A Global Celebration on the Water

On 21 October 2025, the cruise line hosted a spectacular multicountry naming ceremony from Basel, Switzerland, connecting live events across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Guests and executives joined celebrations aboard the company’s newest ships: Viking Annar, Viking Dagur, Viking Eldir, Viking Honir (the milestone 100th), Viking Nerthus, Viking Gyda, Viking Tonle, Viking Thoth, and Viking Amun. Each ship represents the brand’s commitment to Scandinavian design and destination‑focused travel experiences.

The naming event, livestreamed between vessels stationed on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Douro, Mekong, and Nile rivers, continued Viking’s proud maritime tradition of appointing godparents for every new ship. In a nod to the company’s Norwegian heritage, the vessels were christened with Norwegian aquavit rather than Champagne—a signature Viking touch.

100 Ships and Counting

Viking’s journey began in 1997 with just four river ships. Today, the line operates over 100 vessels across three categories—river, ocean, and expedition—making it the largest cruise company of its kind. The latest fleet additions include:

  • Four Longships on the Rhine, Main, and Danube (Annar, Dagur, Eldir, Honir);
  • Three regional ships on the Seine, Douro, and Mekong (Nerthus, Gyda, Tonle);
  • Two new Nile ships (Thoth and Amun).

Torstein Hagen, Viking’s Founder and CEO, reflected on the achievement:
“We’ve grown from four ships to more than 100 over 28 years—a fleet size that no other line has achieved. First, we modernised river cruising; then we reinvented ocean voyages and perfected the expedition experience.”

Awards, Innovation, and the Future

This historic milestone caps a year of continued success for Viking, following #1 rankings for both Rivers and Oceans from Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. The company was also named Best Luxury Cruise Line and Best Line for Couples by U.S. News & World Report for 2025 — the only brand to simultaneously hold top honours across every major cruise category.

Performances by Sissel Kyrkjebø, Norwegian violinist Tor Jaran Apold, and the Viennese Residence Orchestra added a memorable cultural flourish to the Basel celebrations, linking Viking’s global family of travellers through music and tradition.

With 30 new river ships and 14 ocean‑going vessels already in development, Viking shows no signs of slowing its record‑breaking momentum. The brand continues to appeal to its growing audience of “thinking travellers,” with voyages designed for curiosity, culture, and connection.

A Voyage Beyond Boundaries

From the tranquil rivers of Europe to the mystical waterways of Asia and Africa, Viking’s 100‑ship celebration exemplifies its mission to bring the world’s most curious travellers closer to authentic discovery. Every new vessel propels its legacy forward—connecting innovation, culture, and exploration through seamless travel design.

To explore itineraries or plan your next voyage, visit
www.viking.com.