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Except for Viking Emerald , Viking Rivers does not offer exercise facilities or spas aboard their ships. The Viking Emerald has a small exercise room and sauna, and some of the river ships in Europe have exercise bikes onboard. Staying fit on a Viking river cruise is easy enough, however, as you will be very active when in port and walking through towns and cities on exciting tours. 

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The Complete Guide to a Viking River Cruise

Ever consider a Viking European river cruise? River cruises are very popular choices for people who like traveling to new places in the comfort of a floating hotel. That is, you sleep and eat on the ship and are transported to your destinations along a river. It’s certainly a relaxing way to travel. Plus, Viking offers several excursions each day that the ship is in port. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Viking River cruise, which transported us comfortably to some amazing European destinations.

This article highlights the European river cruises aboard the Viking Longboats. The sizes of the ships are designed specifically for the rivers they ply (e.g., they need to navigate the sometimes narrow waterways and any locks along the way). Viking ships all sport calming Scandinavian decor and are designed efficiently.  The general experience on all Viking River cruise ships is the same, no matter what ship you’re on. However, the information in this article is from our Grand European Tour cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest aboard the Skirnir and Modi (more on the two ships later).  Once you’ve booked a Viking cruise, take the next steps , like creating an online account with Viking, to ensure a wonderful adventure .

NOTE: This article was completely updated in January 2023 from the original article, written in 2019 . Some procedures and protocols on cruise ships have changed to address public health concerns since the global COVID-19 pandemic. Check with your Viking agent or travel agent (or your MyVikingJourney online portal if you’re already booked on a cruise) to learn the latest protocols aboard the ship, and in the countries you’ll be visiting. Despite some tweaks, this article will prepare you for your Viking River cruise. Enjoy!

What to Expect on a Viking River Cruise

Viking is an industry leader for a variety of reasons, including their choices of fascinating destinations, varied excursion options, attention to detail in designing the private and shared spaces, and a welcoming and hard-working staff.

Viking River Cruise Destinations

You’ll find Viking River cruises throughout Europe, Egypt, and Southeast Asia . There are so many choices of destinations and lengths of the trip. Some people book two cruises back-to-back to extend their vacation. Also, Viking offers options to add a few days in the first or last destination before and after a cruise.

What You’ll Find on Viking

On all river cruises, guests are offered one complimentary shore excursion at every destination . In addition, quite a few “optional” excursions are available at an extra cost. The excursions provide guests with an array of experiences, including peeks into how locals live, how and where they work, and some “privileged access” options just for Viking guests.

Onboard you’ll have port talks to prepare you for each new day along with musical entertainment in the lounge. Plus, you can expect some special cooking and craft demonstrations, wine tastings, and presentations about a destination’s unique features .

Guests are served complimentary soft drinks, beer, or wine during lunch and dinner. There is an extra charge for the Silver Spirits package for guests who want to enjoy premium wines and beer, cocktails, and champagnes.

What You Won’t Find on Viking

There are several things you won’t find on a Viking River cruise, and they are often some of the prime reasons so many people choose Viking .

• No inside staterooms.
• No kids. All guests are 18 years old or more.
• No smoking.
• No casinos.
• No formal nights.
• No charge for Wi-Fi.

Viking River Cruise Ships

Viking Longboats have four decks:

• The Sun Deck has tables and chairs for guests to enjoy the views plus a walking track.
• The Upper Deck has the library, bar, lounge, Aquavit Terrace, coffee and tea station, and internet cafe, along with both of the Explorer Suites, all of the Veranda Suites, and some of the Veranda and French Balcony staterooms.
• The Middle Deck has Guest Services, the restaurant, the Viking shop, and some of the Veranda and French Balcony staterooms. 
• The Lower Deck has the Standard Staterooms.

Stairs connect all the decks; an elevator service the upper and middle decks.

Viking River Cruise Staterooms

All Viking River cruise ship staterooms have:

• river views.
• king-size beds that can be split to make two twin beds.
• private bathrooms that are separate from the living space.
• housekeeping twice a day.
• a telephone, safe, and refrigerator.
• a closet with wooden hangers.
• luggage storage under the beds.
• free Wi-Fi (though connection speeds vary depending upon location).
• a flat-screen TV with infotainment options.
• 110/220-volt outlets and USB ports.

Stateroom Options

The different types of staterooms range in size, available outdoor space, the time for guaranteed stateroom access, and amenities. Also, the ability to book optional excursions varies by the stateroom level . For example, the guests in the Explorer Suites can book optional excursions before guests in the Veranda Suites. This practice continues through all the classes of staterooms, with the standard staterooms getting the last optional booking options. Having said this, there are often opportunities to book optional excursions once you board the ship. This is because some guests may have canceled their planned optional excursions prior to the cruise, so it’s a good practice to check on this and any other concerns once you’re on board. 

• 150 square foot stateroom with picture window (no outdoor space)
• located on the Main Deck (lowest deck)
• 3:00 pm guaranteed stateroom access
• 135 square foot stateroom with French balcony (sliding glass door with no outdoor space)
• located on the Upper Deck and Middle Deck
• 205 square foot room with full-size private veranda
• 275 square foot suite with full-size private veranda
• located on the Upper Deck 
• 12:00 pm guaranteed stateroom access
• mini-bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks that are replenished daily
• complimentary fruit plate daily
• complimentary laundry & shoe shine services
• expansive 445 square foot living space (separate living room and bedroom) with wraparound balcony at the stern of the ship plus a French balcony in the bedroom. 
• complimentary in-room breakfast service
• complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package
• private arrival and departure transfer (from and to the airport)

Stateroom Amenities

The staterooms and bathrooms are efficiently designed to maximize usable space , and there are many things to appreciate in the staterooms.

• A safe with an electronic keypad is provided in each room. You set the code, so it’s a cinch to remember. It easily holds passports and other travel documents, along with jewelry and money. One tip we learned is to put a shoe (just one!) in the safe the day before you check out. Having to look for the shoe on the last day will remind you to open the safe so you don’t forget your valuables.
• Staterooms have 110V and 220V electrical outlets , so you can plug in whichever fits your needs. We took a universal travel adaptor with 4 USB plugs and 4 outlets and used just one outlet for all of our electronics (smartphones, cameras, tablets , and Apple Watch). That saved precious counter space.
• There’s a full-size   hair dryer with a German Schuko 2-pin plug that matches the 2-prong outlet in the bathroom.
• Sturdy wooden hangers are in your closet upon arrival; if you need more, just ask, and they will be delivered promptly.
• A complete supply of Freyja toiletries , including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion along with a shower cap and vanity set, awaits you in the bathroom. These supplies are replenished as needed.
• The bathroom has a laundry line in the shower that is handy for hanging hand-washed garments.
• Laundry can be sent out to be done. It is usually returned within 24 hours. You can choose to have your garments washed and ironed or ironed only. For an idea of the costs for cleaning and ironing, pants are 6 Euros, a blouse is 5 Euros, and a polo shirt is 3.5 Euros (at the time of publication). Guests in an Explorer Suite or Veranda Suite receive complimentary laundry services.
• There’s a mini-fridge in the staterooms. Whatever you consume will be replenished when the staff cleans your room.
• A large glass bottle of water i n your guest room (along with glasses) will be replenished as needed. (You will also be offered bottled water as you leave for each excursion.)
• There are two listening devices on lanyards along with an earpiece (for your left ear) for each device inside your room. Keep these devices in the chargers when not in use, so they are fully charged for excursions.
• All rooms have a color TV with live channels, complimentary movies, and Viking programming . We used the TV for weather updates and a map that always shows the ship’s location; this was very handy as we navigated the rivers in between ports of call. 
• Housekeeping will visit your room in the morning to clean it.
• Housekeeping will revisit your room while you’re at dinner. You’ll notice the Viking Daily on your bed when you return to your room later that evening. This publication outlines the schedule for the next day, with all included and optional excursions as well as suggestions on where to visit and eat during your free time the next day.
• There’s room under the bed to store suitcases after unpacking.

Viking River Cruise Common Areas

In addition to your stateroom, there are several key public areas on the longships including an expansive, relaxing lounge and bar, the Aquavit Terrace at the ship’s bow for al fresco dining and soaking in river views, a dining room, a coffee/tea station, a small library, and an area with two desktop computers for guest use. For more details on the areas designed for guest comfort, read the illustrated guide to the Viking River Cruise ship’s common areas .

Embarkation

Staterooms are guaranteed to be ready at 3:00 pm. (If you are booked in one of the suites, you’ll have access to your stateroom at 12:00.) If you arrive before your guaranteed time of 3:00 pm, you can spend time in the Lounge or leave your luggage on the ship and begin to explore the city on your own. A light buffet is available in the Lounge around midday, so you’ll be able to recharge a bit before the cruise begins — a nice treat if you just got off a long flight.

The Viking Onboard Experience

Naturally, safety is a primary concern of travelers and the crew. There was a mandatory safety drill on our first full day of the river cruise. Life vests were under the beds, but prior to the drill, they were placed on our beds while we were at lunch. Just before the drill, we were all asked to return to our staterooms and don our life vests. After that, we went to an assigned group on the upper deck (groups are determined by what floor the staterooms are on), and we had to give our stateroom number to the staff at the assigned location (for roll call). Once everyone was accounted for, we were able to leave, return our life vests to our stateroom, and resume what we were doing.

Each time you leave the ship, you scan your room key . When you return to the ship, you scan it again . This is one way the crew can account for all guests. Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. (It’s not uncommon for someone to forget to scan their card when returning to the ship.)

Attire on a river cruise is casual. During the day on excursions, travelers dress very comfortably as they leave the ship to explore a destination. However, most guests sport a smart casual look for dinner. Leave your dressier clothes at home; no formal nights are on a Viking River cruise. 

Meals on a Viking River Cruise

Three meals are included each day at the following times:

• Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 am
• Lunch: 12:00-2:00 pm 
• Dinner: 7:00 pm

Soda, beer, and house wine are available at lunch and dinner at no charge.

Travelers who purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package (price varies depending on the length of your cruise) can get whatever alcoholic beverage they want during lunch, dinner, and whenever else the bar is staffed (afternoons and evenings) at no additional charge. The Silver Spirits package is complimentary for guests in an Explorer Suite.

If you have dietary restrictions, let Viking know when you book. You should also alert the Maitre d’ once on board.

The river cruises have open seating, so that means you aren’t assigned any table mates. Each time you enter the dining room, you find a table that you want to sit at. We enjoyed sitting with different people; it gave us a chance to learn about their travel experiences and lives a bit. You never know what you’ll learn or who you’ll meet!

Although lunch is available in the dining room, we favored the Aquavit Terrace (at the front of the ship) for our midday meal. It’s relaxed and has an abundant food buffet with soup, a variety of salads, meats, warm sandwiches (like paninis and Cuban sandwiches), fruit, and dessert. There’s always iced tea — often with different flavors every day. Servers take your drink orders (sodas, beer, wine) and freshen up your glass when it is empty. Just inside is the Lounge where we ate one rainy lunchtime. The Aquavit Terrace is one advantage Viking has over its competition. This is a great venue for enjoying the passing landscape on travel days and relaxed dining every day.

Prior to dinner, the chef usually introduces the options including his/her recommendations. On our cruise, this was done in the Lounge just after the evening port talk by the program director. Dinner begins at 7:00 pm in the dining room. If you choose to eat on the Aquavit Terrace, dinner begins at 7:15 pm with all of the same options as in the dining room.

Menu Options

On one side of the menu are the “classics” or options that are always available. W hen we cruised, the “classics” included Caesar salad as a starter; steak, salmon, and chicken as entrees, and Creme Brûlée, a selection of cheeses, a fruit plate, and ice cream for dessert.

On the other side of the menu are “regional specialties” or options that are focused on our destinations. Examples were creamy potato soup, Wiener Schnitzel, and Sacher cake when in Vienna; while in Budapest, the menu featured Hungarian Farmer Salad, Fogas Karpathy (perch and shrimp in white wine sauce), and Zserbo (a layered walnut and chocolate cake).

Without a doubt, we give Viking chefs top marks for the presentation and flavor of the food they serve. We always enjoyed the variety of food from the local areas we were visiting. After all, we travel to experience new places, new food, and new people, so we like to eat local specialties whenever possible. We were never disappointed with our meal selections. Whichever side of the menu you order from, the meals for the entire table are served at the same time.

Guests & Socializing

Cruising is a social experience as you chat with fellow passengers on excursions, at the social hour before dinner in the Lounge, and at meals.  An easy way to begin a conversation is to ask where people are from, about their past travel experiences, and what excursions interest them the most. We’ve found there are a lot of commonalities as well as interesting folks to meet. 

River cruises are designed for the mature traveler as Viking guests must be 18 years old. Many of the guests are retired, but there were quite a few still working or recently retired. 

Exercising on a River Cruise

There is no fitness center or spa on Viking River cruise ships; the space that could be a fitness center is instead put to use in the common areas and staterooms. (European river cruise ships are limited in size due to the rivers they cruise on, so they have the same overall dimensions. Some companies may take space from common areas to put into spas and fitness centers; others, like Viking, use all that available space for staterooms and common areas.)

To burn off some of the calories ingested by the delicious food onboard, I walked in the morning around the sun deck track. 12.5 laps = 1 mile. Viking asks that guests not walk on the sun deck from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am as a courtesy to those whose cabins are just below the sun deck. Getting my heart rate up while enjoying beautiful scenery passing by while the ship made its way down a river was a win-win.

My husband prefers to jog each morning, and he was able to when we were docked in the early morning before excursions began. Other times, we were still sailing, so he could not. A good idea if you’re a runner is to check with the reception desk to map out when there will be time in the morning to leave the ship for a jog or run before excursions begin.

Excursions on a Viking River Cruise

You can sign up for excursions from your account on MyVikingJourney.com prior to your trip. Sometimes optional excursions sell out, although there are usually some available once you’re on the ship. Please note that Viking requires at least 48 hours’ cancellation notice if you are on the ship and decide not to go on an optional excursion. 

There are three activity levels for excursions :

• Easy means the walking will be on mostly smooth (not cobbled) surfaces, there are few steps, and the tours will be 1.5 hours or less.
• Moderate means the walking could be a little more strenuous or have more stairs or inclines. The total time on these outings could be 1.5 to 3 hours.
• Demanding means extensive walking, hiking, or biking. Walking could be on unpaved or uneven surfaces and may involve many steps or steep inclines. The total time on these outings could be longer than 3 hours.

Prior to Excursions

About 15 minutes before each excursion, there is an announcement to remind guests that it is almost time to leave and to remember the listening devices. These devices are attached to lanyards with earpieces. 

You’ll receive an excursion card with a number and a letter. The number indicates which ship you’re on. (This is handy because you might encounter tour groups from other Viking ships that are docked in the same city at the same time.) The letter indicates which excursion group you’re on. Since there are often different excursions leaving simultaneously , this is an efficient way to find which tour guide to meet as you disembark the ship. The buses and tour guides for your group are each marked: the bus has a placard with the same number and letter to let you know you need to board that bus; the tour guide has a red and white sign on a paddle to indicate that group, as well.

Leaving the Ship

As you leave the ship, you’ll scan your room key to indicate your departure and rescan it upon returning . This is Viking’s way of accounting for guests.

As you leave the ship, you are handed a bottle of water.  To conserve resources, you could easily fill a reusable water bottle from home with water in the rooms. There are also bright red full-size Viking umbrellas to take along on excursions if it’s raining. I learned that I probably should have packed a small collapsable umbrella to stuff in my backpack; that way, I won’t be carrying the big Viking umbrella around after the rain has stopped while we’re still sightseeing.

A Few Important Excursion Notes

It’s important to note that when the ship docks somewhere in the morning and you go on an excursion, you sometimes will be brought back to the ship in a different location — like another city further down the river. This taught me to take pictures when I first see a scenic sight just in case I wouldn’t have the opportunity again.

There is precise timing to docking and excursions. For example, we arrived in Cologne at 9:30 am and our walking tour began at 10:00 am. Viking is very efficient with their timing. Likewise, when the ship is ready to leave, it leaves — as long as all the guests are accounted for. 

Not everyone needs to go on excursions. Some guests preferred to stay in the Lounge and simply relax, read a book, or enjoy the view beyond the big plate glass window or take in the views from the sun deck.

Big City Lesson

One thing we learned is that although some excursions will guide you through a large city, if it is inland a bit, you may be spending a significant amount of time traveling from the ship to the city — and comparatively modest amounts of time actually in the city itself. We learned this the hard way one day, and we realized that we actually prefer exploring the little towns that we dock at more. Our preferred day at a town where we were docked included a morning walking tour (an included excursion) to get the lay of the land. In the afternoon, we followed up on some of the suggestions the local guide from the morning had regarding how to spend the remainder of the day. That worked well as we enjoyed some nice non-touristy lunches and other walks and tours on our own.

Viking Communication

We found the onboard communication to be excellent . This includes the Viking Daily which provides information for each new day and the evening updates by the program director in the Lounge before dinner. There are also daily announcements with information on docking and reminders about impending excursion departures. 

TIP: Take a picture of The Viking Daily each evening before heading to bed. Then it’ll be the first photo on your camera roll before the next day’s activities. Doing so will help you remember months and years later where all your amazing pictures are from!

The crew communicates with each other quite well. For example, once the crew knows that everyone is accounted for after excursions, the ship is sailing within minutes of the anticipated departure (as noted in the Viking Daily ). 

Viking Staff

The Viking onboard staff — from the captain, hotel manager, and program director to the housekeeping and wait staff — were all positive, upbeat folks: smiling, accommodating, and helpful. Also, the onboard staff and the local guides speak English well.

Little Touches by Viking

Viking has perfected hospitality on many levels. Their crew is well-trained and genuinely appears to want to make you happy. There are lots of smiles and offers of help. They also are known for providing little touches that many guests appreciate. Here are some examples from our cruise:

• Viking is happy to celebrate your birthdays and anniversaries while onboard. Many people were serenaded during dinner, and special treats made pleasant surprises. We celebrated a big anniversary on our cruise and were delighted with champagne and a special dessert awaiting us in our room after dinner one night.
• Every once in a while, you may be treated to a little “extra” like a refreshing drink served on the sun deck while sailing one day.
• I borrowed some books from the ship’s library and left them on a table in our room. When I returned, I noticed two Viking bookmarks resting on top of the books. Likewise, a few days later, I had just started reading a different book and placed it on my night table on top of my Kindle. When I returned to the room, I noticed another bookmark was placed on top of it. 

Tipping is the universal way to thank someone for providing excellent service — and you will find excellent service on Viking. You can choose to pre-pay gratuities which we did. Prepaid gratuities came to 18 Euros per guest per day. Viking adds a discretionary service charge (15 Euros per guest per day when we traveled) to your shipboard account if you choose not to prepay the gratuity . The tips cover all onboard staff. We also took along some thank you cards and added some extra cash to give to those we felt went above and beyond during our cruise.

The recommended tipping (for each guest) on excursions is 2 Euros for local guides and 1 Euro for bus drivers.  Needless to say, it’s handy to have small change for tipping.

Onboard Account

Viking keeps track of your expenses during the cruise, including bar items, laundry, phone calls, and purchases from the Viking shop (logo wear and souvenirs). When the cruise ends, you settle your account in cash (U.S. dollars or Euros) or by credit card.

Parallel Parked Ships

Sometimes there’s a lot of river cruise ship traffic in popular cities. This was true in Passau, a city of over 50,000, and especially in heavyweights like Vienna and Budapest. When this happens, the cruise ship parks parallel to another cruise ship. This means that your ship could be the first, second, or third ship docked. Furthermore, this means that you may have to walk through another ship to get to shore or people are walking through your ship to get to and from theirs. The ships are designed for this — to have travelers walk through the common spaces. And our experience was that we were usually parked next to other Viking ships, so we walked through familiar spaces.

Having to dock the ship next to another cruise ship also means that the view from your stateroom could be blocked and your cabin could be a bit dark.  We were docked next to other ships several times on our 15-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. It’s not a deal breaker for us, but it’s something every river cruise guest should be forewarned about. 

Transferring Ships

There are times when river cruise ships have to have guests disembark a ship and then board a sister ship. Sometimes the river water levels may be too low in spots (due to the lack of sufficient rain during summer) or there is another issue (like a broken lock) necessitating the change.

When We Had to Switch Ships

Here’s our story. We were sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest. There was a broken lock near Regensburg, about halfway between the two big cities. Viking had a sister ship sailing the same journey in the opposite direction — from Budapest to Amsterdam — so we switched ships. We got off our ship, the Skirnir, in Nuremberg (one of our scheduled ports) before the damaged lock. The guests on the other ship, the Modi, got off the ship at Regensburg, on the other side of the damaged lock. Essentially, each ship then turned around and went back to the city from which it originated. Suffice it to say that Viking has this all figured out and has contingency plans firmly in place.

Impact on Guests

What it meant for guests was a minor inconvenience. We had to have our luggage packed and placed outside our stateroom door by 7:00 am on the day of the switch. Viking collected the luggage (with different colored tags for the three different floors of the ship) and trucked it to where the Modi, our new ship, was docked. All guests left the ship for excursions (the times of the excursions were modified that day so they would all be timed for the same number of hours). After the excursions, we all met at a restaurant in Nuremberg for lunch, had a little free time, and then were bussed to the new ship in the late afternoon. As we arrived at the ship, we were warmly greeted, and we went to our rooms (which were intentionally left unlocked). Our luggage awaited us, and our new room keys were on the dresser.

Since they are sister ships, they are the same, so the only thing that changed was the crew. The one exception was the program director, who made the move with us. Otherwise, we had a brand new crew. We had grown to like the crew on the Skirnir, but we quickly came to like the new ones as well.

Disembarkation

Viking has guest departures timed to match their future travel plans. Viking assigns different colored luggage tags to guests depending on what their next travel destination is (a post-excursion through Viking, a trip independent of Viking, or a flight home). The tags have the time the luggage must be outside the staterooms as well as the time that guests are expected to depart the ship. (Viking asks that luggage not be placed outside the staterooms when going to bed the previous night due to safety concerns — should there be an emergency, having bags in the narrow corridors would pose a safety risk.) 

On our cruise, some guests had to put their luggage outside their staterooms as early as 2:45 am and leave the ship at 3:30 am to go to the airport. Regardless of their next destinations, all guests had to place their luggage outside their rooms no later than 9:00 am. After that point, guests still on board could use the common areas (Lounge or sun deck) until their transfer to the airport or other destination. That way, Viking could clean the staterooms and ready the ship for the passengers boarding later that day for the next cruise.

Planning Your Viking River Cruise

Once you book a Viking River cruise, take the next steps to ensure an amazing experience . One of those steps is to create an online account with Viking. There you’ll find a countdown to departure, background on each port of call, the entire list of excursions available (some are complimentary; others cost extra) that you can book online, a calendar showing your itinerary for each day, and other helpful information about the cruise. For a complete list of action steps

You will receive your final travel documents and Viking luggage tags within three weeks of your trip. Included is a packet of information specific to your ship (including phone numbers on the ship plus embarkation location information) and an itinerary.

Booking Options

Some travelers prefer to book through Viking itself. We opted to book through our travel agent with whom we could meet face-to-face, ask questions, and learn from her knowledge of cruising and different cruise companies. Plus, some travel agents provide onboard credit to cruising clients. Since we booked through our travel agent, Viking sent her the final travel documents, and she checked them before passing them on to us.

Disclaimer: My husband and I paid for our Viking River cruise ourselves. We did not receive any compensation or discounts from Viking or any other organization. I merely want to share our experience on a river cruise with my readers. 

Related Articles

Viking related articles.

• Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide
• Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions: What You Need to Know
• Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps to Take After Booking a Cruise
• Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
• Best Sights to See on a Viking Grand European Tour Cruise
• Viking Antarctica Cruise: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

General Travel Planning Articles

• Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers
• Travel Lightly: Top Ten Tips for Your Next Trip

Travel Planning Timeline

• Expert Tips for Traveling to Europe for More Fun, Less Stress
• How to Use Google Translate While Traveling

Final Thoughts

We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking River cruise. O n our trip, we met interesting people; visited fascinating places; sampled new foods, wines, and beer; and appreciated Viking’s convenience and gracious hospitality . We can’t say enough about how well-run and maintained the ships are. Although we have some other trips planned (that we organize ourselves, as we often do), we are contemplating which Viking cruise — river or ocean — we will be booking next. 

The Viking Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest was a great experience that we’ll never forget.

To ensure you remember all the great experiences on your cruise, take lots of pictures and create a photo book of your journey when you return home. You’ll be glad you did!

If you have taken a Viking River cruise and want to share your experiences, please do so in the comment area below. 🙂

More Popular Reads

Best Sights to See on the Viking Grand European Tour River Cruise

Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking Your Cruise

Viking Antarctica Cruises: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

108 thoughts on “the complete guide to a viking river cruise”.

Thank you so much for the wonderful information in this guide! We are leaving in 6 days for the Grand European Adventure from Amsterdam to Budapest. This is our first cruise ever, and you have answered many questions we still had. We appreciate you sharing your time and adventures with us, and I signed up for your “Travel With Lolly” newsletter too! Thanks again!

I’m hoping you’re having a fabulous cruise! That’s a great itinerary.

Things that I learned while stationed in Germany and traveling around the local economy. You need some small change for this. – Public toilets have attendants who maintain them and who expect a gratuity (.20-.50 Euros) for use. This may have increased since my last visit. – Damen = Women, not “The Men” – Herren = Men, not “Her”

Thanks, Rich!

Some cruises include excursions. How expensive are the excursions? Where do you find the choices? Thanks!

Hi Leslie, Viking cruises include an excursion at each destination; these are usually general bus or walking tours of a city. In addition, they offer optional excursions that are more targeted to specific interests like concerts, museums, hiking or biking, and farm or winery tours. The anticipated optional excursions are listed on the Viking website for each cruise. They are also listed on MyVikingJourney.com, a site you can access after you book a Viking cruise, along with prices. Prices vary and usually run from $60-$200.

Thanks for this information. I’ve been on a Viking ocean cruise but am going on my first river cruise in June. I found that it’s easy to book shore excursions on one’s own (through “Tours by Locals”, AirBnB, and other venues) and many cost far less than what Viking charges. For example, going to Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny will cost 4 of us about 1/3 of what Viking is charging. Going to a chocolate making session at Lindt will cost $90 per person — about twice that going w/Viking. I know they have staff to pay, and overhead to finance, and many people will want the easier route of booking a Viking excursion. But for those who have the time to explore options online, and are willing to read through reviews to ascertain the good and bad of each offered tour, I highly recommend a little independent booking.

Thanks for sharing, Carol!

Thank you so much for this super-detailed information. :). I have a couple of follow up questions. I read a number of the comments, but time right now is a premium, so I apologize in advance if I am rehashing any prior q’s.

We are leaving on our Rhine cruise next week and are super excited! 1. Is there much sailing during daylight hours? I fear that all the great sailing will be while we are sleeping. The point of a cruise, for me, is a good bit of time enjoying the water. 2. My husband and I are seasoned travelers. Would you encourage or discourage any bookings at locations through outside vendors? I recall the part of your article that indicates the ship may change position during excursions. I would hate to book an outside excursion and come back to find the ship has gone on to another location. For instance, we would like to take a side morning trip to Heidelberg during the stop at Speyer, but we don’t want to do the 9 hour tour available through Viking. We were thinking we may get a ride to Heidelberg and tour the castle on our own. Viking doesn’t really say anything about outside tours.

Thanks again!

Hi Karen, There may be some sailing during the day, depending on the distance between two ports, but most of it is in the evening and at nighttime. You’ll probably be enjoying some views while sailing during late afternoon and early evening. To get more information about the times the ship is expected to be in port, use the Live Chat feature on the My Viking Journey online site to ask about it. When you know when the ship is in port, you can figure out when it will most likely be sailing and if you have enough time for an outside tour. I’ve found the Live Chat staff to be very helpful; hopefully, you will, too! Have a wonderful cruise!

This is a very informative post and the details are very helpful. We will be doing the river cruise at the end of July (Budapest to Amsterdam) and opted for a post cruise excursion that offers 1-day tour and the next day on our own. With this 1 limited free day, can you please recommend a thing or two to do or visit in Amsterdam? We’re thinking of Anne Frank museum, is it worth it? My husband is a classical music junky and wanted to tour or watch something in Concertgebau. I will appreciate your recommendations.

Hi Joel, Spending time in Amsterdam offers so many options! It comes down to what you like to do. I think the Anne Frank House is worth a visit, as are the musuems. The only issue is getting tickets for a visit just a few weeks away. Perhaps going on TripAdvisor will give you ideas for things you’d enjoy doing. They may have recommendations for special interest tours or other experiences that speak to you!

Hi Lolly – oh my goodness! This is the BEST information. Thank you so much for your thoroughness! We are taking our first river cruise in November 2024 (Rhine Getaway on the Gersemi) and we cannot wait, but we are also grateful that we have so much time to research and prepare. A river cruise has been on my list for quite some time. Thank you again!

I’m glad the article helped you prepare for your upcoming river cruise. I hope you have a wonderful time on the ship, exploring new places, and meeting new people. 🙂

Lolly, No questions, I just wanted to thank you for having such an informative post. You answered all the questions we had after going through the Viking pages. Thanks for what you do.

Thanks for the kind words, Keith! I’m glad you found the article helpful.

When using a visa credit card, will the charge be in dollars or Euros?

Hi Glenn, When using credit cards in Europe, it’s usually best to avoid converting the amount into dollars (because there’s usually a fee for doing so). So accept the transaction amount “without conversion,” as you want to use the local currency option.

Although we’ve done probably 25 or so cruises on the big ships this is our first river cruise. We’ll be on the Grand European from Amsterdam to Budapest in July and we’re beginning to get really excited. Of course, that also means that we were starting to come up with all sorts of questions about the ship & excursions. Happily, your article has answered many of our questions!! I do have one question though – can we get additional Euros through the service desk on the ship or should we make sure we have plenty before we board? Thanks so much!

Hi Jan, I’m glad you found the article helpful! About Euros, Viking’s guest services desk will break Euros into smaller denominations, but they don’t handle currency exchanges. If you’re starting with some Euros, you should be able to easily obtain more from ATMs in Amsterdam (and other ports); the guest services desk should be able to tell you where to find one near the ship. Keep in mind that many shops and restaurants accept credit cards (VISA and MasterCard primarily), so you’ll probably use your Euros mostly for small incidentals and for tipping tour guides and bus drivers when on excursions. Accepting the local conversion rate (not into dollars) is usually advantageous when withdrawing from an ATM. For more tips for traveling to Europe, read Expert Tips for Traveling to Europe for More Fun, Less Stress . Have a wonderful cruise!

How much time (approx) did you have in each port?

Great question, Jessica! Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. You can ask Viking or your travel agent for specifics for the cruise that interests you. As an example, on my upcoming Viking cruise in the Mediterranean, we arrive in port in the mornings by 8:00 or 9:00 am. Our departure times vary quite a bit from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

What a great article! We leave on our trip tomorrow, Antwerp to Amsterdam for ten days. We have never cruised before. This was so helpful. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for your kind words. Have a marvelous time!

Thank you for this very informative article. Looking at the Viking Daily it appears that included tours are in the morning and optional ones are in the afternoon. Is it then possible to do one of each per day?

Hi Barb, Excursion options vary and are often driven by local tour operators and their schedules. There weren’t separate morning and afternoon excursions for an upcoming ocean cruise my husband and I are taking, and that’ll work out just fine. Most days, my husband and I will go on an excursion in the morning and then explore a town independently in the afternoon (and evening, if still in port) — perhaps having a leisurely lunch in a scenic spot, visiting a museum, or going for a hike nearby. I suggest asking about ideas for independent activity once you’re aboard the ship. The Viking Daily gives some general ideas, and I’m sure the Viking staff can help you find things (e.g., museums, restaurants, shops) that specifically interest you. Oftentimes, it’s exploring on our own that makes traveling so enjoyable. Hopefully, it will be the same for you, too. Have a wonderful cruise!

Great article. Thank you for taking the time to post this. One question: in checking in for your flight at the end of the cruise, did you have any issues doing this on board the ship? We might want to change airline seats, which we cannot do before our cruise.

Hi Ron, I’ve not experienced any issues connecting online while on the ship. If you do, I’d suggest going to Guest Services for help. Have a wonderful cruise!

Thanks for your article it was very informative. My husband and I are booked on the Grand European cruise with an extension in Prague at the end of June. We are traveling with 8 other people. Would there be any issue with booking an independent excursion for the days we will be in Prague or in the ports that we will be in overnight? Viking is only offering us a morning excursion the second day in Prague so we are looking to do some exploring on our own.

Hi Anne, booking an independent excursion shouldn’t be a problem. Quite a few cruisers actually do that. Just make sure you are aware of the times the ship will leave the port so you don’t miss its departure. Have a wonderful cruise!

Great post. Very informative. One question though – How can we tell how much bus travel time is involved in each excursion? We are doing the Grand European Tours B-A with extensions in Prague and Amsterdam, and have booked a full schedule. We are doing the Salzburg Highlights but just read it’s a 2 hour bus ride each way. We don’t even know if it is The Sound of Music “heavy”, and that is kindof why we are doing it. There are other excursions that day that we could do. Thank you for your article and your help!

Hi Kathy, Great question! I suggest signing on to My Viking Journey and using the “Live Chat” feature to get your answer. After logging on to My Viking Journey, go to the “Shore Excursions” section and initiate a conversation with a Viking Cruise rep. You should see a red “Live Chat” box along the margin of the screen. You’ll be able to find out about the length of bus trips to/from excursions and other related information. Have a fabulous cruise!

We have quite a bit of Viking on board credits and wanted to purchase optional shore excursions with that credit. But it looks like pre purchasing using on board credit isn’t possible. What are the chances of excursions still being available when we are on board? We are on the Aug Rhine cruise and our 1st river cruise.

Hi Pat, There’s a good chance that some optional excursions will be available once you board the ship — even if they’re listed on MyVikingJourney as being sold out. That’s because some people end up canceling their reservations for optional excursions. Go to the guest service desk and inquire about the excursions you want and if they’re fully booked, ask to be placed on a waitlist. Wishing you good luck and a fantastic cruise!

I am going on a Christmas Market cruise with Viking in 2024. Since it will be winter with colder temps, I am wondering about the indoor lounging space/common areas on the longboats. Is there plenty of space for passengers indoors in the common areas, if the outdoors are too cold or rainy? Do you know if the outdoor areas on the sun deck can be enclosed for added warmth on these cooler weather trips? Thanks for any thoughts!

Hi Jaime, Viking’s European longship has a spacious lounge, the Aquavit Terrace (some of which can be enclosed in bad weather), and seating in the atrium area — all good choices for relaxing inside while not in your stateroom. The sun deck does not have enclosed spaces. Enjoy your cruise!

Does anyone wear jeans at dinner?

Hi Carolyn,

Per Viking: “There are no ‘formal nights’ in the evening; recommended evening dress is ‘elegant casual.’ For ladies, this may include a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; and for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional.”

However, some guests do wear nice jeans (not torn or ripped) in the evening. It’s relatively easy to dress up a pair of jeans a bit, so the overall look is “elegant casual.” Enjoy your cruise!

GREAT INFO. Scheduled for Grand European in September 2023. Wondering how much american cash we should bring and do we need to get euros prior to arrival (if so how much). You mention that from 5:15-7 there will be drinks & live music or a port talk. If you want wine at that time is there a charge?

What is the availability of restroom facilities in these small towns? Do they charge for use?

Hi Victoria, I’m so glad you found the article helpful! Deciding on cash is a personal choice, of course. My husband and I like to have about 100-200 Euros on us before leaving home. Plus, we always have some dollars with us, too. If you want to obtain Euros before departure, check with your bank or AAA office to see if they can help you. Also, you can get Euros from bank ATMs after you land; there are probably some ATMS near your cruise embarkation site. We’ve never had a problem finding an ATM in Europe, and Viking can surely help direct you to one. Remember to notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations before leaving home! (Another idea is to get Euros at one of the airport currency exchange kiosks, but the exchange rates will probably not be favorable.)

Viking offers complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. At other times, like when gathered in the lounge before dinner, you’ll charge your wine, beer, or cocktails to your stateroom.

Public restrooms are available in European towns, and many charge a nominal fee (.50-1 Euro). Your best bet is to ask about availability, location, and cost at Guest Services once onboard. Have a wonderful cruise in September!

Thank you for great information and insights! We took our first Viking River cruise in 2018 (Rhine – Amsterdam to Basel) and leave in a month for the Danube (Budapest to Regensburg) with the pre and post cruise stays. You answered my questions about docking locations (though understand they are subject to change) and the Hungarian currency. Hope you have been able to enjoy more Viking cruises since your original one.

We are also thinking of taking an old smart phone and purchasing a SIM card that works in Europe for language translation, directions, and apps to enhance our experience. Our US-based cell phone service does not work outside of the US. Do you have any experience about this?

No, Tamara, I don’t have direct experience replacing SIM cards. My husband and I use a major U.S. cellphone carrier that functions well in Europe. When we travel to Europe, we notify our carrier before departure. It’s been a seamless process for us, and it functions well although we do incur additional international charges.

I’m glad you found the article helpful, Tamara. Our next Viking cruise is coming up soon, and I can’t wait. Enjoy your journey!

Lolly, We are going to cruise Viking July on European sojourn with pre post extensions Bucharest and Amsterdam. This will be first river cruise for us. We are in a veranda A stateroom and doing business class flights as a bucket wish. We are experienced travelers on land but this will be a new experience. My first question is, without using the laundry service on board , do you have suggestions on washing items in your cabin? Is there a retractable clothes line in the shower to accommodate hanging clothes. ? You know is it a venus and mars question. Haha. I am sure i will have more later but your thread is wonderful. Any comments on safety in cities? Using ATMs machines? Thank you for your time. Rosetta

It sounds like you have a wonderful journey coming up this summer, Rosetta! Concerning laundry, yes, there is a retractable clothesline in the shower. I’ve hand washed some things in the sink and hung them up to dry on the line, and it worked fine. My husband and I sent out a few clothes to the Viking laundry, which also worked out well. Concerning safety, you can sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), a free program run by the U.S. Department of State. Once enrolled, you enter the dates of your travel and your destinations. They will text you with any security issues you should be aware of while you’re away. (When we were in Europe a few years ago, we received texts of some demonstrations in town and were given their locations and advised to stay away. We weren’t near them then, but it was nice to be notified of them.) If you don’t live in the U.S., I’m sure other governments have similar programs for travelers. And about ATMs, we’ve used them in Europe without any problems. Just make sure you notify your bank before traveling, so they don’t flag your ATM transaction in another country as suspicious! Have fun!

I didn’t read through all the comments, so I hope I’m not being repetitive. We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise from Prague to Paris last summer. I will add one note that we experienced. River traffic varies and the time to pass through the locks can change based on the number of ships, weather, etc. There were a few days when we arrived at our port later than planned and had much less time to explore the city. It wasn’t a deal breaker, but something you should be aware of. We also like to explore on our own, so there were times when we just joined a tour for a while and then told the guide we were going to branch out on our own. We always made sure we were back to the ship on time! We loved our trip and would recommend it to others.

You make an excellent point, Julia. As much as Viking tries to stick to its anticipated docking times, some things – like other ships waiting in line to go through locks, weather issues, and river levels – are beyond its control. It’s just the nature of this type of travel. And I think remembering that delays can arise on any type of travel (e.g., flights, cruises, trains) helps us all manage our expectations. So glad that you had a great cruise!

As mentioned throughout the comments, thank you so much for such insightful and helpful information! My husband and I are doing the Grand Tour B —> A in early October 2023. I am very intrigued by the Salzberg excursion but see that it is a 2 plus hour bus ride each way. Do you have any experience with that destination? Would an excursion like that feel to rushed to enjoy, or do you know if Salzberg is a “not to be missed” kind of place? Really, just looking for your opinion on longer trips off-ship. Thank you!

Hi Robin, you pose a great question, but it isn’t easy to answer! My husband and I had planned to go on the Salzburg excursion, but when we learned we would be spending so much time on the bus to travel there and back (for a total of 9.5 hours), we decided to spend our time in Passau instead. We didn’t regret our decision. We took the walking tour of Passau, enjoyed a leisurely lunch in town, went on a hike, and strolled around town afterward. We liked exploring on our own after getting the lay of the land from the morning tour guide. Having said that, I know that Salzburg is lovely and many people enjoy that excursion. Frankly, I don’t think you can go wrong either way, but they’re two very different experiences. Enjoy your cruise! It’s a great one!

Do you have to go on the planned excursion or can you go off and explore on your own?

Hi Daisy, you have the choice of going on the included or an optional excursion — or exploring on your own. Once you’re on the ship, you’ll learn the times that the ship will be docked in a city, so you can plan your day. For a walking tour (directly from the ship), some passengers go on the tour to learn about the destination and then spend the rest of the day shopping, enjoying a meal, or just wandering around. In addition, some people research other (non-Viking) tour options in advance of their cruise and book a personal or small-group tour to suit their specific interests on their own. Have fun whatever you decide to do!

Just found your site–lots of great info! We’re doing the Rhine Getaway, Amsterdam to Basel in early Oct, but haven’t actually booked yet! We love most of the optional excursions versus the included excursions but about how much do the optional ones cost? Are they like $20 per person or more like $200? For instance, how much is the “Top of Cologne” in Cologne Germany and is it worth it? I like the idea of a smaller group so that is a plus. Thank you!!

Hi Stephanie, Thanks for your kind words. As you know, Viking offers an included excursion in each port. These are typically large-group bus or walking tours of a city that provide a nice overview of a place. The optional excursions have smaller groups and are more focused on cultural, recreational, and even culinary experiences. That’s where you might find biking or hiking options, or as you mentioned, the “Top of Cologne” optional tour. My husband and I took the “Top of Cologne” excursion, and it was one of the best. It was led by an art historian who took us up to the very top of the cathedral (above the ceiling) where the craftspeople worked. Before we descended, we were able to step outside and soak in panoramic views of the city. That was just one of the optional tours we enjoyed and still talk about. There are costs associated with the optional tours and they vary, and I suppose that correlates with the costs Viking incurs. You’ll see all your options on the online My Viking Journey portal when the tours open up prior to your trip. I’ve not taken a Viking optional tour that I didn’t like, but I will say that there are passengers who also book tours independent of Viking due to a keen interest in something and the personal or small-group experience that is available with independent tour guides. Good luck with your planning, and have a great cruise!

So glad I discovered your very informative account of the Viking River Cruise! One question I have is how you handled local currency in Hungary as they do not use the euro. We have extended our cruise to allow two extra days in Budapest, thus giving us four days there. I’m sure we will need some “pocket money” for small purchases. Also, what shore excursions do you recommend while in Budapest?

Hi Pat, I’m so glad you found my article helpful! Regarding local currency in Hungary, you can head to an ATM once you’re there to get the amount of local cash you want. As for shore excursions, my husband and I enjoyed the walking tour (through Viking) that included the funicular up to Castle Hill. Also, we had booked an English-speaking tour of the Hungarian Parliament which ended up being fascinating; if you plan to do this, make sure to make reservations online ahead of your visit. We walked from where the ship was docked to the Parliament building for the tour and enjoyed a stroll back to the ship along the river. On our walk, we passed the Shoes Along the Danube (very moving) and other interesting sights. Some other Viking guests enjoyed their visits to the thermal baths, but we opted to “do our own thing” with the parliament tour and walks to areas recommended by our local tour guide (from the walking tour).

Doing the Grand European Trip for our 50th in May of 2023. Going from A to B with two extra days in Amsterdam and Budapest. 1. We do the red eye and get into Amsterdam early morning. After clearing customs and immigration and getting our luggage, how do we find Viking to take us to our hotel or how does Viking find us? 2. Check-in time for the hotel is 3:00 PM. Does Viking get us into our room early or do we have to check our luggage with the hotel and wait until 3:00 PM? 3. On leaving Amsterdam, check-out time from the hotel is Noon but embarkation is not till 3:00 PM. What does Viking do with our luggage once we check out of the hotel? I don’t want to waste any precious time in Amsterdam because this may be the last time we see it. Thanks.

Sounds like you’ve got a great anniversary trip planned, Gary! A few weeks prior to your departure, Viking will send stickers for you to wear at the airport when you land, so they can identify you as a Viking guest. (You’ll also receive Viking tags for your luggage.) As for the specifics about checking in to hotels and then embarkation timing, I’d suggest you contact Viking directly (or your travel agent if you used one to book the trip). That way, you’ll learn exactly how things will work with getting to and from that specific hotel. I hope you have a wonderful 50th celebration on the Grand European Tour!

Great article. Serious question…..how to get coffee in the morning without getting dressed??? Is room service available or will my husband have the opportunity to ‘fetch’ my coffee?

Hi Catherine, I’m glad the article was helpful. About coffee, there is a coffee and tea station on Viking’s river cruise ships that’s open 24/7 in the main common space. That makes it handy for your husband to fetch your morning cup! It’s also where you’ll find freshly baked goodies throughout the day.🙂 I hope you two have a fabulous time on your cruise!

Hi Lolly, thank you for the great article and this really prepared us for our trip next week. I have a quick question that I wouldn’t seem to find the answer online: We are thinking about renting a car at Koblenz and go to Nurburgring for a few hours and also at Speyer to go to Stuttgart for the day. Is that possible? We found the car rentals and made reservations, but we can’t find any daily schedule of when the ship docks and departs at each port. Just wondering if there is a regular daily schedule and of course we understand the change caused by water level, weather, etc. Thanks again!

Hi Danny, I’m not sure which cruise you’re referring to, but you asked an excellent question about renting a car to make day trips while on the cruise. I think it would be a tight schedule if the ship is docked for just a day. You’d need to factor in picking up and dropping off the rental cars and then driving to and from your planned destinations. 

I’d suggest you talk with the staff once you are aboard to learn of their planned docking times and see what they recommend. That way, you’ll have current information and be able to talk to people “in the know” to see if your plans will work. Even with that information, as you mentioned, dockings could be delayed to traffic on the river or there could be delays going through locks.

I’m sorry I can’t give you a more definitive answer, but so much depends on conditions at the time you board and what the staff recommends. I hope you have a wonderful cruise and that things work out for your planned day trips!

Re renting a car to go to a specific place Viking tours don’t include: Is Uber possible in the cities Viking goes to? I’d much rather take an Uber than rent a car!!! Also, for individualized tours – try Tours by Locals (we’ve had EXCELLENT tours in many, many cities including Europe, India, Malaysia, Thailand…), or AirBnB’s tours.

Hi Carol, Although ride-share companies, like Uber, are in many cities worldwide, they’re not everywhere, so it depends on what cities you’re considering. Some areas also have other popular ride-share companies like Bolt in Europe. It’s best to check availability online — or ask Viking — for the cities you’ll be visiting. As for Tours by Locals, I’ve used them, as well, and was pleased.

We are going on the Grand European tour in October 2022. How can we arrange individual tours or make dinner reservations if we dont know the times or the port arrangements? Do we just work with Viking program director on the day of or the day before?

Hi Kathleen, For individual tours and dinner reservations, I’d let the provider (tour company, restaurant) know what day you’ll be coming into port. They may be familiar enough with Viking’s schedule to easily accommodate you. Once onboard, verify the time you’ll be in port and then fine-tune your tour or dinner plans. Have a great cruise!

We are taking the Grand European cruise, B-A, in late September 2022. The water levels are extremely low right now. Any thoughts on how this might play out for us?

Hi Karen, A few things could happen when river levels are too low for cruise ships. Passengers could disembark and be bussed on an excursion and then afterwards, be bussed to a different location on the river where the water levels are higher. There they may board another ship. For example, sometimes two sister ships sail on the same one-way voyage starting at the same time – just at opposite ends of the itinerary. That way, if they reach a low point in the river, they can have passengers disembark, go on bussed excursions, and afterwards be taken to the sister ship that completes the journey. To accomplish this, passengers pack up the night before the transfer, and while out on excursions, their luggage is transferred to the other ship. When passengers get to the sister ship, their luggage is in their new cabins (which are usually the same cabins they had on the original ship).

Another option, if the river levels are too low overall, would be for passengers to be bussed from destination to destination, staying in hotels, throughout the cruise.

Incidentally, we had to change ships midway through a river cruise because of a broken lock on the river, and Viking handled it professionally and without too much inconvenience.

One thing to keep in mind is that things can change from day to day, week to week – and that includes river levels. Low river levels today might be just fine for cruising in a few days.

I guess the bottom line is to remember that disruptions can happen whenever we travel, so plan to get the most out of each experience and cherish the time that you get to explore new places and meet new people. I hope you have a wonderful time!

Lolly – just finished the Grand European tour a week ago (Budapest-Amsterdam). Was our first Viking cruise, so we used your article as a guide. We could not have chosen any better than the Skirnir and Viking. Everything was as you said – food, service, boat, amenities, all topnotch. (OK, the wifi in the rooms REALLY sucks…but if that’s your #1 problem, you aren’t doing badly). The hotel manager was great – and the program director was a literal Energizer Bunny. Herding 169 tourists onto separate buses all going separate places at separate times…wow, that’s a job! The maitre-d I am convinced is in league with the devil, as she tempted diners again and again with “just try this ONE little pastry”. Our stateroom steward kept the room immaculate. We kept our itinerary full, which might have been an error – trust me, you want to take a breather every few days! Viking then allowed us to purchase a no-expiry date voucher towards another cruise – an amount they matched. So for 200 dollars, we got a 400 value – good for tickets, flights, an excursion, or even the beverage package. We will definitely be using it in the years to come.

Oh, I’m so glad you had a wonderful cruise with amazing service! Haha, I got a kick out of being tempted with just one little pastry! Great service – sounds like Viking! As for keeping the itinerary full, it’s hard not to when you have so many great places to explore, but I agree that scheduling downtime is important, too. I bet you’re planning your next cruise already. I’m looking forward to ours next year!

I was curious about what time you have to be back on the ship at night. We are thinking we would might rather be wandering through the town and trying local cuisine.

Hi Karen, you will have the freedom to wander on your own in the evenings in some locations. Check your cruise itinerary as it will tell you the expected times your ship will be docked at each stop. Once onboard, you’ll be given more specific times, so you’ll be able to fine-tune your plans. Enjoy!

They will let you know on board. They say they will be staying til X o’clock and then leaving. Better be aboard, cuz they won’t wait!

Hi. I wonder if you have any thoughts on us meeting up with friends from Stuttgart. We would either meet in Bamburg or Wurzburg. Is this allowed? Also can you remember if those two cities is where the boat docked. Just thinking of the best options for meeting friends for a short visit. Thank you

Hi Theo, you shouldn’t have any problems meeting up with your friends in either Bamburg or Wurzburg while on the cruise. I’d suggest you reference your online itinerary on Viking’s site before departure to get a rough idea of when you’ll be docked in each city. Follow up with a conversation with the Viking staff when you’re onboard to learn the expected times and exact location of the ship while docked. This should allow you to finalize your plans to disembark and go meet your friends. Enjoy!

WOW, what a complete piece of well written and informative information we have come across. Thanks!! We are heading out on our first river cruise, the Kara from Basel to Amsterdam in late September this year. Trying to guess the weather so we can narrow down what to pack. We’re celebrating our 50th! One of many questions we have is how much currency (and what kind) to bring with us. We saw you comment about change for guides and such and credit cards with no foreign charges. But, what else would we spend money on? We’re planning on a dinner in a town, tour of some beer gardens and lunch in Heidelberg, and just walking around. Your comments are really appreciated.

Congrats on your 50th! Sound like you have a great cruise coming up! As for how much money to bring along, I usually start out with about $300 worth of local currency. That gives my husband and me plenty of money for tipping the local guides and bus drivers as well as Viking staff before we leave. Also, having cash is great for souvenirs, incidentals, snacks, or a quick lunch while exploring a city. By the way, Viking does build in a set amount of gratuities for ship staff (or you can arrange for this on your account before sailing), but you may also want to give a personal cash tip to staff members who are particularly helpful. If you think you might do that, you may want to take along a few blank thank you cards to enclose your extra tips, so you can explain why you valued their service so much. I know other travelers who just get cash out of ATMs while traveling (and I’ve done that, too, of course), but I just like beginning the trip with some local cash. Good luck! Have fun!

Most the times we always take the NCL cruise, but this is the first time on Viking Cruise River The Grand European Tour from Budapest to Amsterdam (for our 22nd anniversary).I’m so glad I found a lot of information from the article that’s very helpful for us for excursions, maybe transferring ships, parallel parked ships and other information. The best description and information about Viking River Cruise, thank you for taking the time to write this information, we’re very appreciate.

Thanks for your kind words, Triana. I hope you have a fabulous anniversary cruise!

Thank you for your informative article! We leave Saturday for Prague followed by the Budapest to Amsterdam Viking river cruise. We have booked all the included excursions, but have held off booking the optional ones as we love to do our own thing when in port, and perhaps covering more “ground” than the optional excursions. Can you tell me which docking/ports might be too far from the cities/towns? Thank you!

Hi Deb, you’re just a few days away from your journey. How exciting! One great thing about Viking is that many times their ships dock right in the towns, so it’s easy to get off and be on your way to make your own discoveries. Of all the stops on the Grand European Tour, these are the cities in which our ship had prime docking spots (making it very easy to go out and explore on our own): Budapest, Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Wurzburg, Cologne, and Amsterdam. Keep in mind, though, that things are not 100% the same from cruise to cruise due, in part, to other ship traffic at the time. The best thing to do is to talk with a Viking staff member as soon as you board to find out details for your specific cruise. Good luck! I hope you have a wonderful time!

Thank you for all the information. We are planning to take the Grand European Tour in July of 2023. We are trying to determine if the additional cost for a veranda stateroom is worth the extra expense compared to the french balcony. On average, how much time did you spend on the boat sailing from each port? Do you travel overnight for most of the time or is there day travel as well?

Hi Tanya, Sounds like you have a great cruise coming up! About the stateroom, that really comes down to personal preference. Having the veranda offers you another personal space plus a nice perch (with chairs) from which to view the passing scenery during the time that the ship is sailing in daylight hours. (For my husband and me, having the personal outdoor space was high on our list. We enjoyed relaxing there and enjoying the sights and sounds of being on the ship. We actually enjoyed sitting outside in the dark before bed, too, cruising by small towns.) There’s a mix of traveling overnight (almost all of the time) and during the morning/afternoon/evening (some of the time). If you decide on the stateroom with a french balcony, you will still be able to enjoy some time outside in the common areas while the ship is sailing. I hope you have a wonderful time!

We are scheduled to take the Viking Danube cruise in early June 2022. We chose a French Balcony room. My question is about size of our luggage (or size limitation due room size). I have seem videos of rooms but cannot perceive where we can place our 2 luggages + backpacks and not having to hop over them inside our room. Please hare your opinion with me.

Hi Ricardo, It sounds like you have a great trip ahead! You can store your luggage under the bed(s). Once unpacked, you can put your backpacks in your empty luggage and slide it all under the bed(s) and not think about them until it’s time to leave. Have a great cruise!

First timer on river cruise. Does everyone get back on the bus when the excursion is over or is that the time you make plans for individual sightseeing? Did you use local guides? Did you bring euros or use credit card? Thanks

Hi David, it sounds like you’re gearing up for a great adventure! We went on the Viking excursions (with local guides) and did not book any local guides directly. A few guests scheduled independent sightseeing tours, and it seemed to work out well for them. By the way, the excursions included in the trip are typically large group experiences, while the optional excursions (available at an extra cost) are usually much smaller groups as they are more focused on specific areas of interest. We received great overviews of a place with the large group tours, but what we remember most were the unique experiences that came from the optional experiences. As for money, we used a credit card (with no foreign transaction fees) and Euros (very handy for tipping tour guides and purchasing small incidentals). Have a wonderful cruise!

Thank you for the excellent summary of each important category. It is very helpful to reduce wandering around looking like a tourist while trying to figure out the procedures. 🙂 Any further suggestions about picking up the excursion cards each morning? How early are they available to avoid the rush? Did you see anyone carry on and off luggage? We travel light with one roll aboard and one backpack. Any idea if the Terrace will be open for meals in the chill of November? Is there a restaurant seating option for introverts? 🙂 Thanks again.

I’m glad you found the article helpful, Thomas! Now to your questions. I’d suggest you ask about picking up excursion cards and other details like that once you’re on the ship, as some procedures like this may vary a bit. We travel light, as well, but the ship will take care of delivering your luggage to your room; we just kept our small carry ons (the ones that fit under the airplane seats) with us. The Aquavit Terrace is a great place to have a meal. There’s a section of the Aquavit Terrace at the very front of the ship that’s open to the weather, but there’s also an area (just behind it) that can be enclosed with sliding glass doors, so the area can be enjoyed when the weather isn’t cooperating. And about general seating at meals in the dining room, there’s a choice of large and small tables and there’s no assigned seating, so if you’re one of the early ones at meal time, you’ll have a great chance of finding a setting that suits you best. Have a wonderful cruise, Thomas!

Booked an Amsterdam to Budapest trip in September ’23….our first river cruise (for our 20th). Besides being helpful, your thorough details helped me to envision and imagine, which is my favorite part of planning! The daily planner for Vienna was the best….one of the stranger transitions from Ocean to River cruising is not having your port times right there on the schedule. Thanks for the great details!

I’m so glad you found the article helpful, Rich! I’m with you on how much fun it is to plan trips. Have a wonderful cruise next year!

Thank you for taking the time to write this informative piece. We thoroughly enjoyed a Viking Ocean cruise in 2019 and have been eager to try river cruising. We’ll do the Grand European from B to A in October this year. Your descriptions of the change of ship due to the broken lock and of docking side by side with other ships were reassuring. I will miss the free on board laundromat from ocean cruising though! Your advice about avoiding the far inland tours is wise, I think. We are not interested in spending a lot of time on buses. All the best.

I’m glad you found the article helpful. You mentioned laundry, and although there’s no laundromat on Viking’s European river cruise ships, there is a laundry service that you can use. (Depending on the category of your stateroom, the laundry service may be complimentary.) We sent some clothing to be laundered, and we were happy with that choice. Enjoy your cruise this fall!

Thanks for the great information. We are on a Viking rive4 cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam in April 2023.

What are your thoughts on the Silver Spirits package? I understand drinks are provided with meals but I enjoy a few drinks before dinner.

Good question, John, but it’s not an easy one to answer!

Here are a few things to think about when considering Viking’s Silver Spirits package.

As you probably know, Viking offers nice quality wine, beer, and soft drinks free of charge at lunch and dinner. The Silver Spirits package offers unlimited drinks including cocktails, premium wine, and beer. The Silver Spirits option is offered at a fixed price per guest and spans the entire length of the trip. You either choose it for your cruise, or you don’t – no daily option. (The price of the package varies, but it comes to about $20 or so a day per person.) If sharing a stateroom, both guests must pay for the package.

Paying upfront might offer peace of mind if you like knowing that it’s already paid for and you don’t have to think about an upcoming beverage bill. So it comes down to how much – and what kind of beverages – you’re likely to consume each day. You said you enjoy a few drinks before dinner, and if you add in some premium wine at dinner, the total you spend each day might add up pretty quickly. If you’re interested in figuring out the details, you may want to ask Viking for a bar menu with pricing before making up your mind.

With all that said, my husband and I did opt for the Silver Spirits package. In addition to cocktails, there were some very nice premium wine options aboard Viking, and we had fun trying ones that were new to us. We’ve had no regrets. 🙂

I hope you thoroughly enjoy your Viking cruise next year! Cheers!

Hi, Considering the Silver Spirits package. What are the charges for individual cocktails, apertifs or premium beers/wines by glass? Thanks

Hi Linda, you’re facing a big decision: to go with Silver Spirits or not! As you probably know, the package includes unlimited beverages when the bars are open. That includes any drinks up to $15 like cocktails, aperitifs, and premium wines by the glass. Without the Silver Spirits package, I’d plan on $6-10 for most cocktails, aperitifs, or premium wine by the glass. (Viking offers complimentary house wine and beer at lunch and dinner.) Another consideration, of course, is how often you might order specialty drinks from the bar: at lunch, throughout the day, before and/or after dinner? Some folks elect to get the Silver Spirits package because they enjoy trying new cocktails and/or premium wines while on vacation. Others get the package because they like having their drinks all inclusive without having to think about a bar tab. Hope this info helps you a bit! Have a wonderful cruise!

I agree with a previous comment about this being the most informative, most inclusive article I’ve seen as well. Indeed, very VERY helpful…especially for first time river cruisers. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Good Job!!

I’m so glad you found the article helpful, Ronnie! Thank you!

I have been on 1 Viking River cruise and 3 (soon to be 4-I hope!) Ocean Cruises. My sister is taking her first river cruise in March and I found this site while trying to find info for her. This is by far THE BEST description and information on Viking River Cruises that I have ever read! Everyone should read this as every question seems to be answered well and clearly!

Thanks so much for the kind words, Laura! It makes me happy when I can help others get more comfortable with and enjoy their travels. Hope your sister finds her Viking river cruise everything she hopes it to be. What a great experience she has ahead of her! 🙂

Interesting information! We’re planning a Viking river cruise May 2022. Trying to navigate changing pandemic restrictions is a challenge I’d rather not have to deal with, but we’ll give it a try.

Thanks, Tom! We do indeed have new travel hiccups and challenges these days. I hope things go smoothly for you and that you have a wonderful time!

My husband and I will be sailing with Viking on a Rhine River cruise (Netherlands to Lucerne) this month and our very first river cruise (during a pandemic). Aside from the new safety protocols Viking has put in place your “Complete Guide to a Viking River cruise” was thoroughly informative, enjoyed the photos and took many notes while reading. Thank you for making me less anxious!

Happy traveling, Lolly!

Oh, I’m so happy you’re able to enjoy traveling safely during the pandemic. Yes, there have been changes to address public health safety, but I’m betting they won’t interfere with your overall enjoyment. And I’m so glad I was able to help you prepare for your cruise. Have fun! Bon voyage!

Thank you! We depart in 9 days on the Grand European tour, and this is the best account I have seen… we’ve done a dozen ocean cruises on several lines, but never a river cruise. My husband had been to a number of these cities on business and wanted me to visit them too, and this makes it sound easy. I liked the posted copy of the daily ‘news’ and we had already decided from our ocean experiences to take the drinks package. We’ve chosen a mix of the included tours and the custom days, avoided any places to which we’ve already travelled and have added in the ‘extensions’ to both ends, hoping to see friends in Amsterdam. Especially your tips on dinner were helpful — I will pack his blazer. And the small umbrellas! Since it will be November, and I’m also afraid of open heights we’ve opted for the French balcony room. The rooms do seem smaller than ocean cruiser rooms: did you stay in your cabin a lot? Thank you so much for this detailed account. Much better idea of what we’re ‘sailing’ into now!

Hi Cynthia, I bet you’re so excited about your upcoming trip! It sounds like you are all set. I just have one clarification about dressing for dinner mentioned in the article you read. Many folks do tend to change from the clothes they wore for daily excursions to something a little dressier for dinner, but I wouldn’t call dinner attire dressy. It would be more like “smart casual” (so no worn jeans and flip-flops, for example). Your husband doesn’t need to pack a blazer if he wouldn’t normally wear one for dinner. (I’m trying to save you room in your luggage!) People are relaxed aboard Viking river cruises (no dressy occasions), and that’s one thing people tend to enjoy about the experience. Have a wonderful time!

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• Plan Your Trip

What To Expect On A Viking River Cruise

Published: December 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Melinde Richardson

• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome aboard a Viking River Cruise, where luxury meets adventure on the world’s most scenic waterways. Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or new to the experience, embarking on a Viking River Cruise promises an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and enriching cultural encounters. With a focus on providing exceptional service, comfortable accommodations, and immersive experiences, Viking River Cruises has established itself as a leader in the cruise industry.

As you set sail on a Viking River Cruise, you can expect to be treated to a unique blend of elegance and informality. The intimate size of the river cruise ships allows for a more personalized experience, with attentive staff catering to your every need. From the moment you step on board, you will be greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.

With a variety of destinations to choose from, Viking River Cruises offers something for everyone. Whether you dream of cruising along the majestic Rhine River, exploring the historic cities of the Danube, or immersing yourself in the cultural treasures of the Nile, there is a Viking River Cruise itinerary to suit your preferences.

Throughout your journey, you will have the opportunity to explore picturesque towns and cities, visit iconic landmarks, and immerse yourself in the local culture. From guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites to unique culinary experiences, every port of call offers a chance to discover the rich history and traditions of the region.

Onboard accommodations on a Viking River Cruise are designed with your comfort in mind. Each stateroom features elegant furnishings, plush bedding, and modern amenities, ensuring a restful retreat after a day of exploration. With panoramic views of the river from your private balcony, you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery from the comfort of your own cabin.

When it comes to dining options, Viking River Cruises takes pride in offering a culinary experience that showcases the flavors of the destinations visited. From gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs using locally-sourced ingredients to regional specialties served in a casual setting, every meal is a celebration of the local cuisine.

Overview of Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises has established itself as a premier cruise line, renowned for its exceptional service and immersive travel experiences. With a fleet of beautifully designed river cruise ships, Viking provides travelers with the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most captivating destinations along picturesque waterways.

One of the defining features of Viking River Cruises is its commitment to a more intimate and relaxed cruising experience. Unlike larger ocean liners, Viking’s river cruise ships are designed to accommodate fewer passengers, allowing for a more personalized and comfortable journey. This intimate setting fosters a sense of community among fellow travelers, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere on board.

Viking River Cruises offers a wide range of itineraries that traverse some of the most renowned rivers in the world. From the Rhine and Danube in Europe to the Yangtze in China and the Nile in Egypt, there is a river cruise route to suit every traveler’s interests and preferences. Each itinerary has been carefully curated to showcase the unique culture, history, and natural beauty of the regions visited.

One of the hallmarks of a Viking River Cruise is the emphasis on cultural immersion. In each destination, passengers have the opportunity to participate in guided tours and excursions that provide insights into the local traditions, cuisine, and history. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, visiting historic landmarks, or engaging in interactive workshops, every activity is designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the region.

Another aspect that sets Viking River Cruises apart is the exceptional level of service provided by the staff. From the moment you step on board, you will be greeted with warm smiles and attentive assistance. The dedicated crew members are there to ensure your comfort and satisfaction throughout the journey, going above and beyond to cater to your needs.

Viking River Cruises is also known for its commitment to sustainability and responsible travel practices. The cruise line takes great care in minimizing its environmental impact, implementing measures such as energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction, and partnerships with local communities to support sustainable tourism initiatives.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Viking River Cruises offers a truly unique and enriching travel experience. With its outstanding service, carefully crafted itineraries, and commitment to cultural immersion, a journey with Viking is sure to leave you with lasting memories and a desire for more adventures on the rivers of the world.

Destinations

Viking River Cruises offers an extensive selection of destinations, allowing travelers to explore some of the world’s most iconic and enchanting locations. From the castles of Europe to the temples of Southeast Asia, each destination offers a unique glimpse into a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.

In Europe, Viking River Cruises takes passengers along the picturesque waterways of the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro, and Elbe rivers. Discover charming villages, historic towns, and vibrant cities as you cruise through countries such as Germany, Austria, Hungary, France, and Portugal. Marvel at grand castles, medieval fortresses, and breathtaking landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for centuries.

For those seeking an Asian adventure, Viking River Cruises offers journeys along the Yangtze River in China and the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Explore the Great Wall of China, witness the magnificent Three Gorges, or immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia as you visit ancient temples and bustling markets.

In Egypt, Viking River Cruises invites you to sail along the Nile River, where you can unravel the mysteries of the pharaohs and explore the iconic landmarks of ancient Egypt. Visit the temples of Luxor and Karnak, marvel at the Valley of the Kings, and cruise on a traditional felucca as you trace the footsteps of the ancient Egyptians.

Each destination offers a unique blend of history, art, cuisine, and natural wonders. Whether you are drawn to the romantic allure of Europe, the exoticism of Asia, or the mystique of Egypt, Viking River Cruises provides an immersive experience that allows you to unlock the secrets and treasures of each destination.

As you journey from one destination to the next, enjoy the scenic beauty of the riverside landscapes. Admire rolling vineyards, serene countryside, and majestic mountains that provide a stunning backdrop to your cruise. Whether it’s the dramatic landscapes of the Rhine Valley, the graceful villages along the Douro River, or the lush scenery of the Mekong Delta, each destination offers its own unique beauty.

With Viking River Cruises, you have the opportunity to explore multiple destinations in one trip, making it a convenient and efficient way to discover the world. Whether you choose a focused itinerary within one region or opt for a grand voyage that spans continents, you can be assured of an unforgettable and immersive travel experience.

Onboard Accommodations

When you embark on a Viking River Cruise, you can expect to enjoy the utmost comfort and luxury in your onboard accommodations. Each ship is meticulously designed to provide a serene and elegant retreat, ensuring that you have a restful stay throughout your journey.

The staterooms on Viking River Cruises are thoughtfully designed to maximize space and create a relaxing environment. From cozy and intimate cabins to spacious suites, there is a range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget. The attention to detail is evident in the stylish furnishings, plush bedding, and modern amenities provided in each room.

Many staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies, offering panoramic views of the passing landscapes. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of the river and taking in the picturesque scenery from the comfort of your own private space. Whether you choose to relax with a cup of coffee on your balcony or curl up with a book as you watch the world drift by, the views from your stateroom are sure to captivate you.

In addition to luxurious accommodations, Viking River Cruises also offers a range of suite options for those seeking an extra level of indulgence. These spacious suites often feature separate living areas, larger bathrooms, and enhanced amenities. Some suites even come with added privileges, such as access to a private lounge or priority dining reservations.

Regardless of the category you choose, you can rest assured that your onboard accommodations will be a haven of tranquility after a day of exploration. The beds are designed for maximum comfort, allowing you to sink into a restful sleep each night. The bathrooms are well-appointed and equipped with premium toiletries, ensuring a refreshing and pampering experience.

For those who prefer a more social experience, Viking River Cruises also offers a variety of common areas where you can mingle with fellow passengers. Enjoy a drink at the bar, relax in the lounge, or soak up the sun on the outdoor deck. These communal spaces provide the perfect opportunity to connect with other travelers, share stories, and forge new friendships.

Onboard accommodations on a Viking River Cruise combine comfort, elegance, and convenience, creating a home away from home during your voyage. Whether you choose a cozy stateroom or indulge in a luxurious suite, you can expect a level of comfort and sophistication that will enhance your overall cruise experience.

Dining Options

Viking River Cruises takes pride in providing an exceptional culinary experience for its guests. From delectable gourmet meals to regional specialties, the dining options on board are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

When it comes to dining, Viking River Cruises offers a variety of venues to cater to different preferences and occasions. The main dining room is the heart of the ship’s culinary offerings, where you can enjoy a diverse menu of thoughtfully prepared dishes. From breakfast to dinner, the meals are carefully crafted to reflect the flavors of the destinations visited.

The talented chefs onboard Viking River Cruises take inspiration from the regions traveled, sourcing local ingredients and incorporating them into their culinary creations. You can savor the taste of freshly caught seafood in Scandinavia, indulge in authentic French cuisine along the Rhône, or sample the aromatic spices of Southeast Asia.

For those seeking a more casual dining experience, Viking River Cruises offers alternative venues such as the Aquavit Terrace. This al fresco dining option allows you to enjoy light bites and refreshing drinks while taking in the scenic views of the river. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or a casual dinner under the open sky.

In addition to the main dining room and the Aquavit Terrace, Viking River Cruises often hosts special themed dining events that showcase the culinary traditions of the regions visited. From barbecues on deck to festive gala dinners, these events provide a unique opportunity to indulge in local delicacies and immerse yourself in the cultural traditions of the destinations.

Accompanying your meals are a selection of fine wines and beverages, carefully curated to enhance your dining experience. Viking River Cruises is known for its exceptional wine cellar, showcasing a variety of wines from renowned regions around the world. From crisp whites to robust reds, there is a glass to complement every dish and satisfy every palate.

Viking River Cruises also caters to special dietary requirements, ensuring that every guest’s culinary needs are met. Whether you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, the attentive staff will work closely with you to accommodate your needs and ensure a delightful dining experience.

From the elegant setting of the main dining room to the al fresco indulgence on the Aquavit Terrace, the dining options on board a Viking River Cruise are designed to delight and satisfy your culinary desires. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and creativity, each meal is a celebration of the flavors and traditions of the destinations you visit, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Shore Excursions

One of the highlights of a Viking River Cruise is the opportunity to embark on immersive shore excursions that allow you to explore the fascinating destinations along your itinerary. These excursions offer a deeper understanding of the local culture, history, and natural beauty, ensuring a truly enriching travel experience.

When you arrive at a port of call, you will have the chance to join guided tours led by knowledgeable local guides. These tours provide insights into the region’s landmarks, attractions, and hidden gems, offering a comprehensive overview of the destination. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures, each shore excursion is carefully crafted to showcase the best of what the destination has to offer.

Whether it’s a walking tour through the cobbled streets of a medieval town, a visit to a historic castle, or a guided exploration of a famous museum, every shore excursion is designed to immerse you in the local culture and history. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories, legends, and anecdotes that bring the destination to life, making each visit a memorable and educational experience.

As Viking River Cruises emphasizes cultural immersion, many shore excursions also offer opportunities to interact with the locals and participate in immersive experiences. You might find yourself learning traditional cooking techniques from a local chef, attending a folk music performance, or joining in a regional dance. These encounters provide a unique glimpse into the daily life, customs, and traditions of the locals, fostering a deeper appreciation for the destination.

For those seeking a more active adventure, Viking River Cruises also offers a range of active shore excursions. From hiking and biking tours to kayaking and wildlife expeditions, these excursions allow you to explore the destination from a different perspective. Engage in outdoor activities, breathe in the fresh air, and take in the stunning landscapes as you embark on these exciting adventures.

Throughout your shore excursions, you can expect the same level of attention to detail and quality that Viking River Cruises is known for. The logistics of each excursion are meticulously planned, ensuring seamless transfers, knowledgeable guides, and enriching experiences. You will have the peace of mind of knowing that everything is taken care of, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the destination.

With Viking River Cruises’ extensive range of shore excursions, you have the freedom to choose experiences that cater to your interests and preferences. Whether you prefer history, art, culinary delights, or outdoor adventures, there is an excursion perfectly suited to your desires. These immersive experiences will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to the destinations you visit.

Onboard Activities

While the shore excursions are undoubtedly a highlight of a Viking River Cruise, there are also plenty of engaging activities to enjoy while onboard. From educational seminars to cultural demonstrations, these activities are designed to enrich your journey and provide entertainment during your leisure time.

One of the notable onboard activities offered by Viking River Cruises is a series of lectures and presentations led by knowledgeable experts. These talks cover a wide range of topics including history, art, culture, and local traditions. Learn about the fascinating history of the destinations you will be visiting, gain insights into the region’s unique customs, or discover the artistry and craftsmanship of the local artisans.

In addition to lectures, Viking River Cruises often hosts interactive workshops and demonstrations that allow you to engage with the destination in a hands-on manner. Learn to paint like a local artist, participate in a cooking class to master regional dishes, or try your hand at traditional handicrafts. These activities provide a creative outlet and an opportunity to learn new skills while immersing yourself in the destination’s culture.

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Viking River Cruises offers wellness activities to soothe the body and calm the mind. Unwind with a yoga or Pilates class on the deck, indulge in a soothing massage at the onboard spa, or take a dip in the ship’s pool. The serene river views and tranquil ambiance create the perfect environment for relaxation and self-care.

Evenings on a Viking River Cruise are filled with entertainment options to suit various tastes. Enjoy live performances by local musicians, engage in lively conversations with fellow passengers in the lounge, or join in a traditional dance party to experience the local nightlife. Each evening brings new opportunities for camaraderie, entertainment, and the chance to create cherished memories.

For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, Viking River Cruises often organizes fun and engaging activities such as trivia nights, game tournaments, and themed parties. Connect with fellow passengers and showcase your knowledge or skills as you participate in these lively events. It’s a great way to foster a sense of community and make lasting connections with fellow travelers.

Of course, you also have the option to simply relax and enjoy the onboard amenities. Curl up with a book in the library, savor a drink at the bar while enjoying the scenic views, or simply find a quiet spot on the deck to soak up the sun and savor the serenity of the river. The choice is yours, and the onboard experience is designed to cater to your preferences.

With a variety of onboard activities to choose from, Viking River Cruises ensures that there is never a dull moment during your journey. Whether you prefer to immerse yourself in the cultural offerings, indulge in wellness activities, or simply relax and take in the serene surroundings, there is something for everyone to enjoy while cruising along the world’s most scenic waterways.

Entertainment Options

Viking River Cruises offers a variety of entertainment options to keep you engaged and entertained during your journey. From live performances to cultural showcases, these onboard activities are designed to enhance your cruise experience and provide memorable moments of enjoyment.

One of the highlights of the entertainment offerings on a Viking River Cruise is the live performances by talented local musicians. Experience the vibrant sounds of traditional folk music, be captivated by soulful melodies, or get caught up in the infectious rhythms of local dance performances. These live performances provide a window into the rich cultural heritage of the regions you are traversing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local music and dance traditions.

In addition to live music and dance, Viking River Cruises often hosts cultural enrichment activities that allow you to delve deeper into the local traditions. You may have the opportunity to witness a traditional tea ceremony in Asia, witness a flamenco dance performance in Spain, or attend a lecture on the history and art of the regions visited. These activities provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture and add another layer of enrichment to your journey.

For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, Viking River Cruises offers various game nights and tournaments. Engage in spirited trivia competitions, show off your poker skills, or challenge your fellow passengers to a friendly game of chess on the deck. These activities provide a fun and social atmosphere, allowing you to connect with fellow travelers and create lasting memories.

Movie nights and film screenings are also a popular form of entertainment on board. Sit back and relax in the ship’s theater as you enjoy a classic film, a recent release, or a documentary that highlights the destinations and cultures you are exploring. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy some cinematic entertainment while sailing along the serene waters.

As you journey along the river, you may also have the chance to participate in themed parties and celebrations that reflect the local traditions and festivities. From costume parties to themed galas, these events bring a touch of excitement and festivity to your voyage. Dance the night away, savor delicious regional cuisine, and enjoy the festive spirit with your fellow passengers.

While onboard entertainment options may vary depending on the itinerary and ship, rest assured that there will always be a diverse range of activities to suit various interests and preferences. Whether you appreciate live performances, cultural showcases, game nights, or themed parties, Viking River Cruises ensures that there is never a dull moment during your time on board.

Spa and Wellness Facilities

Viking River Cruises understands the importance of wellness and relaxation during your voyage. That’s why their ships are equipped with spa and wellness facilities that offer a range of treatments and activities to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

Step into a world of tranquility and indulgence as you enter the onboard spa. Designed to provide ultimate relaxation, these serene sanctuaries offer a variety of treatments performed by skilled therapists. From invigorating massages to rejuvenating facials, each treatment is tailored to soothe your senses and promote a sense of well-being.

Unwind in the steam room or sauna, allowing the heat to envelop you and release tension from your muscles. Many Viking River Cruise ships also feature a fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, allowing you to maintain your exercise routine while on board.

Yoga and Pilates classes are also offered, providing an opportunity to stretch, strengthen, and find inner balance. Join a group class led by experienced instructors or opt for private sessions on the sun deck, where you can enjoy the gentle breeze and breathtaking scenery as you find inner peace and harmony.

In addition to the spa and fitness facilities, Viking River Cruises often organizes wellness activities that promote holistic well-being. Enjoy a scenic walk or jog along the deck, basking in the fresh air and picturesque views of the river. Participate in mindfulness and meditation sessions, allowing you to quiet your mind and find inner calm amidst the serene surroundings.

As you immerse yourself in the spa and wellness offerings, you will also appreciate the attentive service provided by the onboard staff. Highly trained therapists and instructors are dedicated to ensuring your comfort and satisfaction, creating an environment where you can truly relax and rejuvenate.

Indulging in the spa and wellness facilities on a Viking River Cruise is a wonderful way to pamper yourself and enhance your overall cruise experience. Whether you seek pure relaxation, physical rejuvenation, or inner harmony, these facilities and activities are designed to cater to your wellness needs, leaving you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to fully enjoy each day of your journey.

Additional Amenities

In addition to luxurious accommodations, delectable dining options, and enriching activities, Viking River Cruises offers a range of additional amenities to enhance your comfort and convenience during your voyage.

One of the standout amenities on a Viking River Cruise is the attentive and personalized service provided by the dedicated staff. From the moment you step on board, the attentive crew is there to cater to your every need. Whether it’s arranging special requests, providing recommendations, or simply ensuring that your journey is seamless and enjoyable, the staff goes above and beyond to make your experience exceptional.

Throughout the cruise, complimentary Wi-Fi is available, allowing you to stay connected with loved ones and share your travel experiences on social media. Wi-Fi access allows you to keep in touch with friends and family, update your travel blog, or simply browse the internet for information about the destinations you are visiting.

Laundry services are also offered on board, providing the convenience of having your clothes cleaned and pressed during your journey. This ensures that you can pack light and have fresh attire for each day of your cruise, without the worry of running out of clean clothes.

Another convenient amenity is the onboard gift shop, where you can find souvenirs, local handicrafts, and other mementos to bring back home. This provides the opportunity to find unique treasures that reflect the destinations you have visited, allowing you to cherish the memories of your Viking River Cruise for years to come.

Viking River Cruises understands the importance of capturing the magical moments of your journey. Professional photographers are often available on board to capture beautiful portraits and candid shots of you during key moments and events. Whether it’s a group photo of you and your fellow passengers or a personal portrait against the backdrop of a stunning vista, these photos serve as cherished mementos of your cruise experience.

Traveling with Viking River Cruises also grants you peace of mind with the comprehensive Viking Travel Protection Plan. This optional plan provides coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delays, medical expenses, and other unforeseen circumstances. It offers reassurance and protection should any unexpected situations arise during your journey.

With these additional amenities, Viking River Cruises aims to ensure that your journey is not only comfortable and enjoyable but also convenient and worry-free. From impeccable service and connectivity to the convenience of onboard facilities, these amenities add to the overall experience and make your time on board even more delightful.

Viking River Cruise Experience

A Viking River Cruise offers a truly extraordinary and unforgettable experience. From the moment you step on board, you will be swept away by the charm, elegance, and unmatched service that define the Viking River Cruise experience.

With a focus on intimate and smaller ships, Viking River Cruises provides an atmosphere of tranquility and exclusivity. The smaller passenger capacity allows for a more personalized and attentive service, creating a warm and welcoming environment that instantly makes you feel at home.

Throughout your journey, you will embark on a voyage of discovery, exploring the world’s most beautiful rivers and the captivating destinations that line their banks. Each port of call offers a unique adventure, whether it’s exploring historic landmarks, indulging in local cuisine, or immersing yourself in the cultural traditions of the region.

The onboard accommodations are designed with your comfort and relaxation in mind. Stylish and well-appointed staterooms provide a peaceful sanctuary, offering beautiful river views and modern amenities. The attentive staff ensures that your needs are always met, creating an atmosphere of comfort and luxury that enhances every moment of your cruise.

Dining on a Viking River Cruise is a culinary delight, featuring gourmet meals prepared with the freshest ingredients and reflecting the flavors of the regions you explore. From mouthwatering entrees to delectable desserts, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to satisfy your palate and celebrate the local cuisine. The attentive waitstaff provides impeccable service, ensuring that every meal is a truly memorable experience.

While the destinations are the stars of the Viking River Cruise experience, the onboard activities and entertainment options are equally captivating. Engage in immersive cultural demonstrations, expand your knowledge through informative lectures, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking views from the deck. The onboard amenities and activities cater to a variety of interests, ensuring that there is always something to suit your preferences.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of a Viking River Cruise is the sense of community it fosters among fellow travelers. As you embark on this incredible journey, you will forge connections with like-minded individuals who share a love for exploration, discovery, and cultural enrichment. The intimate setting of the ship creates an environment where camaraderie flourishes, and lifelong friendships are formed.

With Viking River Cruises, you can expect a journey filled with unforgettable moments, immersive experiences, and unparalleled service. From the captivating destinations to the luxurious onboard accommodations and the warm and welcoming crew, every aspect of the Viking River Cruise experience is designed to exceed your expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Tips for a Memorable Cruise

Embarking on a Viking River Cruise promises an unforgettable experience filled with exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion. To make the most of your journey and ensure a truly memorable cruise, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Plan ahead: Research your cruise itinerary and destination to familiarize yourself with the ports of call and the local attractions. This will help you prioritize the activities and sights that interest you the most.
• Pack wisely: Check the weather forecast for your destinations and pack accordingly. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes, clothing suitable for various weather conditions, and any necessary travel essentials.
• Arrive early: Arrive at the embarkation port a day or two in advance to allow for any unforeseen travel delays and to have some extra time to explore the departure city.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout your cruise to stay hydrated, especially during shore excursions and outdoor activities. Carry a reusable water bottle with you to refill as needed.
• Immerse yourself in the culture: Take advantage of the cultural enrichment activities and shore excursions offered by Viking River Cruises. Engage with the local guides, try regional cuisine, participate in interactive workshops, and embrace the opportunities to connect with the local customs and traditions.
• Be open to new experiences: Keep an open mind and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. Try new foods, engage in unfamiliar activities, and embrace the unexpected encounters along the way. It is these moments that often make for the most cherished memories.
• Make use of onboard amenities: Take advantage of the onboard amenities, such as spa treatments, fitness facilities, and entertainment options. These are designed to enhance your cruise experience and provide moments of relaxation and enjoyment.
• Connect with fellow passengers: Strike up conversations with fellow passengers and build connections. Share experiences, recommendations, and stories. The social aspect of cruising is an opportunity to make new friends and create lasting relationships.
• Capture the moments: Bring along a camera or use your smartphone to capture the breathtaking landscapes, fascinating landmarks, and meaningful interactions. These photographs will serve as precious mementos of your journey.
• Embrace the slower pace: Embrace the slower pace of river cruising and allow yourself to truly relax and unwind. Take leisurely walks along the deck, enjoy the stunning river views, and savor the moments of tranquility.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your Viking River Cruise and create memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the adventure, immerse yourself in the culture, and enjoy every moment of this remarkable journey along the world’s most scenic waterways.

A Viking River Cruise offers an unparalleled travel experience, combining the allure of luxurious accommodations, immersive cultural exploration, and impeccable service. Whether you are seeking historic landmarks, captivating landscapes, or enriching cultural encounters, a river cruise with Viking will exceed your expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The intimate nature of Viking River Cruises allows for a more personalized and attentive experience, as the dedicated staff cater to your every need. From the moment you step on board, you will be greeted with warmth and hospitality, making you feel like a welcomed guest in a floating home away from home.

As you sail along the picturesque waterways, you will have the opportunity to explore iconic destinations, uncover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the local culture. From guided tours of historic landmarks to immersive culinary experiences, every port of call offers a chance to discover the rich history, vibrant traditions, and stunning natural beauty of the regions you visit.

Onboard accommodations provide a haven of tranquility, with elegantly furnished staterooms and modern amenities. Whether you choose a cozy cabin or indulge in a luxurious suite, you can relax and enjoy breathtaking views from your private balcony or through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The dining options on a Viking River Cruise are a true gastronomic delight, offering a combination of gourmet meals, regional specialties, and attentive service. Every meal is an opportunity to sample the flavors of the destinations visited, ensuring a culinary experience that delights the senses.

At every turn, Viking River Cruises offers an array of entertainment options, ranging from live performances to cultural demonstrations and engaging activities. Whether you choose to delve into the local traditions, unwind in the spa and wellness facilities, or simply enjoy the picturesque views from the deck, there is always something to captivate and entertain you.

Undertaking a Viking River Cruise means embarking on a journey that goes beyond simply visiting destinations. It is an experience that allows you to connect with fellow travelers, embrace new experiences, and immerse yourself in the beauty and soul of the destinations you explore.

So, whether you are a seasoned cruiser or new to river cruising, a Viking River Cruise promises an unforgettable adventure filled with discoveries, cultural immersion, and cherished moments. Set sail and let Viking take you on an extraordinary journey along the world’s most scenic waterways.

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Viking River Cruises Profile

Sail the Rivers of the World

Linda Garrison

Viking Cruises is a cruise line which offers both river and ocean cruises. Based in Basel, Switzerland, the Viking River Cruises signature longships offer river cruises ranging from 8 to 23 days, sailing the rivers of Europe as well as Russia’s Volga, Neva and Svir Rivers, Ukraine’s Dnieper, Egypt’s Nile, China’s Yangtze, and Viet Nam's Mekong.

Viking River Cruises Lifestyle

Viking brings a relaxed way of touring Europe, Russia, Egypt, China , and Southeast Asia on its river vessels and tours. Almost all shore excursions are included in the fare, and the pace of river cruising is less hectic than on a mega-liner. The scenic rivers flow through quiet towns and major capitals, and Viking allows passengers to see them all without having to pack and repack like you have to do when touring via bus or car. Since the focus is on the river and the ports of call, onboard activities are minimal. Although some of the cruises travel through more than one country, most provide a more in-depth visit to only one country such as the cruises in Russia, China, Egypt, and Portugal.

Viking River Cruises Ships

Viking River Cruises has rapidly grown its fleet of river ships over the past few years—as of July 2018, Viking operates a fleet of 62 river vessels and 6 ocean ships. Its Longships are the company's most prevalent style of vessel. This fleet sails the rivers of Europe, Russia, and China—in Europe, the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Douro, Elbe, Seine,  Garonne, Dordogne, Gironde and Rhône; in Russia the Volga; in Egypt the Nile; in China the Yangtze; and the Mekong and Irrawaddy of Southeast Asia.

These river ships average in size from less than 75 guests on the Southeast Asia river ships to over 250 on the Yangtze River ship, the Viking Emerald. Most of the European river ships carry about 150–200 guests. The European cruises are the most popular, with most tours running between March and December. The November and December European cruises are especially popular because they visit some of the world's best Christmas markets.

Viking River Cruises has plans to sail the Mississippi River in the US by 2027, with ships sailing itineraries from New Orleans.

Passenger Profile

Although there is a mix of ages on the Viking River ships, most passengers are 60 plus, and many are retired, especially those favoring the longer voyages. Although Viking markets its ships to different countries, English is the primary onboard language and off-ship tour guides are also English-speaking. Viking passengers enjoy exploring small villages or historic sites. Viking's small river ships are not suitable for children or those who need to be constantly entertained.

Accommodations and Cabins

All Viking ships have outside cabins with large windows, French balconies, or full verandas. Cabin size and layout vary by ship, but all have amenities like hair dryers and adequate storage space. Voltage is both 220 and 110, so an adapter may be needed for recharging some batteries or using a curling iron. Cabins have a TV with news and documentary channels and movies.

Cuisine and Dining

All Viking ships have open seating, with tables set for 4 to 8 passengers. Breakfast and lunch include a buffet and/or menu dining, and dinner always includes at least two choices of appetizers, soups, entrees, and desserts. In addition to the menu items, broiled chicken breast, steak, or a Caesar salad are always available at dinner.

Menus are set fleet-wide each month, so all ships sailing the same destinations are serving basically the same foods. On the cruises in China and Southeast Asia, local cuisine is served along with a full Western-style menu. Complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with both lunch and dinner service on most itineraries.

Onboard Activities and Entertainment

Onboard activities and entertainment on the Viking ships are limited to local talent in the evening, reading, playing games and cards, or just sitting in the observation lounge and watching the river scenery slide by. Local glassblowers, musicians, singers, and even wooden shoe makers come onboard the ship to demonstrate their talents and crafts and enhance travelers' knowledge of the local culture. When the ship is cruising in the daytime, most passengers can be found in the observation lounge or on the outdoor decks enjoying the sights.

Ship Common Areas

The Viking European river ships all have two main indoor common areas—the windowed dining room and an observation lounge and bar. Some ships also have a library and small sunroom/bar in the aft of the ship. The Longships have the Aquavit Terrace, a contemporary indoor/outdoor dining area forward of the Observation Lounge. When the weather is good, the top sun deck has plenty of comfortable seating.

Viking river ships sailing elsewhere in the world have a different layout with more interior common space.

Spa, Gym, and Fitness

The Viking European river ships do not have a spa, gym, or fitness area. Most passengers take long walks when the ship is docked to get their exercise. However, the Yangtze River ship has a small spa and fitness area.

European river cruising has come into its own the last 20 years. Many inland countries in Europe are now accessible to cruise lovers, and you can sail from Amsterdam all the way to the Black Sea with Viking River Cruises. While tips are not included in the fare, Viking offers outstanding quality for the cost, especially when you consider that almost all shore excursions are included.

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• Viking River

Viking River Cruises Longships Review And Ship Tour

by Gary Bembridge · April 26, 2019

My Viking River Cruises Longships Review and Ship Tour

You’re about to discover everything you need to know about a Viking Longship if you’re planning on going on a European river cruise, including what it has and a few surprising things that it doesn’t have. I travelled as a guest of Viking Cruises on a 7-night Danube cruise before making the video and review.

Watch my Viking River Cruises Longship Video

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nrTPiuJUCZw

First of all, what’s important to note is that the Viking Longship is the ship that they have right across their fleet, and pretty much every single river that you go on in Europe will be on one of these Viking Longship.

There are a couple of rivers which are cannot take the full-sized Longship, like the Douro in Portugal, and these have a slightly smaller version. But pretty much any of the rivers, the bigger rivers, you’re likely to be on one of these Longships.

This is very important because they are the same: the same look, the same feel, the same layout. That’s hopefully why this will help you understand what you can expect if you’re cruising with Viking in Europe.

The Viking Longships take 190 passengers and they have around about 45 crew. A very good crew-to-passenger ratio.

Accommodation

You have a choice of four different types of accommodation on a Longship. There are suites, verandah staterooms, French balcony staterooms and standard cabins.

Within Suites there are two types of Suites. There’s the Explorer Suite at the rear of the ship, and these have a separate lounge, separate bedroom and bathroom. You then have Verandah suites which have a seating area, a balcony and bedroom area.

My favourite cabin type is actually the Veranda Stateroom. These have balconies which you can sit out on, slightly smaller cabin than the Verandah Suites.

The French balconies have floor-to-ceiling windows, but they don’t have a separate balcony, but you do have great views and (of course) you can open the windows to get lots of fresh air.

The most affordable of the four types of cabins onboard are standard cabins which are on the lower deck. These don’t have floor-to-ceiling windows because part of these cabins is underneath the water level. So, you just have a small window across the top.

There are a couple of cabins on board which are designed for people with accessibility needs.

Bear in mind on river cruise ships, and this is true also on Viking, the cabins are pretty small because you don’t have a huge amount of space.

Let’s start at the top deck. The top deck is the Sun deck, and is a big wide-open space across the whole length of the Longship. There’s lots of seating up here and a few areas where you can play games like crazy golf and deck games. It is a really popular social place when the weather is great.

It’s also a place where people will come out if you’re going through locks. As you pass through the rivers of Europe you’re often going to go through a series of locks, and you’re find if you go through one of these big locks in day time, people will head up out onto the deck to enjoy and watch at the marvel of these phenomenal locks.

The Sun Deck is a great place to hang out, even if you’re in port, and a lot of people go and sit out there have a drink and just soak in the whole atmosphere of the port.

The next level down is where you have the real social heart of the ship and this is the lounge. The lounge is where you have the bar. It’s also where all of your briefings take place like the port briefings. The Captain’s Welcome and Farewell party is held here.

It’s also where all the entertainment takes place, like if local entertainers have been brought on board. You have an onboard pianist too, and they play at lunchtime, afternoon tea and before and after dinner.

Just before you come into the lounge is the 24-hour tea and coffee making facilities.

At the front of the lounge, right on the bow of the ship, is what’s known as Aquavit. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner here. For breakfast it has the early riser breakfast and has a lighter breakfast.

There is the lighter lunch here, and in the evenings, it has the same menu as the restaurant. It’s a really popular place to eat especially if the weather’s great. When you’re sailing through beautiful scenery, people like to have meals up there.

Also, on this level you have a small library and a small computer area where you have a couple of computers, for people that have not brought their own laptops or tablets.

The next level down is probably where one of the most important, and popular, parts of the ship is: the dining room. It is a great open space and it is open seated at all times. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast is a buffet and you have a station where eggs are cooked or omelettes are made, and you can also order things from the menus like pancakes or eggs benedict. Lunch is also buffet, often with a pasta station and then you can also order you a starter, main course and desserts from a menu.

For dinner, the menu has three components: (1) a local menu which is very specific to the part of the river that you’re on with a starter, main course and a dessert, (2) you’ll then have an a’ la carte menu which changes every day and (3) you have classics like Caesar salad, steak and chicken breasts that’s available every day.

Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and with dinner. The wine and the beer will normally be very specific to the part of the river or the country that you’re cruising through.

Also, on this level you have the reception area with guest services and a small shop which sells a wide range of Viking branded merchandise and other things related to Viking or the cruise or the country that you’re sailing through.

Let’s talk about some of the things that you will not find onboard a Viking Longship.

• First of all, like all river cruising ships, there is no medical centre. Unlike on ocean cruises, there is no medical centre and that’s because party due to lack of space but also, on a practical level, these ships are always really close to land and close to port. So, if there are any medical issues or needs, they can connect you with a local clinic hospital or a medical practitioner.
• On Viking there is no fitness centre, no spa, no hairdressers. Some river cruise companies do have those facilities, but Viking Longships don’t have those.
• There’s also no guest laundry on board, and this is also true of other river cruising ship. If you have laundry needs you can send those away on board and they can do those for you.

Viking Longships are consistent and have the same facilities across the entire fleet. They have a Scandinavian look and feel. If you want to find out more about Viking River Cruises or river cruising in Europe, watch my other Tips for Travellers videos: http://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers

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Gary Bembridge

I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. In 2005, I launched Tips for Travellers to make it easy and fun for people to discover, plan and enjoy incredible cruise vacations. And the rest, as they say, is history. I have the largest cruise vlogger channel currently on YouTube, with more than 3 million video views per month.

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Viking River Cruises Tips, Must-Knows and Watch Outs

April 25, 2019

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The 3 types of Viking cruise ships, explained

Viking is unusual among major cruise lines in that it operates both ocean ships and river ships. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

The vast majority of Viking's river ships — at last count, there were 80 — feature the same design. If you've seen one of them, you've seen them all.

Ditto for the line's ocean ships. Nine of Viking's 11 ocean ships are nearly identical. The two exceptions are the recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

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As a result, the bulk of Viking's vessels falls into one of just three groups; all the ships in each group sport nearly identical designs.

An introduction to Viking cruise ships

Viking has expanded enormously in recent years with the addition of dozens of new river and ocean ships.

Founded in 1997 with four river vessels, the company operated just 29 ships as recently as 2012. Now, there are more than 90 ships in its fleet.

The vast majority of these ships are river ships — the company's sole focus for its first 18 years in business. The company dominates the market for river cruises aimed at North Americans, accounting for about 50% of all such trips.

Starting in 2015, Viking began rolling out ocean cruise ships, too.

In early 2023, as noted above, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — almost all of which have the same basic design. The exceptions are a few vessels that Viking operates on rivers in Egypt and Asia (more on these ships below). The line also recently began offering cruises on the Mississippi River and its tributaries using a new type of vessel.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Viking's ocean ships fall into two distinct groups: a series of 930-passenger traditional ocean ships that began debuting in 2015, and a series of 378-passenger expedition ships that began debuting in 2022.

Unlike most cruise lines, Viking doesn't use the term "classes" to define different sets of ships in its fleet. Instead, it refers to its series of traditional ocean ships as the "Viking ocean ships" and its series of expedition ships as the "Viking expedition ships." We've followed the same breakdown of the line's ocean and river fleet below.

Viking ocean ships

Ships: Viking Saturn (2023), Viking Neptune (2022), Viking Mars (2022), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion (2018), Zhao Shang Yi Dun (2017), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Sea (2016) and Viking Star (2015).

Size: 47,800 tons.

For years, Viking only operated river ships, and some cruisers still think of the brand primarily as a river cruise company. However, since 2015, Viking has been rapidly rolling out a series of upscale ocean vessels; these new additions are increasingly dominating the world of higher-end ocean cruising.

As of June 2023, Viking has nine ships sailing the world's oceans, each with a capacity for 930 passengers. That gives Viking 8,370 berths in the upscale ocean cruise market — more than competitors Oceania Cruises and Azamara combined.

The series is far from finished. Six more of the vessels are on order from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for delivery between 2024 and 2028, and the company also has options with Fincantieri for four more of the ships to debut in 2029 and 2030. Assuming they are all built, Viking's ocean division will soon be bigger than Oceania, Azamara, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises combined.

The first thing to know about the ships in this series is that they all are pretty much identical. When sailing on any one of them, you will be hard-pressed to tell what is different.

They're also quite upscale. While Viking doesn't market itself as a luxury line, some still consider it so. The vessels are full of luxury touches, from sumptuous bedding in cabins to heated floors in cabin bathrooms.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites

Each of the ships in this series has a stylish, Scandinavian-influenced design that is a Viking trademark, and the cabins are large by cruise ship standards. Even the smallest cabins on each of the vessels have 270 square feet of space — a generous amount. Many cabins are significantly bigger than that, with 14 two-room suites on each of the vessels ranging in size from 757 to 1,448 square feet. Many of these bigger suites offer sweeping views from wrap-around private balconies.

Each of the ships' interior spaces is built around an elegant, three-deck-high atrium filled with comfortable seating areas that have a living room-like feel. Each also has a bar and guest relations desk. At the top of the ships, you'll find two-deck-high, glass-walled lounges that offer stunning views over the bow. Other interior spaces include a fitness center and a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels).

Multiple restaurants on board each of the vessels include Italian eatery Manfredi's (named after former Silversea owner Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen) and The Chef's Table. The latter features rotating themed menus.

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of the ships is the main pool area, which features a glass magrodome that can close during inclement weather. The main pool area on each of the ships sits next to a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden, which is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it's one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

While all of the ships in this series are essentially identical, you will find small differences on a few of them. Most notably, two of the vessels in the series — Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter — have a small planetarium built into the top level of the two-level lounge at their fronts (known as the Explorers' Lounge). Some of the later ships in the series have slightly larger fitness centers and slightly smaller hair salons.

Note that in addition to the nine Viking ocean ships officially in the Viking fleet, a 10th ship from the same series, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, caters exclusively to the China market as part of a joint venture between Viking and a Chinese company. When it debuted in 2017, the ship originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking river ships

Ships: Viking Fjorgyn (2022), Viking Kari (2022), Viking Radgrid (2022), Viking Skaga (2022) and more than 60 other Longships built since 2012, as well as additional river vessels.

Size: 4,000 to 5,000 tons.

River ships originally put Viking on the map, and they're still at the core of the brand.

As noted above, the line has 80 river ships in its fleet. The vast majority of them have the same basic design and are known as Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Unveiled in 2012 and designed specifically to fit into the locks used across many of Europe's rivers, the Longships broke new ground in river ship design in multiple ways.

For starters, they have a configuration that includes some of the largest suites ever for river ships in Europe. They also have a significant number of cabins with balconies — which is made possible by an innovative cabin area layout that offsets main corridors. (In other words, the corridors don't run down the middle of the ship, creating a wider side with space for balconies and a narrower side with cabins turned sideways to also create room for verandas.)

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program

Other innovations include a squared-off bow that allows for eight more cabins than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. Also, quieter engines allow for more cabins at the rear. An enormous amount of groundbreaking engineering went into redesigning the bow areas of the ships, in particular, to enable extra cabins while still leaving room for needed machinery.

As a result of such innovations, the Viking Longships can carry more passengers than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. This has allowed Viking to offer lower prices than other river cruise lines and still bring in a similar amount of revenue per ship — a fact that has contributed greatly to the company's rapid growth.

Like many river ships, each of the Viking Longships has one main restaurant where most passengers eat their meals as well as one main interior lounge with a bar. There's also a secondary, casual dining area at the front of each vessel with indoor and outdoor seating. (The outdoor portion, called the Aquavit Terrace, also serves as a forward-facing outdoor lounge during off hours.) Unlike many river ships, the vessels have no spas or fitness centers.

As is typical for river ships, the top of every Viking Longship is covered with an expansive lounge area. There's also a walking track and an herb garden — the latter used by the kitchen staff to grow herbs used during the preparation of onboard meals.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long — the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe's rivers. Viking also built slightly smaller versions of the Longships, measuring 361 feet or 410 feet in length, specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require smaller vessels. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

Related: Fast-growing Viking unveils four new ships for the Seine

While the Longships come in several different lengths, they are essentially identical in their offerings and decor. The only notable difference is that the smaller versions of the ships have fewer cabins and thus hold fewer people. The 443-foot-long versions of the ship are designed for 190 passengers, for example, whereas the 410-foot-long versions of the vessels hold 168 passengers (since they have 11 fewer cabins).

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships and traditionally have operated on rivers in Russia and Ukraine. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the war in Ukraine.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

As of May 2023, Viking had another 14 river ships either under construction or on order via provisional contracts.

Related: First look at Viking's stylish new Nile River ship

Viking expedition ships

Ships: Viking Polaris (2022) and Viking Octantis (2022).

Size: 30,150 tons.

Designed to hold just 378 passengers, the Viking expedition ships are specifically designed to take travelers to the most off-the-beaten-path parts of the world, including Antarctica and the Arctic.

As of now, Viking operates just two ships in the series, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, both of which debuted in 2022 . No more are currently on order.

As is typical for expedition ships, these are tough vessels with reinforced bows that let them bump through ice in polar regions; the ships also have extra tanks for fuel and food.

Each of these vessels has its own landing craft on board to bring people ashore in remote locations, as well as kayaks and even submarines for exploring. (The latter is the hot new thing for expedition ships — upscale cruise brands Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Seabourn have been adding submarines to expedition ships , too.)

Like other expedition ships, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to operate with a large and seasoned "expedition team" that includes biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists and ornithologists who lecture regularly.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Each of the vessels has several new and unusual features, too. Most notable is The Hangar: an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to a 12-seat excursion craft while still in the protected interior of the ship. It's a first for an expedition cruise ship.

In another first for a polar expedition cruise vessel, every cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to be upscale. Like all Viking's vessels, they boast elegant Scandinavian designs. The restaurants on both vessels include a version of Viking's signature Italian spot, Manfredi's and the Scandinavian-inspired Mamsen's outlet.

Another feature of both ships that will be familiar to regular Viking customers is a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers' Lounge offering stunning views of passing scenery.

In case you're curious, Viking Octantis is named after Sigma Octantis, the current "south star" that hovers over the South Pole (also known as Polaris Australis). Polaris is named after the current "north star" that hovers over the North Pole. The names are a nod to the polar regions where these expedition ships will likely spend much of their time.

Bottom line

Viking operates more cruise vessels than any other major cruise company catering to North Americans. This is in part because it's involved in both the ocean cruise and river cruise businesses. Despite its large size, its fleet of vessels is relatively easy to understand. The vast majority of both its ocean ships and river ships are almost identical in their designs.

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Viking River Cruise: 15 Things to Know Before You Go

By Helene Sula

The moon shone brightly on the smooth Rhône River as we sailed silently, passing dimly lit chateaus and castles. I took a seven-day Viking River Cruise through France’s Provence and Lyon region and was not only enthralled with the scenery but adored the ship itself. 

If you're considering a Viking Cruise or want to know what it's like to sail on a river, this post will guide you through everything you need to know before you go.

I boarded the Viking Buri on a windy spring day in Avignon, France. Upon arrival, waiters greeted me with a lemongrass scented towel and a glass of ice water. After briefly looking at our passports, the Maître d' himself ushered our luggage into a cozy stateroom and explained the features of the room.

Was this really a cruise? Yes. And it only gets better from here.

Viking Cruises offers excursions on the sea and river. I was delighted to spend seven days along the Rhône River on the Provence and Lyon itinerary .

Viking features a number (over 60 in fact!) of river cruises on their fleet. I've outlined what you can expect on a river excursion.

15 things to know before you take a Viking River Cruise

It’s stress-free..

When I set sail on Viking I was immediately met with many questions, the most frequent, why take a cruise? To me, taking a cruise is probably the most relaxing vacation.

Travel planning usually takes a lot of time: where to stay, eat, sleep, and most importantly, what to see. But when taking a cruise much of this (and more) is done for you. With a Viking cruise, you know they've taken care of everything. You can sit back and enjoy the scenery around you. No need to stress. When I really want to relax I choose Viking.

See my first time cruising with Viking, here:

Stress-Free Travel with Viking Ocean Cruises

Very few “extra” costs

I hate being nickel and dimed. When paying for a vacation, I want to know all of my costs up front. This is one thing I love about Viking. Once you pay for your cruise, you’re pretty much all set. Included is a tour every day, all of your meals, and unlimited beer and wine at lunch and dinner. If you want an alcoholic drink at any other time, you can purchase the reasonably-priced “Silver Spirits” package which includes unlimited top-shelf liquor, specialty beer, and wine — available whenever you want.

Once you book your cruise, you’ll receive extensive details about your journey and options for booking tours. Of course, you can stick to the included tours. We spent more to take a few optional tours. For example, we took a truffle, cheese, and wine tasting tour outside of Lyon — one of my favorite experiences on the trip. We also purchased an additional trip to a Les Baux to see “Carrieres de Lumières” — an incredible display of Van Gogh’s artwork on an old stone quarry wall. Set to music, it felt like walking through a real life “Fantasia” and as if I was part of the artist's masterpieces. I think these tours were all well worth the additional cost. 

At the bottom of this post I share my exact trip itinerary.

It’s surprisingly casual

I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t have enough formal wear for dinner at night, as is required on some cruises, but not to worry. Viking River cruises are somewhat casual.  I loved that I could wear jeans or a dress at dinner. I would suggest packing a nice pair of flats, blouse, and jeans or pants, to wear for dinner (no shorts or t-shirts). You don’t have to wear a long black dress every night. I did also pack a few dresses, leggings, and I ended up buying a Viking fleece on board. I wasn’t anticipating how chilly France would be in May! I always pack my tennis shoes and a few lightweight sweaters. 

You won’t spend tons of time in the room, but opt for a balcony

The itineraries with Viking sometimes mean you might visit one or two places in a day. That means you’ll have lots to see and do. But, when you are cruising, it’s absolutely wonderful to see the sights from the comfort of your room’s balcony. We spotted stately chateaus, vineyards clutching the sides of cliffs, and hilltop towns nestled beside fortresses. You can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as you watch the world sail by. It’s a not-to-miss experience!

For me, one advantage of a river cruise is the luxury of having all your belongings in one place. I travel a lot and am often hauling my stuff from place to place. With a cruise, I can easily visit multiple places across the country, or even countries, and have the convenience of putting everything in one spot and knowing all my meals, transfers, and sleeping is in one convenient and comfy spot.

Bring Your Cruise Documents

This might sound like a no-brainer, but the two things you shouldn't forget are your passport and your cruise documents. The documents outline all the details you need to know about your trip and also include things like handy luggage tags.

You'll also find important information such as currency, language, and flight details if you booked with Viking.

Something to note is that Viking provides transfers to and from the airport, so you won't need to worry about getting to and from. Since I was exploring France a bit before my cruise, I found my own way to the ship. But they provided transfers from the ship to the airport when I was departing.

Leave your converters at home

Another great feature of a Viking River cruise is the ship's electrical outlets. Is that a crazy thing to say?! Yes. But having to pack additional converters or keeping your fingers crossed that your curling iron won't blow up is a nice feature. On the Viking ships you'll find American plugs (as well as European), making it easy to plug in your electronics.

Basically, Viking thinks of everything — just one reason I love this company.

Tell the staff about your special occasions

Michael and I were celebrating our 8th (!) wedding anniversary aboard the ship. I casually let the ship staff know about it. To our delight, on the night of our anniversary, the waitstaff surprised us with a delicious cake, candles, then serenaded us to “It's Now or Never.” It was such a memorable moment!

Viking goes out of its way to make you feel special, especially if you're celebrating an important event. So feel free to let them know.

The ship has WiFi, but it's limited

Yes, they advertise WiFi on board the Viking ships, but it's not going to be lightning fast Internet like you're used to at home. Just something to keep in mind. The Internet is good enough to check your emails or social media, but not quite strong enough to upload a video. This is not the case on ocean cruises, but I did find this on the river.

It's all about the destination

Yes, the cruise ship is incredible. But get off the boat! When you dock ashore, Viking includes an activity each and every day. This makes Viking different from other ships. They want you to get off the ship and find out more about the places you're visiting.

If you want additional help you can also use the onboard concierge to plan additional experiences or things to do. I highly recommend using these services to find unique options, food, and things that interest you.

Seven days isn't enough? No worries! Viking offers trip extensions so you can see even more of the cities and learn more about the history.

The food alone is worth the cost of the trip

All the Swiss-trained chefs prepare the food fresh every day. Viking menus emphasize specialty dishes from the region where you’re cruising. All the delicious food on Viking is included and starts with a breakfast buffet and a choice to order off-the-menu. You can also grab pastries in the Aquavit terrace.

Lunch is served in two locations: the dining room for a more formal order off-the-menu, or pasta and salad from the buffet. The Aquavit terrace grill serves burgers, hot dogs, and more. Dinner is served in the dining room or Aquavit and you’ll order off-the-menu.

You’re encouraged to order a starter, main dish, and dessert. Don’t worry if you can’t choose. They’ll bring you both! I particularly enjoyed the savory soups such as mushroom truffle and French onion. There’s also a coffee and water station with soft, fresh baked cookies. They're dangerous — I couldn’t pass by without grabbing one. The exceptional food on Viking is worth the cost of the cruise alone. 

Almost everyone on the ship has sailed with Viking before

The first night of our arrival we received welcome drinks and listened to music in the Aquavit lounge. The staff went over important information before introducing themselves. Then the guests were asked if they had sailed with Viking before. Nearly every hand shot up! A true testament to the Viking experience. 

There's a reason why Viking consistently receives awards as the best cruise company out there.

The cruise is great for adults of any age

Viking doesn’t allow children on board. You must be at least 18 to book a cruise. Most of the time you’ll find a bit of an older crowd. But that’s not to say younger cruisers will feel out of place. There are activities to appeal to all ages. 

River cruising differs greatly from ocean cruising

Having sailed with Viking on both ocean and river, I can tell you the experience is not the same. Ocean cruises feature a much larger ship, a wider variety of restaurants and entertainment, and a bigger crew. The Viking River cruises are more intimate. You usually dock overnight at many of the ports, leaving you the option to explore in the evening if you choose. 

Leave time to explore your ship

The Viking Longship is an absolute masterpiece of Scandinavian design. Clean lines and beautiful, modern decor are featured throughout the vessel.

We sailed on the Viking Buri — well equipped with everything you could need and more. A glamours marble entryway leads to a lovely staircase toward a library, beautiful dining room, sun deck, bar, lounge, as well as many tucked away corners where guests can relax. 

The staff are world class

One day I mentioned that I preferred Diet Coke over coffee in the morning. Every morning after that, the waiter or waitress brought me a Diet Coke with a fresh glass of ice, I never had to ask again. They specialize in that personal touch, even making a point to remember names!

Intent on making the trip the best ever, the staff are fun, personable, and helpful. They not only cook, clean, organize, and serve, but they also entertain. One reason I and others keep coming back to Viking is because of the incredible staff. One important note: you tip additionally per day, per person. I recommend to also tip any staff you feel went above and beyond. For us, it was the Maître d, bartender, and piano player.

Here’s a look at our exact 7-day Viking Buri Provence and Lyon Excursion:

Day 1 – arrival and avignon.

We arrived in Avignon and headed to the ship where a light lunch was provided. Our luggage was whisked right into the room and we had time to explore the boat and meet our fellow passengers on the ship.

Day 2 Arles

At Arles, known as the place where Van Gogh cut off his ear, we did a walking tour, saw the incredible Roman ruins, and walked the lovely sun-drenched cobblestone streets. Here we also went to Les Baux to see the “Carrieres de Lumières” exhibit in the quarry.

Day 3 Avignon

Heading back to Avignon, we walked through the city walls and explored the Pope's Palace- one of the most important historical sites in France. Now, it's used for a theater festival each year. We also went to the market and sampled oysters and candied fruits.

Day 4 Viviers

Lavender is extremely prevalent in Provence. On a tour of a lavender museum, we learned the many uses of this beautiful flower. Driving through small towns near the area I spotted house after house with blue shutters — a signature color in Provence.

Day 5 Tournon

After exploring the small town of Tournon, we hopped on a steam train! Yes, this was an included tour — incredible. We passed beautiful churches, bridges, and a gorge. Afterward, we took a walking tour of Vienne with its lovely church and Roman temple.

This, my second time to Lyon, reminded me of what makes this city so special — the incredible church, the views all around the city, the intricate and historical murals that explain its history. Because we were docked in Lyon that night, we could stroll the streets and take in the well-lit city after dark.

Day 7 Lyon and Excursion

Today we left Lyon on a bus tour that started with learning and tasting wine in the Beaujolais region. After wine, we had a feast of truffle flavored delights followed by a truffle hunt with an adorable dog. We finished off the day learning about goat cheese making, and we brought home salted caramel sauce.

Day 8 Departure from Lyon

On our final day, we packed up our stuff, had a delicious breakfast, and Viking assisted us straight to the Lyon airport. I was so sad to go, but know I'll be booking another Viking cruise soon!

How to choose a Viking cruise:

First and foremost think about the length of time. You can opt to spend seven days cruising the river or opt for two weeks cruising in the ocean.

Are you adventurous? Do you prefer seeing the sights like castles and walking cobblestone streets? Consider what you like to do or what's on your bucket-list and let the cruise fit your options.

If you're still feeling stuck, just remember, you can't really go wrong. Viking prides itself on going to astonishing and enriching destinations. I find Viking to be really exceptional. We left feeling they made every possible effort to make our trip special. And it was. 

MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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The main function of expedition ships – historically speaking — was to get you to the world’s most fascinating and far-flung destinations. As long as they took you there and back safely, they had served the basic purpose for travel to visit remote and adventurous places.

These were ships built for adventure activities, with the onboard experience offering varying levels of comfort and style (traditionally, basic at best).

In the past decade, though, expedition cruise lines have been increasingly putting an emphasis on style, elegance and as many cool features as they can fit onto their expedition vessels.

The idea is to bring you to exotic and awe-inspiring locations while filling your senses while you’re on the ship, as well as when you are off enjoying the natural surroundings, activities and creatures in the wild.

Viking Cruises

Viking Octantis, the first expedition ship for Viking Cruises , hits the sweet spot for luxury and expedition cruises. During its first season, Octantis delivered cruisers to the highly sought-after destinations of Antarctica and Great Lakes in style.

I sailed on the ship during its first Caribbean Connections voyage. Viking Octantis sailed a fun-in-the-sun repositioning cruise from Barbados to New York City, and I was able to experience the full gamut of the onboard experiences that make this Octantis an especially delightful ship for expedition adventures.

The World Café, Manfredi’s, The Restaurant and Mamsen’s offer all the incredible food Viking cruisers have come to love on the river and ocean vessels. These dining options, alongside the excellent service and familiar relaxing spaces like The Living Room, Explorers’ Lounge and Aquavit Terrace, make Viking Octantis feel special enough.

However, it’s the LivNordic Spa and Fitness Center that truly sets the ship apart from most of its fellow expedition cruise lines .

Let’s have a look at the spa and gym and why cruisers will love these amenities while cruising on Viking Octantis.

LivNordic Spa

This large facility holds the main swimming pool. It’s a heated pool that stretches the entire length of the large thermal suite that is open all day long and included in your cruise fare. 

This pool is long enough for swimmers to enjoy their morning laps, but most cruisers will love that you can slip into the warm waters and enjoy the views through the wall of windows. You can also sit on the loungers along the pool that place you in perfect view of the passing scenery and sunsets.

Around the room, the complex has a series of experiences that make this a full-service spa. The badestamp room has a deep and large warm tub with inset seating and an open window that lets in fresh air. You also can try the sauna, steam room, experience shower, snow grotto (yes, snowflakes fall on you in this chilled room) and the cold bucket dump room.

LivNordic spa features changing rooms for men and women , and these have showers, bathrobes and slippers available for your use. The facility also has a small refreshment area with waters.

A small, quiet spot offers heated lounge seats, and the adjacent treatment rooms and relaxation room is where cruisers get their massages and other treatments. There is also a hair salon located next to the spa reception desk.

The Fitness Center

The gym space is ample on Viking Octantis. It offers a large studio for classes and a room that is filled with cardio equipment and weight-training machines, as well as a couple benches with light dumbbells.

There are three treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals and a rowing machine. 

In the studio area, instructors lead classes on stretching, yoga, Pilates and other routines. You also can use the big screen TV for self-guided classes. The spa staff has a tablet with a variety of classes available to be loaded and displayed for you to follow along on your own schedule. We saw several people training alongside their friends during the afternoons.

For the active traveler and cruisers who like to stick to their workout routines — even while visiting the most remote places on the planet – Viking Octantis shows how it’s leading the way for outstanding amenities among the new breed of hybrid luxury-expedition ships. 

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• Viking Ocean

Viking Ocean Fitness?

By Ianstar , February 21, 2023 in Viking Ocean

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 We have two Viking Ocean booked. Are there included fitness classes? How often? How challenging? I workout daily and enjoy any classes, I can ramp them up or scale back as needed. I prefer to make any cruise a wellness vacation as much as I can. Can work out alone but love the motivation and company of others. Would love any up to date info.

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In reading prior years posts, not much. Some report A class at 5 pm or sometimes Zumba in  the am in the gym. I am a gym person but stay away on cruises so I am of no help.

I don't think that gym classes are a big thing on Viking.  I have been on 6 Ocean cruises and have never noticed that there are classes and I read the Viking Daily from cover to cover.

Perhaps others have comments?

I am not aware of "Trainers" on the Viking Ocean ships either.  There is a well equipped gym, but the staff seems more concentrated on the Spa aspect of that area of the ship.

cmaasfamily

I'm a daily gym user and there are occasional small classes (2-4 participants) early in the morning of the yoga/stretching variety. I've never joined in personally. I've seen more personal trainer-led, one-on-one sessions. My impression is that the trainers are quite competent. As others have said, it's not a big part of the Viking experience.

OneSixtyToOne

6 hours ago, cmaasfamily said: it's not a big part of the Viking experience

After walking 5-10 miles a day on daily excursions, I have no desire for additional exercise while on vacation.

friendlyfifer

On 2/21/2023 at 9:38 PM, Ianstar said:  We have two Viking Ocean booked. Are there included fitness classes? How often? How challenging? I workout daily and enjoy any classes, I can ramp them up or scale back as needed. I prefer to make any cruise a wellness vacation as much as I can. Can work out alone but love the motivation and company of others. Would love any up to date info.

The fitness staff are very good and there is the occasional stretch class. However, the ability of participants varies immensely and therefore the class is aimed at the least able. On my next cruise I think I’ll get a few 1-1 sessions and workout myself from then on.

Depending on if there are a lot of sea days, sometimes there is a dance class. We had one last year given by the assistant CD on our TA.

on our world cruise there was morning Yoga and sometimes stretching classes. There were MANY very good wellness lectures too. I have not seen them offered on other cruises.

Viking Ocean has a Nordic Bath technique with hot and cold, hard to describe, but works wonders for aches and pains and general arthritis. (Small heated pool, Ice room similar to cryotherapy use, and a water pail suspended from ceiling.)  Super after long trekking and walk. There is a sufficient gym near the area of the Spa facility with excellent weights, bench, work out equipment, bands a few ellipticals and stationary bikes. Always a few regulars in the gym that we see, rare to see any formal classes. (retired PT)

5 hours ago, Tallok2016 said: Viking Ocean has a Nordic Bath technique with hot and cold, hard to describe, but works wonders for aches and pains and general arthritis. (Small heated pool, Ice room similar to cryotherapy use, and a water pail suspended from ceiling.)  Super after long trekking and walk. 

Your post reminded me - on the Viking Mars British Isles Explorer 15 day cruise, they twice offered a class focused on that in the evenigns.  Does anyone remember if Nordic Bath technique  was the actual name of the class?    I want to remember to sign up for that. 

Yoga class was offered several days on the Viking Sea.   Room for 6 participants and I really liked the instructor

• 2 weeks later...

When we did Buenos Aires to Santiago in December 2019, Viking offered a package deal of 10 classes for a reasonable fee.  Mostly stretching, Pilates, aerobics, mediation.  It was really a good mix and fun.  In addition, the dancers offered free Salsa lessons for both singles & couples on sea days and that was great exercise.  Not sure post pandemic.

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Viking Gymir

Cruise line Viking Cruises

Viking Gymir current position

Viking Gymir current location is at North Sea (coordinates 51.82276 N / 4.74259 E) cruising en route to AMSTERDAM. The AIS position was reported 3 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Viking Gymir

Viking Gymir current cruise is 14 days, one-way from Budapest to Amsterdam . Prices start from USD 4995 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 15 May, 2024 and ends on 29 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Viking Gymir

•   Itineraries
•   Review
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Viking Gymir Itineraries

Viking gymir review, review of viking gymir.

The 2021-built cruise ships Viking Gymir and Viking Egdir became Viking Cruises' last Longship-class riverboats, totaling the company's fleet to 65 Longships. Most vessels from this unique series were constructed by Neptun Werft in Rostock (several by Meyer Werft in Papenburg ) and delivered in the period 2012-2021.

Unlike the sisterships, Gymir and Egdir ( both delivered on March 25, 2021) are with hybrid propulsion systems (a combination of 3x marine diesel engines and 2x batteries). The original Longship design is with 5 diesel engines total (including 1x emergency diesel generator and 1x auxiliary diesel).

Longship Viking Gymir boat cruises on Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria. The longship is departing from homeports Amsterdam, Bucharest and Budapest.

Viking Gymir (ENI number 7002150) is currently Switzerland- flagged (MMSI number 269057765) and registered in Basel .

This riverboat is named after Gymir - in Norse mythology the father of goddess Grdr (Freyr's wife). From Old Norse, the name translates as "earthly" (gumi), "wintry" (gemla), "engulfer" (geyma). Some scholars suggest that Gymir may be a sea god similar to Aegir .

All Viking River Cruises Longships are fitted with solar panels (mounted aft on Sun Deck) and hybrid (diesel-electric) powerplants based on energy-efficient marine engines.

Decks and Cabins

Viking Gymir staterooms (95 total, in 8 grades) include 9x Suites, 39x Balconies, 22x French Balconies, 25x Porthole (with non-opening windows). Longship Gymir has two aft-located Explorer Suites with wraparound balconies providing 270-degrees scenery views. The seven Veranda Suites are each with two separate/full rooms and feature a step-out balcony (accessed from the living room) and a French Balcony (in the bedroom). The 39 Veranda Staterooms are with step-out balconies.

The boat has 4 decks (3 with cabins) and max passenger capacity 190. All cruisers are provided complimentary with modern hotel amenities and superior travel and leisure services.

Cabins Types/Categories (number, location), high to low:

• Suites - ES-Explorer (x2, deck3-aft), AA-Veranda (x7, deck 3-portside)
• Balcony Staterooms - A (x20, deck3-starboard), B (x17, deck2-starboard)
• French Balcony Staterooms (with floor-ceiling slide opening glass-door windows) - C (x5, deck3-portside-aft), D (x15, deck2-portside)
• Riverview Porthole Window / Standard Staterooms - E (x18, deck1-midship), F (x7, deck1-midship-aft).

Shipboard facilities

The Observation Bar Lounge has floor-ceiling glass doors opening onto the Aquavit Terrace. This is bow-located indoor-outdoor venue designed for relaxation and alfresco dining. The Sun Deck is served with food and beverages by Aquavit Terrace's staff and provides 360-degree unobstructed riverside views. This topship-deck features forward-sundeck with Sky Bar (outdoor seating area with 4-seat tables and deckchairs), SkyLight (glass roof cover over the Atrium), Wheelhouse (Navigation Bridge), midship-sundeck with shaded sitting (covered by a large retractable awning and encircled by a walking track), sunbathing area (with deckchairs and reclining sun loungers) and aft-sundeck with Putting Green (mini-golf), Herb Garden (organic herbal garden) and deckgames area (shuffleboard, giant outdoor chessboard).

Onboard dining options include Gymir Restaurant (dining room) and Aquavit Terrace (Lido Buffet with sliding door-windows opening onto the alfresco terrace). Other facilities include 2-deck Atrium (lobby with 24-hour Reception Desk), Library (Internet Lounge), Shop (gifts, souvenirs).

Viking Cruises Longships don't have fitness/gym room, swimming pool, Jacuzzi (outdoor whirlpool), Spa/Beauty Salon, self-service laundry facilities (laundromats). One elevator (passenger lift) connects only decks 2 and 3. All decks are interconnected via stairs - forward (Grand Staircase in the Atrium), midship and aft.

River Cruise Itineraries

Follows the list of Viking Gymir river cruise itineraries as themes are not yet officially announced by Viking Cruises.

Viking Gymir cruise deals are inclusive of Internet (Wi-Fi), all tours/excursions, ground/bus transfers, live evening entertainment, daily lecturers/media presentations, food and wine tastings, 24-hour coffee/tea, replenished daily bottled water. Viking river cruise prices are per person and based on double occupancy. These are only indicative of Viking cruise rates. They might be different when you book your Viking cruisetour deals, influenced by travel agency promotions, special offers and discounts, group travel booking or last-minute deals rates.

To/from Viking Gymir ship transfers and airport meet-and-greet services are included in the fares only when airfares are purchased through Viking Cruises (company's Viking Air package).

Viking Gymir - user reviews and comments

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Other Viking Cruises cruise ships

• MS RheinGalaxie Eventschiff
• Viking Aegir
• Viking Alruna
• Viking Alsvin
• Viking Astrild
• Viking Atla
• Viking Aton
• Viking Baldur
• Viking Bestla
• Viking Beyla
• Viking Bragi
• Viking Buri
• Viking Delling
• Viking Egdir
• Viking Egil
• Viking Einar
• Viking Eistla
• Viking Embla
• Viking Emerald
• Viking Fjorgyn
• Viking Forseti
• Viking Freya
• Viking Gefjon
• Viking Gersemi
• Viking Gullveig
• Viking Hathor
• Viking Heimdal
• Viking Helgrim
• Viking Hemming
• Viking Herja
• Viking Hermod
• Viking Hervor
• Viking Hild
• Viking Hlin
• Viking Idun
• Viking Ingvi
• Viking Jarl
• Viking Jupiter
• Viking Kadlin
• Viking Kara
• Viking Kari
• Viking Kvasir
• Viking Legend
• Viking Lofn
• Viking Magni
• Viking Mani
• Viking Mars
• Viking Mekong
• Viking Mimir
• Viking Mississippi
• Viking Modi
• Viking Neptune
• Viking Njord
• Viking Octantis
• Viking Odin
• Viking Orion
• Viking Osfrid
• Viking Osiris
• Viking Polaris
• Viking Prestige
• Viking Radgrid
• Viking Rinda
• Viking Rolf
• Viking Rurik
• Viking Saigon
• Viking Saturn
• Viking Sigrun
• Viking Sigyn
• Viking Skadi
• Viking Skaga
• Viking Skirnir
• Viking Star
• Viking Tialfi
• Viking Tonle
• Viking Torgil
• Viking Ullur
• Viking Vali
• Viking Vela
• Viking Venus
• Viking Vesta
• Viking Vidar
• Viking Vilhjalm
• Viking Vili
• Zhao Shang Yi Dun-Viking Sun

Viking Gymir Wiki

Viking Gymir is one of the last longships (65 total) built by Neptun Werft for Viking Cruises. This is a patented river cruise ship design allowing bigger passenger accommodations without shrinking public areas' size and compromising vessel's general comfort. Longship Aegir represents Viking Cruises' latest design that features energy-efficient hybrid engine technology, solar panels and interior design developed by "Yran & Storbraaten" (Norway). The patented "longship" design ("Rottet Studios", USA) allows much larger accommodations with full-size (step-out) balconies. The additional cabin space is created by 1 m (3,3 ft) off-center shifting of the deck's corridor.

The vessel's powerplant consists of two main Caterpillar marine diesel engines (model CAT32-ACERT / total power output 2 MW) plus 2 batteries. The engines are V12 (V engine with 12 cylinders and 12 pistons driving a crankshaft). The propulsion system is based on two Caterpillar marine propulsion engines (model CAT18-ACERT, combined output 2 MW), two Schottel bow thruster (model SPJ 82RD, total power output 680 kW ) and four double propellers (model Schottel-STP 200) .

Group christening 2022

On March 16, 2022, in a joint-christening ceremony were officially named 8 riverboats - 4x in Paris ( Fjorgyn , Kari , Radgrid , Skaga ) and 4x in Amsterdam ( Hervor , Egdir , Gersemi , Gymir), via video link.

• The four Seine River-based boats (Fjorgyn, Kari, Radgrid Skaga) are sisterships and shorter. Being of the modified Longship design (LOA length 125 m / 410 ft), they were specifically designed for Seine River navigation and homeporting at Pont de Grenelle (Paris City), to meet the dock's maximum length requirement.
• The other four boats (Hervor, Egdir, Gersemi, Gymir) are of the classic Longship design (LOA length 135 m / 440 ft).
• The group christening ceremony was attended by Torstein Hagen (Viking's Chairman) in Amsterdam, onboard Viking Kari.
• Held dockside, during each of the naming ceremonies, the godmother pronounced a speech and a blessing for the boat, followed by a bottle of Gammel Opland Aquavit (a herbs-flavored spirit distilled from grain and potatoes/by Oplandske Spritfabrik distillery's original recipe from 1872) that was traditionally smashed against the hull.

The ships' godmothers are as follows:

• Viking Gymir - Alma Deutscher (violinist, pianist, composer, conductor, daughter of Janie Deutscher)
• Viking Egdir - Helen Deutscher (violinist, pianist, vocalist, daughter of Janie Deutscher)
• Viking Radgrid - Janie Deutscher (author, educator, musician)
• Viking Hervor - Brenda Hunsberger (AAA Club Alliance's Senior VP of Travel Services)
• Viking Gersemi - Karryn Christopher (Signature Travel Network's Executive VP of Preferred Partnerships & Marketing)
• Viking Fjorgyn - Ghislaine Wood (East Anglia University's Sainsbury Centre's Deputy Director)
• Viking Skaga - Muriel Wilson (Virtuoso Ltd's Director of Event Strategy & Sponsorships)
• Viking Kari - Kari Garmann (Norwegian politician, member of Oslo City Council in 1979-87, deputy representative to Norway's Parliament from Oslo in 1985 and 1989).

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.

10 Things You Should Know Before Your First European River Cruise

T wenty-fifth wedding anniversary! Where did the time go? And most importantly, what should we do to celebrate? A few days later, with suspiciously perfect timing, a Viking river cruise advertisement dropped into our mailbox.  

Two decades ago, we tried a Caribbean ocean cruise — big ship, lots of people, so much food and drink — and never did a second one. But a European river cruise sounded appealing: smooth water, a new city every morning on a small ship with less than 200 passengers, top-notch food and a customizable mix of culture, lectures and activities.  

Ten months later, we were flying to Budapest, Hungary to begin our 11-day Passage to Eastern Europe on Viking Cruises. Here are 10 things we learned from our first river cruise: 

1. You’ll Wind Up Feeling Young Again

If you are in your 50s and miss that young and spry feeling, you could do worse than go on a river cruise. We knew the average age would likely skew into the 60s, but we did not anticipate being the youngest couple on our ship. Nor did we mind. Being surrounded by seniors in their 70s and 80s having a great time seeing new places was an inspiration for our own future.   

2.  You Won’t Find Too Many First-Time Cruisers

Those folks a generation ahead of us have been busy. We didn’t stand out just because of our relative youth, but also because this was our first river cruise. Nearly everybody we met had cruised before — not just with Viking, but other lines around the world as well. Ron, a former Army master sergeant, was on his seventh Viking cruise and even admitted to doing the 15-day Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest twice. 

“I’d do it a third time if they let me do it for free,” he told us.

3. Water Levels May Cause Unexpected Detours

A huge river cruise appeal for my wife was the absence of ocean waves. No waves = no seasickness. But, unlike the ocean, river levels rise and fall. Too high, and the river ships can’t pass under certain bridges. Too low and, like us, the ship may have to stop short of some destinations and passengers will spend extra time on the bus. For us, low water levels triggered shore excursion substitutions in an unexpected Bulgarian city as well as a longer bus ride to Bucharest. Disappointing, but manageable. In other cases, passengers might have to abandon their river ship and bus transfer to an identical one upriver to continue the journey. Be prepared.        

4. Every Day Is Casual Day

We were going to be in Europe, cruising on an upscale boat, and our fellow passengers would be older than us; accordingly, my wife and I planned to dress nicely: collared, button-down shirts and sleek sweaters and blouses. Viking emphasizes no formal dinners and a relaxed vibe, but I still almost brought a jacket for the evenings. 

I’m glad I didn’t. Our fellow passengers overwhelmingly embraced comfortable casual — bright, plush sneakers; jeans; shorts and even a few Harley T-shirts — it was all okay.  There were definitely people like us, avoiding the jeans and sneakers look, and if you want to dress nicer, go for it, but it’s not necessary.

5.  Embrace Conversation

If you fear initiating new conversations with new people several times a day, a river cruise might intimidate you. Fear not. Most of our experienced river cruiser passengers seemed to crave meeting new people and were easy to chat with.      

In our first 24 hours on the ship, I listened to a tale about an encounters with Perth Australia gold miners gone wrong, met a guy who got a Purple Heart when his helicopter crashed in Vietnam, admired the mangled fingers of a 75-year-old New England hockey player and listened to our dinner companion say, “I would not have married my husband if I had to do it again.” With him right there. 

How Expedition Cruising Appeals to the Adventurous Traveler

6.  i’ll have both entrees, please. .

Yes, river cruise food is delicious. Nearly every meal featured regional specialties of the neighboring country. A few minutes before dinner seating began, the chief chef would describe his culinary creations to select from that evening. It was like a halftime speech. He’d finish up and we’d all race (or, in some cases, shuffle) out of the lounge to the dining room, pumped up for the coming delicacies.  

Yet, as good as the shipboard food may be, take some time to…

7. Eat Locally

Don’t confine yourself to only the refined ship meals. A few steps away from your docked ship you’ll probably find flavorful local food well worth nibbling on. Some of my favorite meals of our trip were a platter of cevapcici eaten under a portrait of Uncle Tito (the Cold War era Yugoslav leader) in Belgrade and some meltingly lovely pumpkin phyllo pastry in Croatia.  

8. Pace Yourself

With a new city each day and limited time, you can exhaust yourself trying to do too much. At one point, our new friends, Victor and Leslie, admitted that they signed up for too many excursions. There is only so much anyone can sample in a few hours or even a day, and we accepted that. A travel memoir I found in the ship’s library, Far and Away , gave a satisfying response to that dilemma: “Always leave something for next time, something to tempt you back.”  You’re on a cruise; make some time to simply relax on the sundeck or terrace, admiring the views. 

9.  Find a Less-Traveled River

Ever heard of the Iron Gates of the Danube? I hadn’t either. Every passenger was out taking photos as our ship slipped into this dramatic gorge between Serbia and Romania. At one point, the giant face of an ancient Dacian king carved into the rock wall stared back at us.   

Other European rivers plying well-traveled countries like Germany, the Netherlands and France host most river cruise traffic, but we delighted in discovering more unfamiliar East European countries. Every day gave us new stories and perspectives, often containing history that we’d never heard of. Nor was all of this history ancient. On successive days we got thoughtful perspectives from a local Croatian tour guide and then her Serbian counterpart on the 1990s Balkan War. When choosing your cruise itinerary, consider the lesser-known places. 

10. Cabin Class Choices Matter

After choosing a cruise date and itinerary, you pick your cabin class. I agonized over that. Budget limitations dictated the cheapest, er, “most affordable” cabin for us, down on the lower deck and featuring only a narrow window just above the waterline. My online research emphasized that most of our cabin time would be at night when it was dark anyway.  Moreover, even during daylight hours, the ship would often be parked next to a dock or sandwiched between other cruise ships with someone else’s window inches away.  

All of that was indeed true. And once on board, it was obvious that even the most spacious cabins could not compare to the nearly 360-degree views from the outdoor terrace and top sundeck where passengers gathered in the sunny afternoons. Still, I would have enjoyed more window space in our stateroom. Next cruise maybe I’ll spring for the fancy veranda cabin.

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The Best Mississippi River Cruises to Discover America's Heartland

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

The luxury ships and historic tours are nice, yes. But the real star of Mississippi River cruises has always been the river. There’s nothing quite so Americana as getting to know the many personalities of this 2,350-mile stretch, flowing from northern Minnesota’s Lake Itasca through 10 states until it reaches Louisiana , where the Mississippi River Delta gives way to the Gulf of Mexico.

The slow, meandering journeys of Mississippi River cruises have long proven an ideal way to discover the distinct stories of America’s heartland. In the words of Mark Twain (which no Mississippi River story would be complete without), the towns and cities located on the mighty river's shores are “cheering to the spirit” and “reposeful as a dreamland,” with “nothing to hang a fret or a worry upon.”

The challenge modern travelers now face is when, where, and how to go about this iconic American voyage . Below, see our answers to these frequently asked questions, plus our favorite Mississippi River cruises to book in 2024.

Which cruise lines do Mississippi River cruises?

After American Queen Voyages shut down in February, only two Mississippi River cruise lines currently remain in operation.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, American Cruise Lines (ACL) has a fleet of more than 20 American-built ships sailing across the country and remains family-owned and American-crewed. ACL offers a Mississippi River fleet of three luxurious 180-passenger modern riverboats– American Melody , American Symphony , and American Serenade —plus two classic paddlewheel ships, the 180-passenger American Splendor and the 150-passenger American Heritage.

The new kid on the Mississippi is the Viking Mississippi, a 386-passenger, five-deck vessel that first set sail in September 2022. The cutting-edge cruise is Viking’s first foray in the US, adding to their fleet of more than 90 ocean, river, and expedition vessels navigating the world’s seven continents.

What is the average cost of a Mississippi River cruise?

For an 8- or 9-day cruise, the average cost of a Mississippi River cruise is around $4,000 per person in a stateroom. Although prices might seem high initially, many of these cruises include extras that aren’t always complimentary on ocean cruises such as free WiFi, at least one free shore excursion in every port, paid port taxes and fees, and a pre-cruise hotel stay. Viking offers complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, American Cruise Lines offers complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. Gratuities are also included in American Cruise Lines fares.

What is the best time of year to go on a river cruise?

Spring (late March through mid-June) and autumn (September through November) are the best times of year to go on a river cruise in the US. Spring blossoms add a colorful touch to the shoreline, and you can never go wrong with autumn foliage. The temperatures are mild, if not pleasantly cool, and passengers are eager to welcome a new spring travel season—or to enjoy one last autumn river adventure before winter arrives.

What month is best for a Mississippi River cruise?

If we had to pick just one, September is the best month for a Mississippi River cruise. The weather is usually mild with less likelihood of rain, and autumn colors are beginning to paint the shoreline. Keep in mind, however, that the Mississippi is the fourth largest river in the world—so temperatures any time of year are not going to be the same in warmer Louisiana as they are in cooler Minnesota.

Below, see our favorite Mississippi River cruises to book in 2024, featuring stops in iconic American cities like Nashville , Memphis , and New Orleans .

22-day Mississippi River Odyssey: New Orleans to Red Wing, Minnesota

Enjoy the charms of America’s great river on a journey aboard the Viking Mississippi from New Orleans to Red Wing, departing September 20. Custom built to sail American waters, the vessel features river-facing staterooms with either French or step-out balconies.

Stops include Baton Rouge and St. Francisville in Louisiana; Natchez, Vicksburg, Greenville, and Rosedale in Mississippi; Memphis in Tennessee; Paducah in Kentucky; Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, and Hannibal in Missouri; Burlington, Quad Cities, and Dubuque in Iowa; La Crosse in Wisconsin; and ending in Red Wing, Minnesota.

With so many fascinating shore excursions to choose from, it’s well worth taking time to tour the St. Louis Arch . Opened in 1965, the monument to America’s westward expansion is far more than just a stunning photo by the riverside. Venture underground between the arch legs for a museum. Climb aboard a tram to be transported 630 feet up to the top of America’s tallest monument for some stunning views.

12-day Heart of the Delta: Memphis to New Orleans

The 386-guest Viking Mississippi spans five decks, making it one of the largest passenger vessels on the Mississippi. Inaugurated in 2022, the ship features a modern Scandinavian design with an infinity pool and a two-story Explorers’ Lounge observation area similar to its ocean ships. Directly in front of the Explorer’s Lounge is an expanded outdoor seating area known as The Bow. Three restaurants serve both Southern regional cuisine and international favorites.

The cruise starts in Memphis on November 14 and includes stops in Rosedale, Greenville, Vicksburg, and Natchez in Mississippi as well as St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Darrow in Louisiana, ending in New Orleans. The “Mississippi Sings the Blues” shore excursion visits iconic sites along the Mississippi Blues Trail such as historic Dockery Farms, considered the “birthplace of the blues.”

The tour stops in Clarksdale, the fabled “Crossroads” where legend says blues great Robert Johnson reputedly sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar prowess. Stops at the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and the Delta Blues Museum completes this perfect trip for music lovers.

9-day Music Cities Cruise: Nashville to Memphis

Music is the main focus of this cruise offered by American Cruise Lines, which begins in Nashville on July 9 with an unforgettable visit to the legendary Grand Ole Opry and ends in Memphis, where passengers will enjoy live music on Beale Street and a tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland . On board the American Splendor, passengers will enjoy spacious cabins and popular rocking chairs. First inaugurated in 2016 and fully redecorated in 2022, this ship offers the nostalgia of a classic paddlewheeler along with the comfort of modern amenities.

While in Nashville, explore the Johnny Cash Museum, then walk upstairs to The Patsy Cline Museum. Nightly entertainment spotlights the musical heritage of this region as the world’s newest paddlewheeler journeys along the river. The itinerary also includes Clarksville and Dover in Tennessee plus Paducah in Kentucky. In Paducah, stroll along the riverfront with more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals depicting Paducah’s past. Stop by Paducah’s National Quilt Museum, the world’s largest museum devoted to quilt and fiber art.

23-day Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Sail 1,393 miles through 10 states on a comprehensive exploration of the mighty Mississippi on the new American Serenade . Inaugurated in 2023, the 91-cabin American Serenade won Best New River Cruise Ship of the Year 2023 by Cruise Critic , the first time an American ship has received this prestigious award.

“With extra-large all-balcony staterooms and suites, trendy interior décor, an innovative hydraulic bow and retractable ramp, and one of the most gorgeous sun decks we’ve seen on a river-going ship, American Serenade sets the bar for domestic US river cruising high,” the award notes.

The epic itinerary beginning July 18, 2024 includes 22 ports of call including Oak Alley, Houmas House, Baton Rouge, and St. Francisville in Louisiana; Natchez, Vicksburg, Greenville, and Tunica in Mississippi; Memphis in Tennessee; Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, and Hannibal in Missouri; Muscatine and Dubuque in Iowa; and Winona, Red Wing, and Saint Paul in Minnesota.

Jessica Puckett

Olivia Morelli

Rachel Chang

12-day Mississippi River Gateway Cruise: New Orleans to St. Louis

From the French Quarter in New Orleans to the towering Gateway Arch in St. Louis , this American Heritage cruise lives up to its name. Inaugurated in 2015 and totally redecorated in 2022, the 84-cabin American Heritage is the perfect vessel for this interesting itinerary, its design reminiscent of the days when steamboat paddlewheelers plied the Mississippi in the 1800s.

The 12-day voyage departs from New Orleans on July 2. Ports of call along the way include Baton Rouge in Louisiana; Natchez and Vicksburg in Mississippi; Memphis in Tennessee; and Paducah in Kentucky . An onboard expert shares tales of the importance of steam-driven paddlewheels in establishing riverfront communities along the great Mississippi River.

Step ashore in Natchez and enjoy a cold drink at the Under-the-Hill-Saloon, once one of the rowdiest establishments on the Mississippi River in the 1800s. Legend says that Mark Twain stopped here when he was just another riverman named Samuel Clemens.

9-day Lower Mississippi River Cruise: Memphis to New Orleans

This nine-day American Melody cruise departs Memphis on September 8 and features eight ports of call including Vicksburg and Natchez in Mississippi, and St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Houmas House in Louisiana. At Vicksburg Military Park, learn how the 101st Airborne Division got its “Screaming Eagles” nickname, plus the tale of its famous soldier, a young guitar player named Jimi Hendrix. At Houmas House, see the bedroom where Bette Davis stayed to film the 1964 movie Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte . Joan Crawford was the intended co-star but Bette and Joan feuded so Joan quit and Olivia de Havilland replaced her.

Launched in 2021, the five-deck American Melody has 91 staterooms, all with private balconies and full-length sliding glass doors. The ship has several spacious lounges, a fitness center, large dining room, café for casual dining, sun deck, library, and an impressive four-story glass atrium in the center of the ship. The ship’s unusual bow opens and lowers a platform for passengers to easily walk ashore.

9-day Upper Mississippi River Cruise: St. Louis to St. Paul

Board the American Symphony cruise ship to visit Mark Twain’s hometown and experience the real-life inspiration behind Life on the Mississippi, the classic memoir chronicling the author's days on the river as a steamboat pilot.

The 91-cabin American Symphony, recently inaugurated in 2022, has 100% private balcony accommodations and a unique bow that opens with a retractable gangway that can be extended for landings virtually anywhere. The ship also features lounges soaring 40 feet above the water with triple the glass of other riverboats for spectacular views. Comfy deck chairs welcome passengers to enjoy the undeveloped countryside, picturesque islands, and fascinating dams and navigation locks.

Departing September 27, this itinerary features seven ports of call including Muscatine and Dubuque in Iowa, and Winona and Red Wing in Minnesota. In Hannibal, visit the actual home—with a whitewashed Tom Sawyer fence—where Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) grew up. In Dubuque, see the 1989 “Field of Dreams” movie site known for the famous quote, “If you build it, they will come.”

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*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare. Strikeout fares reflect our Standard Cruise Fare.

*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare.

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Viking Inclusive Value

More features, services and excursions included.

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

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Booking Terms & Conditions

2024–2026 OCEAN CRUISE AND AIR SAVINGS:  OCEAN CRUISE AND AIR FARES: Offer applies to bookings made from April 1-30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all itineraries except World Cruise products. Special fares plus up to FREE roundtrip airfare valid on select departures of Canada & New England Scenic Shores; Eastern Seaboard Discovery; Grand Hawaii & Polynesia; Hawaiian Islands Sojourn; Panama Canal & Central America; Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast . Special fares plus up to FREE international airfare valid on select departures of China Discovery; Classic China & the Coast; Wonders of China; Best of China. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024: Pay in full by May 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025: Pay in full by July 31, 2024. 2026: Pay in full by February 15, 2025. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offers Expires April 30, 2024.

*$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to September 2024 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to November 2024 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract  .

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $999 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Premium upgrades may not be available on all departures. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the  Viking Air Plus

NOTE:  International flights depart the U.S. one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights.

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Viking Files for IPO

• April 5, 2024

Viking has officially filed for its IPO with the United States Securities and Exchanges Commission.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, nearly 650,000 guests traveled with the company and it generated total revenue of $4,710.5 million, a net loss of $1,858.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $1,090.3 million.

As of December 31, 2023, the company had $1.5 billion of cash and cash equivalents and $5.4 billion of Total Debt. It also said it had generated industry-leading ROIC of 27.5% for the year ended December 31, 2023, up from 26.1% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The company said occupancy was 93.7 percent in 2023, up from 78.4 percent in 2022.

“Our payback period for a Longship is on average approximately four to five years based on contributions to operations by a Longship. Our payback period for an ocean ship is on average about five to six years based on contributions to operations by an ocean ship,” the company stated.

“Viking will be the only pure-play luxury public cruise line. In contrast, the large public cruise lines have multiple brands that serve all three categories of the cruise market, with luxury representing only a small percentage of their overall capacity. Our total revenue per passenger was $7,251 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Viking defines the luxury category of the river cruise and ocean cruise markets. We believe these are the most attractive segments of the cruise industry and the global luxury leisure travel market given their growth potential,” Viking said in its filing.

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