Viking Cruises Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen has shared a positive outlook for 2026, on the back of strong demand and a series of major wins in 2025.

In a New Year’s message, Hagen revealed that Viking’s 2026 program is ‘already 70% sold”. “Overall bookings remain very strong,” he said.

The strong outlook comes as Viking closes its first full year as a publicly traded company, with growth across its fleet, strong industry recognition and major sustainability initiatives.

“I’m proud to say the transition from private to public has not changed our corporate culture,” Hagen said. “We’re still one Viking family with the same values we consider fundamental kindness, honesty, hard work and thankfulness.”

While emphasising a forward-looking mindset, Hagen said the past year was one worth reflecting on. Over the past 12 months, Viking expanded its fleet, including the delivery of a new ocean ship.

“We continued to expand our fleet and took delivery of our newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta, which we named on a hot day in the beautiful port of split Croatia,” he said.

Viking also named nine new river ships, including its 100th vessel, during a ceremony spanning six countries which Hagen described as “perhaps my favourite naming ceremony of all”. Viking now operates more than 100 ships across its river, ocean and expedition fleet.

The cruise line also announced expansion into new destinations, including India. Viking said it will begin sailing on the Brahmaputra River in 2027, with two ships to operate there by 2028.

Looking ahead, Viking plans continued growth, including two new ocean ships. “The Viking Libra is particularly exciting as she will be the world’s first cruise ship, partially powered by hydrogen fuel cells,” Hagen said, noting it will operate with “zero emissions in the Norwegian fjords.”

Closing the message, Hagen stressed the broader value of travel. “We truly believe that the world is a slightly better place as a result of our travels,” he said.