LOS ANGELES — Viking has turned 25 and is celebrating with a newly released video message from Chairman Torstein Hagen.
The 25th anniversary video, available on Viking’s website and on its enrichment channel, Viking.TV, shows Hagen reflecting on the company’s key milestones since its founding on Aug. 5, 1997. All last week, Viking.TV’s daily programming has focused on Norwegian culture and history as a tribute to the Hagen family’s Norwegian heritage.
“I am proud of all that we have accomplished in these 25 years,” says Hagen. “First, we invented modern river voyages. Then, we reinvented ocean voyages with our destination-focused approach. Now, we are perfecting expedition voyages and exploring all seven continents in comfort.
“To every member of our extended Viking family of guests and employees: happy anniversary and thank you. These first 25 years have been very good, but we are just getting started.”
To help celebrate its anniversary, Viking is offering a 25th Anniversary Sale from now through Aug. 31, 2022 that includes special savings plus up to free international airfare on select river and ocean voyages.
The anniversary comes on the heels of Viking being named the #1 Ocean Line and #1 River Line in ‘Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards.’ Viking also ranked #1 for both rivers and oceans by Condé Nast Traveler, making it the first cruise line to ever simultaneously earn the #1 spot in its categories from both publications.
Viking’s milestone year has been marked with several milestone moments, including the January debut of Viking Expeditions and the first of two purpose-built expedition vessels, the Viking Octantis, which is currently sailing its inaugural season in the Great Lakes. In spring 2022, Viking welcomed eight new Viking Longships as well as its newest identical ocean ship, the Viking Mars. This month, the company is launching three purpose-built vessels for the Mekong, Nile and Mississippi Rivers, and by year’s end it will have also welcomed a second identical expedition ship, the Viking Polaris, and another identical ocean ship, the Viking Neptune.
