Viking Cruises – ERP System Selection Support

Defining ERP requirements for a fast-growing global cruise operator.

The client

Founded in 1997, Viking is now one of the world’s leading cruise operators, offering river, ocean, and expedition voyages on all seven continents. With a reputation for destination-focused travel experiences and a rapidly expanding fleet, Viking has become a recognised global brand in luxury cruising with more than 90 vessels.

Back in 2013, when Gradient delivered this project, the company was known as Viking River Cruises and operated a fleet of 37 vessels, with plans to double that number in the coming years. To support this ambitious growth, Viking needed to select an ERP system capable of handling its unique operational requirements.

Service: ERP Project Governance, ERP Requirements & SOR, ERP Selection

Industry: transport, hospitality

Location: Worldwide

Website: vikingcruises.co.uk

The challenge

Viking recognised that its growth trajectory demanded stronger, more integrated systems. The company had initially selected an application designed for ocean cruises but needed expert support to:

  • Define detailed requirements across all business functions.
  • Validate whether the chosen system could meet the specialised needs of river cruising operations.
  • Ensure structured testing, knowledge transfer, and stakeholder engagement.

Gradient was selected to help Viking clarify requirements and guide the project team through the system selection and validation process.

The solution

Gradient consultants worked intensively with Viking’s leadership and project teams to ensure clarity and confidence in the ERP selection process.

“We needed to rapidly develop detailed specifications. Gradient Transforming was a tremendous help to us in defining the requirements. Their combination of solid methodology and flexible project management allowed them to deliver a superior result within a short timeframe. Their project manager was an invaluable asset to our project.”

Anders Nielsen, VP Operations/Projects, Viking

"Gradient Transforming was a tremendous help to us in defining the requirements. Their combination of solid methodology and flexible project management allowed them to deliver a superior result within a short timeframe."

Anders Nielsen, Viking

The approach

Gradient’s engagement included:

  • Cross-functional discovery: Collaborating with all 12 functional departments at Viking’s head office in Basel to document complex requirements.
  • Mentoring: Coaching project team members on structured testing methods, enabling them to conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) effectively.
  • Vendor engagement: Reviewing vendor responses critically, challenging where necessary, and ensuring alignment with operational requirements.
  • Testing and documentation: Creating test scripts, supporting documentation, and overseeing early UAT sessions.
  • Integration planning: Facilitating discovery meetings with ERP and supporting software vendors (e.g., HR and Payroll) to define integration touchpoints.

The result

The project delivered several key outcomes:

  • Clarity on requirements: 12 functional requirements documents created, forming the backbone of the ERP vendor scope.
  • Knowledge transfer: Significant upskilling of Viking’s internal project team, particularly in UAT processes.
  • Operational visibility: Improved understanding of supply chain and other critical functions, highlighting focus areas for future growth.
  • Vendor alignment: Identification of system gaps and issues early, ensuring they could be addressed before implementation.

This structured approach enabled Viking to move forward with confidence, equipping its teams with both the documentation and knowledge needed to support rapid fleet and operational expansion.