, London, UK, Sydney, Australia, and Shanghai and Beijing, China.

Torstein Hagen,
Chairman of Viking Cruises
Karine Hagen,
Eexecutive Vice President of Viking
(Founder's daughter)
Torstein Hagen,
Chairman of Viking Cruises
Karine Hagen,
Eexecutive Vice President of Viking
(Founder's daughter)
25 Years of Continuous Innovation Since Founding
1997
From day one of its incorporation, the Company purchased four cruises and began to operate inland river cruise business in Russia.
2000
The Company acquired Europe's KD River Cruises, gaining access to prime docking locations in major European cities, and made its inroad into the US, with its US headquarters established in Los Angeles, California.
2008
The Company entered the markets of the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand respectively, and rapidly evolved into a renowned brand of global inland river cruises.
2012
It launched the brand-new Viking Longship®, a patented design that adapts flexibly to water level changes of river courses, taking guests deep into destinations.
2015
Viking Cruises officially kicked off ocean cruise business and rapidly grew into an extraordinary enterprise in the small, high-end ocean cruise area, winning various industry awards.
2016
Viking Cruises specifically presented tailored European inland river cruise products for Chinese guests, with itinerary arrangements covering classic scenic spot tours and Viking-exclusive cultural experiences, offering travelers a deep dive into the unique charm of destinations.
2020
Viking Cruises released brand-new expedition cruises, providing guests with comfortable tours of polar regions.
2021
Partnering with China Merchants Shekou, it launched the first coastal cruise route in China, "China Coastal Cultural Tour", executed by the industry's first Chinese luxury cruise, the "China Merchants Aden", setting sail first on October 1 and taking guests on a "cultural voyage" along the Chinese coast from a new perspective.
25 Years of Continuous Innovation Since Founding
1997
From day one of its incorporation, the Company purchased four cruises and began to operate inland river cruise business in Russia.
2000
The Company acquired Europe's KD River Cruises, gaining access to prime docking locations in major European cities, and made its inroad into the US, with its US headquarters established in Los Angeles, California.
2008
The Company entered the markets of the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand respectively, and rapidly evolved into a renowned brand of global inland river cruises.
2012
It launched the brand-new Viking Longship®, a patented design that adapts flexibly to water level changes of river courses, taking guests deep into destinations.
2015
Viking Cruises officially kicked off ocean cruise business and rapidly grew into an extraordinary enterprise in the small, high-end ocean cruise area, winning various industry awards.
2016
Viking Cruises specifically presented tailored European inland river cruise products for Chinese guests, with itinerary arrangements covering classic scenic spot tours and Viking-exclusive cultural experiences, offering travelers a deep dive into the unique charm of destinations.
2020
Viking Cruises released brand-new expedition cruises, providing guests with comfortable tours of polar regions.
2021
Partnering with China Merchants Shekou, it launched the first coastal cruise route in China, "China Coastal Cultural Tour", executed by the industry's first Chinese luxury cruise, the "China Merchants Aden", setting sail first on October 1 and taking guests on a "cultural voyage" along the Chinese coast from a new perspective.