Viking has advanced the opening of its 2026 ocean cruise bookings, responding to high demand and rapid sell-outs of prior years.
- Departure dates for 2025 are swiftly being filled, prompting the early release of 2026 itineraries.
- The new Viking Vesta ship will set sail in July 2025 across the Mediterranean and Scandinavia, adding significant capacity.
- Pre- and post-cruise options in major cities have gained popularity, with a substantial portion of passengers opting for these extensions.
- Viking Chairman, Torstein Hagen, reaffirms the company’s distinctive approach to travel, focusing on enriching experiences without children or casinos.
Viking has strategically opened bookings for its 2026 ocean cruises earlier than anticipated. This move comes as a response to high demand, with many 2025 dates already booked and selling out fast. This proactivity reflects Viking’s strength and adaptability in the cruise market, ensuring they meet the expectations of their dedicated clientele.
The upcoming addition of the Viking Vesta, a new 998-passenger ship, is a noteworthy development. Scheduled to enter service in July 2025, it will offer itineraries in the sought-after regions of the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. This expansion follows the debut of Viking Vela, another oceangoing vessel, in December 2024, highlighting the company’s ongoing fleet enhancement.
The company’s offer of three-day pre- and post-cruise extensions in key cities such as Barcelona, Istanbul, London, Rome, Stockholm, and Venice has seen significant uptake. More than 45% of passengers are choosing to extend their cruises with these options, demonstrating strong interest in immersive travel experiences.
Torstein Hagen, the chairman, has described the company as ‘contrarians’, emphasising their unique market position. He stated, “We design travel experiences for thinking people, with no children and no casinos.” This ethos clearly resonates with their audience, marking Viking’s distinctive brand identity.
By opening bookings early and expanding their fleet, Viking continues to cater to a sophisticated traveller demographic that seeks more than just a holiday, but an enriching, cultural journey.
Viking’s proactive strategy in opening 2026 bookings early and expanding its fleet underlines its forward-thinking approach and commitment to enhancing the travel experience for discerning passengers.
