A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
Viking believes that travel is about more than visiting new places. It's about understanding the history, culture, traditions, and everyday life of the destinations you explore.
From fascinating local experiences and thoughtfully designed excursions to enriching onboard activities, Viking brings you closer to the heart of each destination. With a relaxed atmosphere, elegant ships, and an emphasis on cultural discovery, every journey offers something to remember.
Designed for Comfort and Discovery
Viking's award-winning Longships combine the comforts of an elegant boutique hotel with innovative design and beautiful river views.
Every stateroom is outside-facing, with a river view, and many feature full-size verandas or French balconies. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the scenery right into your living space, allowing you to enjoy the passing landscapes throughout your journey.
The ships are thoughtfully designed to make the most of every space, creating an intimate atmosphere while offering inviting lounges, comfortable accommodations, and beautifully appointed public areas.
Dining with a View
Dining aboard Viking is an extension of the destination experience. Menus feature regional specialties, fresh ingredients, and flavors inspired by the places you visit.
One of the signature features is the Aquavit Terrace, an innovative indoor-outdoor dining space at the bow of the ship. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or a casual meal while taking in panoramic views of Europe's beautiful waterways.
Wine and beer are also included with lunch and dinner, adding another lovely touch to the onboard experience.
Enriching Experiences Onboard
Life aboard Viking is designed around discovery, relaxation, and learning.
Enjoy:
Informative lectures about local history, art, and culture.
Cooking demonstrations featuring regional dishes and specialties.
Local artisan presentations, from glassblowing to traditional lace making.
Regional food and drink tastings, including Austrian apple strudel and Rüdesheimer coffee.
A thoughtfully curated onboard library with books about art, history, and the destinations along your route.
Whether you prefer learning something new, enjoying a culinary demonstration, or simply relaxing with a good book, there's always an opportunity to make your journey more meaningful.
Discover Local Life
For Viking, experiencing a destination goes beyond visiting its famous landmarks.
Their Local Life experiences offer opportunities to connect with the people, traditions, and culture of the places you visit.
Depending on your itinerary, you might:
Visit a local market alongside the ship's chef.
Meet local artisans and discover traditional crafts.
Visit private homes, palaces, or collections not normally open to the public.
Enjoy special access to museums and cultural attractions.
Experience traditional performances, including folklore, ballet, and opera.
These carefully selected experiences offer a different perspective on each destination and often create some of the most memorable moments of the journey.
Relax and Enjoy the Outdoors
Viking's Sun Deck is the perfect place to take in the scenery as the ship glides along the river.
Enjoy:
360-degree panoramic views.
A walking track for a little outdoor exercise.
Comfortable seating areas for relaxing and enjoying the fresh air.
An onboard herb garden, where fresh herbs are harvested daily by the culinary team and used in regional dishes.
It's a lovely way to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the journey between destinations.
Warm Hospitality, Thoughtful Service
Viking places great importance on its onboard team and the quality of service guests receive.
From the welcoming reception staff to the restaurant and housekeeping teams, the crew is there to make you feel comfortable and at home throughout your journey.
The atmosphere is friendly, professional, and relaxed, with attentive service that allows you to enjoy your vacation without unnecessary fuss.
What Viking Is NOT
Sometimes, what a cruise line leaves out is just as important as what it includes!
Viking takes a different approach to cruising, focusing on cultural experiences, comfortable surroundings, and a relaxed atmosphere rather than the traditional big-ship entertainment model.
Here's what you won't find:
No children under 18 – Viking is exclusively for adult travelers.
No casinos – No slot machines or gambling areas.
No nickel-and-diming – A more straightforward approach to the cruise experience.
No extra charge for Wi-Fi.
No extra charge for beer and wine with lunch and dinner.
No umbrella drinks – This isn't a party-at-the-pool kind of cruise.
No photography sales.
No art auctions.
No inside staterooms – Every stateroom has an outside view.
No smoking.
No long lines and crowded attractions onboard.
No formal nights, butlers, or white gloves.
Just comfortable surroundings, interesting destinations, good food, enriching experiences, and the freedom to enjoy your vacation at your own pace.
Is Viking River Cruises Right for You?
Viking is an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate history, culture, beautiful scenery, and meaningful experiences. It's particularly appealing to adults who prefer a quieter, more sophisticated style of cruising without the crowds and distractions of larger ships.
If discovering a destination is just as important to you as enjoying the journey, Viking may be exactly the kind of river cruise you've been looking for.