As of now, there is official confirmation or credible news report regarding the death of Torstein Hagen, the 82-year-old founder and chairman of Viking Cruises. While a Facebook post in the “Viking Ocean Cruises Friends” group mentioned his passing, no reputable news outlets or Viking Cruises have released any statements to corroborate this claim. Therefore, the information remains unverified.
Torstein Hagen, a Norwegian native, is renowned for his significant contributions to the cruise industry. He founded Viking Cruises in 1997, transforming it into a leading river and ocean cruise company with a fleet of over 90 vessels operating on all seven continents . Before establishing Viking, Hagen held prominent positions, including CEO roles at Bergen Line and Royal Viking Line, and served on the boards of Holland America Line and Kloster Cruise Ltd.
Hagen’s academic background includes a degree in physics from the Norwegian Institute of Technology, where he completed a master’s thesis on artificial intelligence and machine learning. He furthered his education with an MBA from Harvard University and was a Fulbright Scholar at Wesleyan University .
Under his leadership, Viking Cruises has been recognized for its destination-focused and culturally immersive travel experiences. The company continues to innovate, recently announcing new world cruise itineraries for 2026-2027, reflecting Hagen’s enduring vision for exploration and excellence in cruising .
Hagen’s daughter, Karine Hagen, plays a significant role in the company, serving as Senior Vice President at Viking. She has been instrumental in shaping the company’s cultural programming and guest experiences .
Given the current lack of official confirmation regarding Torstein Hagen’s status, it is advisable to await statements from Viking Cruises or reputable news organizations for accurate information.
For more insights into Torstein Hagen’s life and contributions to the cruise industry, you may find the following video informative:
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