Viking has partnered with Focus Features, Universal Pictures and Carnival Films to celebrate the return of “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” to be released in the U.S. and U.K. on September 12. Viking’s corporate sponsorship of the celebrated series “Masterpiece,” which began in 2011, when Downton Abbey aired on PBS and helped establish Viking as a household name, continues today as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enriching cultural programming. Through September 30, 2025, Viking is offering a sweepstakes for U.S. and Canada residents, for a chance to win a grand prize trip for two on Viking’s eight-day river voyage, “Paris & the Heart of Normandy,” with a three-night Privileged Access extension, “Oxford & Highclere Castle.” The winner will also receive roundtrip international Business Class air for two. To enter, visit www.viking.com/downton.
“Downton Abbey has long held a special place in the hearts of our guests, many of whom were introduced to Viking and Highclere Castle through the series,” said Karine Hagen, Viking’s executive vice president of product. “A key aspect of the Viking way of travel is offering our guests Privileged Access to cultural treasures around the world—and our exclusive experiences at Highclere Castle, which are co-created with the Carnarvon family, have become favorites among our guests.”
Viking & Highclere Castle
Viking is also celebrating its longstanding relationship with Highclere Castle, the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the filming location of “Downton Abbey,” with the launch of a webpage (www.viking.com/highclere). Since 2014, Viking has offered guests a variety of ways to experience life at Highclere Castle, with pre- and post-cruise land extensions that include the “Oxford & Highclere Castle” and “Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens & Gin” extensions, both of which are available on select river and ocean cruises. Additionally, for guests on the Nile River itinerary, “Pharaohs & Pyramids,” Viking offers the “British Collections of Ancient Egypt” land extension. The five-day extension provides guests with an introduction to Egyptian antiquities in preparation for their Nile River experience and includes retracing the steps of Egyptologist, Howard Carter, and his benefactor, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Guests experience Privileged Access to archives and museum exhibits not normally accessible to the public; and at Highclere Castle, guests have the opportunity to view the Earl’s private collection of Egyptian artifacts.
“For over a decade, it has been a pleasure to open our doors to Viking guests and truly provide Privileged Access, sharing with them the stories, traditions and treasures that have made this estate special for more than 300 years,” said Lady Carnarvon. “The personal and professional ties between Viking and Highclere run deep—our longstanding relationship is rooted in a shared devotion to heritage, culture and the enrichment that comes from genuine exploration.”
Lady Carnarvon has also welcomed viewers to Highclere Castle on Viking’s channel, Viking.TV. In her series, “At Home at Highclere,” Lady Carnarvon offers virtual Privileged Access to the castle and its grounds. Viking’s close friendship with the Carnarvon family has also extended to its fleet—Lady Carnarvon is the ceremonial godmother of a Viking Longship, Viking Skadi and an ocean ship, Viking Mars. In 2022, Lord Carnarvon became Viking’s first godfather, fulfilling the role for Viking Osiris; and in 2024 their son, Edward Herbert, was named godfather of Viking Hathor.
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