Top 5 Viking River Cruises in Europe

Viking offers a variety of itineraries on Europe's rivers -- but what doesn't change much are the cruise ships themselves. Known as "Longships," Viking's fleet of river cruise ships on most rivers all carry 190 passengers, with a similar Scandinavian decor and sensibility, as well as inclusions and programming. On Viking river cruises, wines are included at lunch and dinner and are poured liberally. This is one area where the line strives to provide regional offerings.

Highlights of a Viking River Cruise

Part dining area, part sunny hangout, the Aquavit Terrace sits at the front of the ship and provides a perfect vantage point for scenic sailing. Viking River & Ocean Voyages highlight the history, culture, and seldom-seen sights of both inland and coastal destinations on one seamless itinerary. From rivers to oceans, enjoy a Thinking Person’s Cruise that only Viking can provide, on board ships designed for discovery and delight. Typical 10-day cruises start and finish in the Atlantic-facing city of Porto, where famous port wine warehouses line the waterfront. Learning the secrets of port production is a highlight on Viking Douro cruises, as are the lush green landscapes that stretch all the way to the Spanish border.

The 3 types of Viking cruise ships, explained - The Points Guy

The 3 types of Viking cruise ships, explained.

Posted: Sat, 15 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Danube

Learn about the cultures of the world by sailing on the thoughtfully crafted river cruise itineraries that Viking River Cruises has created. They also offer sailings on the Yangtze in China and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Recently, Viking introduced a few itineraries on the Irrawaddy, which travels through Myanmar, also known as Burma, which has recently been opened to tourism.

Do I have to dress up on a Viking River cruise?

In many ways, it's a combination of the best Viking river cruises in Europe as it takes in the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers and Dutch waterways. You can complete your Guest Information Form, make payments, confirm cruise preferences, print your travel documents, book shore excursions and make dining reservations and spa appointments. By building modern European river ships at scale, Viking has been credited with revitalizing river cruising due to their deck plans, cabins and dining spaces. Throughout our decades of sailing the world’s great rivers, Viking has repeatedly reinvented the European river cruise vessel. By continuously building upon our tradition of innovation, we have set industry standard and delighted our guests. Meander along Europe’s great waterways, gliding past magnificent vistas and pausing to explore riverside ports.

First, river cruise ships are restricted in size by the locks and canals systems along Europe's waterways. Viking simply can't make a larger river cruise ship than what they already have. Tour highlights of the legendary Rhine River, then discover Nordic wonders by sea. Experience cultured Basel before setting sail for Germany’s storied Black Forest and France’s multicultural Strasbourg. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and spectacular scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why Do Most Viking Longships in Europe Look Exactly Alike?

These ships also include the revolutionary Aquavit Terrace which is convertible from an indoor restaurant to an outdoor one depending on the weather. Far and away the leader in river cruising, Viking Rivers has more than 30 ships sailing on waterways you’ll feel fortunate to experience, such as the Nile, Danube, and more. Their itineraries will engage you, provoke thought, and allow you to explore. Their staff will guide you, assist you, and make you feel as if you’re a Viking king.

With their innovative patented design, al fresco Aquavit Terrace and understated elegance, Viking Longships provide the most rewarding way to explore Europe. This river cruise gives you all the highlights of the legendary Rhine in just 8 days. You’re about to discover the most convenient way to see the world. On a Viking ship, you will sail into the heart of your destination, so you can explore up close and in depth. Lisbon has deep cultural roots that are exposed through ruins and museum artifacts.

And for a true direct-to-table dining experience, join a truffle hunt in Perigord or savor fresh oysters from the bay at Arcachon. This corner of France has inspired generations of artists -- perhaps none more so than Claude Monet. Visits to his beloved garden are part of Viking's Seine River cruise excursions, where you'll see the Japanese bridge and water garden unchanged from when he painted them.

River + Ocean Combinations

Those ships are your ticket to one of the best river cruises in all of Europe -- and not just because Paris is your starting point. Viking's Rhine sailings wind through Germany's largest wine-producing region. Expect shore excursions to include vineyard visits and tastings of the region's famous Rieslings.

Cruise to Lisbon and discover the culture and history of Portugal in its capital city. Cruises generally last eight days, and Viking begins and ends their Bordeaux cruises in the elegant UNESCO-listed port of Bordeaux. You'll also spend some time in Blaye, where cobbled streets lead to the 17th-century citadel dominating the charming centuries-old town. Any trip to France is perfect for food and wine lovers, and one of the best Viking River Cruises in Europe for foodies and oenophiles is in Bordeaux. Itineraries include the Garonne, Girande and Dordogne Rivers, all of which wind their way through rolling hills home to more than 9,000 wineries. Those produce about 700 million bottles of wine a year, so expect sips of Saint-Emilion, Medoc and Sauternes on a Viking Bordeaux river cruise.

These thoughtfully curated experiences provide insights into local culture, history and attractions. For a more casual option, the Aquavit Terrace on the upper deck has light buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It's a particularly charming place to eat when the weather is nice and the glass walls come down, opening the entire area up to al fresco dining. Tables here are smaller, so if you're traveling with a friend or partner, you don't have to sit at a table with strangers.

It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with tables for six and eight. Breakfast and lunch are buffets that are served during set times, although you can also order cooked-to-order items off the menu. There are some exceptions to this in Viking's fleet, primarily on Portugal's Douro River, Germany's Elbe River and the Seine River in France.

Start your cultural immersion today by booking a Viking River Cruise. Viking has many inclusions on their river cruises, although not everything. Viking introduces the definitive way to explore the world in comfort. We call them Ocean & River Voyages, an innovative marriage of our award-winning river and ocean cruises.

You can also come and go a bit more freely here, during serving hours. It's a nice choice if you've had a long day touring and only need a small nosh. But the stars of the ships are the two Explorer Suites, both located on the upper deck at the back of the ship. These cabins come in at 445 square feet -- some of the largest on the rivers -- and not only have a separate bedroom and living areas, but a wraparound balcony. These 25 rooms, coming in at 150 square feet, are often called "aquarium class" because the windows are at the same level of the river outside.

In all ports, passengers have at least one free sightseeing option, with several extra-fee choices as well. Onboard, there are few activities to engage in but the occasional onboard presentation (usually a lecture, or local dance or music troupe) draws a crowd. Evening music (typically a piano player) may or may not be popular depending on the crowd onboard.

One of the best Viking River Cruises in Europe takes place on the Rhine River and the scenery is spectacular. Rising in the Alps and meandering 820 miles through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, the Rhine is lined with fairy-tale castles and wine-growing villages. All of that makes the Viking's Rhine cruises a great choice for first-time European river cruisers and returning visitors alike. River cruising is all about the destinations visited, and excursion are, by far, the most popular Viking River activity.