Viking River Cruises is one of the most prestigious names in the cruise industry, operating a large fleet of river vessels worldwide. Known for Scandinavian design and exceptional service, Viking sets very high standards for both guests and crew.
Joining Viking means working in an international environment with excellent training and career development opportunities. The company offers competitive conditions, clear structure, and long-term prospects for professionals in hospitality, culinary arts, housekeeping, and ship operations.
Ideal for individuals who value precision, discipline, and growth within a global cruise brand.
- Country of Origin: Switzerland (Headquartered in Basel).
- Areas of Activity:
- River Cruise Operations: Acting as the primary operational headquarters for Viking’s massive European river fleet.
- Ship Management: Oversight of technical, nautical, and hotel operations for the iconic "Viking Longships" navigating the Rhine, Danube, Main, and Seine.
- Strategic Planning: Centralized hub for itinerary development, logistics, and port services for inland waterway travel.
- Crewing: Management and training for thousands of onboard staff members through their dedicated Swiss-based HR infrastructure.
- History Notes:
- Viking SA is a core subsidiary of Viking Cruises, which was founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen with the purchase of four Russian river ships.
- The Basel-based entity was established to take advantage of Switzerland's central location in Europe's river network and its stable regulatory environment.
- The company revolutionized the river cruise industry in 2012 with the launch of the Viking Longships, featuring a patented squared-bow design that maximized interior space and energy efficiency.
- Unlike many competitors that use third-party managers, Viking SA maintains direct control over nearly every aspect of the guest experience, from ship design to shore excursions.
- By 2024, the company celebrated a milestone of over 80 river vessels in operation, maintaining a dominant market share in the North American traveler segment visiting Europe.
