Viking Named to TIME’s 2026 TIME100 List of the Most Influential Companies Around the World
Viking has announced it has been named to TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Most Influential Companies list. The rare honor serves to identify companies making an exceptional impact around the world.
In TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Influential Companies list, Viking was named in the “Disrupters” category. This illustrious category shines a light on enterprises that are redefining their industries and enhancing traditional approaches.
In addition Viking was also named to the TIME100 Companies: Industry Leaders list for Travel & Tourism, a select group of the 10 most influential companies shaping their sector in 2026.
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking and he stated: “To be recognized by TIME as one of the world’s most influential companies is an incredible honor.”
“Ever since our humble beginnings in 1997, we have always done things differently in the travel industry. We focus on the destination, and we do not try to be all things to all people.
We are proud that our contrarian approach continues to resonate with our guests, the industry and prestigious publications like TIME, as we continue to grow thoughtfully and stay true to what makes Viking different.”
Viking Named to TIME100 Companies List
TIME’s prestigious lists are compiled with input from industry experts, insiders, and its own impeccably qualified staff.
After receiving the nominations, including from its global network of contributors and correspondents, TIME editors rate the choices on several critical factors.
These include impact, innovation, ambition, and success.
The end result is a catalog of diverse groups of businesses who are leading their industries forward with skill, insight, and ingenuity.
Viking’s Industry Leading Awards
Viking’s TIME100 recognition is the latest in an ever-expanding list of accolades for the cruise line, including its ship Viking Vesta being named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List.
In addition, Viking was rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler for the fifth consecutive year in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards and was rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has earned these awards simultaneously.
For 2026 Viking was ranked #1 in seven categories in USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards and received top marks from Southern Living for both its river and ocean voyages in the publication’s 2026 cruise rankings.
Additionally, Viking received eight awards in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards as well as being named in U.S. News & World Report as “Best Luxury Line,” “Best Line for Couples” and “Best Line in the Mediterranean” for the fifth year in a row.
And, Viking also continues to receive “Recommended” ratings for its ocean ships in Forbes Travel Guide and was recognized as AOL’s Best Cruise Line for 2025.
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