Viking reported strong advanced booking momentum for the 2027 cruise season during its first quarter 2026 earnings call on May 14.
With the 2026 season already 92% sold, the company has shifted its commercial focus to 2027.
As of May 3, the 2027 season was 38% booked, against a capacity base expected to grow 15% over 2026.
Advance bookings for 2027 stand at $3.4 billion, which is 31% higher than the 2026 season was at the same point a year ago.
“2027 is shaping up very well,” said Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen. “A strong booked position, increased capacity, and very good rates give us confidence that our consumer demographic remains financially resilient, prioritizing traveling, and choosing Viking.”
The ocean segment leads the booking pace, with 46% of 2027 capacity already sold against an 18% capacity increase, driven by two ships delivered in 2026 and one more for 2027.
Average booked rates for ocean in 2027 stand at $882, compared to $786 for the 2026 season at the same point.
On the river side, 26% of expanded 2027 capacity is booked, with $1.2 billion in advance revenue, which the company said was 21% ahead of the prior year’s comparable position. River rates average $1,108 for 2027, up from $992 for 2026, a figure influenced by a stronger mix of high-yielding Egypt and India itineraries selling earlier in the cycle.
Newly appointed President and CEO Leah Talactac said the company’s long booking window is a structural advantage, particularly in an uncertain macroeconomic environment. “With 2026 mostly sold out and 2027 already off to a strong start, we have a high degree of confidence in our forward outlook,” she said. “This is supported by low cancellation rates within historical averages, reflecting the sticky nature of our bookings.”
CFO Linh Banh added: “We feel good about 2027. It’s off to a wonderful start. Not many can say that for the 2027 season, sitting here in May, that you’re already 38% sold with pricing ahead year-over-year.”
Management reaffirmed its long-term target of mid-single-digit yield growth across core products, assuming stable macroeconomic conditions.
