The world's largest river cruise line with 80+ vessels. Viking Longships feature glass-walled atriums, all-veranda staterooms, included shore excursions, and Scandinavian minimalism. The thinking person's cruise.
Viking's signature vessel, the Longship, is 135 meters long and designed to navigate Europe's rivers with minimal environmental impact. The ships feature a light-filled atrium with a glass-walled staircase, a sun deck with a herb garden, and an open-air terrace at the bow. The all-veranda staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony — every cabin on the upper two decks has outdoor space. The ships are designed with Scandinavian minimalism — clean lines, natural materials, and a palette of neutrals with blue accents. The result is a ship that feels like a modern boutique hotel, not a cruise vessel.
Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port — walking tours, castle visits, museum tours, and cultural experiences. The "Viking Resident Program" features local historians, chefs, and artists who give lectures and demonstrations on board. The "Culture Curriculum" includes language lessons, cooking classes, and wine tastings. The "Viking Concierge" can arrange private excursions, restaurant reservations, and theater tickets. The included excursions are well-organized and informative, but the private options allow for deeper exploration. Viking also offers a "Viking Explorer" program for more active travelers — cycling tours, hiking, and kayaking.
Viking's policy is simple: no casinos, no children under 18, no formal nights, no photography sales, no art auctions, no inside cabins, and no extra charges for wine and beer at lunch and dinner. The result is a cruise experience that is focused on the destination, not the ship. The passengers are typically affluent, educated, and curious — the "thinking person's cruise." The atmosphere is quiet and cultured, with lectures, concerts, and discussions rather than games and contests. The dress code is casual elegant — no need for tuxedos or ball gowns. The focus is on learning, exploring, and experiencing the culture of the regions the ship passes through.
Viking operates over 80 vessels on rivers across Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, China, and Southeast Asia. The European routes include the Rhine (Amsterdam to Basel), the Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg or Passau), the Seine (Paris to Normandy), the Rhône (Lyon to Avignon), the Douro (Porto to Vega de Terrón), the Elbe (Berlin to Prague), and the Moselle (Trier to Cochem). The non-European routes include the Nile (Cairo to Aswan), the Yangtze (Shanghai to Chongqing), and the Mekong (Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap). Each route is designed to showcase the history, culture, and cuisine of the region. The ships are specifically designed for the rivers they navigate — the Longships for Europe, the Egypt ships for the Nile, and the China ships for the Yangtze.
Amsterdam-Basel
Amsterdam-Budapest
Budapest-Nuremberg
Seine River
Rhône River
Douro River
"Exploring the world in comfort."— Viking Cruises Tagline