Viking River Cruises>Why River Cruise>

Elegant, Comfortable Ships

Viking ships are Scandinavian in design, with open, airy interiors by famed Norwegian maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten. Guests enjoy all the amenities they might expect in a fine hotel, plus expansive, panoramic views throughout.

Spacious Accommodations

Every stateroom has an “outside” river view with a window or balcony for viewing scenery, and on every ship, most windows open to the fresh air. Experience the comfort of hotel-style beds with European linens and duvets, and satellite television with BBC, CNN and other programming.

Gourmet Cuisine

Enjoy sumptuous breakfasts and wonderful lunches and dinners with Viking. Created by European and well known chefs, our menus combine regional specialties with gourmet fare to delight the most discriminating palate. While meals are casual, open-seating affairs, the atmosphere is always elegant.

Expert Planning & Execution

When you travel with Viking, you can relax knowing that all the details of your experience, both on board and ashore, will be fun and interesting. Our knowledgeable Programme Directors, all Viking staff members, are completely devoted to ensuring that every trip you take with us exceeds your expectations.

Cultural Enrichment

On every Viking itinerary, our expert Programme Directors provide background, context and regional perspective. Demonstrations, lectures and workshops supplement on-shore exploration. And now, we take you to a wider range of destinations than ever before—which means more cultural traditions, cuisines and wines, games, music and dances to experience and enjoy. This adds up to a personalized, in-depth experience wherever you travel with Viking.

Consistently Excellent Service

Wherever we sail, you enjoy the same standard of service—because we manage it all: nautical, technical, catering, sightseeing and guides. With operational headquarters in Switzerland and offices in both Russia and China, we oversee these regional shipboard operations.

The World's Most Award-Winning River Cruise Line

We have consistently placed high on competitive rankings like Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List, Reader's Choice and Best Small Ships awards; and Travel + Leisure's World's Best; we have also been honored by prestigious international organizations like the World Travel Awards. Meanwhile, travel agents have recognized us with awards including TravelAge West's Best Line for River Cruising and Travel Weekly's #1 River Cruise Line. And Viking is featured in National Geographic's The 10 Best of Everything.

Europe’s Cutting Edge

The recently launched Viking Legend offers the ultimate in river cruising vessels, with all the latest amenities and efficient “green” propulsion technology. Viking Legend joined our award-winning European fleet, which also includes Viking Sun and Viking Helvetia—these three vessels are the very best ships sailing through Europe today, featuring deluxe staterooms, each boasting a French balcony or picture window. From Viking Primadonna with its private balconies to the intimate “purpose-built” Viking Fontane and Viking Schumann—both recently refurbished—to deluxe hotel-style staterooms in France, you will always enjoy the hospitality of the right ship in the right place.

Best River Ships in Russia

We have dramatically upgraded our Russian fleet—Viking Surkov, Viking Kirov and Viking Pakhomov have deluxe staterooms throughout, including suites and singles, and an expanded restaurant facility. These fully refurbished ships are by far the best river cruise ships in Russia.

5 stars on the Yangtze in China

Viking is proud to welcome the newest member of the fleet—the fabulous Viking Emerald. The newest and most elegant ship on the Yangtze River, Viking Emerald features a private balcony in every stateroom and the largest suites in river cruising, including 840-square-foot Presidential Suites with two flat-screen TVs, panoramic windows and a wrap-around balcony.

Built for the World’s Great Rivers

Viking ships are dedicated and “purpose-built” for the rivers they travel. Their size and shape fit perfectly when going through narrow passages or river locks, and the wheelhouses of our European ships descend to allow passage under bridges. And some Viking vessels that navigate the Main-Danube Canal have a promenade deck, allowing passengers the great benefit of being outdoors throughout the 106-mile passage.

Designed for Viewing

Wherever you travel with Viking, your cruise features ever-changing scenery, and our ships are designed to facilitate viewing. Every stateroom has a French balcony or picture window, most of which open to the fresh air should you desire it. Your ship’s observation lounge and restaurant surround you with panoramic windows. Many ships have promenade decks, and the sun deck always provides fantastic 360° views.

Browse our itineraries and regional fleet sections for additional information about ship and stateroom amenities, photos and deck plans.

Spacious Staterooms

With Viking, every stateroom is an “outside” stateroom—with a river view through a picture window or French balcony. Most windows open, and in China, all staterooms have balconies.

Most staterooms are deluxe, which means they have hotel-style beds with European linens and duvets. Many beds can be arranged in either a double or a twin configuration. There is plenty of closet space and a place to stow your bags once you have unpacked.

All rooms have a private bathroom with shower, while most also have their own climate control system and telephone. Stateroom TVs offer CNN and other English-language programming.

Little Things That Count

Your Viking stateroom is a home away from home, and we want to make sure it feels that way. You will find quality amenities including slippers, wooden clothes hangers, a vanity set and complimentary bottled water daily. We pay attention to the details so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Sail Aboard a Fine Hotel

Our ships have Scandinavian-influenced interiors designed to be sleek, comfortable and uncluttered in appearance. Furnishings are crafted of fine woods; fabrics and wools, cashmeres, cottons and linens in a neutral palette to provide the best possible backdrop for passing scenery. In addition to the décor and amenities in your stateroom, the ship’s public areas provide everything you may require as we cruise along. Borrow a book, magazine, jigsaw puzzle or deck of cards from the ship’s library. Have a soda or cocktail in the observation lounge, or get a complimentary coffee drink from the coffee station anytime of the day or night. Pick up a gift item or souvenir at the onboard boutique. Complimentary wireless internet access is provided via satellite downlink—bring your laptop or use one of the ship’s computers.

Best of all, our dedicated, English-speaking hotel staff is always ready to assist with everything from extra towels to information about upcoming destinations.

Variety to Suit Every Palate

For breakfast, choose from a delectable array of European pastries, cereals, breakfast meats, smoked fish, fresh fruit and selected cheeses. Or you may prefer a hot dish, such as an omelet made just the way you like it. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or choose an entrée and dessert from the day’s luncheon menu.

For dinner, a five-course gourmet menu awaits—with regional specialties like Viennese schnitzel or Barbary duck. On our China cruisetours, enjoy one of celebrity chef Martin Yan’s Chinese delights, as well as favorites like roast beef or poached salmon. And if none of these meet your preference, then grilled steak, chicken and Caesar salad are always available as dinner options—all prepared in our state-of-the-art onboard kitchens.

Local Culinary Specialties

If an itinerary has included meals ashore, you visit restaurants carefully selected by Viking’s in-country staff—where you can sample regional favorites, like Peking duck in Beijing or a traditional German lunch in Rothenburg. And wherever you sail, enjoy treats reflecting your itinerary, like Dutch cheese sampling, French wines and quiches or Russian tea time. These culinary delights are a central part of experiencing any region’s culture.

Casual Dining in Elegant Style

Our restaurants are designed for single-seating meals—and you can sit anywhere you like. Dining is always an elegant experience, with crisp table linens, sparkling china and crystal, contemporary cutlery and special touches like flowers. And of course, impeccable service!

Silver Spirits, Our Premium Beverage Package

Your meals are always accompanied by hot tea, iced tea or coffee, while cocktails, wine, beer, coffee drinks and soda are available on a per-drink basis.

We also proudly offer our Silver Spirits premium beverage package, which covers a selection of premium wine, beer, espresso drinks, soft drinks, juices and mineral water for the duration of your cruise, plus cocktails and a bottle of sparkling wine—all for one package price. We also offer a nonalcoholic package, for those who would like unlimited soft drinks and juices. Ask about Silver Spirits when making your reservation, or ask at the reception desk on board.

Rigorous Staff Training

We have high standards for the English-speaking crews on board our ships. We personally recruit all of our staff members, from your stateroom steward and waiters, to hotel managers and Program Directors. Proprietary training programs are implemented by our Swiss management team to ensure we always provide the level of service you would find in a fine hotel. All these things make Viking a highly desirable employer, with an exceptionally high staff retention rate.

Extensive Local Experience

Our senior staff brings deep experience to make sure your trip with Viking measures up. For instance, our management team in China has spent decades helping North Americans see the region, and our China guides have 10 to 20 years of experience showing people their country. The head of Viking product development is a multilingual European native with more than 20 years in the business as a local guide, tour director, event coordinator and cruise manager. Overall, the Viking team brings you a level of expertise other companies cannot match.

Highest Customer Satisfaction

We are proud of our industry-leading customer satisfaction ratings, with 99.8% of our passengers commenting that we have met or exceeded their expectations. We strive to delight each and every guest.

Great Service, Guaranteed

As the only river cruise line to guarantee its award-winning service, we are committed to making your vacation the best ever. Should you be dissatisfied with our service upon first check-in (hotel or on board ship) including food, personnel or shore excursions, please notify us within 24 hours of the start of your cruisetour. We then have 24 hours to correct the situation. In the unlikely event that a solution is not possible, you may depart as soon as is feasible and 100% of your cruise price will be refunded.

Please note: Viking can assist with any departure reservations, but costs for your return trip or alternate travel plans are your responsibility. For more information about the Viking Service Guarantee, ask for details when making reservations.

See More

When it comes to showing you the world, Viking has an unrivaled depth of knowledge and expertise. Carefully crafted itineraries and daily shore excursions feature must-see highlights and delightful surprises. Expertly guided tours bring you closer to the art, architecture, history and people of the world’s greatest cities. And of course you can trust that every little detail has been taken care of, including transportation, reservations and entry fees.

Experience More

Sometimes when you travel, you want to dig a little deeper. You want more answers, more stories and information, for a more rewarding experience. Viking’s Culture Curriculum^SM spans all manner of engaging activities that bring history and culture to life, and life to every experience.

Watch a glassblower from Wertheim. Listen to a concert of Austrian classics. Learn how to make Rüdesheimer coffee. Discuss French impressionism. Watch traditional dancers from Cambodia, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Portugal or Nubia. Hear an eyewitness account of the Czech Republic’s Velvet Revolution. Artists, performers, historical eyewitnesses and professors from eminent institutions such as the Smithsonian all contribute to a fascinating and entertaining program that gives you true insight into the places you visit.

And when night falls, the stars come out. Members of the Peking Opera perform for your pleasure. The Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe dazzles with their dexterity. Musicians from Russia’s Mariinsky Theatre leave you spellbound. And on the river, the moon rises, telling you that though the day has passed, the memory will last forever.

Dining On Board and Ashore

All of your onboard meals are included in the cost of your fare, and on a number of itineraries you are invited to dine ashore in a pre-selected restaurant. New for 2012: complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner on board, and you can help yourself to tea, coffee and cappuccino at any time.

Shore Excursions

Our guided tours incorporate the highlights of each and every destination, and these are included in your fare. Plus, a variety of included cultural events are also offered to provide an enriching, entertaining and memorable experience.

Hotel Accommodations

On every Viking cruisetour package, your fare includes overnight stays in major cities. We carefully select deluxe, first class or superior first class hotels, chosen for their great location and high quality standards.

All-Inclusive Air Travel

If you purchase air travel from Viking, everything is included—taxes, fees, surcharges, airfare and airport transfers—and we handle all the details. Our airline connections enable us to offer competitive prices and we can often arrange for upgrades at a reasonable cost.

Explore More Land Extensions

Prague, Berlin, Helsinki, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Bangkok—wherever you choose to cruise, Viking offers exciting ways to extend your stay to see even more. Add a hotel stay at either end of your cruise—or even both—and maximise your holiday experience.

Many ways to save

In addition to the great value, there are many ways to save with Viking from our Price Guarantee to Past Guest Travel Credits, Referral Rewards and Group Leader Discounts. See the About Your Trip section of our website to learn more.

Price Guarantee

Once you have paid in full for your trip, you will be unaffected by currency fluctuations, taxes, fees or oil prices. We guarantee it.

Viking Explorer Society

Once you travel with Viking, you automatically become a member of the Viking Explorer Society. Members receive many benefits, including travel credits on future Viking journeys. Click here for details on this outstanding tiered loyalty program.

Viking Referral Rewards

Share the delights of travel with friends and family, and everyone saves on their next Viking voyage. Click here for information on Viking Referral Rewards.

Group Leader Discount

Put together a group of nine others and you travel free! Ask about the Group Leader discount.