For the fifth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has named Viking (www.viking.com) as its Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean for.
The publication’s 2026 rankings for Best Cruise Line also included Viking as the Best Cruise Line for Dining in its Luxury category.
The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are a comprehensive analysis of expert opinions and traveler reviews, as well as recommendations and insider knowledge from the publication’s in-destination writers and editors.
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking and he said of the line’s latest accolade: “We are honored to be recognized once again by U.S. News & World Report.
From the start, we have taken a contrarian approach—we focus on the destination, and we do not try to be all things to all people. These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire Viking family, and we are very grateful.”
The latest ranking acclaim is the latest in a series of honors for Viking. For the fifth year in a row, Viking was rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Travel + Leisure also named Viking a “World’s Best” and there is no other travel company that has simultaneously received these honors by both publications.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Cruise Line Ranking
Additionally, Viking received seven awards across its ocean, river and expedition categories in the Cruise Critic 2024 Best in Cruise Awards.
Moreover, AOL has named Viking the Best Cruise Line in its Best of 2025 list and Viking’s ocean ships have earned “Recommended” ratings in the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands.
Viking Staterooms Thoughtfully Designed for Your Comfort
Guests aboard Viking vessels experience an unparalleled level of amenities including king-size beds with a plush duvet and goose-down pillows, complimentary programming on a flat-screen LCD TV with easy-to-use remotes, and generous closet space. All cabins include plentiful USB ports and US/EU outlets, luxurious robes, and warm slippers to add to your comfort.
The line’s award-winning bathrooms feature large glass-enclosed showers with easy-to-see controls, premium Freyja toiletries, anti-fog mirrors and heated floors.
Onboard activities on each Viking ship are designed for enrichment and renewal. Guests are treated to lectures on history and art, cooking demonstrations of regional favorites, and menus offering regional cuisine and more.
Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.
Photo Credit: Viking