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Nominee 2025

Switzerland

Viking

Published

26 September 2025

Viking

Ocean Ship Morning Entering Bay of Kotor

Viking, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, has become a global name in luxury cruising by extending its river cruise expertise to the oceans. With a fleet of ocean ships accommodating fewer than 1,000 guests each, Viking delivers a style of travel that is both spacious and intimate, maintaining the brand’s reputation for cultural depth and refined simplicity.

Design is rooted in Scandinavian heritage: light-filled public spaces, clean lines and natural textures create an environment that feels understated yet sophisticated. Cabins are thoughtfully appointed with verandas as standard, and suites emphasise comfort through calm palettes and intuitive layouts. Dining offers variety across multiple venues, from fine dining inspired by regional cuisines to relaxed settings such as the Aquavit Terrace. The culinary program reflects Viking’s emphasis on locality, with menus often highlighting produce and traditions from destinations visited.

Shore experiences are a defining strength. Viking provides a complimentary excursion at every port, ranging from guided city walks to specialist cultural encounters. Optional extensions allow deeper engagement, from private concerts to archaeological tours, appealing to travellers who value learning and context as much as leisure. Onboard, enrichment continues through lectures, resident historians and cultural performances that bring each region to life.

The brand defines luxury not through excess but through thoughtful consistency. Viking appeals to culturally curious travellers who prefer substance over spectacle, positioning itself as the “thinking person’s cruise.” With a guest profile that values authenticity and intellectual engagement, itineraries balance iconic destinations with off-the-beaten-path ports, reinforcing a sense of discovery.

Special Ops Boat being launched from The Hangar within the Viking Polaris, Expedition Ship, in Antarctica.

Sustainability is integral to ship design. Viking’s ocean fleet holds some of the industry’s highest energy efficiency ratings, supported by hybrid engines, exhaust cleaning systems and advanced water treatment. The brand also prioritises community engagement, ensuring that tourism benefits extend beyond guests to the destinations themselves.

Viking has redefined luxury ocean cruising as a space where design, cultural immersion and responsibility come together, offering travellers a sophisticated and purposeful way to explore the seas.

Find out more at the official website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.


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