Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Viking® has reaffirmed its leadership in the global cruise industry by earning top distinctions in the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. The acclaimed luxury cruise provider was celebrated across all core categories—Rivers, Oceans, and Expeditions—underscoring its commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences in every segment. Notably, Viking secured the #1 ranking for Expedition Cruises for a second consecutive year and was also ranked among the premier lines for both river and ocean voyages.
This prestigious recognition further solidifies Viking’s place as an industry leader. In a rare and notable achievement, Viking is also rated #1 for Rivers, Oceans, and Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler readers—making it the only travel company to hold simultaneous top rankings across both influential publications in the same year.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire Viking family around the world,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “From the beginning, we have chosen to do things differently. We remain committed to that philosophy as we continue to welcome more curious travelers to experience the Viking way of exploration around the world.”
Celebrating Three Decades of Travel + Leisure Excellence
The announcement comes as Travel + Leisure celebrates the 30th anniversary of its annual World’s Best Awards, a benchmark of quality and guest satisfaction within the global travel sector. Since 1995, Travel + Leisure has asked its audience of seasoned travelers to vote on the best travel experiences across categories like airlines, hotels, cities, islands—and cruises.
When evaluating cruise lines, readers are invited to consider several core elements that contribute to an exceptional voyage:
Sophistication in stateroom layout and shipwide facilities
Dining experiences and culinary standards
Guest service and attention to detail
Destinations and itinerary planning
Onboard entertainment, excursions, and enrichment
Overall value and satisfaction
Viking’s ability to excel in all these areas is a testament to its consistent dedication to purposeful travel, elegant design, and immersive cultural experiences.
Accolades Continue with U.S. News, Forbes, and Cruise Critic
In addition to its accolades from Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, Viking has also secured top distinctions in the 2025 Best Cruise Lines rankings by U.S. News & World Report. For the fourth year in a row, the cruise line has been recognized as:
- Best Luxury Cruise Line
- Best Cruise Line for Couples
- Best Cruise Line in the Mediterranean
These accolades are awarded based on expert analysis and customer feedback, reinforcing Viking’s trusted standing among seasoned travelers and cruise enthusiasts.
Adding to its impressive list of recognitions, Viking’s ocean fleet has received a “Recommended” rating in the 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards. This independent evaluation is highly regarded within the luxury hospitality space and speaks to Viking’s unmatched standards of onboard service, comfort, and attention to detail.
Further acclaim came from Cruise Critic’s 2024 Best in Cruise Awards, where Viking received seven awards across its Ocean, River, and Expedition divisions, underlining the brand’s ability to deliver excellence across all formats of cruise travel.
Setting a New Benchmark in Modern Cruising
Viking’s unique philosophy has always centered on offering thoughtfully curated itineraries, Scandinavian-inspired ship design, and destination-focused exploration. With a growing fleet that includes river ships, ocean vessels, and expedition ships, the brand has carved out a distinct space in the industry—serving travelers who seek meaningful, enriching journeys over mass-market tourism.
Unlike larger cruise lines, Viking has intentionally avoided casinos and oversized entertainment venues, instead focusing on educational programs, cultural immersion, and quiet luxury. This strategic positioning has clearly resonated with travelers around the world, as reflected in its remarkable run of industry awards and critical acclaim.
As Viking continues to expand its global footprint, it remains committed to redefining cruising as a more elevated, personalized, and intellectually engaging form of travel. In 2025, Viking is not just a cruise line—it is the gold standard in river, ocean, and expedition travel.
