I
t's hard to imagine what the ancient Vikings
would make of 25 years, especially given their
search for adventure, knowledge and conquest
spanned three centuries, from 800 AD to the
11th Century. For over 300 years these savvy Norse
seafarers and boat-builders pushed the boundaries
of ship design, travel and discovery. Their narrow
boats could enter remote coastlines while their
broader vessels carried large numbers of passengers.
They ventured with abandon to the edge of the
unknown world and beyond. Europe. North America.
Arabia. Asia.
This year, Viking – the world's leading cruise line
and Viking namesake – celebrates 25 years. At
the helm of the family-owned company is Viking
Chairman, Torstein. Incredibly, Torstein had his
sceptics when he founded the company at the age
of 54. They underestimated a Norseman's drive.
In 1997, Viking began with four river ships in Russia.
Today, they have an award-winning fleet of over
80 strong river, ocean and expedition ships. Each
ship specifically designed to navigate different
waterways is inspired by the streamlined designs
of the original Viking boats. And they appeal to a
special kind of traveller.
"When we started Viking 25 years ago, we wanted
to do things differently – and since then, our mission
has resonated with curious travellers," says Torstein.
But considering that 25 years is a mere blip in time,
Viking's epic journey is remarkable.
Two years after Viking's creation, the fleet
expanded by nine river ships. They were striking a
chord with passengers: cultural enrichment, a high
level of comfort and excellent cuisine.
Following this, the firsts just kept coming. The first
company to construct an open-air promenade on a
river cruise ship in 2001. The first-ever French balcony
on a river cruise line in 2005. The first hybrid diesel-
electric engine on a ship in 2005. Progress was like a
reel on rapid time-lapse.
This page:
Torstein and
Karine Hagen
on expedition in
Svalbard, Norway
viking.com
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