Welcome to
VIKING EXPLORER
SOCIETY NEWS
Christmas Markets
DESTINATION
GUIDE
Step into a world of timeless
traditions, twinkling lights and
snow-dusted medieval squares
on an enchanting European
Christmas markets river voyage.
READ
GUIDE
Christmas is my favourite time of year. It's a time for
celebrations with family and friends and it has a way of
inviting us to slow down, pause and reflect on the
year past.
I hope you've had a wonderful year fulfilling travel
dreams and planning new ones for the years to come.
For me, a highlight was sailing the Mississippi and
spending two nights in Nashville. From the soulful music
to the rich history along the riverbanks, it was a journey
that reminded me why travel is such a gift—it connects
us to places, cultures and stories in unforgettable ways.
For Viking, 2025 has been a year of growth and
innovation. We welcomed two new ocean ships and
nine new river ships sailing waterways across the globe—
from the Seine and Douro to the Rhine, Main and
Danube, as well as the Nile and Mekong. These additions
marked a historic milestone for Viking—we now have
more than 100 ships across our fleet of river, ocean and
expedition vessels, more than any other cruise line.
This year, we also introduced a number of exciting new
itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe,
and announced our first river voyages in India, which
sold out in record time.
As the year draws to a close and the festive season takes
hold, this special Christmas edition of Viking Explorer
Society News, is full of Christmas inspiration. Inside, you'll
discover Scandinavian traditions, explore the charm of
Europe's Christmas markets, and browse our dedicated
Christmas Markets Destination Guide for these
festive journeys.
From all of us at Viking, may your Christmas be full of
happiness shared with loved ones. We look forward to
welcoming you back on board in the new year for more
extraordinary memories.
Warmest regards,
Michelle Black
Managing Director, Viking Australia & New Zealand
viking.com | 3
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