Condé Nast Traveler
Readers’ Choice Awards — 9 Years of Recognition
In 2024, Viking was voted #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row. This marks the first time a travel company has won these three categories in back-to-back years, as well as the fourth consecutive year that Viking has won both the river and ocean categories.
Viking is also immensely proud to have been recognized every single year since the launch of our ocean voyages in 2015.
Travel + Leisure
World’s Best Awards — 9 Years of Recognition
In 2024, Viking was voted to the top of its categories for oceans, rivers and expeditions in their annual World’s Best Awards. For the second consecutive year, Viking was named the #1 Ocean Line and #1 Expedition Line, as well as one of the best river lines.
In 2022, Viking was named both the #1 Ocean Line and the #1 River Line, reinforcing Viking’s position as a formidable industry leader. Viking was also recognized as the #1 Ocean Line from 2016 to 2020, overtaking the spot previously held by a luxury cruise line for 20 years. Viking is immensely proud to be recognized every single year since the launch of Viking’s ocean voyages in 2015.
Cruise Critic
Cruisers’ Choice Awards — 2023, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016
In 2023, the Viking fleet swept the 11th Annual Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards earning six first-place awards including Best Overall Line (Small Ship Category). Viking’s ocean and expedition voyages also took First and Second Place, respectively, across two other categories: Best Cabins and Best Value for Money. Viking’s expedition voyages took First Place in Best Dining, followed in Second Place by the company’s ocean voyages. Additionally, Viking’s ocean voyages were named the Best for First-Timers. The Cruisers’ Choice Awards name the best cruise lines in the world, based solely on ratings submitted with member reviews published on the Cruise Critic website.
Cruise Critic
Editors’ Picks Awards — 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
In 2023, the international team of Cruise Critic editors honored Viking with seven awards – more than any other line – across the luxury, river and expedition categories. Viking’s ocean sailings were once again awarded “Best Cabins” and “Best Spa”—an award Viking has won every year since introducing ocean voyages in 2015. Viking was also recognized in three river categories: "Best for First-Timers", "Best River Line"and "Best Service". Additionally, Viking received two awards in the expedition category: Best for "Light Expedition" and "Best Spa".
Newsweek
America's Best Customer Service — 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
For the fourth consecutive year, Viking is honored to have been named #1 for “Best Customer Service for Cruise Operators” by Newsweek Magazine. The award highlights brands that provide the best customer service in areas such as “quality of communications, professional competence, range of services, customer focus and accessibility.”
Additionally, in 2021 and 2022, Viking earned the highest score within the overall transportation and travel industry category outranking dozens of other travel suppliers.
Men's Health
Men's Health Travel Awards – 2023
In 2023, Viking was honored by Men's Health Magazine in the category of Relaxation in their annual Travel Awards. Men's Health Editors highlighted Viking's wide range of international ports and inclusive value and touted that Viking has “No casinos” and “No kids”.
Cruise Critic
EDITOR RATING: 5 STARS
For every Viking ship they have reviewed —Viking Venus(2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion(2018), Viking Sky(2017), Viking Sea(2016) and Viking Star(2015)—Cruise Critic’s team of expert editors has awarded their highest rating: 5 stars. They stated that Viking Sea “is a stunning vessel that seamlessly integrates comfort and modern, Scandinavian style. The ship's small size means it rarely feels busy and is able to get into ports bigger ships can't reach.” About Viking Star they noted her to be “one of cruising's most beautiful small ships.”
Cruise Critic
Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards — 2019, 2018
For the second consecutive year, Viking was honored as the Best Baltic & Scandinavian Cruise Line as well as Best British Isles & Western Europe Cruise Line. In 2018, Viking was also honored as Best Western Caribbean & Riviera Maya Cruise Line as well as Best Western Mediterranean Cruise Line.
TravelAge West
Wave Awards — 2023
In 2023, Viking was recognized as having the “Best World Cruise” by TravelAge West. Viking has also been recognized by this prestigious industry publication for our River voyages, having been named “Best River Line For U.S. Sailings” in 2023 and 2024 as well as “Best River Line” eleven consecutive times (2006 to 2016).
U.S. News & World Report
Best Luxury Cruise Line — 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022
For the fourth consecutive year, Viking has been named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean by U.S. News & World Report in the publication's 2025 Best Cruise Line rankings. Viking is honored to top this esteemed list and be recognized for its fleet of small ships, destination-focused itineraries and emphasis on cultural enrichment.
Time Magazine
World’s Greatest Places — 2018
Viking Orion was named one of the World’s Best Places to Stay for 2018. Highlighting an “out-of-this-world experience”, TIME praises Viking Orion’s onboard planetarium (the most advanced on an ocean ship) as well as onboard lectures on astronomy and space exploration led by resident astronomer Howard Parkin.
AFAR
Travelers’ Choice Awards — 2020, 2018
Viking received two first place honors in the 2020 AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards. Named “Best Mediterranean Cruise Line” and “Best Caribbean Cruise Line,” Viking was chosen for its elegant, small-ship design, culturally rich experiences and picturesque itineraries.
#1 Ship — 2020, 2019, 2016, 2017, 2016
In its Cruising & Cruise Ships 2020 edition, Berlitz awarded Viking the top six positions in the Mid-Size Ships category. In 2017, Viking Sea was awarded first in her category, noting her ‘many elegant touches’ and ‘excellent inclusive value.’ Viking Star, which was rated highest in her category in 2016, earned second place behind her sister ship Viking Sea.
USA Today
10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards — 7 years of recognition
In 2022, Viking was once again named the “Best Ocean Line” in USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Awards. Viking was also named “Best Small Ship” in 2021 with Viking Orion taking the #1 position and Viking Sky and Viking Sea following suit respectively for 2020 and 2019. In 2020, Viking was also named “Best Ocean Line”, beating ships of all sizes, and earned first and second placements for “Best Dining.” Nominated by a panel of travel experts and voted on by travelers, Viking was recognized for its “destination-focused itineraries,” “top-notch service,” and well-appointed, all-veranda staterooms.
The Points Guy
Readers’ Choice Awards — 2021, 2020
In 2021, readers of The Points Guy, a website dedicated to honoring excellence in the travel industry, named Viking “Best Small-Ship Cruise Line” for the second year in a row, highlighting the destination-focused itineraries and upscale ship design. In 2020, Viking was also recognized as the “Best Small Ship Cruise Line” for both our Ocean and River cruises.
Town & Country
Cruise Awards — 2017, 2016
Viking received two honors in the 2017 Town & Country Cruise Awards. Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky and Viking Sun were recognized in the “Best Aboard” category stating “the spas on all four ships are the most beautiful at sea”. Viking was also recognized in “Best Sports Marinas” for its destinations.
In the 2016 Town & Country Cruise Awards, Viking Star and Viking Sea were awarded “Best Overall Contemporary Luxury Cruise Line” and “Best for Design Contemporary Luxury Cruise Line.” Town & Country comments, “The Viking ocean design philosophy holds that ships should be elegant and comfortable and never overwhelm the real purpose of cruising: to see the world.”
Luxury Travel Advisor
Awards of Excellence — 2023, 2019, 2018, 2017
In 2023, Viking was recognized for the fourth time as the first and only cruise line to win both rivers and oceans categories in the prestigious luxury trade awards: Best Luxury Ocean Cruise Company (for the fourth time) and Best Luxury River Cruise Company (for the eighth time).
Recommend
Readers’ Choice Awards — 2020, 2019, 2018
For the third consecutive
year, Recommend magazine awarded Viking “Best Luxury Ocean Cruise Line” as well as “Best Mid-Size Ship” in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
Money
Best in Travel — 2017
Viking was named “Best Ocean Cruise Line” in its class by Money magazine for exceeding expectations in cost, cleanliness, customer satisfaction and overall value.
Cruise Fever
Fan Awards — 2017
Cruise Fever fans named Viking “Best Luxury Cruise Line” in the 2017 Cruise Fever Fan Awards.
Fodor’s Travel
World’s Best Cruises — 2016
Viking was honored to be named one of Fodor’s Travel “World’s Best Cruises for 2016.”
Fodor’s Travel recognized Viking Star and Viking Sea for the “infinity pool off the stern, Snow Grotto spa room, luminous Wintergarden tearoom and all-balcony staterooms.”
Porthole
Editor-In-Chief Awards — 2016
Viking Star was named for the first time as “Best New Breakout Ship” in the annual Porthole Cruise Editor-in-Chief Awards.
Porthole
Readers’ Choice Awards — 2015
Viking Star was honored for the first time as “Best Medium-Sized Ship” (500-2,000 guests) in the 17th annual Porthole Cruise Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards.
Interior Design
Best Of The Year Awards — 2015
The preeminent design competition – hosted by the industry-leading publication – celebrates superior interior design projects and products. Viking Star was honored in the 2015 edition, with the Living Room, Wintergarden and Explorers’ Lounge receiving special nods for their unique and stunning design.
Architectural Digest
Best New Luxury Cruises — 2015
In a roundup of the most luxurious and design-forward vessels sailing today, Viking Star took top billing.
Travel Channel
Best Mediterranean Cruise — 2015
Rated among its best cruises of 2015, the Travel Channel honored Viking with “Best Mediterranean Cruise.” The cable network also recognized Viking for “living up to the reputation of its acclaimed sister line while offering perks all its own.”
