What to Expect
Viking River Cruises stands out for its focus on culture and destination-driven experiences. If you’re really into getting to know the history, art, and local culture of a place, Viking is a great choice. Their ships have a sleek, modern Scandinavian design—simple but comfortable. While they don’t offer a lot of onboard activities, they make up for it with immersive shore excursions and interesting talks or performances about the places you’re visiting. Plus, it’s adults-only, so it’s a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful and enriching cruise.
Ship Size + Layout
Viking River Cruises’ ships, called Longships, are named after legendary Vikings, giving them a unique and adventurous feel. These ships are designed to be sleek and modern while still maintaining that cozy, intimate river cruise feel. The layout is easy to navigate, with plenty of spaces to relax, like the Sun Deck for soaking in the views or the Aquavit Terrace for al fresco dining.
Decks
Viking keeps things simple with their deck names. You’ve got the Main Deck, Middle Deck, and Upper Deck, plus the Sun Deck on top, where you can hang out and take in the river views. The ships are thoughtfully designed so that everything feels close by, and there’s plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the scenery as you cruise through Europe’s rivers.
Cabins and Suites
The cabins and suites on Viking Longships are all about clean, modern design and comfort. Their suites are called Explorer Suites (the most luxurious, with wraparound balconies) and Veranda Suites (which have a separate living area and a private balcony). If you’re not in a suite, you can opt for a Veranda Stateroom or a French Balcony Stateroom, both of which give you great views.
Viking’s rooms are packed with thoughtful details, like super comfy beds with high-quality linens, heated bathroom floors (seriously!), and L’Occitane toiletries that make the bathroom feel a little extra fancy. There’s also a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and plenty of storage space, so even though the rooms are compact, they’re incredibly functional and comfortable. It’s all about the little touches that make you feel at home while cruising!
Dining Options
The cuisine on a Viking River Cruise is all about fresh, regional flavors, with menus that change based on the local cuisine of the places you’re visiting. You’ll get a mix of gourmet dishes and more familiar, comfort foods, so there’s something for everyone. Viking has a main restaurant and the Aquavit Terrace for dining options. The main restaurant is a more formal setting but still laid-back, with open seating, so you can dine whenever it suits you. The Aquavit Terrace offers a more casual, al fresco dining experience if you’re in the mood for something relaxed.
You don’t have to dress up—Viking has a smart casual dress code, so there’s no need for formal wear. Dinner is usually at a set time in the evening, but breakfast and lunch are more flexible, often served buffet-style with plenty of options to choose from. You can enjoy meals at your own pace without feeling rushed, making the dining experience feel relaxed and easygoing.
Onboard Amenities + Entertainment
On a Viking River Cruise, the onboard amenities are all about relaxing and enjoying the journey. You’ll have plenty of space to unwind, like the sun deck with lounge chairs to take in the views or the cozy Aquavit Terrace for casual, outdoor dining. If you’re in the mood to move, there’s a small fitness center and a walking track, but the focus is more on taking it easy and soaking up the scenery.
When it comes to entertainment, Viking leans into cultural enrichment rather than big flashy shows. They offer interesting lectures about the places you’re visiting, port talks to get you excited for the next stop, and even local musicians or performers who come onboard for a taste of the area’s traditions. In the evenings, you can enjoy live music in the lounge, but it’s more low-key—perfect for a relaxed nightcap.
Overall, Viking’s entertainment and amenities are all about creating a calm, enriching experience, where you can learn something new while also taking the time to just enjoy the ride.
Overall Atmosphere
The overall atmosphere on Viking River Cruises is a nice balance between casual and refined. It’s not stuffy or overly formal, but there’s definitely a sense of understated luxury. The vibe is relaxed, with people enjoying the journey, good food, and cultural experiences. You don’t need to dress up much—smart casual is the norm—so it’s easygoing but still feels polished.
As for the age demographic, Viking tends to attract an older crowd, mostly travelers in their 50s to 70s, who are interested in culture, history, and leisurely exploration. You’ll find mostly couples, but it’s also a great option for solo travelers who enjoy a more peaceful and enriching experience.
If you’re someone who loves travel, learning about new places, and enjoys a slower-paced, more intimate style of cruising, you’ll definitely fit right in. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a mix of comfort, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Sustainability + Environmental Impact
Yes, Viking River Cruises takes sustainability seriously and is committed to minimizing its environmental impact. One of their key initiatives is the use of energy-efficient hybrid engines on their ships, which help reduce emissions. Their ships are designed to be eco-friendly, with features like solar panels, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a special hull design that reduces fuel consumption.
Viking also has an advanced wastewater purification system that treats water onboard before it’s released, ensuring that they’re not polluting the rivers they sail on. Additionally, they’ve reduced the use of single-use plastics onboard, offering reusable water bottles and using more sustainable materials whenever possible.
Overall, Viking strives to balance the luxury experience with responsible environmental practices, so you can enjoy your trip knowing they’re working to protect the beautiful places they visit.
Price + Value
Viking River Cruises is generally on the pricier side, with most cruises ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 per person for a week-long trip, depending on the itinerary, cabin choice, and season. While it’s not the cheapest option, the value is strong compared to other river cruise lines because a lot is included in the fare.
With Viking, you get complimentary shore excursions, wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, and even airport transfers in many cases. That said, there are still a few things you’ll need to pay extra for, like gratuities, premium drinks, and any optional excursions that are more exclusive or specialized.
So while Viking may cost a bit more upfront, the fact that they include so much makes it a good value, especially if you’re looking for a more luxury, all-in-one river cruise experience without a bunch of hidden fees.
Specialty Cruises
Viking River Cruises offers some really cool specialty cruises! One of the most popular is their Christmas Markets Cruises, which take you through Europe’s most charming holiday markets—perfect if you’re into the festive vibe and want to experience the magic of the season. They also offer themed cruises, like culinary-focused itineraries, where you can dive deeper into local food and wine, and history-themed cruises that feature guest speakers and special excursions.
For solo travelers, Viking can be a great option. While they don’t have specific solo traveler deals as often as some other lines, the atmosphere onboard is welcoming, and the intimate size of the ships makes it easy to meet fellow travelers. Plus, their single supplements are sometimes reduced or waived on select sailings.
However, Viking isn’t really family-friendly in the traditional sense. The cruises are adults-only, with a minimum age of 18, so you won’t find kid-focused activities or accommodations. It’s more of a peaceful, grown-up experience, making it perfect for couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends looking for a relaxed and cultural getaway.
