• Top Industry Rankings: Viking secured the number one spot for both its river and ocean cruise lines in the 2026 USA TODAY reader-voted awards.
• Specialized Ship Recognition: Individual honors were granted to the Viking Mars for its adults-only environment and the Viking Star for its culinary offerings.
• Consistent Multi-Platform Success: The company holds simultaneous top honors from major travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.
• Targeted Travel Philosophy: The brand focuses on “The Thinking Person,” prioritizing educational and cultural destination immersion over traditional mass-market cruise features.

Viking has achieved significant recognition in the USA TODAY 10Best 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, securing the top position in seven distinct categories. The accolades include being named the best line for river cruises, ocean cruises, and shore excursions. Furthermore, the company earned the number one ranking for its Alaska itineraries. Individual vessels within the fleet were also highlighted, with the Viking Mars recognized as the best adults-only cruise and the Viking Star noted as the top ship for dining experiences. These awards are determined by reader votes following initial nominations from a panel of travel experts.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, stated that these honors reflect the company’s specific focus on destination-centric travel rather than attempting to appeal to all traveler demographics. He attributed the success to the dedication of the staff across the global fleet. This latest set of awards contributes to a substantial portfolio of industry recognition. Notably, the company has been ranked as the top choice for both ocean and river travel by Condé Nast Traveler for five consecutive years and has consistently received “World’s Best” honors from Travel + Leisure.

The company currently operates a fleet of over 100 ships and offers itineraries across 21 rivers and five oceans, reaching all seven continents. Viking markets its voyages toward travelers interested in history, science, and culture, often using the branding “For The Thinking Person.” In addition to the recent USA TODAY honors, the cruise line maintains top rankings from U.S. News & World Report as the best luxury line and the best line for couples. The company’s financial standing as a publicly traded entity on the NYSE and its extensive history in experiential travel continue to position it as a leader in the premium cruise sector.