Viking is celebrating the company's 25th anniversary and to commemorate this moment, has released a new video message from Chairman Torstein Hagen, in which he reflects on the company's major milestones since its founding on August 5, 1997.
“I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished in these 25 years. First, we invented modern river travel; then, we reinvented ocean travel with our destination-centric approach; now, we’re perfecting expedition travel and exploring all seven continents in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, President of Viking. “To all members of our extended Viking family of guests and employees: Happy anniversary and thank you. These first 25 years have been great, but we’re just getting started.”.
The anniversary comes on the heels of Viking being named the No. 1 ocean line and No. 1 river line in Travel + Leisure's 2022 "World's Best" awards, in which the company became the first cruise line in history to top both categories in the same year.
Viking has also been ranked number 1 on rivers and oceans by Condé Nast Traveler, making it the first cruise line to simultaneously achieve number 1 in its categories from both publications.
This year has also been a year of significant launches for the company;
- In January, the company unveiled Viking Expeditions and the first of its two expedition ships, the Viking Octantis, which is currently sailing its inaugural season on the Great Lakes.
- In spring, the company welcomed eight new Viking Longships and its identical new ocean-going vessel, the Viking Mars.
- This month, Viking is launching three ships specially built for the Mekong, Nile, and Mississippi rivers.
- By the end of the year, it will also have welcomed a second expedition ship, the Viking Polaris, and another ocean-going vessel, the Viking Neptune.
From now until August 31, 2022, Viking is offering special discounts and even free international airfares on select river and ocean voyages to mark the company's 25th anniversary.
