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Why should i book a viking river cruise.

If you're looking for an unforgettable vacation, Viking River cruises are a perfect choice. Viking River is one of the best cruise lines in the industry, with a successful history of providing excellent service and luxurious experiences. The Viking River cruise vacations take you to some of the world's most beautiful and fascinating destinations. They’re sure to have features to please everyone in your group.

How to find the best Viking River cruise deals?

There are many different Viking River cruise deals to choose from depending on your destination and the experiences you would most like to enjoy. These deals let you include additional features for a lower price to make your vacation even more comfortable. You can find the best deals by searching for your destinations, and filtering by your desired cruise lines. This way only the companies you wish to travel with will appear. You can also sort your results by price and length of time.

How to choose your cruise with Viking River?

If you want to book aViking River cruise there are plenty of amazing Viking River cruise deals available. Add your destination, cruise vacation, and number of travelers. Then you can sort your results by price, duration, and departure date. You can also filter by cruise line, cruise ship and cabin type. You’ll find different amenities to suit your vacation needs on each Viking River cruise. For example, youth programs, fitness facilities, and spa facilities.

What do I need to look out for when booking a Viking River cruise?

When booking your 2025 Viking River cruise it’s important to consider a few practical tips. Check what the cost covers, and what you may need to budget for or need insurance for. Think about any amenities or onboard service you’ll require, depending on the length of the Viking River cruise. For example, youth programs, entertainment, fitness facilities, spa facilities, and room service. Secondly, research the weather conditions for your journey and destination. In some locations, summer and winter weather can vary a lot. Another tip is to go over the ship layout to see where you’d like to pick a cabin. Don’t forget to check visa requirements and any flight logistics.

When is the best time to book a Viking River cruise?

You can book a Viking River cruise as early as you like depending on availability. There’s a higher chance of finding cheaper Viking River cruise prices by booking between 6 months to 12 months in advance. But there are also lots of last-minute cruise deals closer to your preferred departure date, but this will depend on your flexibility.

Are last minute deals available with Viking River?

Yes, you can find last-minute Viking River cruises on Expedia. Add your travel dates to the cruise finder and sort your results to find the best price available. Cruise deal discounts are indicated by a green box above the Viking River cruise price.

How do I book a cruise with Viking River?

To book a Viking River cruise on Expedia select your Viking River destination and filter by cruise line. You can also browse our extensive selection of pre-selected cruise deals and find the perfect cruise for you. Once you have found the one you want, choose your dates and the port of departure. You can also refine your search by cabin experiences, or cruise ship. Each ship will have amenities to suit your needs including room service, spa facilities, and fitness facilities.

Is Viking River great value for money?

Viking River cruises are excellent value for money if you're looking for an enjoyable and relaxing cruise vacations. A Viking River cruise offers a high standard of service, a great selection of dining, modern amenities, friendly staff, and exciting activities. The exceptional quality of the experience is worth the price.

Can I cancel a Viking River cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel your Viking River cruise. We all have unfortunate circumstances where we need to cancel a booking, so Expedia makes it easy to do so. All you have to do is head to your My Trips page on Expedia and click on the cancellation button. Another option is to contact customer service, where you’ll receive help with cancelling. Do make sure that you’re aware of the refund policy that applied to your booking, to see if you’re entitled to a full refund.

Viking River Cruise Guide

Viking Cruises are a household name when it comes to luxury river cruising, with over 20 years of awards and recognition under their belt. Viking's large fleet of over 70 ships and counting sail to a large variety of itineraries in Europe, Russia, Egypt, China and more. Onboard you’ll be treated to an all-inclusive experience, with complimentary Wi-Fi access, coffees, teas, as well as complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with gourmet meals by Swiss-trained chefs. Enjoy guided shore excursions and in-depth tours, or sightsee on your own, with plenty of time allocated for independent activities. Viking’s innovative ships offer a variety of larger-than-average suites and intricate Scandinavian design made with guest comfort in mind.

Viking River Ships

• Viking Vali
• Viking Sigyn
• Viking Einar
• Viking Herja
• Viking Hild
• Viking Jarl
• Viking Atla
• Viking Gersemi
• Viking Torgil
• Viking Alsvin
• Viking Ingvi
• Viking Astrild
• Viking Beyla
• Viking Gefjon
• Viking Lofn
• Viking Mimir
• Viking Modi
• Viking Vidar
• Viking Kara
• Viking Hlin
• Viking Alruna
• Viking Egil
• Viking Kadlin
• Viking Osfrid
• Viking Skirnir
• Viking Kari
• Viking Radgrid
• Viking Osiris
• Viking Skaga
• Viking Fjorgyn
• Viking Rinda
• Viking Buri
• Viking Delling
• Viking Hermod
• Viking Kvasir
• Viking Embla
• Viking Prestige
• Viking Rurik
• Viking Truvor

More Cruise Lines to Explore

• AmaWaterways
• Avalon Waterways
• Azamara Club Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Costa Cruise Lines
• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Seabourn Cruise Line
• Uniworld River Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises

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Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings.

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Cheap Viking River Cruises

7 night cruise to europe.

• You want a river cruise with solid food, service and amenities
• You enjoy rooms with step-out balconies and great design
• You want to see what all the Viking River Cruises fuss is about
• You want an all-inclusive river cruise experience in Europe
• You want to travel with children; Viking doesn’t encourage this
• You need onboard bicycles, spa services or fitness facilities
• You want a river cruise with spacious cabins and suites
• You enjoy socializing with like-minded, well-traveled adults
• You appreciate good quality, locally inspired cuisine and wine
• You want amenities like onboard bicycles or spa services
• You're looking for an all-inclusive luxury river cruise
• You want to bring kids; Viking caters exclusively to adults
• You want a sophisticated river cruise offering great value
• You want a large suite, or a stateroom with a full balcony
• You appreciate having a warm, convivial onboard atmosphere
• You want features like onboard bicycles or indoor pools
• You are traveling with kids; Viking Idun is adult-centric
• You are on a limited budget; some extra costs can add up
• You wish to book one of Viking's signature Seine-sized (slightly smaller) Longships in France
• You seek comfortable accommodations while exploring abroad
• You appreciate inclusive shore excursions and onboard dining
• You would like to take a river cruise closer to home
• You prefer larger ocean ships with more to do onboard
• You want additional activity and dining options on a riverboat

14 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want to see what a Viking River Cruise vacation is all about
• You appreciate thoughtful design and balcony cabins
• You want an adult-centric river cruise with some inclusions
• You require the pinnacle in luxury amenities and accomodations
• You typically book solo cabins or travel with children
• You like a river cruise with regional cuisine and wines
• You appreciate good service and included amenities
• You like busy days ashore and quiet evenings onboard ship
• You want to river cruise with kids; Viking discourages this
• You need amenities like included bicycles and spa services
• You want an onboard experience that is the last word in luxury
• You want a friendly river cruise experience with some inclusions
• You like high-quality interior design and well-appointed rooms
• You are looking for an adult-centric vacation in Europe
• You need amenities like onboard bicycles or fitness centers
• You are looking for a fully inclusive river cruise experience
• You want an all-around good value river cruise in Europe
• You value locally inspired cuisine, wines and excursions
• You want great accommodations, decor and onboard service
• You need a child-friendly river cruise experience; Viking isn’t it
• You want ultra-luxury amenities and all-inclusive features
• You want to try out a Viking River Cruise vacation for yourself
• You are attracted to cabins and suites with balconies
• You appreciate locally inspired cuisine and beverage options
• You prefer an all-inclusive river cruise vacation in Europe
• You plan on traveling as a multi-generational family with kids
• You want onboard amenities like bicycles or spa services
• You want a quality river cruise with plenty of thoughtful touches
• You value included amenities and not being nickel-and-dimed
• You enjoy crisp Scandinavian decor and friendly service
• You are on a budget or are looking for a last-minute cruise
• You need a kid-friendly river cruise; Viking caters to adults
• You want a classy river cruise experience with some inclusions
• You want staterooms with true step-out balconies onboard
• You appreciate having a soothing, adult-oriented atmosphere
• You expect formality; Viking’s onboard ambiance is very casual
• You want a river cruise that features all-inclusive amenities
• You want to go last-minute; these cruises sell out early on
• You want a river cruise with plenty of open space and airy rooms
• You must have a cabin or suite with a full step-out balcony
• You appreciate good service, onboard cuisine and enrichment
• You are expecting suites with butler service and lavish features
• You want to travel as a family with small children or teenagers
• You dislike socializing over dinners and cocktail hours
• You want a high-quality river cruise at a reasonable price
• You love clean, Scandinavian design and subtle design touches
• You enjoy socializing with other like-minded adult travelers
• You dislike socializing over mealtimes and cocktail hours
• You are looking for an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise
• You want to bring the kids; Viking is designed for adults
• You are looking for a contemporary, well-run river cruise
• You appreciate bright, soothing cabins and public areas
• You want an adult-oriented experience with some inclusions
• You are looking for lavish, all-inclusive suites with butlers
• You want a ship that provides amenities like onboard bicycles
• You are traveling with children; Viking Var is for adults

21 Night Cruise to Mississippi River

• You wish to book a modern Viking-style riverboat in the U.S. along the Mississippi
• You seek comfortable accommodations and amenities similar to the line's ocean ships
• You would like to take a river cruise in Europe or elsewhere abroad
• You want a more intimate riverboat experience with fewer fellow passengers
• You want a river cruise that is stylish and educationally minded
• You prefer to stay casual and dislike formal dress codes
• You want good value for money and appreciate inclusions
• You are looking for a family-friendly river cruise; this isn’t it
• You want additional amenities like an indoor pool and spa

9 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want to visit Europe's premier rivers in style
• You prefer traveling with adults only; Viking doesn't allow kids
• You appreciate modern Scandinavian design and decor
• You would like to travel with young children or families
• You want a fully inclusive river cruise experience
• You want a well-rounded river cruise on a modern, trendy ship
• You enjoy socializing with like-minded adults over meals
• You want some inclusions, but don’t mind paying for options
• You are planning on bringing kids; Viking Modi isn’t for them
• You want the most lavish, all-inclusive river cruise experience

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How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals

With the rising cost of hotels and airfare, cruises are still one of the most affordable ways to travel.

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Cruising on a budget? There are many resources available for travelers looking to save money.

Cruising is back – in a big way – after all the turmoil and shutdowns in the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Cruise Lines International Association's 2023 State of the Cruise Industry report, the intent to cruise is higher now than it was in December 2019, before the pandemic. About 85% of travelers who have been on a cruise will cruise again, which is 6% higher than it was pre-COVID.

John Lovell, president of the Travel Leaders Group division of Internova Travel Group, tells us, "Cruising has roared back since the pandemic and the lifting of sailing restrictions. It's a true success story! That means that we will see (and are seeing) full ships, even more so than pre-pandemic." He adds, "While Caribbean cruises remain popular, travelers are embracing river cruises, expedition cruises, smaller ships and off-the-beaten-path ports. There really is a cruise for everyone."

CLIA's report also states that passenger volume for 2023 is projected to reach an astounding 31.5 million passengers – 106% of the volume in 2019. In addition, the cruise industry is seeing higher numbers of solo travelers and people with mobility challenges – and there are more Gen X and millennials booking cruise vacations.

Chris Gray Faust, the executive editor of Cruise Critic, says that cancellation policies have also returned to normal with cruise bookings back to pre-pandemic levels, particularly for mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line . You also probably won't find many deals on sailings in high season and on the most anticipated new ships .

With more demand for cruise travel – one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism – how can you find a last-minute cruise deal in 2023? Read on to find out how to book your dream cruise vacation for less.

When to find the best cruise deals

Scoring a great cruise deal depends on several factors, including the type of experience you're looking for ( adults-only or family-friendly , for example), the destination, the length of the sailing, the time of year and your flexibility to travel.

Lovell recommends booking early for the best pricing. "For many cruise lines, especially the expedition products and with some luxury lines, the best time to find deals is when they open new sailings," he says. "The cruises fill up quickly, so usually the best offer is the first offering in terms of pricing. Some of the larger cruise lines will have pricing and value-added promotions on sailings that still have open space about 100 days prior to sailing."

Summer 2023

If you're planning on traveling within the next few months, you may be able to score a last-minute cruise deal to some destinations, such as Alaska . According to Bob Levinstein, CEO of CruiseCompete.com, "There are still some great deals for the summer, especially in Alaska, which is particularly soft right now."

A representative from Priceline notes that the travel agency is also offering great deals for summer cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

When you're looking at pricing for cruises, be sure to compare fares that include the same costs, Levinstein advises. Some advertised fares that seem like an incredible deal don't include the port taxes and fees, which can substantially raise the price of your vacation.

Within 90 days of sailing

Gray Faust says the window for finding last-minute cruise deals is within 90 days of a sailing. "That three-month mark is when final deposits are due on a cruise, and historically the last point you could cancel your cruise without financial penalty," she says. "At that point, cruise lines try to fill those vacant cabins, usually in the form of slashed fares to entice people to book."

Levinstein agrees. "While the market has heated up, the closer-in the sailing the more likely you will find a bargain." He adds, "But as last-minute deals are based on how full a particular sailing on a particular ship might be at a given time, shopping around is often rewarded regardless of overall market conditions."

Fall or spring

You may find cheaper cruise fares if you're able to book a last-minute cruise departing in the spring or fall when most families with children in school can't travel. As such, cruise lines typically have more availability and lower pricing during these times.

Wave season

If you're willing to book a cruise during the promotional period known as "wave season" – which spans early January through the end of March – you may be able to find a last-minute cruise deal that fits your budget.

Hurricane season

Planning a last-minute cruise during hurricane season in the Caribbean and Mexico – from June 1 to Nov. 30 – is another option. These months coincide with the shoulder season in those regions, so it can be a great time to find cruise savings. If you do book a cruise during hurricane season, consider investing in a travel insurance policy that has trip interruption and trip cancellation benefits. You'll also want to make sure that all of your prepaid and nonrefundable expenses are covered in the policy.

Read: The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Early December

Levinstein says the first two weeks of December are also a great time to take a cruise. Early December is typically when families are preparing for the holidays at home or getting ready to travel at the end of the month for Christmas and New Year's, so it's an ideal time to go on a cruise for less.

Book a last-minute cruise deal on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

How to find last-minute cruise deals

Cruise line sites

If you're internet-savvy and don't mind perusing the cruise lines' websites individually, check out their advertised discounted fares, included amenities and special bonus exclusive offers. These special fares often include free upgrades, airfare and credit for onboard spending. The types and level of perks may increase depending on the stateroom category.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a number of Free at Sea offers. These deals include unlimited open bar, shore excursion credits, dining at specialty restaurants, complimentary Wi-Fi and discounted rates for the second guest. Third and fourth guests staying in the same stateroom even get to sail for free with some deals.

In addition to the Free at Sea offers, Norwegian features CruiseFirst, a special bonus offer that essentially allows cruisers to earn free money. For example, if you purchase a $150 CruiseFirst certificate today for a six-day or longer voyage, it will double in value and you'll have $300 to spend on a cruise that you can take as early as 120 days from the purchase date. The certificates expire within three years.

If you're looking for reduced fares on a luxury cruise, it'll likely be more challenging to find a last-minute deal, with even lengthy – and expensive – world cruises selling out within hours. Levinstein explains this is because there's more demand than supply, when compared with the entry-level market.

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Cruise deal aggregator sites

If you prefer to use cruise deal aggregator sites, you can find last-minute cruises across the industry all in one place. Simply sort your findings by the month you'd like to travel, the length of your intended trip and where you wish to cruise. These are some of the best resources for finding cruise discounts:

• Cruise Critic
• Tripadvisor
• Cruise Compete

"Some lines began steering away from last-minute fare drops a few years ago, so keep an eye out for value-add deals as well," Gray Faust says. "While you might not get a super cheap base fare, things like free gratuities, drink packages and/or shore excursions could actually save you even more than you'd save on a slashed price."

'Kids sail free' fares

Some cruise lines allow kids to sail free , greatly reducing the total price of and/or adding value to your cruise. MSC Cruises allows guests ages 17 and younger to cruise for free year-round when they're the third and fourth passengers in the same stateroom with their parents. If you're considering a family cruise, check out the other cruise lines that offer similar promotions where children sail free, including Holland America Line and Norwegian.

Book a family cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cruise line loyalty programs

Consider joining your preferred cruise line's loyalty and membership programs for free upgrades. These are some of the best options:

• Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP Club:  This program features up to 40% discounts off fares, up to $50 in onboard credits, access to exclusive deals and other perks. Carnival VIFP members receive a loyalty number and can watch their points and rewards accrue online.
• Viking Cruises ' Explorer Society:   Viking's program offers past cruisers travel credits to use on future voyages, as well as members-only cocktail parties on the ship. Members are also privy to new itineraries and limited-time offers.
• Princess Cruises ' Captain's Circle:  Benefits with the Captain's Circle are based on the number of cruises you've taken. Some perks include early access to new itineraries, discounts for the onboard retail shops and excursions, complimentary minibar setups, priority disembarkation, access to the Platinum and Elite lounges, complimentary wine tasting events, and more.
• Norwegian Cruise Line's Latitudes Rewards:  This tiered program allows cruisers to earn discounts on select Norwegian products and services, such as beverage packages and signature spa treatments. You also get priority check-in, an exclusive cocktail party while on board, laundry service and more.

Cruise deal aggregator loyalty programs

You can also find loyalty programs through sites such as Expedia. An Expedia Rewards membership is free and offers discounts on travel; depending on your level (Blue, Silver or Gold), there are additional perks and benefits. You also earn rewards points to use toward booking future trips.

"On the Expedia website and through nearly 300 Expedia Cruises retail locations across North America, Expedia offers Member Prices, saving travelers up to 10% on last-minute deals, along with exclusive promotions on a variety of cruises," a company spokesperson says. "Expedia also secures special rates in advance on the most popular itineraries and cruise lines through the Expedia Exclusive Staterooms program. Most of all, travelers can reach out to one of Expedia's Vacation Consultants who can help navigate the current environment, answer any questions and help find the best value on their ideal vacations."

Read:  The Best Travel Rewards Programs

Travel advisors

Enlisting the help of a knowledgeable travel advisor can make planning easier – and it's one of the best ways to find last-minute cruise deals. Advisors, especially those specializing in cruises, usually have unique access to perks and discounts for big savings with cruise lines that can further enhance the value of your vacation and/or lower the total price.

Lovell agrees with this tip. "Demand for cruising is very high. I would always recommend booking early and working with a travel advisor," he says. "While there are lots of new ships, they often fill up quickly since travelers are eager to try out the latest and greatest the cruise lines have to offer."

Some aggregator sites also have their own travel advisors to assist in your search. Head of Priceline Cruises Denise Bialek says, "We highly recommend calling one of our Priceline Cruise advisors, as they are the most knowledgeable about the best rate options, know how to combine promotions to get the best deal and will save you time navigating the plethora of cruise lines, cabin categories, pricing, port charges and more." She adds, "An advantage of booking with one of our Priceline Cruise advisors is access to all cruise line offers and loyalty perks, in addition to our many Priceline exclusive deals, all supported by 24/7 service."

Additionally, keep in mind that travel advisors have insight into additional restrictions and the condition of each cruise line.

All-inclusive cruises

Though it may seem counterintuitive, you may be able to score a better value by booking an all-inclusive (or mostly all-inclusive) voyage than a budget cruise with a cheaper base fare. While these options are primarily in the luxury cruise line category, some fares are especially attractive thanks to included airfare costs, transfers to the ship, meals at all dining venues, premium wines and spirits, Wi-Fi access, and more.

When you book one of these cruises, you'll know the total cost upfront, and there won't be any unwanted surprises when you close out your shipboard account at the end of the cruise. Some of the traditional extras on noninclusive cruise lines – like bottled water, snacks, specialty coffee, gratuities or even beach equipment rentals on the line's private island – can add up quickly, diminishing the impact of your original fare savings. These are some of the all-inclusive cruise options:

• Viking Ocean Cruises:  On  Viking Ocean Cruises , travelers enjoy veranda staterooms; all meals (including alternative dining); beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; one complimentary excursion in every port; and more, all in the base fares.
• Silversea Cruises:  Silversea Cruises  boasts door-to-door all-inclusive fares that encompass private transfers, gourmet meals, butler service, beverages and at least one complimentary excursion in every port.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises:  Regent Seven Seas Cruises  offers two-for-one all-inclusive fares that also feature business class airfare on international flights, free two- or three-night land programs, a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, free unlimited beverages and open bars, complimentary dining in specialty restaurants, unlimited Wi-Fi, shore excursions, prepaid gratuities, and more.

These lines also offer other discounts, and you may be able to combine them with exclusive offers that your travel advisor can access. Book an all-inclusive cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Short cruises

Three- to five-night cruises generally equate to instant savings since they have lower fares than voyages lasting a week or longer. You may also be able to drive to the port, saving on airfare and other travel expenses. If you sail from ports in Florida or Texas, you can visit destinations in the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico; ports of call may include stops at private, cruise line-owned islands like Royal Caribbean International's Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

If you're in the northeast U.S., you can book a short sailing to Bermuda  aboard a few different lines. Bermuda sailings with Carnival Cruises depart from New York City and Norfolk, Virginia, while Royal Caribbean sails to the nearby island from New York City and Baltimore .

From Los Angeles , embark on four-night Royal Caribbean cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. With Celebrity Cruises , passengers can book six-night voyages that call on select California cities and Vancouver . The line also offers six-night, round-trip sailings from Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Shorter itineraries are less expensive not only because of their length, but also because they typically don't use the cruise lines' newest, largest vessels. Still, some ships have been updated, including Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, which underwent a $116 million amplification in 2020. Its upcoming itineraries make short trips between Miami and the Bahamas.

Repositioning cruises

Repositioning cruises are another option for booking a great cruise deal. The price on these voyages is less expensive since most of the days are spent at sea as the ships move from one region of the world to another. The itineraries are longer, so you'll need to have a flexible schedule for extended travel.

One of the pros of booking these cruises is that you'll get to see incredible destinations like Hawaii, Australia, Fiji, Portugal, Spain and Italy – with considerable savings. If you enjoy spending time on board the ship and don't need a port of call to explore every day, then this may be a great cost-saving option to consider.

For example, Celebrity has a 16-night Mediterranean Passage Transatlantic sailing from Rome to Tampa, Florida , in November 2023. The sailing includes eight ports and nine sea days, with fares starting at $899 per person.

Want to plan a cruise? See the top cruises on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Email alerts

Sign up for email alerts to receive updates on discounted pricing through the cruise line websites, travel aggregators or your travel advisor. That way, you'll be the first to know about limited-time offers, last-minute deals or value-adds that may make the price just right.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts and traditional masted sailing ships. Most recently, she traveled on a small expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

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Viking Cruises offers both river cruises and ocean cruises through two product lines, Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises. A global corporation headquartered in the United States with main operational headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, the company was established in 1997 by a Scandinavian and Dutch consortium led by Torstein Hagen. Initially the company purchased four Russian ships and provided a Russian river-cruise product to Europeans. The following year the company purchased additional ships and continued to cater to the European market. In 2000, the company expanded into the American market, establishing U.S. headquarters as Viking River Cruises in Los Angeles, California. Through rapid expansion, the purchase of KD River Cruise lines, and unprecedented new builds, the river cruise division grew to be the world’s largest river cruise line, and currently offers cruises along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. In May 2013, the company announced the launch of a new small-ship ocean cruising division, Viking Ocean Cruises, which began with the maiden season of Viking Star in spring of 2015, and features Baltic and Mediterranean itineraries. In 2016 and 2017, Viking Star will be joined by two equally elegant sister ships, Viking Sea and Viking Sky .

Viking Cruises continues the Viking tradition of exploration along the world’s great waterways. The Board of Directors includes prominent investors and financial leaders with impressive credentials in cruising and shipping, and the company is led by Chairman Torstein Hagen, a native of Norway and one of the original founders of the company.

Ships: Viking Star, Viking Sky, Viking Sea, Viking Sun and Viking Spirit.

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The Roaming Boomers

More last-minute flash sale offerings: viking river cruises.

Posted by David Porter on Saturday, April 16, 2016 · 5 Comments  

Three 8 and 10-day last-minute flash sale offerings from Viking River Cruises with up to FREE Air!

Every great once in a while, Viking River Cruises offers last-minute flash sale offers to fill up the remaining staterooms that might be available in its most up-coming sailings.

This is one of those times!

First of all, to learn about a 15-day flash sale offering that we recently announced, click here .

Before we get started, there are a few things you need to know:

• These offers are not available to the general public and will not be found on the Viking River Cruises website.  We bring our clients and readers access to these offers because of our relationship with Viking.  We do a lot of business with Viking, and they only make these offers available to their best travel partners.
• These offers are very limited in supply . Viking is filling up the remaining staterooms on these sailings, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.  So, if you’re interested, don’t delay.
• Because these are very special and limited offers, Viking will require full payment at booking .
• If you’re a past customer of Viking, and thus a member of their Viking Explorer Society, you’ll get an extra $800/couple off of these already remarkable offers.
• And, if you book with us within the next two-weeks on any Viking sailing, we have an extra $200 on-board credit from us to you!
• The up to FREE AIR offer means round-trip air from the east coast of the United States is free.  If you live in the middle of the U.S., or the west coast, the air will be slightly higher.  We just booked one couple and their round-trip air from San Francisco  was only $200/person.
• All of the prices below are per person prices based on double occupancy .
• Lastly, these last-minute offers are for new bookings only .

OK. Let’s us share with you these remarkable last-minute 8-day last-minute sailing offers from Viking River Cruises….

Danube Waltz – 8-Days, Danube River, Passau to Budapest

Bavaria to Budapest – 10-Days, Danube, Nuremberg to Budapest

Unfortunately, the link Viking sent me on this is bad. So, at the moment, I don’t have the graphics with the pricing/dates to share with you. I should have them soon. BUT, this 10-day cruise starts at $2,999/person.  Plus, additional savings for past Viking customers.  And, our $200 on-board credit.  When I get the pricing graphics on this, I’ll swing back around and post them.  Sorry.  🙁

Elegant Elbe – 10-Day, Elbe River, Berlin to Prague

Again, all of these prices include “up to” FREE AIR.

Listen folks, these are remarkable offers.  To be frank, there’s no way in creation you could have a 4-star+ European, all-inclusive vacation, including air at these prices.

$5,000 for two people, with air, sailing the Danube is a crazy good offer!  Plus, if you’re a past Viking customer, you can take another $800 off of that price! 

I f you’re interested, and want to check on availability, call our office at (480) 550-1235.  Sorry, we can’t handle email requests on this one.  These rooms move too fast.

We’ll get an idea of what dates work for you and then check with our back channels at Viking to check on availability.  Please know that at these prices, these staterooms will get scooped up quickly.  Therefore, don’t delay!

Category: Blog , Travel Services · Tags: Viking River Cruises

5 Comments on “ More Last-Minute Flash Sale Offerings: Viking River Cruises ”

Pingback: Flash Sale: Viking River Cruise Grand European Tour | The Roaming Boomers

If you subtract about $2000 for the two airfares, that leaves about $3000 for the cruise (or about $1500 each). That is still around $400 a day for the two people on the 8-day package. When you can sail on a cruise chip for a little as $116 a day for the two people, it is still a lot more expensive than an ocean cruise.

Hi Don, thanks for stopping by.

You’re absolutely right. River cruising is a bit more expensive than ocean cruises. But, you really can’t compare the experiences.

From a price perspective, with ocean cruises, you’re sharing the costs over 2-5,000 people. On a river cruise ship, the most you’ll find on any ship is around 190. From an experience perspective, the ocean cruises will pop you around a country picking at it from the outside, where the river cruises will take you into the heart of the country.

We’re big fans of ocean cruises as well. For us, the question is, which experience will allow me to best taste the cultures of each of the destinations. Certainly, in many parts of the world, the ocean cruise is the answer. But if you want to get into the heart of Europe, an ocean liner really can’t accomplish that task. Think Vienna, for example.

Hope this helps. 🙂

can’t believe someone would actually think this is expensive, so much more to consider, your answer was right on !

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• Viking Ocean

Does Viking ever upgrade?

By eddieg07410 , April 15, 2022 in Viking Ocean

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eddieg07410

Does Viking ever upgrade cabins. We are booked into a deluxe balcony but was curious if Viking ever offers free upgrades. It would seem in this post covid world cancelations have become a way of life. And consequently was wondering if Viking might upgrade us at some point. And under what circumstances do they offer upgrades?

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Best I’ve gotten is a good price for a higher level cabin.  Sometimes I’ve taken it, sometimes not.  

57 minutes ago, eddieg07410 said: Does Viking ever upgrade cabins. We are booked into a deluxe balcony but was curious if Viking ever offers free upgrades. It would seem in this post covid world cancelations have become a way of life. And consequently was wondering if Viking might upgrade us at some point. And under what circumstances do they offer upgrades?

We were upgraded last August on a river cruise. First from the worst level of stateroom to the second worst. But upon boarding we found ourselves moved from the main deck to the second deck. This was probably entirely due to Covid. The ship was 60% full and I was told that the main deck's rooms were used by the crew for distancing purposes.

We were upgraded on a Duoro river cruise in Oct.  It was a nice surprise.  The ship was only 60% full.

Into double digits of Viking cruises. Yet to be offered an upgrade.

We were offered an Explorers Suite 1 (cabin 4000) from a DV4. Possibly something to do with only having 8 pax onboard. 😁

All pax received the same offer.

5 hours ago, Heidi13 said: We were offered an Explorers Suite 1 (cabin 4000) from a DV4. Possibly something to do with only having 8 pax onboard. 😁   All pax received the same offer.

Booked a GTY V1, Dec. 2021, received a DV4.  No extra cost.  Venus had less than half pax on voyage.  Heidi, you were very lucky !  May I ask What ship, and date?

1 hour ago, FetaCheese said: Booked a GTY V1, Dec. 2021, received a DV4.  No extra cost.  Venus had less than half pax on voyage.  Heidi, you were very lucky !  May I ask What ship, and date?

Can't wait for Andy's reply ... 👿   (@FetaCheese, the circumstances were a bit unique).  🍺 🥌

I found that on other lines that upgrades usually go to first time cruisers on the line. Hope that is the case as I’m taking my first Viking cruise in December.

42 minutes ago, Orator said: I found that on other lines that upgrades usually go to first time cruisers on the line. Hope that is the case as I’m taking my first Viking cruise in December.

That's interesting.  Our good friends took their first Viking Ocean cruise - In the Wake of the Vikings - in 2019, and they were upgraded to a forward Explorer Suite from, I believe, a mid-ship PV.  Unfortunately, their particular sailing caught all kinds of bad weather, so the benefit of the upgrade in their particular case was mitigated by the number of times they bounced up in the air from their beds at night.

It’s a marketing device to try to win new customers. I’ve been on another line for 106 cruises and I‘be been upgraded once, by mistake. First time bargain cruisers seem to be upgraded . Once you have a record of loyalty, they seem to feel that they have you!

5 hours ago, FetaCheese said: Booked a GTY V1, Dec. 2021, received a DV4.  No extra cost.  Venus had less than half pax on voyage.  Heidi, you were very lucky !  May I ask What ship, and date?

Haha!! We were certainly very lucky, but it had nothing to do with the cabin upgrade.

Personally, having suffered fwd cabins and 8+ hrs per day on the Bridge, for too many years, I don't buy into the marketing hype that upper decks & extreme ends are best. When they taught me ship stability, upper decks and fwd & aft cabins are the worst locations on a ship for comfort. My first cabin at sea was about the size of a Viking bathroom, and we had 3 of us in it for 4 months, so for 2 of us, I find the DV cabins extremely spacious.

The ship was the Viking Sun and date was March 2020. We were on the 2nd half of the 2019/20 "Ultimate World Cruise", which was curtailed due to what some people now refer to as a bad cold. Viking took the ship to Dubai and decided to cancel the cruise, flying all pax home. Since Dubai owns the National Airline, they demanded everyone departed the country on an Emirates flight, but they ceased operations when we still had about 90 US/Canadian pax onboard.

Viking arranged a charter flight from Dubai to Newark, then connecting flights for everyone. However, the United States Govt refused to accept the 8 Canadian pax. All of our US friends were disembarked and flew home on the charter flight that certainly wasn't business class, while Viking retained the 8 Canadians onboard indefinitely, until some port would accept us.

We had a brilliant experience, sharing the ship with 460 crew for over 3 weeks. We eventually disembarked in Gibraltar, flying to LHR then onward to our home airports. Great experience, except the cabin. DW didn't like the movement up fwd and I would have been happy staying in our DV4.

Our experience is detailed in my daily blog posts - www.AndyandJudi.com

Clay Clayton

On 4/14/2022 at 9:12 PM, eddieg07410 said: Does Viking ever upgrade cabins. We are booked into a deluxe balcony but was curious if Viking ever offers free upgrades. It would seem in this post covid world cancelations have become a way of life. And consequently was wondering if Viking might upgrade us at some point. And under what circumstances do they offer upgrades?

Never received a free upgrade but have been offered upgrade from DV to PV twice.  We took the first one that was offered for $199 per person for a 12 night cruise. We did not accept the same offer for a transatlantic as it would have cost $399 per person.  We didn’t think the slightly larger room, in fridge mini bottles and the ironing were worth that much.    

We have several times taken advantage of a promo fare of paying for a V and being booked into a DV (typically a few months before sailing when they are trying to fill the ship). We are fine with a V but why not take the “upgrade” of offered. 

2 hours ago, Clay Clayton said: Never received a free upgrade but have been offered upgrade from DV to PV twice.  We took the first one that was offered for $199 per person for a 12 night cruise. We did not accept the same offer for a transatlantic as it would have cost $399 per person.  We didn’t think the slightly larger room, in fridge mini bottles and the ironing were worth that much.     We have several times taken advantage of a promo fare of paying for a V and being booked into a DV (typically a few months before sailing when they are trying to fill the ship). We are fine with a V but why not take the “upgrade” of offered. 

Yep, this is our experience too.  

Let Me Travel!

I’m hoping we will get offered an upgrade…we are a GTY for a DV…I’m hoping we will get an offer to purchase a PV for a reasonable price…we don’t have any assigned room at this point, we’re going on a sold-out cruise (British Isles) in August….keeping my fingers crossed… I’ve never done a GTY with Viking before.

We have received two complimentary upgrades we did not request.    Both were from PV to PJS and we received notice of the change about a week before our departure.  Have never been offered an upgrade we would have to pay for but probably wouldn’t consider it unless it was an ES and that might be more dependent on location.

billygraham

Yes~ We were upgraded from Penthouse suite to Owners Suite on the Maiden voyage of the Orion a few years ago.  Not sure how! never asked!  It was a wonderful experience. We were treated like royalty.

I did celebrate my 60th birthday on the ship. Best gift ever! 

8 hours ago, billygraham said: Yes~ We were upgraded from Penthouse suite to Owners Suite on the Maiden voyage of the Orion a few years ago.  Not sure how! never asked!  It was a wonderful experience. We were treated like royalty.   I did celebrate my 60th birthday on the ship. Best gift ever! 

WOW!!! Now that’s an upgrade!  Tell us…what did you like the best?  Come on…spill…

We were upgraded from a veranda to a penthouse veranda on our last Viking ocean cruise Dec 2019 Buenos Aires to Santiago.  Only learned of the upgrade when we were trying to book reservations for dining on embarkation.  It was my husband's 70th birthday cruise - it was our fourth Viking ocean cruise.  We had also done a few Viking river cruises.  It was a really nice treat.

Have any of you all been upgraded from a GTY?

10 minutes ago, Let Me Travel! said: Have any of you all been upgraded from a GTY?

Yes, from V1 GTY, to DV4, Venus Dec. 2021

17 hours ago, Let Me Travel! said: Have any of you all been upgraded from a GTY?

V2 to DV4.  The Viking agent I talked to said that there would be a very good chance we would get upgraded if we went this route as the ship was not fully booked.  

Yes GTY V1 to PV1 

Great! That’s encouraging!

A GTY is a guarantee that you will be assigned to a cabin at least in the category that's booked. You should expect to be assigned to the worse cabin in the category and that's happened to me. Or, you can get a very, very pleasant surprise. Once a booked a balcony guarantee and was assigned  a Suite! A GTY is really a roll of the dice. As some lines have a "run of the ship" policy when it comes to guarantees I really don't consider a better cabin to be a true upgrade.

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Standby cruising: A new option for bargain seekers

In February, Barb McGowan took a seven-day cruise on Holland America Line, visiting the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic for just $343, or $49 a day, excluding taxes, port fees and extras. By comparison, Holland America in April listed a seven-day Caribbean itinerary in October from about $700.

The catch: She had just 48 hours’ notice.

McGown, a 64-year-old from Naples, Florida, who runs a restaurant franchise, took one of the line’s new standby cruises, which are aimed at travelers who live near departure ports and intended to fill ship vacancies.

“I look for deals, and this was an especially good experience,” McGowan said, praising the food and entertainment. “I was impressed enough to put down a deposit on a future cruise.”

A way to keep ships full

Holland America, headquartered in Seattle, introduced its standby program in August to maximize ship occupancy, knowing that cancellations are inevitable. So far, the rest of the cruise industry has not followed its lead.

“If cancellations are within a week or two of sailing, it’s difficult to resell that space in the open market,” said Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management at Holland America.

In the same way that airlines oversell seats, cruise lines may compensate for cancellations by overselling staterooms. Filling in with standbys, however, reduces Holland America’s reliance on overselling, which runs the risk of bumping passengers to distant departures or potentially offering generous cash incentives to coax volunteers to cancel.

Although the company does not heavily promote the new practice, it has attracted a following among the thrifty by dangling a bargain rate — $49 a person, whether sharing a cabin or traveling solo, before taxes and fees — on a webpage that lists available departure dates to attract flexible travelers. Standbys should expect an inside cabin, according to the company, although ocean-view and veranda cabins have been assigned. (The company declined to say how many standby cabins it has offered.)

“Forty-nine dollars per person, per day is pretty exceptional,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor of CruiseCritic.com, a website that reviews cruises, noting that the price covers all meals and entertainment. “You can’t find a cheaper rate at a land resort for what’s included.” (In 2023, the average nightly rate for a hotel room in the United States was nearly $156, according to STR, a data analytics firm that monitors the hospitality industry.)

To participate, travelers choose an itinerary from the standby list on the website — current embarkation ports include Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Montreal; Quebec City; San Diego; Seattle; Vancouver, B.C.; and Whittier, Alaska — and pay for the trip in advance by calling Holland America or booking through a travel adviser.

There are no refunds for standby cruisers who want to back out. However, if the gamble fails to pay off, and the cruise line cannot offer a cabin to someone on the standby list, it issues a refund.

The company says standby offerings are added on a rolling basis and usually lists itineraries within two to three months of departure. Current offerings include seven-day sailings in Alaska’s Inside Passage from April through September and seven-to-11-day trips cruising the coast of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces between May and October.

Proximity is a bonus

Standby cruisers don’t learn of their acceptance or denial until a week to two days before departure, complicating transportation arrangements.

“Last-minute airfare could offset the savings on a cruise,” Crystal Seaton, owner of Road to Relaxation Travel, a travel agency based in Raleigh, North Carolina, wrote in an email. Although she has not booked a client on a standby sailing yet, she surmised that it is intended for travelers who can drive to a port.

“We were lucky; we found out Tuesday we were going on a Friday 3 p.m. sailing,” said Sheila Valloney, 66, of Clermont, Florida, who with her husband spent nine days aboard a Holland America ship in the southern Caribbean in February by going standby.

Before being cleared, she reserved a parking spot near the ship dock in Fort Lauderdale, which would have set her back about $6 if she canceled. She also kept their vacation clothes ready to go at the last minute for the 3 1/2-hour drive to port.

Booking a refundable airline ticket — or at least one that guarantees a credit in loyalty points or cash in the event of cancellation — is one way travelers who must fly can take advantage of the deal.

For her standby sailing, McGowan drove 90 minutes from her home to the ship in Fort Lauderdale. But her travel companion was coming from Indiana, so when she joined the standby list a few months before the departure date, she booked her friend a Southwest Airlines flight using frequent flyer points that would be refunded if the last-minute cruise didn’t come through.

Avoiding extra charges

Once on board, charges for extras such as cabin upgrades, Wi-Fi, alcohol and shore excursions can inflate the bill, although the thriftiest travelers try to avoid them.

McGowan sprang for the $17.50-a-day charge for an upgraded drink package (basic nonalcoholic drinks are included in the cruise) and took one shore excursion, focused on coffee growing, which she deemed a good value at $89.

On their Caribbean cruise, the Valloneys asked around for recommendations for good beaches, where they went to relax on port days, and waited until they were on land to check emails, in order to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on the ship.

“We didn’t miss it at all,” Valloney said. “For beverages, we would wait until happy hour, when it was buy one, get one free.”

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Will other companies follow suit?

To date, no other cruise lines have adopted standby programs.

Princess Cruises said it did not plan to offer cabins on a standby basis, but noted that it already offers last-minute deals, which tend to run about $50 to $60 per passenger per day. For example, a seven-day Alaska sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage departing May 8 is listed at $399 a person in a double-occupancy cabin.

Several other major cruise lines did not respond to inquiries about potentially adopting standby programs, although operators such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer last-minute deals on their websites.

“We would be surprised to see many mainstream cruise lines begin to adopt a similar model” to the standby system, Kimberly Coyne, head of sales and content strategy for Cruiseline.com, a cruise review site, wrote in an email. She said the standby fares might be financially unsustainable for cruise lines and cited the potential that travelers might become too accustomed to late-booking deals.

More ways to save

With the recent surge in cruise bookings, companies are discounting less, said McDaniel.

She identified more reliable ways to get a deal compared with going standby, such as booking during “wave season,” a sales period that generally runs January through March, or taking a repositioning cruise, in which a ship relocates from one region to another seasonally. A repositioning itinerary might sail in the fall from Alaska to the Caribbean via the Panama Canal.

“It’s not unusual to see a repositioning cruise at less than $75 per night,” McDaniel said, noting that other expenses such as an airline itinerary into one city and returning from another may cost more than a standard round-trip ticket.

Repositioning cruises tend to stop at fewer ports and add more shipboard enrichment programs, such as lectures and activities such as cake decorating classes and craft spirits tastings.

“For a lot of people, the ship is the destination and this is the perfect activity for people who like to be on the ship,” she said.

Last-Minute All-Inclusive Cruises

H aven’t quite gotten over the winter blues? Throw caution to the wind and embark on a last-minute all-inclusive cruise adventure! Find unbeatable deals and new experiences by taking a trip on the open ocean. Discover delicious cuisine and all-inclusive amenities aboard a luxurious cruise ship. Meet new people or have an unbelievable time with your loved ones. Here’s what you’ll find when searching for last-minute cruises.

The Advantages of Last-Minute All-Inclusive Cruises

1. unbeatable deals.

One of the most enticing aspects of last-minute all-inclusive cruises is the potential for unbeatable deals. As departure dates draw near, cruise lines often reduce prices to fill remaining cabins. This opens up opportunities for savvy travelers to enjoy luxurious voyages at a fraction of the original cost. The spontaneity of last-minute bookings can lead to surprising affordability, making cruising accessible to a wider range of individuals.

2. Flexibility in Itineraries

Last-minute cruises offer a level of flexibility that appeals to those with unpredictable schedules or a desire to explore without a set plan. After all, living on a schedule can be tiresome after a while. With numerous cruise itineraries available, ranging from tropical paradises to historic European cities, spontaneous travelers can choose from a variety of destinations that match their interests.

3. Avoiding Overplanning Stress

Planning a vacation can sometimes be stressful, with detailed itineraries, accommodation arrangements, and sightseeing plans. Last-minute all-inclusive cruises, however, eliminate the need for extensive pre-trip planning. This reduces pressure on travelers trying to save money while also trying to get the most out of their time off.  And for retirees, this makes for a more relaxing experience overall.

Where to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals

Several cruise lines are known for offering attractive last-minute cruise deals to fill remaining cabins. Keep in mind that availability can vary based on the specific cruise, departure date, and destination. Here are some popular cruise lines that often provide last-minute deals.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean frequently offers last-minute cruise deals on a variety of itineraries. Last-minute cruise deals include a three-night trip from Florida to the Bahamas for under $300 or a 13-night cruise from Barcelona for under $500. The all-inclusive cruise features free dining options, free activities, and other amenities.

Carnival Cruise

Carnival is known for its fun and lively atmosphere. It also offers a ton of excellent last-minute cruise deals, including a 4-Day Baja Mexico cruise from Long Beach, California for under $250 and a 3-day getaway from Brisbane, Australia.

Princess Cruises

With a reputation for a more refined experience, Princess Cruises may offer last-minute promotions. Keep an eye on their website or work with travel agencies that specialize in cruise deals. It’s a particularly popular option if you are looking for an Alaskan cruise.

Unbeatable deals and new experiences await aboard a last-minute all-inclusive cruise. Save time and money by booking a trip with any one of the cruises mentioned above. You can also search for deals using travel booking websites like Expedia, Vacations to Go, or Cruises.com, where you’ll find specials throughout the year. Finally, consider booking off-peak season to save even more money. Happy voyages!

Meet the Norwegian-owned cruise challenger to Carnival and Royal Caribbean that just raised $1.54 billion

Viking had humble beginnings. 

The now-listed cruise line was once just a venture by “two guys with two mobile phones and four river ships,” as the company’s CEO, Torstein Hagen, puts it in Viking’s prospectus .

But a lot has changed in 27 years. Now, the Norwegian-owned, Bermuda-based business has a staff of 10,000 catering to guests with a taste for the finer things in life. 

The cruise operator, which made its name in European river tours, launched its initial public offering at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday. It raised $1.54 billion , according to Reuters, making it the biggest listing in the U.S. this year. 

Viking rebounded strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic decimated cruise travel and its public listing comes as luxury consumers are spending more on travel and less on shopping. Some of Viking’s competitors, such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean, have seen record demand for cruises—opening a world of opportunity for the smaller company.    

Viking’s beginning

Viking was founded in 1997 by Hagen, who controls most of the company with his daughter, Karine Hagen.

From the start it aimed to give travelers an immersive experience in local cultures as they toured in one of its four river vessels. In the past three decades or so, Viking has expanded its fleet to 92 ships offering three types of experiences via rivers, oceans, and expeditions.

The company has also benefited from some savvy marketing plays: It sponsored PBS Masterpiece series, such as Downton Abbey , and offered themed trips linked to those shows. 

Between 2015 and 2023, Viking’s revenue grew at a compound annual rate of 14.4%, outpacing the rest of the cruise industry in the river and luxury ocean segments during this period, the company said in a public filing .

Viking has carved its strategic niche among older, well-off customers, a group it believes is “underserved.” These are not boozy party boats, and there are no kids allowed. 

“Our target demographic has greater financial stability, which can make them more resilient to economic conditions and more willing to invest in high-quality travel experiences,” Viking said. 

And that’s the space it hopes it can dominate, with the help of its IPO funds.

The Viking founder and road ahead

Hagen didn’t enter the world of cruises till the 1970s. 

A physics major in school, Hagen earned an MBA at Harvard University before entering management consulting. He dabbled with entrepreneurship a few times before finally succeeding, Bloomberg reported .

When business for Viking’s river cruises, its first service, began to pick up, Hagen expanded to offer journeys worldwide—from expeditions in Antarctica to river cruises in Vietnam. 

Viking is on an expedition of its own now that its shares are traded. Last year, the cruise line hosted close to 650,000 guests and generated $4.7 billion in revenue, up by almost 50% from 2022. Its underlying profits were $1.1 billion for the same period, according to Viking’s prospectus.

The cruise company is still much smaller than rivals like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. But it’s a global leader in some segments, such as luxury ocean cruises. 

Following a strong open, Viking’s market valuation has reached more than $10 billion, putting Hagen’s wealth at $5 billion. As the appetite for luxury travel builds , Viking is ready to ride the wave. 

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Would you roll the dice on a $49-a-day holland america standby cruise.

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Holland America passengers from Eurodam horseback riding at Half Moon Cay.

After almost sinking during COVID, the cruise industry is getting hot again. New ships, from the “city at sea” 7,600 passenger Icon of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) to smaller, all-luxury ships like the 920-passenger EXPLORA I are driving new interest—and new cruisers—to the industry.

Innovative new marketing programs are also boosting cruising. Holland America is expanding its Standby List Program , where passengers can potentially get booked on a cruise for as low as $49 a day.

Once you’ve picked a destination and a sailing day, you can get on the standby list. (This means paying for the discounted cruise you’ve selected immediately.) If your lucky number comes up, Holland America will let you know if you’ll be sailing between two and seven days before the ship leaves port. If no vacancies materialize, the money will be returned to your credit card.

You will have to be able to live with uncertainty as to what kind of stateroom you’re getting.

“Guests for this program do not choose their stateroom category, so they could end up staying in a variety of different cabin types including Inside, Oceanview, or Verandah,” said a Holland America spokesperson. Where you end up “depends, in part, on where the last-minute cancellations happen. Guests will be confirmed in the order they joined the list within the week of sailing. It could be seven days or as close as 48 hours to departure. So it really is tailored for guests who live close to the port.”

But of course, as the spokesperson put, “Guests will still have access to everything onboard that full-fare paying guests do, such as world-class dining, exciting entertainment, and most importantly—access to desired destinations.”

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The Hydro Pool on board the Holland America Oosterdam.

The Holland America Standby Program launched in August of 2023 with cruises from Seattle. In October and November, the company expanded the program to include voyages from homeports in Fort Lauderdale and San Diego. Now, as the line launches its 2024 Alaska and Canada/New England sailings, guests will see standby offers sailing from ports including Boston, Vancouver as well as Seattle.

The standby concept has always been popular, typically with people who have more time than money. Travelers have tried to go standby (going to the airport without a ticket and getting on the standby list) on airlines for years. Last-minute hotel rooms are also commonly available through various vendors.

With flights, hotel rooms and cruises, the lure of waiting until the last minute is the same: a discounted deal. Once that flight leaves, the hotel calendar clicks to the next day or the ship sails, that seat, suite or stateroom is gone, empty and unsold.

With the Holland America standby program, the rates of $49 are per person per day (for either a solo cruiser or a cabin at double occupancy), but third and fourth guests sail free. The program is for guests 21 and over, so you can take your pals but not your kids.

Of course, there are additional charges. The $49 per day fare amount excludes taxes, fees and port expenses. And as with most ‘a la carte’ cruises, gratuities, liquor, Wi-Fi and other amenities are additional.

The standby program is for all vacancies on a particular cruise, although it’s certainly a win for Holland America if it can resell a cancelled trip for additional income.

NY Deli & Pizza - Central Park Pizza on Holland America cruise ships.

You’ll be charged for each date you sign up for, immediately upon signing up, so you may want to try going standby on one cruise at a time. Once you’ve paid and are on the standby list, you can’t leave it. If offered a cruise between 7 and 2 days prior to sailing, guests will be charged the full fare whether they decide to go or not. If you’re looking for more flexibility, a spokesperson said potential passengers can also purchase a cancelation plan.

Conde Nast Traveler calls the standby program a cruise “industry first.” But author Jessica Puckett cautions that the inability to pick your room might land you in a 143 square foot interior room, rather than that 405 square foot veranda stateroom you’re dreaming of. If you “win” the small interior room, it might start feeling cell-like, especially on, say, a 42-day Mediterranean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale in November. However, that would still be a good deal financially, as instead of $5,479 plus fees for an inside room, you’d pay $2,058 plus fees.

Another potential issue might be getting on certain excursions from the ship. Some might be sold out by the time your standby booking is confirmed.

If you’re getting interested in cruising, it’s worth researching the industry. There are many lines, ships, destinations, and a seemingly endless list of options. Some deals might make more sense than going standby.

Still, the spokesperson told us that they had talked to several guests who have used the standby program multiple times successfully this season in Florida.

Passengers playing pickleball on Holland America Koningsdam.

"We see Holland America Line’s Standby Program as a win-win for guests and our business,” said Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management at Holland America. “Circumstances may arise for booked guests where they must cancel a cruise the week before sailing. The Standby Program allows us to fill those cabins with people who have already committed to going and who presumably live close enough to the port that they can make last-minute travel arrangements.”

Rough added, “For those guests with flexibility to travel, it means access to an unforgettable cruise vacation at $49 per day—an exceptional value.”

You can see a list of available Holland America sailings here , or call 877-724-5425 to get on the standby list. The page also includes some frequently asked questions.

If you live near one of the ports, is it worth taking a shot at getting a great deal on a standby cruise?

Several years ago, as a registered Rolling Stones fan, I was contacted by email one day about a “Lucky Dip” for tickets at an upcoming show at T-Mobile in Las Vegas. Like the Holland American standby offer, the deal was $50 a ticket, ‘we pick the seats for you.’ We booked a room at the now-departed Tropicana and held our breath for a few weeks, expecting nosebleed seats. Instead, we sat 20 rows up with a perfect view of the stage, especially for Keith Richards emotional solo set.

Will your roll of the “tumbling dice” bring you similar luck on a Holland America cruise? As Mark Twain put it in HUCKLEBERRY FINN, “You pays your money and you takes your chances.”

Tamarind - Mongolian Beef Lamb Chop on Holland America.

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Cruise Line Viking IPO Fetches $1.54 Billion

Viking Holdings Ltd. priced its initial public offering near the top of a marketed range to raise $1.54 billion for the luxury cruise operator and two investors.

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(Bloomberg) — Viking Holdings Ltd. priced its initial public offering near the top of a marketed range to raise $1.54 billion for the luxury cruise operator and two investors.

Cruise Line Viking IPO Fetches $1.54 Billion Back to video

Viking is offering 11 million shares and the selling shareholders are offering about 53 million for $24 apiece, the company said in a statement, confirming an earlier report by Bloomberg News.

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Best known for its art- and history-rich river tours of Europe, Viking had marketed the shares for $21 to $25 each. It increased the number of shares offered by private equity firm TPG Inc. and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board at the time of the pricing, while the size of the potential over-allotment was also increased to 9.6 million shares.

At the IPO price, Viking will have a market value of $10.4 billion based on the outstanding shares listed in its filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Viking’s founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Torstein Hagen, will continue to control the company with his daughter Karine Hagen, exercising 87% of the company’s voting power. TPG and CPPIB will each control 4.5% of votes.

Founded in 1997, Viking operates cruises around the world and has 92 vessels, according to the filing. It has more than 10,000 employees in over 90 countries.

While the company has expanded beyond its original tours of rivers such as the Danube and the Rhine, it continues to cater to older, wealthier travelers seeking “more than just a vacation,” Torstein Hagen said in the company’s prospectus.

“We maintain a clear focus on our most relevant customer group: English-speaking travelers aged 55 years old and over, who have the time, money and desire to explore the world,” Hagen wrote. “We do not try to be all things to all people, which is why we only offer a single-language experience on board our ships; there are no casinos; and children under 18 are not allowed.”

Viking is the second-biggest consumer-oriented company to go public on a US exchange this year, after the $1.57 billion listing by Amer Sports Inc. in January. Since then, an assortment of tech, health-related and industrial businesses have held IPOs, raising more than $13 billion not including Viking, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Bermuda-based Viking is joining its publicly traded peers Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Carnival Corp. and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Royal Caribbean, the largest of them with a market value of about $37 billion, is the only one of the three whose shares have climbed back to where they started before the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2022, Viking reported a profit of $399 million on $3.2 billion of revenue, which rose sharply compared to the previous two years as the pandemic ebbed. Last year, the company lost $1.8 billion as revenue grew to $4.7 billion. The filings show adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciations and amortization of $1.09 billion for 2023, which included a gain of about $2 billion from the re-measurement of derivatives associated with preference shares that will convert with the IPO.

Viking’s offering is being led by Bank of America Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co., UBS Group AG and Wells Fargo & Co. Viking’s shares are expected to begin trading Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VIK.

Read More: Viking’s Growth, Profit Potential Cruise Alongside Public Rivals

—With assistance from Ryan Gould.

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