Viking partnership celebrates new Downton Abbey film

Viking has partnered with the makers of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale to promote the cruise line’s experiences at Highclere Castle, the filming location of Downton Abbey.

The film will be released in the UK and US on Friday (September 12).

The cruise line’s partnership with Focus Features, Universal Pictures and Carnival Films has seen the creation of a dedicated webpage, www.viking.com/highclere.

And staff from Highclere – home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon – joined cruise line representatives on the red carpet at the film’s recent London premiere.

Karine Hagen, Viking’s executive vice-president of product, said: “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.

“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 favourites among our guests.”

Since 2014, Viking has offered guests a variety of ways to experience life at Highclere Castle, with pre- and post- land extensions that include the Oxford & Highclere Castle and Great Homes, Gardens & Gin extensions, both of which are available for guests on selected river and ocean voyages.

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 the world’s most famous 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 artefacts.

Lady Carnarvon said: “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.

“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 enrichment channel, Viking.TV.

Furthermore, she is the ceremonial godmother of a Viking Longship, the Viking Skadi and an ocean ship, the Viking Mars.

In 2022, Lord Carnarvon became Viking’s first godfather, fulfilling the role for the Viking Osiris; in 2024, their son, the Hon. Edward Herbert, became godfather of the Viking Hathor.