Marking a milestone

When it comes to small ship experts, Viking has long proved itself; and as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, there are even more reasons to choose this award-winning cruise line.

Sip on a glass of velvety port as your longship glides across the glassy waters of Portugal’s Douro River, past hillsides dotted with terraced houses covered in fuchsia-coloured bougainvillea, and lines of vines that undulate over the bucolic countryside.

Onshore, take a tour to historic parishes, walk cobbled streets among 16th-century homes, visit a traditional baker and sample local fortified wine at a rustic centuries-old winery.

Spend evenings curled up in libraries tucked into alcoves, lounge in spacious living rooms where live musicians play, sip cocktails in the Wintergarden, or put your feet up on your private veranda and watch as the sky turns crimson and darkens to a production of twinkling lights from the surrounding towns.

This is the Viking experience.

The personal touch

It was 25 years ago when the awardwinning small cruise specialist made its foray into river cruising.

It’s since launched ocean liners and expedition cruises, and now explores 20 rivers, five great lakes and five oceans across all seven continents.

Its success, it says, is in its thoughtfully purpose-built ships where you’ll find all the comforts of home, and a philosophy it lives by as the ‘Thinking Person’s Cruise’, where you are given rare insights into cultures around the world through carefully considered experiences.

It doesn’t mean you miss the iconic sights, but the focus is on local life and access to places you’d otherwise be unable to go.

Meet members of the world famous Vienna Boys’ Choir, learn the intricate art of truffle hunting in France from a local Périgord farmer and his clever hound, or experience Saigon’s vibrant streets by pedicab.

On board there are guest lectures from authors, archaeologists, former diplomats and news correspondents, plus TED talks, musical performances from local ensembles to acclaimed choirs, and daily events showcasing the entire collection of Norway’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch.

Looking to the future

While the cruise line might be celebrating a milestone, it doesn’t mean it’s been resting on its laurels. This year alone it has launched new purpose-built vessels on the Mekong and the Nile, and its first ship on the Mississippi.

Two new expedition ships were designed specifically to reach the North American Great Lakes, and are the newest and most modern vessels to explore the region.

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen says the company was started with a vision to be different and to make travel more culturally enriching, and that’s something that remains true to this day.

“Our approach has resonated with curious travellers. The first 25 years have been good, but I feel like we’re just getting started.

“I suspect we have much further to go and when you reach the top there is really only one way to go. Onwards!” viking.com

01 & 02 Spectacular sights await on a Viking cruise © Charissa Fay 03 Could there be a better place to read a book? © Eric Laignal 04 Infinity pools with endless ocean views © Øivind Haug

01 02