Viking Cruises is owned by Norwegian billionaire Torstein Hagen, who founded the company in 1997.
Hagen holds a 77% stake, keeping the company private for years before it went public with a market valuation of over $10 billion.
Known for offering cultural and immersive travel experiences, Viking Cruises operates under three divisions: river cruises, ocean cruises, and expeditions.
Its headquarters are in Basel, Switzerland, with a marketing office in Los Angeles.
The company has a fleet of 92 ships and continues to thrive under the leadership of Hagen and his daughter, Karine, who serves as Senior Vice President.
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Torstein Hagen’s Role
Torstein Hagen is the owner and visionary behind Viking Cruises.
He wanted to create a unique cruise company that focused on giving travelers meaningful cultural experiences. You can see this vision in the way Viking designs its trips.
Whether it’s a river cruise through Europe or an ocean voyage to far-off destinations, the focus is always on connecting travelers with the world around them.
Hagen’s daughter, Karine Hagen, also helps run the company as Senior Vice President. She’s often featured in Viking’s videos, sharing stories and insights about the places their cruises visit.
Viking’s Divisions
Viking Cruises has three main divisions: Viking River Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Viking Expeditions. Each one offers a unique way to travel.
Viking River Cruises offers calm, scenic trips along rivers like the Danube, the Rhine, and the Nile.
On the other hand, Viking Ocean Cruises gives you the chance to explore beautiful destinations on elegant ships that feel more personal than the large mega-cruise ships.
And for those who crave adventure, Viking Expeditions offers trips to exciting and remote locations like Antarctica.
Where Viking Cruises Is Based
The headquarters of Viking Cruises is in Basel, Switzerland. This is a great spot for their river cruises since so many of their trips happen in Europe.
The company also has a big marketing office in Los Angeles, California, which helps it stay connected with its many North American customers.
Viking’s Ships and Growth
Viking Cruises has grown a lot since 1997. What started with a few ships has turned into a fleet of 92 vessels.
These ships travel all over the world, offering guests a mix of comfort and cultural experiences.
Every ship is designed with care, giving you a sense of the places you’re visiting while keeping things cozy and relaxing.
Challenges and a Big Comeback
Like the rest of the travel industry, Viking Cruises faced tough times during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cruises had to stop running for a while, and it wasn’t easy to bounce back. But Viking Cruises did just that.
Recently, the company went public, meaning people can now invest in it.
Its market value is over $10 billion, which is a huge success. This also boosted Torstein Hagen’s wealth to about $5 billion.
Why Ownership Matters
Knowing who owns Viking Cruises helps you understand why the company operates the way it does.
Torstein Hagen has always focused on creating a special kind of travel experience.
By keeping the company private for so long, he made sure Viking could stick to its vision of offering enriching and immersive journeys.
Even as the company grows, it stays true to its mission. That’s what makes Viking Cruises stand out.
Ready to Explore the World with Viking Cruises?
Viking Cruises is more than just a way to travel. It’s a way to connect with the world in a meaningful way.
Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful river cruise, an ocean adventure, or an unforgettable expedition, Viking has a journey waiting for you.
If you’re inspired to book your next trip, let us at Chima Travel help you.
With our years of experience and passion for travel, we’ll make your Viking Cruises experience seamless and unforgettable.
Get in touch today, and let’s plan the adventure of a lifetime!
