26.02.2026
Viking Announces New Partnership with the Royal New Zealand Ballet
A multi year partnership delivering cultural access and exceptional experiences for Viking guests
The Royal New Zealand Ballet dancers Mayu Tanigaito and Josh Guillemot-Rodgerson on board the Viking Orion in Wellington, NZ, on 17 February 2026. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court.
Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) today announced a new multi‑year partnership with the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB), one of the country’s most iconic and internationally recognised performing arts companies. The collaboration brings together two organisations united in their commitment to culture, enrichment and delivering memorable experiences.
Founded in 1953 and granted the right to use the title ‘Royal’ by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984, the RNZB is one of only four “Royal” ballet companies in the Commonwealth and a cornerstone of New Zealand’s creative landscape. With 36 dancers from around the world, a dedicated artistic and production team, and more than 70,000 performance attendees last year, the RNZB continues to champion excellence in dance, artistic innovation and nationwide community engagement. Each year, the company tours major centres, reaches regional communities through its beloved Tutus on Tour programme, and delivers extensive education and accessibility initiatives to more than 48,000 New Zealanders.
Through this new partnership, Viking secures branding rights across the RNZB’s 2026 Winter Season in association with Viking. Viking will also support other productions in the 2026 season, which features landmark productions including Macbeth, Dazzlehands, and the timeless Sleeping Beauty. The partnership also extends to cocreated promotional activity and digital collaborations throughout the year.
In return, Viking guests and travel advisors in the region will have access to a range of partnership benefits through the company’s artistic programme, with further details to be confirmed. This may include opportunities for complimentary premium tickets to selected performances, and invitations to attend rehearsals, studio tours and behind-the-scenes events with RNZB dancers.
RNZB Executive Director Tobias Perkins said “We are excited to welcome Viking as a Major Supporter of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. As New Zealand’s ‘local international company’, we are committed to enriching the lives of people across the country through dance, whether on stage, in schools, or through our award-winning community and education programmes. Viking shares that commitment to meaningful cultural experiences, and this partnership will help us continue to inspire audiences of all ages throughout Aotearoa.”
The Royal New Zealand Ballet dancers Mayu Tanigaito and Josh Guillemot-Rodgerson on board the Viking Orion in Wellington, NZ, on 17 February 2026. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court.
Michelle Black, Viking ANZ Managing Director added “At Viking, we believe deeply in the power of culture to connect us with the world. The Royal New Zealand Ballet reflects the creativity and spirit of discovery that truly resonates with our guests. This partnership gives our guests and travel partners access to enriching cultural moments, from premium performances to behind-the-scenes experiences they simply can’t find elsewhere. We are thrilled to stand alongside the RNZB as they continue to share the magic of ballet with audiences nationwide.”
About Viking
Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.