Viking strategies

[VIKING_GUY]

I was wanting to know what are the best strategies to use when playing as the vikings? I usually play as Denmark on prince and on archipelago but what is the best ways to win. Also on wolds such as Continents which is the best strategy to use with the vikings. Which social policies should I adopt? Which religious beliefs are best? How do I approach war and conquering the world? Should I have allies? Should I try to influence city states?
I know that I have much to learn and that I sound like a first time civ player but truth is that I've played civ since civ IV! I'm new with the vikings and I really like the units and everything but I haven't quite figured out the main strategies yet. Thanks for all of your help.

 

[Halcyan2]

On most Archipelago maps, I would beeline Optics and try to build the Great Lighthouse.

Hopefully I will then get enough Ruins to fill some of the lower technology branch.

To make the most out of your UA, I would try to increase embarked movement. So try to reach Medieval ASAP so I can get Commerce and Naval Tradition.

See if there's a good opportunity for some early rushes. In G&K, embarked siege units are really strong. Otherwise wait for Steel.

On Continents, you often want to beeline Astronomy so you can access the other continent ASAP. For Denmark, it is extra nice since it allows ocean embarkment and +1 movement.

 

[Sjarrel]

On Prince you should be able to get GL, which would be really good for a water heavy map with anybody, really.

Apart from that, get to your berserkers and kill whoever was unlucky enough to start near you.

EDIT: meant the great lighthouse, not the great library, just to clarify.