Viking Partners with Downton Abbey for Film Finale Launch

Viking has revealed a collaboration with Focus Features, Universal Pictures, and Carnival Films to celebrate the release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, premiering in both the U.S. and UK on September 12.

In a press announcement, Viking noted that its sponsorship of the beloved series, which first began in 2011, remains part of the company’s ongoing dedication to supporting cultural enrichment.

At the London premiere, Karine Hagen, Viking’s executive vice president of product, attended alongside members of the Viking family, including the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and staff from Highclere Castle, the iconic filming location.

“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 Hagen.

“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,” added Hagen.

To mark the occasion, Viking has launched a dedicated Highclere Castle webpage. Since 2014, the company has provided a range of ways for guests to experience the estate, offering pre- and post-cruise extensions tied to selected river and ocean voyages.

Lady Carnarvon also welcomes audiences to Highclere through Viking.TV, where her series offers virtual insights and privileged access to the historic estate and its grounds.

As part of its cultural offerings, Viking continues to highlight its “Pharaohs & Pyramids” itinerary, which includes the British Collections of Ancient Egypt land extension. This five-day program introduces guests to Egyptian antiquities ahead of their Nile River voyage, with highlights such as following in the footsteps of Howard Carter.

Additionally, Viking is running a sweepstakes through September 30, 2025, open to U.S. and Canadian residents. The grand prize includes an eight-day “Paris & the Heart of Normandy” river cruise with a three-night Privileged Access extension to Oxford and Highclere Castle, plus roundtrip international Business Class air for two.