Pros
Salaries above market average Well-known brand with a strong public image International work environment and guest interaction Structured operations and procedures
Cons
Extremely toxic work culture: backstabbing, favoritism, cliques, and harassment are common Micromanagement and lack of trust in staff abilities Poor communication and little constructive feedback Managers often take credit for team achievements while ignoring concerns “Circle of friends” culture: advancement and protection depend on who you know, not performance Unofficial expectation to give “little attentions” (gifts, favors) to managers Racism, homophobia, and lack of diversity & inclusion awareness Bullying and unfair scheduling practices Work-life balance and mental health severely compromised After more than 10 years with Viking, I’ve witnessed a sharp contrast between the company’s polished image and its reality. Since Covid and the IPO, the once “family business” culture has shifted to relentless cost-cutting, with little regard for staff or guest experience. The onboard environment is toxic: backstabbing, micromanagement, favoritism, racism, and homophobia are part of daily life. Managers are often promoted without skills, adopting a “my way or gangway” approach. Unless you’re in the “circle of friends,” expect bullying, unfair schedules, excessive hours, and harassment. Gifts or “little attentions” to managers can smooth relationships, but create a culture of corruption. Communication is poor, feedback is absent, and employee concerns are ignored. Cliques dominate, trust erodes, and morale suffers. While Viking pays above market, it comes at the cost of mental health and work-life balance. Think carefully about your priorities before applying.