Is Viking Cruises Selling Out to Pay Its Debt? IPO!

Thanks for the intelligent analysis. So refreshing to hear someone speak candidly about Viking reality instead of simply waxing eloquent justifications for the grotesquely inflated cruise fares. The Viking "secret sauce" is making you feel special, and better than others. You see it in their enrichment lectures, and guided tours. The unwashed are left to other cruise lines. Viking occupies a niche market not prone to rapid expansion -- even with a $500M IPO cash infusion.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey!! Thanks so much for the good words! Much appreciated:) We agree. They know how to do it, and their now-announced IPO is something we believe in. Really glad to have you coming along with us, and see you out there!!!

[@CruiseRadio]

This is one of the most comprehensive breakdowns I've seen. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! You just made our day!! Thanks so much. That means a lot coming from you! We love your work and really appreciate the comment. We’d also love feedback on what we can do better. Congrats on your success and thanks again for the good words!! M and C

[@jerryferren9018]

The "secret sauce"...exactly why we stopped cruising with Princess after 35+ cruises. After the restart, they took away almost all of the perks that Elites get, the stock has tanked and hasn't come anywhere close to what we paid for it, they sold off all of the small ships (our preference) and the food is now nothing like it was. We've booked a Viking Ocean cruise and have our fingers crossed.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! We really hear you. Think you’ll enjoy Viking. We also really like Azamara, as well. Let us know what you think, and thanks for coming along with us!:)

[@patriciaedwards5834]

He is clear and makes his subject easy to understand.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! Thanks for the comment and coming along with us!! Glad you found value and hope you’ll check out our channel for more. Let us know what you would recommend we do better, as well, if you don’t mind. We love the feedback and it’s much appreciated!!:)

[@scottkennedy2280]

But....VIK is very differentiated...very smart with a laser focused market. What is debt when you take 27% to the bottom line, post tax ? The other secret sauce is ship size....max 930 "explorers" as they are called. That is genius when Ports are not liking, and will likely not allow, the "Obesity of the Seas" with 6,000 passengers....

[@dchiddengems]

Hey!! Thanks for the comment, and we agree with your assessment. They've got a real recipe that works for us and a lot of others. Really glad to have you coming along with us!! Looks like the new VIK ships are on their way!

[@davidcampbell1953]

Very interesting. It helps explain why Viking insists on having their cruises paid in full over a year in advance. I went to book an ocean cruise for October 2025. They demanded it be paid in full by August 2024, almost 14 months in advance! No thanks.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey. Thanks for coming along with us! They do ask for payment well in advance. We’ve found that often your travel agent can get better terms. Maybe try that?

[@mikeinnyc8559]

@@dchiddengems I have been on three Viking cruises and I don't see why they need to demand payment so far ahead. We are their customers, but we shouldn't have to be their bankers!

[@joehupcey4681]

Yes, that is a pain!

[@diackone]

As a cruise consumer, a 2024 Viking cruise may be better than usual as they get ready for their IPO?

[@dchiddengems]

Hey. Thanks for the comment and coming along. We love Viking so anytime is good for us:). That said, 24 cruises are pretty set and we presume most booked, so we don’t foresee any big differences this year. That said, we will keep an eye out and let you know what we find!:)

[@francesgill8621]

As a solo cruiser I won't sail Viking until they start considering reduced single supplements like other small ships like Oceania and Windstar

[@dchiddengems]

Hey. Thanks for the comment and coming along with us!! We’ve not done single supplement, but have spoken to others about the high cost. That’s a lot to deal with. Glad you’re seeing other good options out there. Which do you think is the best for solo travelers in this category of cruising?

[@joehupcey4681]

After 11 Viking Cruises, I believed in them so, that I bought 400 shares on the 2nd day of their IPO.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey, Joe!! Thanks for the comment, and coming along. Good for you!! We believe, as well. It's going to be interesting to see where they go as a public company. Have you done river and ocean? What's been your top 3? Thanks again!

[@joehupcey4681]

@@dchiddengems BOTH The Egypt is #1 The 2 week Mediterranean #2

[@sctexan5392]

I hope they don't go public. I see Viking becoming like all the other cruise lines nickel and dimeing cruisers. I guess if that happens, I'm done with cruising.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey. Thanks for the reply and coming along with us. Well, it looks like it’s happening. We bet they won’t change their model, though, so we are hoping and believe they’ll not nickel and dime. They know they’ve got a good thing going, so we’ll stay tuned and let you know what we see.