Condé Nast Traveler
Readers’ Choice Awards — 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016
In 2023, Viking was voted #1 for Oceans, #1 for Rivers and #1 for Expeditions in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards. This marks the first time that Viking has won in three categories in the same year, as well as the third consecutive year that Viking has won both the river and ocean categories.
Viking is also immensely proud to have been recognized every single year since the launch of our ocean voyages in 2015.
Travel + Leisure
World’s Best Awards — 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016
In 2023, Viking was voted to the top of its categories for oceans, rivers and expeditions in their annual World’s Best Awards. Viking was once again named the #1 Ocean Line, as well as one of the best river lines. Additionally, Viking’s new expedition ships were voted #1 in their first year of operation.
In 2022, Viking was named both the #1 Ocean Line and the #1 River Line, reinforcing Viking’s position as a formidable industry leader. Viking was also recognized as the #1 Ocean Line from 2016 to 2020, overtaking the spot previously held by a luxury cruise line for 20 years. Viking is immensely proud to be recognized every single year since the launch of Viking’s ocean voyages in 2015.
Cruise Critic
Cruisers’ Choice Awards — 2023, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016
In 2023, the Viking fleet swept the 11th Annual Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards earning six first-place awards including Best Overall Line (Small Ship Category).Viking’s ocean and expedition voyages also took First and Second Place, respectively, across two other categories: Best Cabins and Best Value for Money. Viking’s expedition voyages took First Place in Best Dining, followed in Second Place by the company’s ocean voyages. Additionally, Viking’s ocean voyages were named the Best for First-Timers. The Cruisers’ Choice Awards name the best cruise lines in the world, based solely on ratings submitted with member reviews published on the Cruise Critic website.
Cruise Critic
Editors’ Picks Awards — 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
In 2022, the international team of Cruise Critic editors honored Viking with four prestigious awards. Viking’s ocean sailings were once again awarded “Best Spa” and “Best Enrichment”while Viking’s expedition sailings were honored for “Best Science Offerings” and “Best New Ship” (Viking Polaris).Cruise Critic notes that on top of fare inclusions, “Viking cruisers benefit from smartly designed cabins; gorgeous top-deck, all-weather hangouts; and destination-intensive itineraries.”Cruise Critic editors have honored Viking every year since the debut of our first ocean ship,Viking Star, in 2015. That year Viking Star was named the “Best New Ocean Ship,” with editors noting, “The ship is so beautifully designed—with terrific al fresco restaurants, a beautiful pool area, a superb spa and the two-level Explorers’ observation lounge—that you’ll be hard-pressed to go ashore.”
Newsweek
America's Best Customer Service — 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
For the fourth consecutive year, Viking is honored to have been named #1 for “Best Customer Service for Cruise Operators” byNewsweekMagazine. The award highlights brands that provide the best customer service in areas such as “quality of communications, professional competence, range of services, customer focus and accessibility.”
Additionally, in 2021 and 2022, Viking earned the highest score within the overall transportation and travel industry category outranking dozens of other travel suppliers.
Men's Health
Men's Health Travel Awards – 2023
In 2023, Viking was honored byMen's HealthMagazine in the category of Relaxation in their annual Travel Awards.Men's HealthEditors highlighted Viking's wide range of international ports and inclusive value and touted that Viking has “No casinos” and “No kids”.
Cruise Critic
EDITOR RATING: 5 STARS
For every Viking ship they have reviewed —Viking Venus(2021), Viking Jupiter(2019),Viking Orion(2018),Viking Sky(2017),Viking Sea(2016) andViking Star(2015)—Cruise Critic’s team of expert editors has awarded their highest rating: 5 stars. They stated thatViking Sea“is a stunning vessel that seamlessly integrates comfort and modern, Scandinavian style. The ship's small size means it rarely feels busy and is able to get into ports bigger ships can't reach.” AboutViking Starthey noted her to be “one of cruising's most beautiful small ships.”
Cruise Critic
Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards — 2019, 2018
For the second consecutive year, Viking was honored as the Best Baltic & Scandinavian Cruise Line as well as Best British Isles & Western Europe Cruise Line. In 2018, Viking was also honored as Best Western Caribbean & Riviera Maya Cruise Line as well as Best Western Mediterranean Cruise Line.
U.S. News & World Report
Best Luxury Cruise Line — 2022
In 2022 Viking was named Best Luxury Cruise Line by U.S. News & World Report. Viking is honored to top this esteemed list and be recognized for its fleet of small ships, destination-focused itineraries and emphasis on cultural enrichment.
Time Magazine
World’s Greatest Places — 2018
Viking Orionwas named one of the World’s Best Places to Stay for 2018. Highlighting an “out-of-this-world experience”, TIME praisesViking Orion’s onboard planetarium (the most advanced on an ocean ship) as well as onboard lectures on astronomy and space exploration led by resident astronomer Howard Parkin.
AFAR
Travelers’ Choice Awards — 2020, 2018
Viking received two first place honors in the 2020AFARTravelers’ Choice Awards. Named “Best Mediterranean Cruise Line” and “Best Caribbean Cruise Line,” Viking was chosen for its elegant, small-ship design, culturally rich experiences and picturesque itineraries.
#1 Ship — 2020, 2019, 2016, 2017, 2016
In itsCruising & Cruise Ships 2020edition,Berlitzawarded Viking the top six positions in the Mid-Size Ships category.In 2017,Viking Seawas awarded first in her category, noting her ‘many elegant touches’ and ‘excellent inclusive value.’Viking Star, which was rated highest in her category in 2016, earned second place behind her sister shipViking Sea.
USA Today
10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards — 7 years of recognition
In 2022, Viking was once again named the “Best Ocean Line” inUSA Today's10Best Reader's Choice Awards.Viking was also named “Best Small Ship” in 2021 withViking Oriontaking the #1 position andViking SkyandViking Seafollowing suitrespectively for 2020 and 2019. In 2020, Viking was also named “Best OceanLine”, beating ships of all sizes, and earned first and second placements for “Best Dining.” Nominated by a panel of travel experts and voted on by travelers, Viking was recognized for its “destination-focused itineraries,” “top-notch service,” and well-appointed, all-veranda staterooms.
The Points Guy
Readers’ Choice Awards — 2021, 2020
In 2021, readers ofThe Points Guy, a website dedicated to honoring excellence in the travel industry, named Viking “Best Small-Ship Cruise Line” for the second year in a row, highlighting the destination-focused itineraries and upscale ship design. In 2020, Viking was also recognized as the “Best Small Ship Cruise Line” for both our Ocean and River cruises.
Town & Country
Cruise Awards — 2017, 2016
Viking received two honors in the 2017Town & CountryCruise Awards.Viking Star,Viking Sea,Viking SkyandViking Sunwere recognized in the “Best Aboard” category stating “the spas on all four ships are the most beautiful at sea”. Viking was also recognized in “Best Sports Marinas” for its destinations.
In the 2016Town & CountryCruise Awards,Viking StarandViking Seawere awarded “Best Overall Contemporary Luxury Cruise Line” and “Best for Design Contemporary Luxury Cruise Line.”Town & Countrycomments, “The Viking ocean design philosophy holds that ships should be elegant and comfortable and never overwhelm the real purpose of cruising: to see the world.”
Luxury Travel Advisor
Awards of Excellence — 2023, 2019, 2018, 2017
In 2023, Viking was recognized for the fourth time as the first and only cruise line to win both rivers and oceans categories in the prestigious luxury trade awards: Best Luxury Ocean Cruise Company (for the fourth time) and Best Luxury River Cruise Company (for the eighth time).
Recommend
Readers’ Choice Awards — 2020, 2019, 2018
For the third consecutive
year,Recommendmagazine awarded Viking “Best Luxury Ocean Cruise Line” as well as “Best Mid-Size Ship” in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
Money
Best in Travel — 2017
Viking was named “Best Ocean Cruise Line” in its class by Money magazine for exceeding expectations in cost, cleanliness, customer satisfaction and overall value.
Cruise Fever
Fan Awards — 2017
Cruise Feverfans named Viking “Best Luxury Cruise Line” in the 2017 Cruise Fever Fan Awards.
Fodor’s Travel
World’s Best Cruises — 2016
Viking was honored to be named one ofFodor’s Travel“World’s Best Cruises for 2016.”
Fodor’s TravelrecognizedViking StarandViking Seafor the “infinity pool off the stern, Snow Grotto spa room, luminous Wintergarden tearoom and all-balcony staterooms.”
Porthole
Editor-In-Chief Awards — 2016
Viking Starwas named for the first time as “Best New Breakout Ship” in the annual Porthole Cruise Editor-in-Chief Awards.
Porthole
Readers’ Choice Awards — 2015
Viking Star was honored for the first time as “Best Medium-Sized Ship” (500-2,000 guests) in the17th annual Porthole Cruise Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards.
Interior Design
Best Of The Year Awards — 2015
The preeminent design competition – hosted by the industry-leading publication – celebrates superior interior design projects and products.Viking Starwas honored in the 2015 edition, with the Living Room, Wintergarden and Explorers’ Lounge receiving special nods for their unique and stunning design.
Architectural Digest
Best New Luxury Cruises — 2015
In a roundup of the most luxurious and design-forward vessels sailing today,Viking Startook top billing.
Travel Channel
Best Mediterranean Cruise — 2015
Rated among its best cruises of 2015, the Travel Channel honored Viking with “Best Mediterranean Cruise.” The cable network also recognized Viking for “living up to the reputation of its acclaimed sister line while offering perks all its own.”
