viking History Timeline and Biographies | History Timeline Generator

1997

Foundation of Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises was founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen, marking the beginning of the Viking brand in the cruise industry. The company aimed to offer unique river cruise experiences in Europe, focusing on cultural immersion and high-quality service.

2000

In 2000, Viking launched its first Longship, a new class of river cruise vessels designed for enhanced passenger comfort and efficiency. This innovative design set a new standard for river cruising, featuring modern amenities and spacious accommodations.

2001

Viking expanded its operations into the European river cruise market, introducing itineraries on major rivers such as the Danube and Rhine. This move significantly increased Viking's visibility and customer base in the cruise industry.

2007

Viking Prestige was introduced in 2007, featuring advanced technology and eco-friendly design. The ship's launch represented Viking's commitment to sustainability and innovation in river cruising, further enhancing the guest experience.

2013

In 2013, Viking expanded its offerings to include ocean cruises, launching Viking Ocean Cruises. This new venture allowed Viking to offer travelers a broader range of experiences, combining river and ocean cruising under one brand.

2015

Viking Star, the first ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet, was inaugurated in 2015. The ship featured cutting-edge design and amenities, showcasing Viking's commitment to luxury and comfort on the high seas.

2016

Viking announced plans to expand its ocean fleet, introducing several new ships over the next few years. This expansion allowed Viking to offer more diverse itineraries and destinations, enhancing its appeal to ocean cruise travelers.

2017

Viking Sky was launched in 2017, further enriching the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet. The ship featured innovative technology and luxurious amenities, reinforcing Viking's reputation in the ocean cruise market.

2018

Viking received numerous awards in 2018 for its river and ocean cruises, including accolades for best cruise line and best river cruise line. These awards highlighted Viking's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction in the cruise industry.

2019

Viking announced new sustainability initiatives in 2019, focusing on reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices across its fleet. This commitment reinforced Viking's dedication to responsible travel and environmental stewardship.

2020

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Viking's operations in 2020, leading to temporary suspensions of cruises. Viking implemented health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of its guests and crew during this challenging time.

2021

In 2021, Viking began to resume voyages with enhanced health protocols, allowing travelers to experience the joy of cruising once again. The company focused on providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all guests.

2022

Viking introduced new itineraries in 2022, expanding its offerings in both river and ocean cruising. These new routes provided travelers with unique opportunities to explore lesser-known destinations around the world.

2023

In 2023, Viking unveiled several new ships, including the Viking Neptun and Viking Venus, further enhancing its fleet. These ships feature innovative designs and state-of-the-art amenities, continuing Viking's tradition of excellence in cruising.

2024

As of 2024, Viking announced plans for further expansion into new markets and the introduction of additional ships. The company aims to continue providing exceptional travel experiences while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction.