Viking Crowned #1 Across Ocean, River and Expedition Cruises
Luxury, River and Expedition Voyages All Earn Top Honours Across Eight Categories
Viking has once again set the standard for luxury cruising, taking home top honours across ocean, river and expedition categories in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards. With eight awards in total, the line is proving that its approach to immersive, sophisticated travel continues to resonate with both guests and critics alike.
In the Luxury (Ocean) category, Viking earned four accolades: #1 Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Line, Best Enrichment, Best for Remote Workers, and Best Spa, a remarkable streak that has continued every year since the line launched its ocean voyages in 2015. River cruising fans also recognised Viking as Best for First-Timers and Best for Remote Workers, while its expedition offering was celebrated for the third consecutive year as Best for Light Expedition and Best Spa.
Torstein Hagen, Viking’s Chairman and CEO, said: “We are honoured that Cruise Critic’s editors and community members, many of whom are our guests, continue to recognise Viking across our river, ocean and expedition voyages. We take great pride in doing things differently, and we are pleased that our approach continues to resonate with both our guests and the respected experts at Cruise Critic.”
Viking Cruise Critic best in cruise award 2025
Cruise Critic’s community and editors highlighted why Viking stands out:
#1 Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Line (Luxury) – Guests praised the attentive staff, enriching excursions, and knowledgeable local guides, calling Viking a “must for every traveller seeking a truly immersive experience.”
Best Enrichment (Luxury) – From TED-style talks and lectures from Resident Historians to hands-on cultural experiences, Viking’s enrichment programme earns its title as “The Thinking Person’s Cruise.”
Best for Remote Workers (Ocean & River) – Viking’s quiet, sophisticated Scandinavian design, included Wi-Fi, and numerous semi-private spaces make working on board a breeze.
Best Spa (Ocean & Expedition) – The LivNordic Spa delivers authentic Nordic wellness, complete with thermal suites, hydrotherapy pools, saunas, and bespoke treatments designed in-house.
Best for First-Timers (River) – Thoughtful itineraries, prime docking spots, seamless transfers, and excellent customer service make Viking river cruises a stress-free introduction for newcomers.
Best for Light Expedition (Expedition) – Purpose-built ships, easy deployment of submarines and Zodiacs, onboard science labs, and Nordic-inspired design allow guests to explore with comfort and curiosity.
This latest round of awards adds to an already impressive streak: Viking has consistently been rated #1 for oceans and rivers by Condé Nast Traveler, recognised as a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure, and named “Best Luxury Line” by U.S. News & World Report. AOL and Forbes Travel Guide have also lauded Viking, making it one of the most decorated cruise brands in the world.
With accolades across all three of its sailing styles, Viking demonstrates that luxury, enrichment, and thoughtful design are more than just words, they’re an experience that travellers return to again and again.