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Viking celebrated seven prestigious wins at the 2024 Cruise Critic Best in Cruise Awards, including top honors in the Luxury, River and Expedition categories.

Viking® is celebrating a series of notable accolades from Cruise Critic®, the world’s largest online cruise resource. At the 2024 Best in Cruise Awards, Viking received seven prestigious awards in three categories: Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition. In the Luxury (Ocean) category, Viking bagged two awards – Best Enrichment and Best Spa, recognitions the brand has received every year since it launched its ocean voyages in 2015. Viking was also recognized with Best Breed and Best in the River category. New River Cruise Ships to its newly introduced Nile River Cruises. In the expedition category, Viking was named the #1 Cruiser’s Choice Cruise Line.

“We are honored that Cruise Critic’s editors and community members, who are also our guests, have once again recognized Viking with a top ranking among our river, ocean and expedition products. Thank you to our entire Viking family for delivering the experiences around the world that make such prestigious awards possible,” said Torstein Hagen, Viking Chairman and CEO. “We believe we’ve always done things differently in the industry, and we’re delighted that our approach resonates with both Cruise Critic’s distinguished experts and our loyal guests. We look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the Viking route of exploration in the coming years.”

Cruise critics Best in Cruise Awards

Cruise critics Best in Cruise Awards Discover the year’s best cruise lines and destinations as chosen by the site’s team of experts, as well as the year’s highest-rated cruise lines based on reviews submitted by travelers to Cruise Critic. Cruise Critic’s experts commented on Viking’s victory as follows:

• Best Breeding – Luxury: “It’s clear that Viking is a thoughtful person’s cruise line, and the cultural enrichment program, even on the ship, is impressive. The daily schedule is packed with lectures on history, geography and culture, helping guests learn about the destinations they are sailing to. The lecturers are smart and entertaining, turning potentially dry topics into rich material guests will remember long after the cruise is over. Guests will also enjoy demonstrations similar to a traditional tea ceremony in China.
• Best Spa – Luxury: “Viking easily sweeps this category not only because its Livordic spa complex is stunning, but also because its large thermal suites and hydrotherapy pools are complimentary to every guest onboard. From its deep ice room to its soothing sauna and heated ceramic loungers that bookend a large hydrotherapy pool, this is one of the most relaxing spa areas at sea. The Nordic Bathing Ritual Night, offered once per voyage, is a truly immersive experience that we can do again and again.”
• Best New River Cruise Ship – River: “Vikings pioneered the voyage of the Nile by sailing a fleet of ships to Egypt. In 2024, Viking Hathor and identical sister ship Viking Sobek launched, offering a comfortable and stylish way to explore Egypt. For those who know Viking, Hathor and Sobek will feel familiar with the line’s hallmark Nordic decor and quiet luxury. Yet they’re clearly designed for the Nile, offering spacious top decks that offer shaded views of the scenery as ships pass by, and smart touches like most cabins with walkout verandas everywhere and large windows so you don’t miss a thing. .”
• Best Breeding – River: “You only need to look at Viking’s roster of cultural partners – These include the BBC, the MET, TED, Classic FM, the Royal Academy and the British Museum – To see why Viking wins for Best Onboard Enrichment. It also offers top-notch onboard lecturers, deep dives into local history, wine and food tastings, plus highly knowledgeable guides and cruise directors. Viking.TV continues to set the bar high for entertainment with original programming that can be viewed online and onboard.
• Best for Prakash Abhiyan – Abhiyan: “Viking creates thoughtful programming that ensures guests have the option to enjoy expedition cruising without breaking a sweat. Cruise lines focus on providing memorable experiences in comfort. With ships visiting the Poles and Great Lakes, Viking puts its cruisers at the center of the action on comfortable, high-speed special operations boats. Loading and unloading is a breeze, thanks to a smart, indoor roller system that keeps guests dry and comfortable. Indoor viewing areas abound, and expedition guides lead onboard sessions that include weather balloon releases.
• Best Spa Campaign: “An expedition cruise can push you to your physical limits, but Viking has created the perfect way to relax and unwind: its incredible spa. Its two expedition ships offer beautifully lit thermal spas that include thalassotherapy pools as well as areas for hot and cold treatments. Our favorite spot is the gorgeous Bedestamp, a small pool with uninterrupted views of the scenery. Best of all, it’s all inclusive. Viking Spa also offers a well-rounded menu of treatments as well as a relaxing Nordic bathing ritual night.”
• Choice of Cruisers – Best Expedition Lines: “Reviewers applaud Viking’s focus on cruises that combine comfort, luxury, adventure and environmental responsibility. Guests are impressed with Viking’s culinary offerings, boasting a diverse menu and unlimited wine and beer, rivaling the high-end restaurants on the ground. Exciting and informative excursions led by expert guides offer unique perspectives through zodiac descents, kayaking and submarine dives. The adults-only line offers cruisers the opportunity to participate in scientific research and engaging lectures that enhance the expedition experience.“

This marks the second year in a row that Viking has been awarded Best and Best Spa for a Light Expedition at the Cruise Critic Awards. The brand also received high praise from travelers, ranking among the top luxury (ocean) and river lines in the Cruisers’ Choice category. These accolades underscore Viking’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across multiple cruise segments.

Viking’s recent success extends beyond the Cruise Critic Award. At the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Viking claimed the top spot for Oceans, Rivers and Expeditions for the second year in a row – an unprecedented feat for a travel company to win all three categories in back-to-back years. . Viking also earned recognition in US News & World Report’s 2025 Best Cruise Lines rankings, where it was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean for the fourth year in a row.

In addition to these honors, Viking was named Best Adventure Cruise Line by the editors of Women’s Health in their 2024 Travel Awards, and won the title of Best Expedition Cruise Line Worldwide in Men’s Health’s 2024 Travel Awards. Viking’s ocean ships also received the prestigious “Recommended” status in the 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, a testament to the brand’s continued excellence in luxury travel.