Viking Cruises Awarded #1 Ocean Cruise Line

If you’ve ever experienced a Viking Ocean cruise, then this award makes perfectly good sense.

Travel + Leisure Magazine’s readers cast their votes and Viking Ocean was again named the #1 Best Ocean Cruise Line for 2017. The fledgling ocean cruise line also garnered the same award in 2016.

Readers were asked to cast their votes for the very best in cruising with considerations in the following cruise features: cabins/facilities, food, service itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities and value.

Back in 2015 when I cruised aboard the new Viking Star cruise ship, I immediately knew Viking was onto something. From the heated floors in the bathroom and complimentary shore excursions to free wifi and wine and beer included with meals, Viking Ocean Cruises would rake in the awards.

All three of the company’s 930-guest sister ships, Viking Star (2015), Viking Sea (2016) and Viking Sky (2017) have been awarded a top rating from Cruise Critic’s 2017 Cruisers’ Choice Awards.

Also receiving an award as one of the best river cruise lines, Viking River Cruises continued to make this list since the awards began in 2011. With just a slightly lower price point and many of the same amenities as other Europe river cruise companies, Viking River Cruises continues to gain repeat guests. Of course, dominating Downton Abbey’s commercials helped to make Viking River Cruises a household name.

“We did not set out to be the world’s best luxury cruise line; we set out to be the world’s best travel experience, with the best value for guests on rivers and oceans. In doing so, we have become as much known for what we are as what we are not. We offer a travel experience with no casino, no children, no umbrella drinks and no nickel-and-diming,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises.”

Quickly-expanding Viking Ocean will welcome three more sister ships in the next three years, and by 2019 it will be the largest small ship ocean cruise line. Two additional ships are also on order for delivery in 2021 and 2022.

As an inclusive small ship cruise line, “Viking Inclusive Program” provides “a small ship experience at a big ship value”. All veranda staterooms, one complimentary shore excursion in every port, all port charges and taxes  are included with every ocean cruise fare. Plus beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; alternative dining venues; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.