Viking Cruises has built a reputation as one of the most sophisticated cruise experiences in the world. Their ships are quiet, casino-free, and adults-only — and their culinary philosophy centers on regional, destination-inspired cuisine. For instance, on Viking’s ocean ships and river vessels, you’ll find dishes drawn from the ports you’re visiting. Additionally, you can enjoy Scandinavian salmon prepared Nordic-style, Moroccan tagine served the night before you arrive in Casablanca, and homemade gravlax at breakfast in the Baltic. The World Café, Viking’s signature buffet restaurant, consistently earns praise as one of the best buffet programs at sea.
Viking has shared several of their beloved recipes publicly. Here, we’ve brought together some of their finest — so you can recreate a taste of the Viking experience at home.
Viking Cruises Scandinavian Gravlax (Cured Salmon)
Gravlax appears every morning at Viking’s breakfast buffet, and guests consistently name it a highlight of the Viking dining experience. This Scandinavian classic cures salmon in salt, sugar, and dill. Moreover, it is surprisingly simple to make at home. In fact, it transforms a good piece of salmon into something truly extraordinary.
Viking Cruises Scandinavian Gravlax (Cured Salmon)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh skin-on salmon fillet, pin bones removed, cut in half crosswise 900g
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon white peppercorns, coarsely cracked
- 1 large bunch fresh dill, roughly chopped (stems and all)
- 2 tablespoons aquavit or vodka optional
Instructions
- Combine salt, sugar, and cracked peppercorns in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Place one salmon piece skin-side down in a glass or ceramic dish. Splash with the aquavit if using.
- Coat the flesh side generously with the salt-sugar mixture. Cover thickly with fresh dill.
- Place the second salmon piece on top, flesh-side down. Coat the top with remaining cure.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Place a weighted flat object over the salmon.
- Refrigerate for 48–72 hours, turning the salmon every 12 hours and basting with accumulated liquid.
- When cured, rinse the salmon briefly, pat dry, and slice very thinly on a diagonal. Serve on dark rye bread with mustard-dill sauce and capers.
Notes
Viking World Café Norwegian Fish Cakes (Fiskekaker)
These traditional Norwegian fish cakes feature a crispy exterior and a tender, lightly seasoned interior. You’ll find them every day in the Scandinavian section of Viking’s World Café. Furthermore, they make an excellent light dinner or lunch. Try serving them with a simple salad and sour cream.
Viking World Café Norwegian Fish Cakes (Fiskekaker)
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh cod or haddock fillet, skin removed, roughly chopped 450g
- 1 egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter for frying
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil for frying
Instructions
- Place the fish in a food processor and pulse until roughly minced — not a smooth paste; some texture is good.
- Add egg, milk, cornstarch, onion, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and herbs. Pulse a few more times until combined but still slightly textured.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes — it will firm up and be easier to shape.
- With wet hands, shape into oval patties about ¾ inch thick.
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook fish cakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with sour cream or crème fraîche, cucumber salad, and lemon wedges.
Notes
Viking Aquavit Cocktail
Aquavit — the Scandinavian spirit flavored with caraway or dill — plays a central role in Viking’s bar program. It also offers a wonderful way to introduce guests to Nordic culture. Consequently, this cocktail draws its inspiration from the welcome drinks served aboard Viking ships as passengers first board.
The Viking Welcome Aquavit Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz aquavit Linie or Krogstad recommended
- ½ oz elderflower liqueur St-Germain
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz sparkling water or prosecco
- 1 sprig of fresh dill for garnish
- ice
Instructions
- Combine aquavit, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake briefly (about 10 seconds).
- Strain over fresh ice in a stemless wine glass.
- Top with sparkling water or prosecco.
- Garnish with a dill sprig. Skål!
Notes
Experience Viking Cruises
Travelers who prioritize enrichment, destination immersion, and exceptional food consistently rank Viking among the top cruise lines in the world. Moreover, Viking offers something for every curious explorer. You can choose an ocean cruise through the Mediterranean or Northern Europe. Alternatively, consider a river cruise along the Rhine or Danube, or an expedition voyage to Iceland and Greenland. In each case, Viking delivers an experience that rewards the traveler.
Atlas Travel’s specialists have sailed on Viking and can guide you to the right itinerary for your travel style. Therefore, we’re well-positioned to help. Explore Viking cruise options or contact us to start planning your voyage.
Planning a Black Group Travel Experience, HBCU Trip, or Greek Cruise?
Atlas Travel Center has deep expertise in Black group travel — from HBCU alumni cruises and Greek organization trips to affinity group experiences and cultural travel. We build fully branded group experiences where your organization leads and we run the back office. Comp berths, payment plans, and trust architecture that your members can count on. Learn about our Black Group Travel & Affinity Group program — contact us to get started.
Want to Host Your Own Group Cruise?
Hosting a group cruise is one of the smartest ways to turn your audience or community into a revenue stream — and Atlas Travel Center makes it simple. You bring the people; we run the cruise. Earn a free comp berth for every 16 guests, build your own markup into the pricing, and offer your guests flexible payment plans. Read our complete guide to hosting a group cruise and see exactly how the process works from deposit to embarkation day.
Did You Know Group Cruise Organizers Can Earn a Free Cabin?
The comp berth is one of the travel industry’s best-kept secrets — and it’s how savvy group organizers earn a free cruise for every 16 guests they bring aboard. Atlas Travel Center explains exactly how it works, how to build your own markup, and how to structure your group for maximum benefit. Learn everything about the comp berth model — then contact our group travel team to see what your group qualifies for.
Not Sure Whether a Group Cruise or Land Package Is Right for Your Community?
Atlas Travel Center offers both — and the right choice depends on your audience, your brand, and your goals. A group cruise is perfect for promoters and foundations who want their guests cabined together on one ship. A land lifestyle package works better for brands that want to curate a destination experience. Read our comparison: Group Cruise vs. Land Package and find out which model fits your community best.
