Do you consider yourself a “cruise person”? Some people love them and some people just don’t. But trust me when I say, river cruising is a different thing altogether. If you’ve already heard some good things about Viking River Cruises, it’s no wonder. Viking consistently ranks among the best in the world for river cruising. And their destination options are beyond compare. River cruising is not about being trapped on a giant boat in the ocean for days at a time with a bunch of screaming kids. Instead, river cruises are a luxurious, immersive, and culturally enriching experience. There is a lot to know if you have yet to experience a Viking river cruise, so all aboard as we navigate the ins and outs of Viking River Cruises. Let’s uncover why it might just be the perfect choice for your next adventure!
Why Choose Viking?
Viking River Cruises has been making waves in the travel industry since 1997, captivating travelers with its unique approach to river cruising. Viking sets itself apart by focusing on destination immersion, offering expertly curated itineraries designed to delve deep into the history, culture, and natural beauty of the places they visit. Forget the mega-ships and crowded ports – Viking embraces a more intimate and personalized experience, with smaller, state-of-the-art vessels that navigate some of the world’s most captivating waterways.
Where in the World Will Viking Take You?
From the romantic canals of Europe to the exotic rivers of Southeast Asia, Viking’s diverse itineraries span the globe. Here’s a glimpse of the incredible destinations they offer:
Europe: Explore the heart of Europe, sailing along iconic rivers like the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Main, and Moselle. Discover charming medieval towns, grand cities steeped in history, and breathtaking landscapes – from rolling vineyards to towering castles. Popular European itineraries include the “Romantic Danube,” “Rhine Getaway,” and “Paris & the Heart of Normandy.”
Asia: Embark on a journey of cultural discovery in Asia, cruising the majestic Yangtze River in China or the legendary Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. Immerse yourself in ancient traditions, vibrant cities, and stunning natural wonders.
Egypt: Unravel the mysteries of ancient Egypt on a Nile River cruise. Sail past towering pyramids, majestic temples, and bustling markets, stepping back in time to experience the wonders of this historical land.
North America: Discover the beauty and history of the Mississippi River, sailing from vibrant New Orleans to charming river towns and historic landmarks. Viking’s Mississippi River cruises offer a unique perspective on American heritage.
South America: Journey deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest on an unforgettable Amazon River cruise. Encounter diverse wildlife, explore local communities’ vibrant culture, and witness this natural wonder’s breathtaking beauty.
Depart From Amazing Ports
Viking cruises depart from numerous captivating ports around the world. You won’t regret spending extra time in these places before or after your cruise. Here are a few examples of the exciting cities where your Viking adventure can begin:
Europe: Embark on your European river cruise from vibrant cities like Amsterdam, Basel, Budapest, Frankfurt, or Paris.
Asia: Begin your Asian escapade from bustling metropolises like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Hong Kong.
Egypt: Set sail on your Egyptian adventure from historical cities like Cairo or Luxor.
North America: Start your North American journey from iconic cities like New Orleans, St. Paul, St. Louis, or Memphis.
South America: Embark on your South American voyage from adventurous cities like Manaus or Belem.
All Aboard Viking’s Impressive Fleet!
Viking’s fleet of state-of-the-art vessels is designed to provide the utmost comfort and elegance. The Longships, their signature river cruise ships, are particularly impressive, boasting spacious staterooms, elegant dining venues, and innovative features like the Aquavit Terrace, which seamlessly transitions from an indoor to an outdoor dining space. And did I mention that Viking Longships feature the largest suites on the rivers? The 445-square-foot Explorer Suites are the epitome of luxury! The Mississippi has its own special ship that’s even larger than the Longships so it can accommodate more passengers.
Your Home Away From Home: Viking Staterooms
Viking offers a variety of stateroom categories to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re seeking spacious luxury or cozy comfort, you’ll find the perfect accommodation to make your journey unforgettable. Here’s a peek at the different stateroom types:
Standard Staterooms: These cozy and well-designed rooms are perfect for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize comfort and functionality.
French Balcony Staterooms: These rooms feature a full-length window that opens to let in fresh air and offer expansive views, creating a bright and airy ambiance.
Veranda Staterooms: Enjoy the luxury of a private outdoor balcony in these spacious staterooms, perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine and soaking in the passing scenery.
Veranda Suites: Indulge in the ultimate river cruise experience with a separate bedroom and living area, each featuring a balcony for unparalleled comfort and views. The larger bathrooms add an extra touch of luxury.
Explorer Suites: Located at the rear of the upper deck, these expansive suites offer the pinnacle of luxury, featuring panoramic views, a separate living room, a spacious bedroom, and a private balcony.
What’s the Vibe On Board?
Viking River Cruises fosters a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for discerning adults seeking a peaceful and enriching escape. Here’s what you can expect:
Adults-Only: Viking River Cruises caters exclusively to adults, with no passengers under 18 allowed. This creates a tranquil and refined ambiance that’s perfect for relaxation and conversation.
Casual Dress Code: Leave the formal wear at home! Viking embraces a casual dress code, allowing you to pack light and enjoy the utmost comfort throughout your journey. While you might spot the occasional sport coat in the evenings, there’s no need for suits, ties, or fancy dresses. Jeans are acceptable attire for the dining room.
Exceptional Dining: Prepare to be tantalized by Viking’s delectable cuisine, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional specialties. The culinary team takes pride in crafting menus that reflect the flavors of the destinations you visit.
Complimentary Beer & Wine: Savor the flavors of local wines and beers, included complimentary with lunch and dinner. It’s the perfect way to enhance your dining experience and toast to new discoveries. More on the alcohol policy below.
Upgrade Your Beverages: For those who prefer a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, the Silver Spirits package is available for $25 per person per day. It includes premium cocktails, a wider variety of wines and beers, and even some top-shelf spirits.
Activities Galore: There’s Never a Dull Moment
Viking might not have the over-the-top bells and whistles of mega-ships – there’s no casino, swimming pool, or onboard waterpark – but there’s certainly no shortage of things to do on board. Here are some highlights:
Cultural Enrichment: Viking is renowned for its commitment to cultural enrichment. Through onboard lectures, cooking demonstrations, and local performances, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the destinations you visit.
Engaging Port Talks: Before each port of call, attend informative port talks led by knowledgeable experts who will provide insights into the history, culture, and attractions you’ll encounter.
Live Music & Entertainment: Unwind in the evenings with live music performances, showcasing both local talent and onboard musicians.
Relaxing Spaces: Retreat to the library for some quiet reading time, or simply relax on the sun deck, soaking in the scenery and enjoying the fresh air.
What about the Alcohol Policy?
Viking River Cruises includes complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner. In addition, there are other options for alcoholic beverages. A Silver Spirits package can be purchased for $27 per night, which includes most drinks from the bar, although some premium wines and spirits are not included. Some passengers feel that the Silver Spirits package is not needed because the drinks available without the package are adequate.
The cost of drinks on Viking cruises is generally considered reasonable, with some estimating that a guest would need to consume three to four cocktails per day to make the Silver Spirits package worthwhile. Also, unlike some other cruise lines, Viking does not add gratuities to each drink purchase, offering straightforward pricing. Some river cruises allow guests to bring local products, including alcohol, back onto the ship without a corkage fee. However, it’s important to check the alcohol policy for the specific cruise you are taking.
Explore Ashore with Viking Excursions
Viking’s thoughtfully curated shore excursions offer a fantastic way to experience the destinations you visit. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
Included Excursions: Each port of call features one complimentary excursion, typically a guided walking or bus tour that provides an overview of the main sights. These tours are a great way to get your bearings and learn about the local history and culture.
Optional Excursions: For those seeking more in-depth experiences, Viking offers a range of optional excursions for an additional cost. These specialized tours focus on specific interests, such as wine tastings, historical sites, cultural performances, or active adventures. While you can see the included tours on Viking’s website, you can’t see the prices for the optional tours.
What’s the Damage? Understanding Viking Costs
Viking River Cruises offers incredible value for the luxurious and immersive experience it provides. While prices vary depending on itinerary, stateroom category, and time of year, here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- Starting Prices: Viking cruises typically start at around $2,000 per person for a 7-night itinerary in a standard stateroom.
- Frequent “Sales”: Viking frequently runs promotions and offers, making it possible to snag incredible deals, including free airfare and shipboard credits. Be sure to check their website or consult a travel agent to see what offers are available.
- Inclusions: The cruise fare typically includes all meals, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, one shore excursion in each port, Wi-Fi access, and port charges.
- Additional Costs: Optional excursions, gratuities, and the Silver Spirits beverage package are not included in the base fare.
- Gratuities: Viking suggests a daily gratuity of $15 per person for the crew and $3-4 for the tour director. Gratuities are added to the final bill but you can have them adjusted.
Plan Your Perfect Viking Voyage With These Pro Tips
Ready to embark on an unforgettable river cruise with Viking? Here are some insider tips to help you plan the perfect journey:
- Book Well in Advance: Viking River Cruises is incredibly popular, so booking your cruise well in advance is essential, especially if you’re eyeing a specific itinerary or stateroom category.
- Consider a Travel Agent: A travel agent like me can be a valuable resource, providing expert guidance, access to exclusive deals, and assistance with planning and booking your trip. I can help you navigate the different itinerary options, stateroom categories, and special offers to ensure you get the best value for your money.
- Research Itineraries: Viking offers a wide variety of itineraries, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Take the time to research the different options and choose the one that best aligns with your interests and travel style. Consider factors like the destinations visited, the pace of the itinerary, and the types of shore excursions offered.
- Choose Your Stateroom Wisely: Carefully consider the different stateroom categories and their features when making your selection. Think about your budget, how much time you plan to spend in your room, and whether a balcony or extra space is a priority.
- Pack Appropriately: Viking’s casual dress code makes packing a breeze. Pack comfortable and casual clothing, layers for varying weather conditions, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring ashore. Don’t forget essential items like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.
- Check Transfer Policies: Understand Viking’s transfer policies to avoid any surprises. If you book airfare through Viking you will usually get transfers to and from the airport included but there are some exceptions.
Set Sail for Adventure With Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises offers a truly exceptional way to explore the world’s most captivating waterways. With its focus on cultural immersion, luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and meticulously planned itineraries, Viking provides an unforgettable experience for discerning travelers. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Viking River Cruise adventure today and get ready to discover the world in style and comfort!
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Viking River Cruises:
- Can children sail on Viking river cruises?
- No, Viking River Cruises has an adults-only policy, and the minimum age to sail is 18.
- What is the tipping etiquette on Viking river cruises?
- Tipping is customary on Viking river cruises. Gratuities are added to your final bill but they are negotiable if you’re not satisfied with the service. Viking suggests $15 per person per day for the crew and $3-4 per person per day for the program director.
- Does Viking arrange transportation to and from the airport?
- Yes, Viking will usually arrange transfers from the airport to the ship and vice versa if you book your flights through them. There are some exceptions to this policy.
- Is Wi-Fi available on Viking river cruises?
- Yes, Wi-Fi is included in the cruise fare for one device per passenger. However, internet connectivity can be unreliable at times, especially in remote areas.
If you have more questions or need further assistance with planning your Viking River Cruise, feel free to reach out to an experienced travel agent like myself. Happy travels!
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