If you’re a fan of river cruising, then you’ve likely heard of Viking. The company is known for its luxurious ships that take passengers on journeys down some of the world’s most iconic waterways.
But just how many river cruise ships does Viking have? Let’s take a closer look.
The History of Viking River Cruises
Before we dive into the number of ships Viking has, let’s quickly touch on the company’s history. Viking River Cruises was founded in 1997 with just four ships operating in Russia. Since then, it has rapidly expanded to become one of the biggest players in the river cruise industry, with ships sailing throughout Europe, Asia, and Egypt.
Viking’s Fleet
So, how many river cruise ships does Viking have? As of 2021, the company operates a total of 72 river cruise ships across its various destinations. These ships vary in size and amenities but all offer a high level of comfort and luxury.
Europe
Viking has the largest number of ships in Europe, where it operates on rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Douro. In total, there are 56 Viking river cruise ships sailing through Europe.
- Viking Longships: These innovative vessels were introduced in 2012 and have since become a hallmark of Viking’s fleet. There are currently 44 Longships sailing through Europe.
- Viking River Ships: In addition to its Longships, Viking also operates several other vessels throughout Europe. These include smaller ships like the Torgil and Osfrid as well as larger vessels like the Egil and Kadlin.
Asia
In addition to its European offerings, Viking also operates on several Asian rivers like the Mekong and Yangtze. The company currently has seven ships sailing in Asia.
- Viking Emerald: This ship sails on the Yangtze River and features amenities like a swimming pool, two restaurants, and a lounge with panoramic views.
- Viking Mekong: The Mekong is home to two Viking ships – the Mekong and the Saigon. These vessels offer a more intimate experience with just 30 staterooms each.
Egypt
Finally, Viking also operates on Egypt’s Nile River, where it has three ships sailing.
- Viking Ra: This ship was specifically designed for the Nile and features 24 spacious staterooms, all with river views.
- Viking Osiris: Like the Ra, the Osiris offers an intimate cruising experience with just 24 staterooms. It also boasts a pool on its upper deck.
The Future of Viking’s Fleet
Viking shows no signs of slowing down in terms of fleet expansion. In fact, the company has several new ships set to debut in 2021 and beyond. These include several Longships as well as two new vessels specifically designed for ocean cruising.
So there you have it – as of 2021, Viking operates 72 river cruise ships across Europe, Asia, and Egypt. Whether you’re looking to explore historic cities along the Danube or ancient temples along the Nile, there’s sure to be a Viking ship that fits your needs.