Have you thought about taking a cruise?

If so you're not alone, since they seem to be getting more popular than ever.

"River cruising continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry, and the positive response we are seeing from our guests is an indication of the demand for destination-focused travel," said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises.

Every year there are new ships with exciting innovations and a huge range of destinations, be it meandering down a picturesque river or cruising port to port across the deep blue sea.

vikingcruises.com.au

River cruises

Viking currently operates a fleet of 72 river vessels around the world.

"We offer our guests the largest selection of itineraries and variety of stateroom choices on the rivers, and we provide the best value in the industry," said Mr Hagen.

"As river cruising increases in popularity among experienced travellers, we look forward to introducing even more guests to the Viking way of exploration."

Whether you are cruising in Europe, Egypt, Asia, or the Americas, a Viking fare includes everything that you need and more; from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. You won't find any casinos or kids on board either.

Recognised as "the thinking person's cruise line," Viking has designed itineraries that are centred around culture, history and fine cuisine.

River cruises range from eight to 23 days, with itineraries featuring rivers such as:

Ocean cruises

In 2015, Viking introduced its first ocean ship with the christening of the 930-guest all-veranda Viking Star.

One year later, Viking launched its second ocean ship, Viking Sea, which was joined by sister ships Viking Sky and Viking Sun in 2017, and by Viking Orion in 2018.

This year the fleet welcomes Viking Jupiter, who begins her maiden season with voyages to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Baltic, and South America.

Looking to the future, Viking are adding four more yet-to-be-named ships, and they all are scheduled to launch by 2023.

Viking's ocean itineraries are designed to maximise the amount of time travellers spend in their destinations. These enriching itineraries include base and combination cruises sailing to Scandinavia and Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Alaska, North and South America, and Africa.

The company's award-winning ships are engineered at a size that allows direct access into most ports, so guests have easy and efficient embarkation and disembarkation.

Each ship boasts a private veranda in every stateroom, a choice of restaurants offering a variety of fine dining options, great al fresco dining at sea, an infinity pool, a Nordic-inspired spa, panoramic explorer's lounge, thoughtfully-curated book collections throughout the ship, and more; all designed in understated elegance.