Every Viking Cruise Line Ship, Ranked for 2025

Choosing the right Viking ship can shape your entire voyage, so we ranked every ocean and expedition vessel for 2025 to make the decision simple. We looked at comfort, design, and how each ship actually feels on a sea day, from the calm lounges to the spa and the flow of outdoor spaces. We weighed dining quality, enrichment, and service consistency, plus how well the ship’s layout supports busy port days and relaxed sea days. Newer builds earned credit for fresh décor and upgraded systems, while the expedition pair scored high for their gear, science spaces, and access to wild places. Every ship offers all-veranda staterooms and a relaxed, adults-forward vibe, so you can focus on the itinerary instead of the noise. Use this list to match your travel style with the ship that fits best, whether you want a quiet Mediterranean glide or an immersive Great Lakes and Antarctica adventure.

1) Viking Vesta (Ocean)

Viking Vesta takes the top spot as the newest sister ship in the ocean fleet, and freshness counts when you care about cabin finishes, tech, and overall polish. The all-veranda layout means every stateroom has outdoor space, which keeps sea days relaxed and private. Public areas feel bright and understated, with plenty of quiet corners for reading between port calls. The spa remains a standout with thermal areas that are complimentary, which is rare at sea. Itineraries lean into longer, port-intensive routes that spend more time in destination and less time at sea. If you want the classic Viking experience on the line’s most up-to-date platform, this is the one to book.

2) Viking Octantis (Expedition)

Viking Octantis brings the brand’s calm, Scandinavian style to an expedition format built for the Great Lakes, Antarctica, and remote coastlines. Capacity is much smaller than the ocean ships, so the vibe is intimate and deeply destination-focused. The science center, fleet of expedition craft, and generous indoor viewing lounges make wildlife and geology feel accessible even if the weather turns. Cabins are smartly laid out with cozy details and practical storage. Dining stays refined without feeling fussy, and service teams shift seamlessly between exploration days and shipboard evenings. Choose Octantis when you want serious adventure with creature comforts.

3) Viking Vela (Ocean)

Viking Vela is a near-twin to Vesta with a slightly earlier build date, and it benefits from the same thoughtful deck plan and airy Scandinavian design. The pool and Wintergarden remain quiet pleasures, especially on cooler-weather itineraries. Cabins are cleverly organized with plenty of drawers and shelves for longer trips. Dining choices cover familiar favorites without overwhelming you with too many venues, which keeps quality consistent. Shore days feel effortless thanks to compact passenger counts and efficient tendering where needed. Vela is perfect if you want the newest-generation ocean ship without waiting for peak-season availability.

4) Viking Polaris (Expedition)

Viking Polaris mirrors Octantis and delivers the same high-touch expedition experience, from kayak launches to sophisticated lecture programming. The ship’s observation spaces are some of the best at this size, with huge windows that bring the destination indoors. You will find the crew tuned into wildlife moments so guests never miss a pod of dolphins or a distant iceberg calving. Suites add a little extra breathing room for gear and layers on cold-weather runs. Evenings stay relaxed and social, more about sharing sightings than big production shows. Book Polaris if your bucket list mixes ice, fjords, and science-driven exploration.

5) Viking Saturn (Ocean)

Viking Saturn represents the maturing middle of the ocean fleet, where proven design meets incremental improvements. The ship balances sea days and port calls well, with an easy flow between the spa, lounges, and terrace spaces. Staterooms feel calm and residential with practical lighting and quality bedding. Dining favorites like the Chef’s Table tasting menus keep longer journeys fresh. Service is warm and consistent, with crews who remember small preferences quickly. Saturn is a sweet spot for travelers who want a polished, quietly luxurious ship that does not feel crowded.

6) Viking Neptune (Ocean)

Viking Neptune keeps the serene, adult-forward vibe that the ocean fleet is known for and pairs it with well-chosen itineraries. The ship shines on longer voyages where continuity of service and reliable dining matter most. Cabins are comfortable for weeks at a time, with good closets and a tidy desk setup for photo editing or journaling. Public spaces never feel loud, so afternoons with a book actually stay quiet. Add in a spa visit, a glass of wine at sunset, and a late-night stroll on deck and you have a restful sea day. Neptune is for travelers who want slow-burn comfort over flash.

7) Viking Mars (Ocean)

Viking Mars leans into a cultured at-sea routine with strong enrichment, easy dining, and excellent outdoor deck flow. Morning coffee on your veranda, a lecture before lunch, and a long afternoon in port is a very normal day here. The pool deck is inviting without being a scene, which suits Viking’s relaxed style. Cabins are bright and minimalist with enough storage for longer wardrobes. Service teams keep things smooth without hovering. Mars is a confidence pick for first-time Viking guests who want to see why loyalists keep coming back.

8) Viking Venus (Ocean)

Viking Venus delivers the core Viking formula with a modern look and a healthy spread of European and Mediterranean routes. The design language is cohesive from cabin to lounge, so the ship feels calm even when it is busy. The spa remains a highlight after long shore days, especially the thermal suite. Dining covers classic favorites with reliably good bread, seafood, and simple pastas. Entertainment is low-key, which leaves more room for conversation and long dinners. Venus is ideal if you want a graceful ship that never overwhelms the destination.

9) Viking Jupiter (Ocean)

Viking Jupiter is a seasoned traveler and a strong fit for guests who care more about itinerary than “new for new’s sake.” You get the same veranda-for-all layout, the same peaceful lounges, and the same included-extras approach the brand is known for. The ship’s library nooks and quiet corners make sea days pass quickly. Staff is efficient and friendly without forcing the energy up. Expect a comfortable week where logistics never distract from the port lineup. Jupiter is the definition of steady and well-run.

10) Viking Orion (Ocean)

Viking Orion feels like home for returning Viking fans, with familiar venues and roomy outdoor spaces. Shore days are the star, and Orion keeps turnaround quick so you can maximize time ashore. Onboard life is about good meals, a glass of wine, and a show that wraps at a reasonable hour. Cabins make unpacking easy and the bathrooms are bright and functional. Crew teams keep service crisp and timing tight. Orion suits travelers who value quiet elegance and efficient port access.

11) Viking Sky (Ocean)

Viking Sky preserves the line’s signature design in a layout that still feels current in 2025. Expect wide sightlines, soothing color palettes, and plenty of seating away from the bustle. The thermal areas and pool are genuinely restorative after full days on the move. Dining is consistent, with friendly pacing and well-trained staff. Itineraries tend to hit classic ports with the occasional deeper cut. Sky is a comfortable choice when you want reliable service and familiar spaces.

12) Viking Sea (Ocean)

Viking Sea remains a strong option for guests who enjoy a quieter ship where the destination takes center stage. You get verandas across the board, smart cabin storage, and thoughtful lighting that feels good after sunset. The atrium and lounges are great for a drink before dinner without competing with loud music. Menus focus on quality over quantity, which works well across longer routes. Shore teams keep schedules tight and transfers easy. Sea is a pleasant, low-stress way to cover a lot of coastline.

13) Viking Star (Ocean)

As one of the originals in the ocean fleet, Viking Star set the tone for the brand’s modern sea identity. The ship’s layout remains practical with open promenades and inviting indoor spaces. Staterooms are comfortable and efficient, with balconies that add real living space. Dining and service have aged gracefully, and regular refreshes keep public areas looking clean and current. The entertainment program is right-sized to the ship. Star is a classic for travelers who appreciate where the Viking ocean story began.

14) Zhao Shang Yi Dun (Ocean, China Market)

Formerly Viking Sun, Zhao Shang Yi Dun now serves the Chinese market with an experience tailored to regional preferences and routes. The hardware will look familiar to Viking fans, including the all-veranda cabins and minimalist Scandinavian lines. Onboard programming and dining lean into local tastes, which makes it a distinct product within the fleet. If you are based in or traveling through the region, it is a unique way to experience Viking’s design language in a different cultural context. Service remains polished and spaces feel instantly recognizable. Consider this ship if your plans include China-based embarkations and you want a Viking-style environment.

This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance