Viking certainly knows how to throw a party – and, as it turns out, set some pretty impressive targets!
The celebrations continued well into the Amsterdam night following Viking’s spectacular waterside naming ceremony, with guests whisked away aboard canal boats to the magnificent Koepelkerk, a historic domed church in the heart of the city.
There, guests enjoyed an elegant three-course dinner and a spellbinding performance by internationally acclaimed Norwegian crossover soprano Sissel, herself a Viking godmother.
It was a fitting finale to an extraordinary day celebrating seven new river ships and seven godparents, including two of Australia’s very own travel industry stars.
But amid the celebrations came a tantalising glimpse of Viking’s next big ambition.
From 100 ships to 200 – no pressure!
With the addition of seven new river ships, Viking’s fleet now stands at an impressive 98 vessels, just two shy of the magic 100.
And while most cruise companies might be content to celebrate reaching that milestone, Viking Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen (pictured below) already has his sights set on something considerably bigger.
Two hundred ships!
During an entertaining exchange on stage with Stephan Happe, Interim Managing Director of German shipbuilder Neptun Werft, Hagen made it abundantly clear that Viking has no intention of resting on its laurels.
Neptun Werft has played a pivotal role in Viking’s remarkable expansion, with its tally of river ships delivered to the cruise line expected to reach 75 by the end of 2026.
“Seventy-five ships for one customer is a big, truly big number in shipbuilding,” Happe told guests.
To symbolise the milestone, Viking has created an illuminated display board featuring 100 slots, each designed to hold an acrylic rod representing a river ship.
Happe ceremoniously presented five new rods to Viking President and CEO Leah Talactac to add to the display.
But Hagen was already thinking about the next board.
Turning to Ms Talactac, he pointed out that filling the first 100 slots had taken 12 years and suggested that, with the foundations now firmly in place, she should have considerably less time to fill the next 100.
Otherwise, he joked, she would have failed!
“It’s a good goal, Tor,” Talactac responded.
Hagen didn’t miss a beat.
“It’s not a goal. It’s a must.”
No pressure, Leah!
Viking President and CEO Leah Talactac with Viking Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen
So what’s the secret to Viking’s success?
With Viking continuing to expand its river fleet across Europe and destinations including Egypt, the United States, Vietnam, Cambodia and India, Hagen offered some fascinating insights into the philosophy driving the brand.
“I’m not worried so much about competitors, but more about complacency,” he said.
And perhaps that single observation sums up Viking’s extraordinary success.
Hagen emphasised the importance of maintaining one clearly defined brand, knowing exactly who its customers are and consistently delivering a high-quality product.
He believes Viking’s greatest strength lies in its destinations, supported by the ships, imagination and courage to venture into places others might not.
Its fleet of small, almost identical ships also provides the familiarity and consistency that loyal Viking guests have come to expect.
And while Viking might not have the biggest ships at sea, it certainly isn’t shy about making its presence felt.
Hagen revealed that Viking spends more on marketing than any other cruise line, even the industry giants, and acknowledged just how dependent the company remains on its travel trade partners.
He also recalled a red hat he wore some 15 years ago, emblazoned with the words “No NCFs” – referring to non-commissionable fares.
He lamented not having brought it along for the occasion.
“We don’t nickel and dime our customers and we don’t nickel and dime our travel trade,” he declared.
A message that undoubtedly resonated with the travel industry representatives in the room.
And in another typically entertaining observation, Hagen praised Viking’s stable and experienced management team before joking that their ultimate test would be figuring out how to get rid of him!
A week worth celebrating
Speaking at the gala dinner, Ms Talactac reflected on the company’s enduring spirit of exploration.
“Throughout history, rivers have inspired exploration, connecting people, cultures and civilisations,” she said.
“For nearly 30 years, Viking has carried forward that spirit of discovery, introducing curious travellers to the world’s most remarkable destinations.”
And what a week it has been for Viking!
The Amsterdam celebrations came hot on the heels of another triumph, with Viking taking out the title of ‘Most Popular Ocean Cruise Operator’ at the 2026 National Travel Industry Awards in Melbourne recently.
Seven new ships, seven new godparents, a prestigious Australian industry award and a spectacular evening of celebrations in Amsterdam.
And with Viking now just two ships away from its first century, it seems the next chapter is already being written.
If Torstein Hagen has his way, 100 ships is merely the warm-up act.
And something tells us Leah Talactac had better get that second display board ready!
