Viking River Cruises: The Art of the River Voyage

Viking River Cruises offers a "slow travel" experience that is as seamless as it is enriching. Unlike ocean cruising, where you might spend days at sea, a river cruise offers ever-changing scenery right outside your window. You aren't just visiting a country; you are moving through its history, docking just steps away from cobblestone streets, local markets, and hilltop castles.

What Makes Viking River Stand Apart?

• The Award-Winning Longships: Viking’s patented Longship design features squared bows and offset corridors, which allows for more full-size staterooms and suites with true balconies—a rarity on many river lines.

• The Aquavit Terrace: This stunning indoor/outdoor viewing area at the front of the ship features floor-to-ceiling glass doors. It is the perfect spot for an "al fresco" breakfast or lunch as you watch the vineyards and villages drift by.

• Cultural Enrichment: The journey continues on board with "Culture Curricula." You might enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration, a traditional folk dance performance, or a lecture on the history of the region you’re currently sailing through.

• All-Inclusive Value: Just like their ocean cruises, Viking River includes one shore excursion in every port, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, specialty coffees, and Wi-Fi.

Where They Go

Viking operates the largest fleet of river ships in the world, giving you the most options for dates and destinations.

• The Rhine, Main, and Danube: The classic European routes featuring the windmills of Holland, the castles of the Rhine Gorge, and the imperial cities of Vienna and Budapest.

• France: Sail the Seine through Normandy to Paris, explore the wine regions of Bordeaux, or follow the Rhône through the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence.

• Portugal: Discover the "River of Gold" (the Douro) as you wind through dramatic terraced vineyards and historic quintas.

• Exotic Rivers: Journey through the cradle of civilization on the Nile in Egypt, explore the temples of the Mekong in Southeast Asia, or see the vibrant culture along the Elbe in Germany.

The Onboard Experience

Life on a Viking Longship is quiet, refined, and intimate, with most ships carrying only 190 guests.

• Scandinavian Serenity: The interiors are designed with clean lines, light woods, and open spaces to create a calm, residential feel—your "floating hotel" away from home.

• Destination-Focused Dining: The chefs often source ingredients from local markets at the morning’s port, so your dinner might reflect the specific region you visited that afternoon.

• Understated Elegance: There are no "captain’s dinners" or tuxedo requirements. The dress code is relaxed and comfortable, focusing on your comfort and the exploration of the destination.

Is a River Cruise Right for You?

River cruising is perfect for those who:

• Want to see multiple countries without ever having to pack and unpack more than once.

• Prefer calm waters (there is zero motion sickness on a river!).

• Enjoy a social atmosphere where it is easy to make friends with your fellow travelers.

• Want to be "in the middle of it all" the moment they step off the ship.