Torstein Hagen, CEO of Viking, said on the company’s third quarter earnings call that one of its key advantages lies in its river docking locations.

“These set Viking apart,” Hagen said. “Our river vessels dock in the hearts of cities and towns near historical and cultural attractions. They provide our guests with more time ashore to enjoy the local culture.”

“Today, we control or have priority access to 113 of the most coveted docking locations in various regions of the world.”

Hagen added that this includes premier locations in Paris, just 800 meters from the Eiffel Tower, as well as in Luxor, close to the Karnak Temple.

“This unique access not only enhances the guest experience but also reinforces Viking’s leadership position in river cruising,” he added. “We have some huge advantages in the docking sites we have.”

In addition, later on the call, company executives noted that growth may come from acquiring or investing in more exclusive docking locations.

Speaking on the company’s fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings conference call earlier this year, Hagen had said that Viking had been, “from the get-go, very obsessed not only about our customers but also about getting docking rights … It is very important for us.”

Hagen had said that the focus on docking locations stems back to the time when Viking bought KD River Cruises and when it secured a number of docking rights on the Rhine and on the Elbe.