viking cruise lines wiki

The 3 types of Viking cruise ships, explained

Viking is unusual among major cruise lines in that it operates both ocean ships and river ships. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

The vast majority of Viking's river ships — at last count, there were 80 — feature the same design. If you've seen one of them, you've seen them all.

Ditto for the line's ocean ships. Nine of Viking's 11 ocean ships are nearly identical. The two exceptions are the recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

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As a result, the bulk of Viking's vessels falls into one of just three groups; all the ships in each group sport nearly identical designs.

An introduction to Viking cruise ships

Viking has expanded enormously in recent years with the addition of dozens of new river and ocean ships.

Founded in 1997 with four river vessels, the company operated just 29 ships as recently as 2012. Now, there are more than 90 ships in its fleet.

The vast majority of these ships are river ships — the company's sole focus for its first 18 years in business. The company dominates the market for river cruises aimed at North Americans, accounting for about 50% of all such trips.

Starting in 2015, Viking began rolling out ocean cruise ships, too.

In early 2023, as noted above, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — almost all of which have the same basic design. The exceptions are a few vessels that Viking operates on rivers in Egypt and Asia (more on these ships below). The line also recently began offering cruises on the Mississippi River and its tributaries using a new type of vessel.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Viking's ocean ships fall into two distinct groups: a series of 930-passenger traditional ocean ships that began debuting in 2015, and a series of 378-passenger expedition ships that began debuting in 2022.

Unlike most cruise lines, Viking doesn't use the term "classes" to define different sets of ships in its fleet. Instead, it refers to its series of traditional ocean ships as the "Viking ocean ships" and its series of expedition ships as the "Viking expedition ships." We've followed the same breakdown of the line's ocean and river fleet below.

Viking ocean ships

Ships: Viking Saturn (2023), Viking Neptune (2022), Viking Mars (2022), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion (2018), Zhao Shang Yi Dun (2017), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Sea (2016) and Viking Star (2015).

Size: 47,800 tons.

For years, Viking only operated river ships, and some cruisers still think of the brand primarily as a river cruise company. However, since 2015, Viking has been rapidly rolling out a series of upscale ocean vessels; these new additions are increasingly dominating the world of higher-end ocean cruising.

As of June 2023, Viking has nine ships sailing the world's oceans, each with a capacity for 930 passengers. That gives Viking 8,370 berths in the upscale ocean cruise market — more than competitors Oceania Cruises and Azamara combined.

The series is far from finished. Six more of the vessels are on order from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for delivery between 2024 and 2028, and the company also has options with Fincantieri for four more of the ships to debut in 2029 and 2030. Assuming they are all built, Viking's ocean division will soon be bigger than Oceania, Azamara, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises combined.

The first thing to know about the ships in this series is that they all are pretty much identical. When sailing on any one of them, you will be hard-pressed to tell what is different.

They're also quite upscale. While Viking doesn't market itself as a luxury line, some still consider it so. The vessels are full of luxury touches, from sumptuous bedding in cabins to heated floors in cabin bathrooms.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites

Each of the ships in this series has a stylish, Scandinavian-influenced design that is a Viking trademark, and the cabins are large by cruise ship standards. Even the smallest cabins on each of the vessels have 270 square feet of space — a generous amount. Many cabins are significantly bigger than that, with 14 two-room suites on each of the vessels ranging in size from 757 to 1,448 square feet. Many of these bigger suites offer sweeping views from wrap-around private balconies.

Each of the ships' interior spaces is built around an elegant, three-deck-high atrium filled with comfortable seating areas that have a living room-like feel. Each also has a bar and guest relations desk. At the top of the ships, you'll find two-deck-high, glass-walled lounges that offer stunning views over the bow. Other interior spaces include a fitness center and a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels).

Multiple restaurants on board each of the vessels include Italian eatery Manfredi's (named after former Silversea owner Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen) and The Chef's Table. The latter features rotating themed menus.

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of the ships is the main pool area, which features a glass magrodome that can close during inclement weather. The main pool area on each of the ships sits next to a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden, which is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it's one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

While all of the ships in this series are essentially identical, you will find small differences on a few of them. Most notably, two of the vessels in the series — Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter — have a small planetarium built into the top level of the two-level lounge at their fronts (known as the Explorers' Lounge). Some of the later ships in the series have slightly larger fitness centers and slightly smaller hair salons.

Note that in addition to the nine Viking ocean ships officially in the Viking fleet, a 10th ship from the same series, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, caters exclusively to the China market as part of a joint venture between Viking and a Chinese company. When it debuted in 2017, the ship originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking river ships

Ships: Viking Fjorgyn (2022), Viking Kari (2022), Viking Radgrid (2022), Viking Skaga (2022) and more than 60 other Longships built since 2012, as well as additional river vessels.

Size: 4,000 to 5,000 tons.

River ships originally put Viking on the map, and they're still at the core of the brand.

As noted above, the line has 80 river ships in its fleet. The vast majority of them have the same basic design and are known as Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Unveiled in 2012 and designed specifically to fit into the locks used across many of Europe's rivers, the Longships broke new ground in river ship design in multiple ways.

For starters, they have a configuration that includes some of the largest suites ever for river ships in Europe. They also have a significant number of cabins with balconies — which is made possible by an innovative cabin area layout that offsets main corridors. (In other words, the corridors don't run down the middle of the ship, creating a wider side with space for balconies and a narrower side with cabins turned sideways to also create room for verandas.)

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program

Other innovations include a squared-off bow that allows for eight more cabins than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. Also, quieter engines allow for more cabins at the rear. An enormous amount of groundbreaking engineering went into redesigning the bow areas of the ships, in particular, to enable extra cabins while still leaving room for needed machinery.

As a result of such innovations, the Viking Longships can carry more passengers than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. This has allowed Viking to offer lower prices than other river cruise lines and still bring in a similar amount of revenue per ship — a fact that has contributed greatly to the company's rapid growth.

Like many river ships, each of the Viking Longships has one main restaurant where most passengers eat their meals as well as one main interior lounge with a bar. There's also a secondary, casual dining area at the front of each vessel with indoor and outdoor seating. (The outdoor portion, called the Aquavit Terrace, also serves as a forward-facing outdoor lounge during off hours.) Unlike many river ships, the vessels have no spas or fitness centers.

As is typical for river ships, the top of every Viking Longship is covered with an expansive lounge area. There's also a walking track and an herb garden — the latter used by the kitchen staff to grow herbs used during the preparation of onboard meals.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long — the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe's rivers. Viking also built slightly smaller versions of the Longships, measuring 361 feet or 410 feet in length, specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require smaller vessels. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

Related: Fast-growing Viking unveils four new ships for the Seine

While the Longships come in several different lengths, they are essentially identical in their offerings and decor. The only notable difference is that the smaller versions of the ships have fewer cabins and thus hold fewer people. The 443-foot-long versions of the ship are designed for 190 passengers, for example, whereas the 410-foot-long versions of the vessels hold 168 passengers (since they have 11 fewer cabins).

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships and traditionally have operated on rivers in Russia and Ukraine. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the war in Ukraine.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

As of May 2023, Viking had another 14 river ships either under construction or on order via provisional contracts.

Related: First look at Viking's stylish new Nile River ship

Viking expedition ships

Ships: Viking Polaris (2022) and Viking Octantis (2022).

Size: 30,150 tons.

Designed to hold just 378 passengers, the Viking expedition ships are specifically designed to take travelers to the most off-the-beaten-path parts of the world, including Antarctica and the Arctic.

As of now, Viking operates just two ships in the series, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, both of which debuted in 2022 . No more are currently on order.

As is typical for expedition ships, these are tough vessels with reinforced bows that let them bump through ice in polar regions; the ships also have extra tanks for fuel and food.

Each of these vessels has its own landing craft on board to bring people ashore in remote locations, as well as kayaks and even submarines for exploring. (The latter is the hot new thing for expedition ships — upscale cruise brands Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Seabourn have been adding submarines to expedition ships , too.)

Like other expedition ships, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to operate with a large and seasoned "expedition team" that includes biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists and ornithologists who lecture regularly.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Each of the vessels has several new and unusual features, too. Most notable is The Hangar: an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to a 12-seat excursion craft while still in the protected interior of the ship. It's a first for an expedition cruise ship.

In another first for a polar expedition cruise vessel, every cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to be upscale. Like all Viking's vessels, they boast elegant Scandinavian designs. The restaurants on both vessels include a version of Viking's signature Italian spot, Manfredi's and the Scandinavian-inspired Mamsen's outlet.

Another feature of both ships that will be familiar to regular Viking customers is a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers' Lounge offering stunning views of passing scenery.

In case you're curious, Viking Octantis is named after Sigma Octantis, the current "south star" that hovers over the South Pole (also known as Polaris Australis). Polaris is named after the current "north star" that hovers over the North Pole. The names are a nod to the polar regions where these expedition ships will likely spend much of their time.

Bottom line

Viking operates more cruise vessels than any other major cruise company catering to North Americans. This is in part because it's involved in both the ocean cruise and river cruise businesses. Despite its large size, its fleet of vessels is relatively easy to understand. The vast majority of both its ocean ships and river ships are almost identical in their designs.

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Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide

Want to see more of the world while enjoying the relaxing comfort of a floating resort hotel? That convenience is a hallmark of a cruise. This article highlights the features of a Viking Ocean cruise that transports passengers to worldwide destinations. Viking is an industry leader for many reasons, including its appealing destinations, varied excursion options, attention to detail in designing private and shared spaces, and welcoming and hard-working staff members. 

Viking regularly receives industry accolades. For example, Travel & Leisure rated Viking the world’s best for ships with 300 to 799 cabins in July 2023. Similarly, Condé Nast Traveler awarded Viking the Readers’ Choice Award in October 2022.

My husband and I have cruised with Viking for years, and we have come to rely on their impeccable hospitality and interesting, varied excursion choices . On a Viking Ocean cruise, we enjoy the comfort and amenities of our stateroom, meeting new people on the ship, taking time to indulge in the spa services, cooling off in the pool, feasting on varied menus in the different onboard restaurants, sipping wine on our private balcony, relaxing in the Explorers’ Lounge while at sea, and enjoying the entertainment offerings in the afternoons and evenings . There’s so much to like about a Viking ocean cruise experience. No wonder they’re a perennial favorite for many cruisers.

Viking Ocean Cruise Ships

Viking’s ocean ships each have a capacity of 930 guests and are considered small ocean ships compared to other cruise lines with thousands more guests. Its smaller size at about 750 feet long often enables it to dock at ports that mega-ships (that can total 1,000+ feet long with 5,000+ passengers) can’t approach. This is an excellent benefit for Viking guests because they can often walk off the ship and begin exploring a destination. Otherwise, guests are tendered to shore on small boats — a practice most often required for mega-ships. On a recent 10-day Viking Ocean cruise, we were required to tender to shore only once. On that same cruise, we saw mega-ships tendering guests to port in other destinations while our ship unloaded us at the dock.

The Viking ocean ships have the same layouts in calming Scandinavian design, colors, and decor. Once you travel on one Viking ocean ship, you know what to expect from all the others. 

Destinations

Viking Ocean cruise ships travel to all the continents except Antarctica (although Viking Expedition ships sail there). The journeys span from 8 to 180 days and depend on the number of and distances between destinations. There are journeys in and along the coasts of Canada and the U.S. ; Latin America , including the Panama Canal; South America , including the Amazon; Europe , including Scandinavian and the Mediterranean ports of call; Asia , including India, China, and Japan; as well as Australia and neighboring New Zealand.

What Do Passengers Like About Viking Ocean Cruises?

Past passengers have their favorite aspects of a Viking ocean cruise, and their favorite memories include:

• not having to worry about anything once aboard a flight on the way to the embarkation point.
• the friendly staff and their service (this is a popular response).
• the quality and selection of food in various dining locations.
• the spaciousness of the ship and never feeling crowded.
• the interesting lectures … and the option to watch them later on the stateroom TV if unable to attend in person.
• relaxing in the Living Room, listening to a pianist play nearby.
• afternoon tea in the Wintergarden.
• sitting in the Explorers’ Lounge while watching the world go by.
• heated bathroom floors and anti-fog bathroom mirrors.
• a massage in the spa after a day out exploring.
• being able to order room service 24/7 (at no extra charge) .
• adults only (no passengers younger than 18), so no children are underfoot or running around.

Who Travels on Viking?

Viking caters to adults (18 years old and above) seeking to learn more about an area’s cultural, historical, and natural qualities. Viking states that their cruises are “thinking person’s” cruises. Most guests are aged 40 and up, traveling solo, as couples, as groups of friends, plus some traveling with their grown children and/or grandchildren.

Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions

Viking offers various excursion choices highlighting UNESCO heritage sites and local establishments, culinary and cultural experiences, and active outings in cities and national parks. Of course, excursion choices are dependent on the destination itself. Rest assured, there are plenty of options .

There are complimentary excursions in each port; these “included” excursions are usually walking or bus tours of a city and give a general overview of a place. In addition, several “optional” excursions are more focused on guests’ interests , such as visits to museums, castles, forts, concerts, farms, estates, and wineries, as well as recreational outings like hiking and biking. While there are no fees for the “included” options, there are charges for the “optional” excursions (that typically range from about $60 to $200+ each). In addition to the “included” excursions, expect about 6-10 “optional” excursions.

I’ve found it difficult at times to choose excursions. What helps me is weighing how much time an excursion takes (they can span from 2-8 hours), how active it is (a stroll through a town vs. a hike in a national park), and how long a bus ride may be to reach the excursion destination . I like to have a balance throughout the cruise, so I also have downtime on the ship, enjoying its amenities. 

For more details, please read my article on Viking Ocean Cruise excursions, their costs, options, planning tips, and how to book them .

Viking Ocean Cruise Staterooms

There are six stateroom categories ranging in size from 270 to over 1,000 square feet. All staterooms have private balconies and two chairs. My husband and I enjoyed spending time on our balcony: we sat there and ate breakfasts (from room service) in the mornings and sipped wine in the evening while enjoying the views.

Stateroom stewards take good care of guest rooms. They clean staterooms twice daily, restock the refrigerator, and ensure guests have what they need. Never hesitate to request something you need. If they have it, they’ll surely give it to you!

All staterooms have some common elements like a king-size bed that can be separated into two twin beds, a private balcony, plenty of storage, bathrooms with heated floors, a TV, a stocked mini-fridge, electrical outlets that accommodate USB, Type B (American standard) and Type C (Europlugs) outlets so there’s no need to pack adaptors. 

As the stateroom category rises, there is more square footage, more upholstered furniture pieces, and other appealing features. Some of those extra perks are the ability to access your stateroom earlier on embarkation day and book your excursions, dining reservations, and spa appointments earlier than lower stateroom categories. 

Rest assured that you can board the ship when you arrive on embarkation day, but you may have to wait on the ship – perhaps enjoying a buffet lunch – until your stateroom is ready. 

The Viking Onboard Experience

A few things set Viking Ocean Cruises apart from other cruise lines.

First, Viking cruises are for adults only . No passengers are younger than 18, so the atmosphere is calm and relaxed.

Second, Viking has been committed to providing excellent service . My husband and I are impressed with our cheery, positive interactions with the Viking staff. They seem genuinely interested in ensuring guests have a wonderful time aboard the ship. Many show interest in learning about us and where we live. Likewise, many welcome conversations about their lives as well as where they’ve lived and traveled.

Third, the variety of onboard activity options is quite appealing . The list is long and includes listening to live lectures by historians and other experts in their fields; spending time at the pool, the fitness center, or the spa; dining on delicious food from around the world; or simply relaxing in the Explorers’ Lounge, the Living Room, the Wintergarden, outside on one of the decks, any other shared space on the ship, or your stateroom. 

Finally, there are a myriad of exciting excursions offered at each destination . That means you’re covered if you’re a history lover, like to sample wines at boutique wineries, want to participate in a cooking class in a villa, prefer to be active by hiking or biking, enjoy scenic boat rides, visit workshops of local craftspeople, want to join a fisherman in a joint quest for a great catch, visit someone’s home or farm for a meal, or simply take a relaxing walking tour of a town.

Note that if you’re considering a spa treatment (massage, facial, mani, pedi, haircut, etc.) while aboard, it’s best to book online (at MyVikingJourney.com ) when the reservation window opens for your stateroom level. You can also book once on the ship, but to guarantee you’ll receive the service you want when you want it, try to do it before leaving home.

To learn more, please read Viking Ocean Cruise Onboard Experience: What You Need to Know .

Common Spaces Aboard A Viking Ocean Ship

Viking ocean ships have a variety of well-designed common spaces that provide a variety of settings to enjoy. There are three pools (the main pool, the infinity pool and hot tub on the Aquavit Terrace, and the thermal pool and hot tub in the spa), the Wintergarden , which is a relaxing, airy space enclosed in glass where afternoon tea is served, and a host of other relaxing spaces – both inside and outside the ship. Some popular places to unwind, read a book, gather with friends, or play a board game are the two-level Explorers’ Lounge, the Living Room, and the Atrium seating areas. 

Dining Aboard a Viking Ocean Ship

Guests can find just about any cuisine they imagine on a Viking Ocean cruise. The World Café offers a variety of options, served buffet style, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Restaurant is the main dining space with tables topped with white tablecloths; here, you can choose from classic menu items (like chicken, salmon, steak, and vegetarian options) as well as creative international dishes. 

The Chef’s Table and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant are specialty restaurants requiring reservations. Chef’s Table offers a five-course tasting menu highlighting a specific cuisine, such as Asian, British, or Chinese. Manfredi’s is a popular place for Italian fare and steak. 

In addition to the restaurants, guests can enjoy a meal at Mamsen’s , a small Norwegian-inspired café, order room service 24/7 (at no additional cost), or grab a bite at the Pool Grill or the Living Room bar.

I suggest you plan when you’ll want to try the specialty restaurants, so you can make a reservation online (at MyVikingJourney.com ) as soon as the window for dining reservations opens up for your stateroom level. For example, if you’re in an Explorer Suite, you can make your dining reservations 90 days from your sail day. If you’re in a Penthouse Junior Suite, you can make them 80 days before your cruise begins. And if you’re in a Deluxe Veranda Stateroom, you can do so 60 days before your sail day. Basically, the more expensive staterooms have priority over the less costly staterooms when it comes to booking.

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• Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps to Take After Booking a Cruise
• Viking Ocean Cruise Dining: What You Need to Know
• Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions: What You Need to Know
• Viking Ocean Cruise Onboard Experience: What You Need to Know
• Viking Ocean Cruise Staterooms: What You Need to Know
• Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
• Best Sights to See on a Viking Grand European Tour Cruise
• Viking Antarctica Cruise: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

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Final thoughts.

My husband and I have really enjoyed our cruises aboard Viking. We appreciate the soothing decor and furnishings, the comfortable staterooms, the variety of excursions, the varied commons spaces and spa areas to relax, and the high level of service from the dedicated staff. Apart from the ship itself, we like visiting exciting places without having to do detailed planning (for reservations for dining and tours) and getting transportation to each place. That’s all perfectly arranged while traveling in comfort. We still like planning our own trips because of the freedom it provides, but we also have come to appreciate cruising on Viking. Totally different experiences, but each has its advantages, and Viking has been a wise travel choice for us.

Please share your thoughts and experiences aboard a Viking ocean cruise. Your ideas could help future cruisers. Thanks! 🙂

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The Viking Ocean Fleet

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Viking boasts a fleet of small, all-veranda, modern ocean ships. Each sister ship is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” the fleet features understated elegance and Scandinavian design.

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Ship Videos

Viking Jupiter Float Out

May 10, 2018. The 930-guest Viking Jupiter —the sixth Viking ocean ship—touches water for the first time during its “Float Out” in Ancona, Italy. Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and Norwegian soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø, the ship’s godmother, as they celebrate this major construction milestone.

Viking Jupiter Naming Ceremony

January 15, 2020. Amid a festive celebration that paid tribute to the spirit of exploration, our sixth ocean vessel was officially named in Los Angeles, California. The ship’s godmother, world-renowned Norwegian soprano and crossover singer Sissel, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for Viking Jupiter —a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years.

Viking Orion Naming Ceremony

June 14, 2018. Amid a spectacular celebration that paid tribute to the spirit of exploration, our fifth ocean vessel was officially named in Livorno, Italy. The ship’s godmother, retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for Viking Orion —a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years.

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Viking Sky cruise timeline: A breakdown of what we know happened

A Viking cruise ship needed to be evacuated over the weekend as engine trouble and stormy weather caused the ship to take on water and endanger the 1,373 passengers and crew aboard. What played out was a chaotic 48-hour nightmare. 

 All the important details have yet to emerge about what happened on the Viking Sky cruise ship that carried 1,373 passengers and crew, like  why the ship was traveling in dangerous weather , and Norway officials have begun investigating. We now know that low oil levels caused the engine to fail.

Accounts from passengers , a crew member and officials have provided further details as to how it all unfolded. 

Here's everything we know so far about the Viking Sky cruise incident:

What was the Viking Sky's plan?

The Viking Sky, a vessel with gross tonnage of 47,800, was on a 12-day trip that began March 14 in the western Norwegian city of Bergen, according to cruisemapper.com .

The ship was visiting the Norwegian towns and cities of Narvik, Alta, Tromso, Bodo and Stavanger before its scheduled arrival Tuesday in the London-area port of Tilbury on the River Thames.

The ship started listing dangerously

The Viking Sky sailed from the northern city of Tromso bound over the weekend for Stavanger in southern Norway when the ship began struggling with engine failure, started listing dangerously, then took in water. Norwegian media reported gusts up to 43 mph and waves over 26 feet. 

According to a crew member's account , exclusive to USA TODAY, the ship's four engines began shutting down in the midst of a storm that started late Friday. .

The crew member requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

More on our exclusive: Crew member recounts what happened on that stranded, storm-tossed Viking Sky cruise ship

The crisis began Saturday morning. As the ship drifted without power, the crew threw out anchors to keep it in place, fearing it would be smashed on treacherous offshore rocks. The crew member said the ship started to list, and the crew rushed to grab life jackets and distribute them to the passengers, some of them elderly.

Cellphone footage from the ship shows furniture sliding across rooms as the boat rocks.

"Everything was broken: plates, glasses, furniture," the crew member said. He said he saw a heavy grand piano go flying upside down inside a lounge. 

Carolyn Savikas of Pennsylvania described the terror aboard the Viking Sky to  Norway's VG newspaper , saying she heard a "terrible crash," after which the ship rocked, and water raced in.

"We were in the restaurant when a really huge wave came and shattered a door and flooded the entire restaurant," she said. "All I saw were bones, arms, water and tables. It was like the Titanic – just like the pictures you have seen from the Titanic."

Although the crew member described the crew as well-trained for emergencies, he said he called his family at one point when the Wi-Fi was working "to say goodbye. I was thinking it was going to sink when we listed."

What first reports looked like: Cruise ship off Norway issues mayday, begins evacuating 1,300 passengers and crew

Passengers took to social media and have given interviews about what they were witnessing onboard as they waited to be rescued.

Alexus Sheppard posted a video on Twitter of severe tilting due to the rough waters. "We're waiting for evacuation by helicopter," she wrote with the hashtags #VikingSky and #Mayday.

"You could feel the ship climbing the waves and then just plummeting on the other side. Waves were rocking the sides of the ship too, and it was kind of pitching back and forth as well," Jamey Kennedy, 64, of Clinton, Tennessee, said.

'This can't be real': 'This can't be real': Tennessee couple rescued from Viking Sky cruise ship in dramatic airlift

How the Viking Sky rescue mission developed

After the order to evacuate came, rescuers worked all night Saturday and into Sunday to airlift more than 400 passengers (about half the total) to shore by a fleet of five helicopters flying in the dark, slowly winching people up one-by-one from the heaving ship as the waves crashed and the winds shrieked.  

Despite the danger, the crew member said some passengers rushed to be airlifted, fearing the ship would sink before rescue.

To get to the life jackets, the crew member said employees had to open doors onto open decks and into the wind and form human chains to distribute the life jackets while the ship was leaning perilously close to the frigid water below.

Those involved in the rescue mission hadn't experienced a rescue this intense before . 

The CHC, a helicopter service, was called to assist the rescue effort at 2 p.m. local time on Saturday. The company's mission involved 12 pilots, seven rescue swimmers, six hoist operators, two ground support engineers and a system operator.

By the numbers: Five helicopters, 28 rescuers, 464 saved: Inside the Viking Sky cruise ship rescue

Its first helicopter arrived within 30 minutes after being called, and a second one later joined to assist.

"The two helicopters worked seamlessly together in a rescue pattern that ensured one aircraft was hoisting passengers at all times," according to a post on CHC's website. "During each mission, 15 to 20 passengers were hoisted and subsequently transported to safety." Two more CHC aircraft were later sent to support the evacuations, and a fifth government-contracted aircraft arrived, as well. A total of 464 passengers were lifted off the cruise ship, per CHC's latest numbers.

Ship makes it to safety

The ship, aided by tow vessels, finally limped into the Norwegian port of Molde on Sunday, freeing the remaining 436 passengers and crew of 458.

Mission complete: Cruise ship from Norway reaches port with remaining passengers after mayday, air rescues

"All passengers and crew are safe, and passengers will be flying home starting tonight," the cruise line said  in a statement  on its website Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Norwegian time. "Throughout all of this, our first priority was for the safety and well-being of our passengers and our crew. We would like to thank the Norwegian Redningssentral and the Norwegian emergency services for their support and skill displayed in managing the situation in very challenging weather conditions."

“When we got the engine running again, we realized we were going to save ourselves," Inge Lockert, a Norwegian pilot on the ship, told the Vesteraalen newspaper. 

Lockert was one of two pilots from the Norwegian Coastal Administration who boarded the ship on Saturday to help the crew take the ship into port, the Vesteraalen daily said. Only Lockert has spoken publicly.

More from the pilot: Viking Sky cruise ship woes off Norway started with engine snags, pilot says

The Viking Sky investigation begins; why the engine failed

Norwegian authorities on Monday began investigating why the cruise ship was sailing in stormy weather.

"We don't know the reason why the ship sailed, knowing such bad weather was forecast," Kurt Olsen, acting director for Norway's Accident Investigations Board, told USA TODAY. "We have a very good weather service in this country, so I would guess the crew knew everything about the forecast. How they responded will definitely be part of the investigation."

Lars Alvestad, the head of Norway's Maritime Authority, said Wednesday that low oil levels were the "direct cause" of the engine failure that stranded the Viking Sky on Saturday.

More details: Viking Sky cruise ship engines failed because of low oil levels, maritime official says

The NMA indicated in a press release that while oil in the tanks was relatively low, it was within set limits. But as the ship crossed rocky seas, movement of oil in the tanks triggered an alarm.

Olsen would not speculate why the Viking Sky captain decided to sail despite the weather warning. He said ship operations were one part of the investigation, along with a technical study of why the engines failed and a third review of how the rescue was handled.

The ultimate question: Norway wants to know why cruise ship sailed in stormy weather, forcing air evacuation

Yngve Skovly, a police inspector in the Molde region, told the  Verdens Gang  tabloid there was no suspicion of criminal behavior and the ship was too new to suspect maintenance problems. He said crucial information could be obtained from the ship's computer logs.

Torstein Hagen, chairman of ship owner Viking Ocean Cruises, said his company would conduct its own investigation and support government agencies reviewing the mishap. Police expected all passengers to be flown out of Norway by Monday night. 

"The last few days have been both dramatic and hectic for guests and crew on board Viking Sky," Hagen said in the statement. "I would like to apologize for all our guests have been through."

A total of 36 people were admitted in local hospitals and as of Tuesday, one person was in critical but stable condition in an intensive care ward. Seven others were expected to be discharged later Tuesday, hospital officials said.

Despite the Viking Sky incident, cruising is one of the safest ways to travel, according to the trade group Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Citing a 2017 study , CLIA says that although the cruise industry's capacity has grown by 48 percent, the overall number of operational incidents has declined by 38 percent.

As expected: After Viking cruise ship rescue, passengers concerned about cruising safety

Contributing: Sara Moniuszko, John Bacon, Maria Puente, Julia Thompson, Brittany Crocker (Knoxville News Sentinel) and Associated Press

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Tor - Norse God of Thunder

Tor, a version of the name Thor, is a son of Odin and god of the sky and thunder. Strong and powerful, he is the protector of gods and people and is usually depicted wielding his mighty hammer, Mjolnir.

• Only 190 guests
• Length: 443 feet
• Year built: 2013

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Discover our award-winning sister ships that showcase streamlined Scandinavian design, understated elegance, and innovative engineering to get you closer to destinations across Europe.

Ship Features

• 95 comfortable outside staterooms (25 Standard Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 7 Veranda Suites, 2 Explorer Suites)
• All suites feature two full-size rooms with a veranda off the living room & a French balcony in the bedroom
• Sun Deck with 360-degree views & shaded sitting area; organic herb garden & solar panels; putting green & walking track
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Our purpose-built ships offer a wide variety of staterooms for your selection. From Veranda Staterooms to the abundance of extra perks and amenities in our spacious Explorer Suites, there is no finer way to travel. And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known.

Explorer Suite (ES)

• Stateroom size: 445 sq ft (includes private veranda)
• River-view suite with private wraparound balcony offering 270-degree views off a spacious, separate sitting room, and French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door) in sleeping quarters
• 12 PM Embarkation
• 12 PM priority stateroom access
• Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
• Additional flat-screen TV in sitting area
• 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports
• Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
• Premium Freyja® toiletries
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• Bottled water replenished daily
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• Silver Spirits beverage package included
• Private arrival/departure transfer in destination
• Under-bed suitcase storage space
• Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers
• Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only)
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Veranda Suite (AA)

• Stateroom size: 275 sq ft (includes private veranda)
• River-view suite with full-size veranda off a spacious, separate sitting room, and French Balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door) in sleeping quarters
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Veranda Stateroom (A, B)

• Stateroom size: 205 sq ft (includes private veranda)
• River-view stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to full-size veranda
• 3 PM stateroom access
• Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
• Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
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French Balcony Stateroom (C, D)

• Stateroom size: 135 sq ft
• River-view stateroom with French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door)
• View the French Balcony Stateroom (C, D) in our 360° Tour

Standard Stateroom (E, F)

• Stateroom size: 150 sq ft
• River-view stateroom with half-height picture window
• Private bathroom with accessible shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
• View the Standard Stateroom (E, F) in our 360° Tour

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• Viking introduces Spirit of Mongolia (China cruisetour itinerary...

Viking introduces Spirit of Mongolia (China cruisetour itinerary extension)

Viking River Cruises has unveiled its Spirit of Mongolia extension program, offering guests immersive experiences in Mongolia for the first time.

This 5-night guided Pre or Post extension allows travelers to delve into the rich traditions of the region, from Ulaanbaatar/Ulan Bator to the Gobi Desert. The extension is part of Viking's new China itineraries, including Best of China, China Discovery, Classic China & the Coast, and Wonders of China.

During the Spirit of Mongolia extension, guests will explore Ulaanbaatar, visiting landmarks like the Chinggis Khaan National Museum and the paleontology lab. They will then journey to Dalanzadgad, where they'll stay at the Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi Desert. Here, guests can engage in activities like archery, camel safaris, or exploring the Flaming Cliffs. Optional experiences include a sunrise trek and a dumpling-making session with a Mongolian chef. The extension concludes with a return to Ulaanbaatar for further exploration before guests continue their journey or embark on their Viking voyage in China.

In addition to the Spirit of Mongolia extension, Viking offers four other immersive Pre- and post- extensions in China, ranging from 3 to 4 nights. These extensions include visits to Beijing , Hong Kong , Guilin , Suzhou , and Wuxi, each offering unique cultural and natural experiences.

Viking's China voyages, including Best of China, Wonders of China, Classic China & the Coast, and China Discovery, provide guests with comprehensive itineraries covering iconic landmarks, scenic coastlines, and diverse cultural experiences across China.

Crafted for immersive journeys through China's destinations, the Viking Yi Dun stands as a sibling vessel within Viking's acclaimed oceanic fleet. Recognized as "small ships," Viking's ocean liners boast a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, accommodating 930 guests across 465 staterooms, each offering scenic verandas. Embracing Scandinavian design, these vessels showcase luminous public areas and a wealth of open-air dining venues.