Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen discusses his trip to Antarctica (29:11)

Discover what a journey to Antarctica is really like during this exclusive conversation between Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and award-winning British photographer Alastair Miller. Learn more about the magnificent landscapes and majestic wildlife Tor encountered during his own expedition to the “White Continent” on board the Viking Polaris. Follow along as our chairman shares the intriguing story of how his lifelong passion for travel and interest in far-flung destinations began during his childhood, when he sent a letter to Ushuaia from his home in Norway.

Viking is #1 for Rivers, Oceans and Expeditions | Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards (1:37)

The results of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards have been announced, and we are delighted to share that Viking was voted #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions. This is the first time a travel company has been voted the best across all three of these categories simultaneously, and the third consecutive year we have won for both rivers and oceans. Where do we go next? Onwards.

Antarctica Has to be Experienced (0:30)

Learn how experiencing Antarctica on a Viking voyage allows you to truly appreciate the majesty of the “White Continent.”

Discover Our Expedition Ships (4:54)

Small enough to navigate remote polar regions, yet large enough to provide superior handling and stability, our right-sized, purpose-built expedition vessels are designed for profound voyages of discovery.

Named "World's Best" for Oceans, Rivers & Expeditions (2:48)

In a special recorded message, Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen thanks our extended Viking family of guests and colleagues, following the July 11, 2023 announcement that Viking has been voted to the top of our categories for oceans, rivers and expeditions by the readers of Travel + Leisure in the 2023 World's Best Awards.

Viking Octantis & Viking Polaris Naming Ceremony (11:54)

On September 30, 2022, we marked our 25th anniversary and named our expedition ships, the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris, with a historic celebration in Amsterdam. The ceremonial godmothers of the ships, renowned explorers and educators, Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft, named their ships and offered a blessing for good fortune and safe sailing. The event also closed with another milestone—for the first time ever, three classes of Viking ships met and sailed in a special convoy.

Viking’s 26th Anniversary (5:12)

In this special video message, Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen marks our 26th anniversary and the destination-focused approach that has helped make us the world’s leading exploration company. Learn more about our offerings on all seven continents, as well as the historic recognition we have received from the readers of  Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.

Guest Reviews: Antarctica Expeditions (1:58)

Hear from guests who have explored Antarctica with Viking and praised it as one of their best-ever travel experiences.

Introducing Viking Expeditions (15:24)

Introducing Viking Expeditions: thoughtfully curated, refreshing innovative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the wilds of Antarctica and the Great Lakes, nestled in the heart of North America. With extensive programs both on board and on shore, Viking guests enjoy an unprecedented immersion in these majestic regions.

Named #1 for Both Rivers & Oceans (4:47)

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen thanks our extended Viking family of guests and colleagues, following the July 12, 2022 announcement that Viking has been voted the world’s #1 for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure as well as Condé Nast Traveler. Where do we go next? Onwards.

Onwards (0:30)

Viking has been voted the world’s #1 for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure as well as Condé Nast Traveler. Our newest national television commercial, “Onwards,” celebrates these prestigious awards.

Be Curious (1:00)

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen shares three things his family encouraged while growing up in Norway-kindness, honesty, and hard work. And the fourth that he has come to add over time: be curious.

Chairman Torstein Hagen’s Presentation (48:15)

On January 15, 2020, Chairman Torstein Hagen provided an update on our river and ocean cruise business before officially unveiling the details of Viking Expeditions and our new journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to home.

Welcome Back to the World (1:00)

We invite you to reawaken your spirit of discovery and celebrate our return to sailing. Join us in exploring the world in comfort…once again.

Viking: 25 Years of Exploration (7:13)

In celebration of our 25th anniversary, learn more about Viking’s history and some of the key partners who have contributed to our success.

Viking’s 25th Anniversary (4:01)

Chairman Torstein Hagen marks Viking’s 25th anniversary and reflects on key milestones since the company was founded on August 5, 1997.

Expedition Perspectives: Jørn Henriksen (2:19)

Jørn Henriksen, Director of Expedition Operations, relates his passion for the landscape and wildlife of the Arctic and why our subject matter experts are uniquely positioned to lead Viking guests in the polar regions both on shore and on board.

Expedition Perspectives: Damon Stanwell-Smith (2:02)

Dr. Damon Stanwell-Smith, Science and Sustainability Manager of Expedition Operations, describes the transformative power of the polar expedition experience and the enrichment provided by Viking partnerships with the world’s leading academic and scientific institutions.

Curated Libraries & Recommended Reading (3:22)

We are pleased to partner with the iconic London bookshop Heywood Hill in the creation of our onboard libraries and Expeditions Recommended Reading lists. Chairman Nicky Dunne explains the history of this literary institution and the value of reading carefully selected books before embarking on your journey.

Jørn Henriksen: Recommended Reading (2:38)

Jørn Henriksen, Director of Expedition Operations, shares his favorite book selections related to Svalbard and our Arctic itineraries.

Damon Stanwell-Smith: Recommended Reading (1:57)

Damon Stanwell-Smith, Science and Sustainability Manager of Expedition Operations, shares his favorite book selections related to our Antarctic itineraries.

Our Expedition Vessels (0:56)

To explore the world’s most remote regions, we have introduced two specifically built, cutting-edge expedition class small ships: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.

Expeditions Ship Design (6:39)

To optimize guest safety and comfort, Chairman Torstein Hagen called upon the expertise and collaboration of Viking teams, including maritime architects, interior designers, and nautical and technical staff. After the traditional steel cutting, the ceremonial keel laying ushered in the next milestone of the ship construction process.

The Aula & Finse Terrace (1:22)

The world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea, The Aula is a stunning panoramic auditorium. Inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall where the Nobel Peace Prize was historically awarded, The Aula will offer a dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment, with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views. Adjacent to The Aula through sliding glass walls is the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge area with comfortable couches and warming lava rock “firepits”—perfect for panoramic views of the surroundings. Together the two spaces can be combined to create an unmatched indoor-outdoor al fresco experience for guests to be immersed in nature.

The Hangar (0:35)

An industry first, The Hangar brings true comfort to expedition cruising. This enclosed, in-ship marina permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s multiple shell doors. The Hangar’s most innovative feature is an 85 ft. slipway that allows guests to embark on Special Operations Boats from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded from wind and waves.

Antarctic & Arctic Fauna (5:15)

In Antarctica, spot humpback whales, leopard seals, and Adélie and emperor penguins; in the Arctic, discover polar bears, walruses, Svalbard reindeer, and the Arctic tern—a tiny, ambitious creature that migrates between the poles.

Arctic & Antarctic Flora (3:37)

From the delicate Svalbard poppy and varieties of Saxifraga to myriad Antarctic lichen and moss, gain a glimpse of nature’s precious treasures.

Celebrating 24 Years of Exploration (3:58)

In 1997, we began with four river ships in Russia. Today, as our fleet of river, ocean and expedition ships expands across the globe, we remain committed to exploring the world in comfort.

Discover Norway's Mountain Code (2:05)

Join members of our Viking Expeditions team as they share Norway’s mountain code, the Fjellvettreglene. To aid hikers, these nine safety rules are written inside the wrappers of Kvikk Lunsj chocolate bars, a traditional Norwegian treat.

Expedition Itinerary: Canadian Discovery (3:47)

Explore the remote wilds of eastern Canada, admiring the unparalleled beauty of the Canadian Maritimes, the vast St. Lawrence River and the dramatic cliffs of Saguenay Fjord.

Expedition Itinerary: Great Lakes Explorer (2:55)

Discover the granite islands of Georgian Bay, experience Mackinac Island’s charm, venture into boreal forests of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and explore coastal wetlands.

Expedition Itinerary: Niagara & the Great Lakes (3:27)

From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover North America’s wilderness at Niagara Falls, Point Pelee and Alpena, as well as the timeless charm of Mackinac Island.

Expedition Itinerary: Undiscovered Great Lakes (2:46)

Cross the width of Lake Superior from Duluth to the Soo Locks, exploring the ecosystems of wilderness islands, quaint streets of Mackinac Island and maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.

Going Ashore in Antarctica (3:44)

This short briefing was created by the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) for visitors traveling on ships who will make landings in Antarctica and surrounding islands.

Great Explorers: Roald Amundsen (10:23)

On December 14, 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the South Pole and secured his place in history as one of the great explorers.

Journey to Finse Plateau (21:07)

Join the Viking Expeditions Team as they explore Norway’s Finse Plateau to train for polar explorations, just as some of the most famous explorers did in the early 20th century.

Journeys to the Extraordinary (2:06)

“Our expeditions reveal a breathtaking view of the planet in its purest state, and take you to pristine landscapes to witness wildlife in its natural habitat.”
—Torstein Hagen, Chairman

The Story Behind Finse Terrace (1:33)

Join Karine as she shares the story of her connection to Finse Plateau.