best viking cruise to take

The ultimate guide to Viking cruise ships and itineraries

Some cruise lines try to be all things to all people. Viking isn't one of them.

Since its founding in 1997, the upscale cruise brand has carved out a niche catering to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler looking to explore the world and learn a thing or two along the way.

Most Viking customers are approaching their retirement years — or are already there — and they're eager to finally see all the places they didn't have time to visit when raising kids and establishing careers in their younger years.

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For this subset of travelers, Viking offers a wide range of both ocean and river cruise itineraries that have a heavy focus on the destinations visited. These aren't cruises where it's all about the ship.

Viking voyages bring a lot of extended stays in ports where passengers get more time to explore historical sites and experience the local culture than is typical on cruises. Unlike most lines, Viking offers included-in-the-fare tours in every port, allowing every passenger on board to get a guided experience during stops without having to pay extra. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy.)

On board, Viking's programming revolves heavily around what the line calls "cultural enrichment" — lectures by experts on topics related to the places its ships visit, as well as cultural and culinary offerings that often have a local tie-in.

What Viking ships don't offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. In fact, the line doesn't even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. It's one of the only major cruise brands in the world with such a rule.

Viking ships also don't cater to the party crowd. If it's a floating celebration you're looking for in a vacation, this isn't the line for you.

As Viking founder Torstein Hagen likes to say, a Viking cruise is the "thinking person's cruise, not the drinking person's cruise."

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

3 things TPG loves about Viking

• Its focus is on destinations and enrichment.
• The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships.
• Its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy.

What we could do without

• The lack of fitness centers on Viking river ships.

The Viking fleet

Viking has more ships than any other major cruise brand in the world, more than 90 in all. It also has both ocean ships and river ships — something that is unusual among major lines. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

That's because the vast majority of Viking's ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. Ditto for the line's river vessels.

Viking currently operates 11 ocean ships, nine of which are nearly identical. The exceptions are two recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

The nine nearly identical ocean ships — Viking Saturn, Viking Neptune, Viking Mars, Viking Venus, Viking Jupiter, Viking Orion, Viking Sky, Viking Sea and Viking Star — began rolling out in 2015. Each has the capacity for 930 passengers. Six more nearly identical vessels are scheduled to debut between 2024 and 2028, and Viking has options with a shipyard to order four more of the ships for delivery in 2029 and 2030.

At 47,800 tons, these ocean ships are less than a fourth the size of the giant megaships being built by the likes of Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, in keeping with Viking's focus on intimate, upscale voyages. Big floating resorts, they aren't.

Note that there is one more vessel in this same series, called Zhao Shang Yi Dun, that has been permanently transferred to a joint venture that operates for the China market. When it debuted in 2017, it originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking's two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are smaller than the above vessels, as is typical for expedition ships, and carry 378 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Then there are the river ships. At last count, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — an astounding number that is the result of blistering growth over the past decade. (As recently as 2012, the line operated just 29 river ships.)

As noted above, almost all of Viking's river ships are of the same basic design and are known as the Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long, the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe's rivers. Viking has also built slightly shorter versions of the Longships measuring 262 feet, 361 feet or 410 feet in length specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require a smaller vessel. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to be able to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships that operated in Russia and Ukraine until recently. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the Ukraine war.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

Destinations and itineraries

Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line, mostly due to the fact that it operates both ocean cruises and river cruises.

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note.

You'll find Viking river ships operating on the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also operated cruises on the Volga in Russia and the Dnieper in Ukraine. (As noted above, sailings on the latter two rivers are on hold due to the war in Ukraine and may not resume for many years.)

Viking also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and it recently began trips on the Mississippi River.

The line's ocean ships can be found in nearly every ocean and sea around the world, from North America to Europe and Asia.

Viking's ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) It's also a big player in the Mediterranean. You'll find Viking's ocean ships in other key cruise destinations as well, such as Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia.

In addition, in early 2022, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. That summer, the same vessel launched the line's first voyages in the Great Lakes — a destination that only a handful of cruise operators visit.

You'll find everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages among the line's voyages.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Who sails Viking

Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. The company's core market is people who range in age from 55 to 75 years, although it does draw some passengers who are younger or older.

In general, it's an educated crowd, with many passengers coming from professional backgrounds or a life of running their own businesses. They're often people who have spent years focused on work and building up savings for retirement, and they're finally ready to start enjoying the fruits of their labor by spending some of the savings on travel to places they've long put off visiting.

They're also people who can afford a relatively high-end vacation experience. While Viking doesn't market itself as a luxury line, some would call it that. Viking vessels are full of luxury touches, with the pricing to match (see more on what Viking trips cost at the bottom of this story).

In general, you'll find a lot of couples on Viking ships and some solo travelers. You'll also find the occasional multigenerational group — a retired couple traveling with their working-age adult children, for instance.

However, unlike nearly every other cruise brand, what you won't find are families with young kids. As noted above, Viking doesn't allow passengers under the age of 18 on its ships — a key differentiator for the brand as compared to other cruise lines.

Cabins and suites

Is a balcony something you can't live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? Viking could be your line.

Viking is one of the only cruise brands in the world that offers a balcony with every cabin on every ocean ship it operates — even the least expensive, smallest cabins. That's something that even the most upscale of Viking's ocean cruise rivals including Oceania Cruises , Azamara , Seabourn , Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises can't say.

Viking's ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. Even the smallest cabins on Viking's ocean ships are large by cruise ship standards at 270 square feet, and the largest suites measure nearly 1,500 square feet.

If you're looking for a big open room on an ocean cruise (and are willing to pay for it), Viking offers you plenty of options.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites

Viking also offers lots of balcony cabins and suites on its river ships, something that isn't always the case in the river cruise business, where space on vessels is at a premium. Unlike its ocean ships, Viking's river ships aren't all-balcony-cabin vessels.

Designwise, Viking cabins and suites across all categories are modern and elegant in an understated sort of way, with Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and decor that tie to the Norwegian heritage of the company's founder.

You'll find beds topped with crisp, white duvets and Scandinavian throws, comfortable contemporary sofas and chairs in neutral tones, and light-wood desks and side tables that combine to offer a residential feel in bedroom areas. Soothing, minimalist colors — think creams, grays and lighter blues — are the order of the day.

Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine-lined walls, Scandinavian-influenced wood-veneered vanities, shiny white sinks and chrome fixtures.

In keeping with the high-end nature of the brand, Viking cabins and suites have a lot of upscale touches, from sumptuous bedding that envelops you to heated floors in bathrooms. The rooms aren't overly flashy, though.

What they are is eminently functional, with storage in all the right places, lots of outlets for charging your devices and lighting right where you need it. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards, which are in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. You won't have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed.

Other little touches in Viking cabins that show a line thinking about functionality as much as decor include the large and clear lettering on the Freyja toiletries that you'll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. The toiletries were specifically designed with bigger and clearer lettering than is common for toiletries on cruise ships and at hotels so that the line's older customers would have no trouble differentiating the body wash from the body lotion and shampoo.

Restaurants and dining

The number of restaurants and other dining options that you'll find on Viking ships will vary greatly depending on whether you are sailing on an ocean or a river ship.

All of Viking's oceangoing ships, which are much bigger than its river ships, have at least four and usually more outlets serving food of some sort.

Every one of the line's 930-passenger ocean ships has a main restaurant (called, simply, The Restaurant) with rotating menus that include dishes that tie to the destination where the vessel is sailing. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. You'll probably eat most of your meals in one of these eateries.

The main restaurants on these ships are notable for their walls of glass that can slide open to create al fresco dining, something that is unusual in the cruise world.

Each of the 930-passenger ocean ships also has two smaller restaurants with specialized cuisine: Manfredi's, a high-end Italian eatery, and The Chef's Table, which offers a five-course tasting menu themed around a specific cuisine that changes every few days.

There's no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. Each passenger is only allowed to make one to three reservations per cruise at the eateries, depending on which category of cabin they have booked.

Viking's bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. Passengers can grab a snack — with a Norwegian twist — at the forward-facing lounges atop the ships, which are home to a small food counter called Mamsen's. Named after Viking founder Torstein Hagen's mother (Ragnhild "Mamsen" Hagen), it offers authentic tastes of Norway such as traditional heart-shaped waffles, specialty cakes and the brown goat cheese that is found around the country.

Passengers will also find finger sandwiches, scones and teas in the afternoon at the glass-topped Wintergarden lounge at the top of every vessel.

The line's smaller expedition ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, offer four of the above venues: The Restaurant, World Cafe, Manfredi's and Mamsen's.

Viking's river ships, by contrast, typically offer just two eateries: a main restaurant where passengers eat most of their meals and a smaller, casual buffet with indoor and outdoor seating.

Fun fact: The Manfredi's restaurants on Viking ocean ships are named after former Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen.

Entertainment and activities

Many of the activities on board Viking's ocean ships revolve around "cultural enrichment," to use a phrase often used by Viking executives. On any given day, you might find an expert on one of the destinations you're visiting lecturing in the theater, or a classical musician performing in the central atrium, known as The Living Room. The ships also offer some traditional entertainment, including production shows with singers and dancers.

On the line's river ships, you'll also find onboard lectures, usually related to the destinations the ships are visiting, as well as destination-related demonstrations and tastings. (On a Seine River voyage, you might have a tasting of local French cheeses or French wines, for instance).

You'll also find live piano music in the evenings in river ship lounges.

Theaters, lounges and shows

Each of the line's ocean ships has a theater at its front that is home to production shows, movie showings (with fresh popcorn available) and enrichment lecturers.

In keeping with Viking's focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places you'll be visiting on your sailing. The line also draws a wide range of interesting and accomplished people from all walks of life to serve as guest lecturers, including well-known academics, diplomats and even astronauts.

In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. It's also known for an extensive collection of Armagnacs, with one from almost every year of the past eight decades. (A fun game is to try the Armagnac from your birth year. Just be careful — some years are far more expensive than others.)

You'll also find musicians including pianists and guitar players performing at times in the Viking Living Room — a three-deck-high, atrium-like space at the center of the ship. Filled with comfortable seating areas and home to a bar, the Viking Living Room serves as a central meeting point for passengers throughout the day and night. It's also home to the ship's Explorers' Desk — the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships.

There's also live music at night in the Explorers' Lounge, a two-deck-high observation lounge and bar area at the very top of the ship. The Explorers' Lounge also is home to Mamsen's, the food counter serving tastes of Norway mentioned above.

The pool deck and other venues

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of Viking's ocean ships is the main pool area, which is home to a pool, hot tub and rows of lounge chairs, as well as comfortable seating areas.

The entire main pool area is covered with a glass magrodome that can be opened on short notice on warm and sunny days — or closed if the ship encounters inclement weather.

Just behind the main pool area on each of the ocean ships is a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden that is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it's one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

Other interior spaces that are part of the ocean ships include a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels) and a fitness center.

Note that Viking river ships do not have fitness centers, which is relatively unusual for river ships. Viking has long argued that few of its customers use fitness centers and the space that would be devoted to one is better used for other things. However, if you're fitness-obsessed, Viking river ships may not be the best choice for your river trip.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's program

Viking does not allow children under the age of 18 on its vessels and thus has no children's programs on any of its vessels.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Viking adds an automatic service gratuity (which it calls a "hotel and dining charge") of $17 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount before disembarking at the Explorers' Desk. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

As part of Viking's "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy, the line offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers on all its ships throughout sailings. Note that internet service can be slow at times of heavy use, as is typical on cruise vessels. In addition, in order to ensure fair usage for all, the line limits some heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads and software upgrades.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Unlike many lines, Viking allows you to bring your own wine, Champagne, beer and liquor onto ships at embarkation with no limits. The line also doesn't charge a corkage fee.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Some Viking ships, including all of the line's ocean vessels (including its one expedition vessel), have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. The launderettes are stocked with detergent for the washing machines that, unlike on many cruise ships with launderettes, do not come with an extra cost.

In addition, most Viking vessels offer laundry and pressing services. Such services are complimentary for passengers staying in certain categories of cabins. Otherwise, fees are comparable to what you'll pay cleaners at home. Dry cleaning is available on the line's ocean ships but not on Viking river ships.

Viking's recently unveiled Mississippi River ship offers self-service launderettes but no send-out laundry and pressing service.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

All of the line's vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins.

The currency used on Viking ships is U.S. dollars.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Viking ships.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, a short-sleeve shirt and shorts are just fine.

Evenings have an official dress code, but it's not too formal. The line asks passengers to keep things "elegant casual" when heading to any of the ship's dining venues, performances or special events. To Viking, that means a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women, and trousers and a collared shirt for men. A tie and jacket for men are optional. Jeans are not permitted.

This evening dress code is not enforced at the casual World Cafe eateries on Viking ocean ships, where passengers can go even more casual in the evenings.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Viking cruise loyalty program

Viking doesn't have a loyalty program in the traditional sense — one where passengers earn points every time they travel with the brand and progress through multiple tiers that bring an ever-expanding array of perks. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests.

Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. As part of this society, you will receive:

• A credit of $200 per passenger anytime you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit.
• An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships.
• Early word by email or regular mail on new Viking Cruises itineraries and new ships, as well as special limited-time offers.

Note that the credits mentioned above cannot always be combined with promotions the line offers.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program

How much does a Viking cruise cost?

Viking sailings aren't inexpensive. Ten-night "Greek Odyssey" voyages to the Greek Islands start at $3,999 per person. That works out to roughly $800 per day for a couple sharing a room. Some of the line's more exotic sailings, such as its expedition trips to Antarctica, cost even more. Fourteen-night Antarctica trips start at $13,995 per person — about $2,000 per day for a couple.

Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style

Still, as is typical for cruise lines at the high end, Viking includes a lot in its base price. In addition to a room on board and all meals, the fares include beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; specialty coffees, teas and bottled water around the clock; shipboard Wi-Fi; and (perhaps most notably) a shore excursion in every port. The latter is something relatively few lines roll into their base fares, and shore excursions can be expensive.

Viking also includes access to the thermal areas of its spa in its base fares. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels.

Viking fares do include port taxes and fees, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per sailing. Most other lines do not include port taxes and fees in their base fares and add them later in the booking process.

Note that Viking does charge extra for two key things that many luxury lines such as Silversea, Seabourn and Regent do not: alcoholic drinks at bars and gratuities. This is one reason some cruisers do not consider Viking at quite the same level as those other brands.

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to Viking.com and book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we always recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Viking is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all of the line's many itineraries in detail and, preferably, has sailed on or at least inspected some of the line's vessels, too, to understand the various cabin types and onboard amenities.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card spending when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining).

Bottom line

Viking can be defined as much by what it isn't as what it is. It's not a line for families with young children. It's not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. And it's not a line for the party crowd.

What it is is a line that has focused very specifically on "thinking person's cruises" that offer a deeper dive into the destinations that its ships visit than is typical at many lines. It's all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort.

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Best Sights to See on the Viking Grand European Tour River Cruise

Imagine visiting lovely cities — small and large — along the fabled Rhine River and Danube River. You can certainly visit these cities on your own and enjoy them. We’ve discovered that river cruising gives you this, but with valuable perks. The Viking Grand European Tour river cruise takes you to all the key towns along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. Each evening you enjoy the company of others, dine on destination-inspired meals, are lulled to sleep in “your own bed,” and wake up refreshed to start another great day of exploring. You have pre-planned tours of towns you visit — or explore on your own — and then return to your floating hotel, lounge, and restaurant.

Check out my Complete Guide to a Viking River Cruise  article to learn more about the overall experience onboard.

My husband, Pop, and I usually design our vacations to Europe, and we like talking about and planning what we want to see and where we want to stay beforehand. However, we heard more and more from friends about how much they enjoy European river cruises. So we decided to leave our comfort zone and find out more. We’re glad we did.

River cruising allows travelers to visit many great places while only having to unpack once. (Sounds good, right?) Essentially, you’re staying in a floating full-service hotel with amenities and planned excursions. We chose Viking River Cruises because of its stellar reputation and its 15-day Grand European Tour that began in Amsterdam, traveled down the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, and concluded in Budapest. You could, of course, choose to begin in Budapest and end in Amsterdam. It’s the same journey in reverse. Viking continues to add boats and ports of call, so there are plenty of options depending on your geographic and sightseeing interests. 

Disclaimer: My husband, Pop, and I paid for the Viking Grand European Tour. We did not receive compensation or discounts from Viking or any other organization. I merely want to share our experience on this river cruise with my readers. 

The following are our favorite visits to the major ports of call on Viking’s Grand European Tour river cruise.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands

Our Viking Grand European Tour river cruise began in Amsterdam. When we arrived at the ship, we dropped our luggage and explored the city a bit. We had already visited the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House on a previous trip. They were all outstanding, and we highly recommend visiting them. We decided to take a canal boat cruise for this short visit and walk the town more. 

Whether by canal boat or on foot, you’ll notice the relatively narrow homes along the canals. In years past, the maximum width of homes was 18 feet, so people built up multiple floors. Because of the height of the homes and the resulting narrowness of the staircases within, the homes have hoisting beams along with pulleys and ropes on the front gables to lift furniture and goods to the upper floors.

If you have time in your schedule, you may want to arrive a few days early so you have the time to explore the area a bit. There is a lot to see. When we visited a few years ago, we stayed in Haarlem, a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam. You may have heard that Amsterdam is now considered overrun with tourists. It’s true. It’s crowded. That’s why we liked to return to the peaceful, friendly little town of Haarlem at the end of a busy sightseeing day.

KINDERDIJK, The Netherlands

This village’s name is derived from a long-told story about a flood hundreds of years ago when the water swept away belongings and a child in a cradle. As the tale is told, a cat perched on the cradle, balancing it as it floated away. Thus, the name Kinderdijk “children’s dike,” was born. Today some residents have a cradle (made of willows and reeds) in their back gardens as an homage to the village’s history.

You’ll see lots of windmills here. They’ve long served an important purpose by helping regulate water flow into and out of the river, depending on the water levels behind the dikes. Windmills are still in operation today and are homes for the families of the windmill operators. 

We biked along a path by the windmills and stopped at a museum (Museum Windmill Blokweer) showing  how a typical family lived there in the 1950s. Tragedy struck at this one when the son of the owner walked out the wrong door and was killed by the windmill’s blade. (There are two doors on a windmill, so there’s always a way out that is not on the side where the blade turns.) When people come to visit someone who is living in a windmill, they look up to make sure the brake for the blade is on, which indicates that the blade is not moving.

Whether taking the tour on foot or by bike (we highly recommend this easy biking tour), you’ll gain a keen understanding of the importance of windmills to Dutch life.

COLOGNE, Germany

Our Viking river cruise ship docked within a few minutes walk into the center of Cologne (or Köln in German), the fourth largest German city. Because it’s so walkable, you’ll be able to cover several of the top spots and have time to spare for a meal and/or shopping before you need to board the ship for departure.

Places of Interest

• Cologne Cathedral – When you approach the Gothic Cologne Cathedral, you are greeted with a dark facade. (This is due to the fumes from steam trains as the train terminal is adjacent to the cathedral.) The facade was built with sandstone — a material easy to transport centuries ago — that kind of soaks up the dirty fumes; this makes cleaning it a chore since sandstone is too fragile to power wash. But once you walk into the Cologne Cathedral, you see the beauty of the architecture and the artwork. And you feel small … so small, and that, of course, is by design. You are to look upward and feel the power of God. There are towering walls with detailed stained glass windows all around you.  This cathedral houses the bodies of the three magi, the three wise men, and holds special significance to Christians. It is a sight to see and ponder the labor and craftsmanship that went into building it. The Cologne Cathedral was the tallest building in the world before the Washington Monument and the Eiffel Tower eclipsed it. Gustave Eiffel gained some of his practical structural engineering inspiration from a visit to the Cologne Cathedral. Guided tours in English are available, as are tickets to climb up to the tower.

• Top of Cologne Excursion  – If you get the chance while on a Viking river cruise, take the Top of Cologne optional excursion. Your group will accompany an art historian in the construction elevator that whisks you  up to the workrooms where restoration work is always occurring. The workrooms are situated between the ceiling you see from inside the cathedral and the actual roof of the building. Up here you’ll see what goes into maintaining the cathedral (inside and out) including models of the gargoyles (for use in future restoration work). You can step out on narrow walkways, peer over city rooftops, and down into the streets below. One highlight was stepping out in the belfry for a spectacular 360-degree view. Sadly, we were asked not to share pictures of this excursion online. You’ll just have to go for yourselves. It’s a must-see! By the way, I’m a little afraid of heights, so I positioned myself on the inside of the elevator so I couldn’t easily see outside as it was lifting us up, and I really enjoy this visit.
• Cologne Beer Houses – Cologne has its special version of beer called Kölsch. It’s a pale ale — cold, crisp, and clear- served in small, thin 7-ounce glasses. No beer steins in this part of Germany! When you order a beer in a Brauhaus (beer house where Kölsch is brewed) or other taverns, the waiter will replace your empty glass with another one. This will continue until you put a coaster on top of the glass signaling, “No more! I’ve reached my limit!”  The beer houses are places designed for socialization — European style. Instead of big screen TVs like in the U.S., you’ll find customers enjoying conversations with their friends, welcoming others to the tables, and lots of positive vibes.

• Other Cologne Sights – Within easy walking distance from the dock (and the Viking river cruise ship) are the Museum of Applied Art , the Chocolate Museum , and the Mustard Museum . 

MARKSBURG CASTLE, Braubach, Germany 

An excursion on our Viking Grand European Tour river cruise, the Marksburg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from the 12th century and expanded over the centuries, the Marksburg Castle suffered minimal damage during World War II when so many other structures were destroyed. The fact that it survived the war relatively unscathed makes it a place that stands pretty much true to its original design.  Situated high atop a hill on the Rhine River not far from Koblenz, the castle served as a home for powerful nobles, a refuge for the citizens of the town Braubach, and a point to control the customs levied on boats traveling on this part of the Rhine River. 

As you walk through the castle (wear good walking/hiking shoes as the terrain is uneven in spots), you can picture yourself back in time because it’s well-preserved. There’s furniture in some rooms and the kitchen is staged to help you visualize castle life centuries ago. The well-narrated tour explains how each room was used and what life was like for the castle’s inhabitants. There’s even a display of armor on mannequins to show the progression of defensive wear soldiers wore through the ages. And, last but not least, there’s a torture chamber that will bring home the point that punishments were harsh. Due to the high strategic position of this castle, its canons were never fired in anger.

CASTLES OF THE MIDDLE RHINE, Germany

Several castles along the middle Rhine River hold the stories of the wealthy landowners who built fortresses for protection and exacted tolls from boats passing by. Cruising down the Rhine River was one of the highlights of Viking’s Grand European Tour. The castles are nestled on hilltops, high above little hamlets and towns. Vineyards are planted along many south-facing hilltops — a reminder of the delicious wines this area boasts for oenophiles and common folks alike. Our program director narrated this tour as we passed by these scenic spots one warm, sunny afternoon; the best views are from the sun deck.

MILTENBERG, Germany  

Miltenberg is a charming, small Bavarian town along the Main River with the city walls still visible. As one entered the town’s gates, in times of old, a toll was collected — whether you were engaged in commerce or just visiting. Nowadays, it’s a relaxing place to spend a few hours, strolling the winding cobbled streets, admiring the half-timbered structures with intricate signs denoting a merchants’ trade, window shopping, stopping for a beer, or walking up to the bishop’s house to catch a view of the river and countryside.

Here there is a monastery where boys as young as seven years old would go to be raised and be taught academics and religion. Boys learned trades at monasteries; in this case, they learned to make beer and bread — including pretzels. The dough for pretzels was commonplace, and people would eat it much like we eat baguettes today since they were then long thin pieces of bread. Over time, the loaves of bread were formed into pretzels. Here’s a story we heard from a guide: during one season of Lent, someone decided to twist the dough so that there’d be three holes, signifying the Holy Trinity. Forming the dough into pretzels also meant that the bread was more portable — a vendor could carry them on a stick and people could easily carry them in their pouches (no pockets back then!).

Zum Riesen , a hotel in the basic shape of a ship, is one of the oldest continuously used hotels in the world. One of its popular features in centuries past was an interior shopping area; this meant prominent ladies dressed in their finery didn’t need to shop in town (which was pretty stinky considering the odors emanating from the horses,  the fish market, and emptied chamber pots). Some of its more famous guests were Napoleon Bonapart and Elvis Presley.

Miltenberg is worth a couple of hours’ visit. It’s small and has charm, but there’s not a lot to do. It feels like it depends on tourism, and while it was quaint, it lacked the energy of other charming towns.

ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER, Germany 

Rothenburg is a delightful Bavarian town that carries you back to the Middle Ages. The town’s name means “red fortress above the Tauber” referring to the Tauber River. This is a well-preserved town with a population of a little more than 10,000 that welcomes tourism. 

Like Amsterdam and other European cities, Rothenburg’s half-timbered homes from yesteryear have hooks on the top of their facades to pull grain up to the top floor. Here it was stored for the year; this was particularly important when the town was seized by others because the grain was safely stored in the attic. The plentiful fountains in town served as a source of water, of course, but it also guaranteed a water supply should a half-timbered home have caught fire or if the town was surrounded by enemies. 

• Rothenburg Town Hall ( Rathaus in German) Bell Tower – Climb the bell tower for a far-reaching view of the town and countryside. You climb a little over 200 steps and pay the entry fee (less than 3 Euros for an adult) as you approach the last 10 steps. Enter the town hall through the doors facing the square, and you will see the steps to the bell tower.
• Town Ramparts – Walk the ramparts, and elevated path, to gain a view of the town and the reinforcements that helped protect the town from invaders.
• Castle Garden ( Burggarten in German) – Stroll through the Bishop’s gardens for a peaceful, relaxing time admiring the flowers as well as views of the countryside.
• Bakeries – Sample the snowball cookies — round confections of cookie dough that are deep fried and then either sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar or glazed.

• Disney Delights – Search for the structures that served as inspiration for Disney creations and backdrops for many movies.

WURZBURG, Germany  

Situated on the Main River in northern Bavaria, Wurzburg is known for its culture and wine (a dry white from the Silvaner grape). It’s a university city, and its students help Wurzburg have a younger vibe. As in other stops, our Viking river cruise ship docked within steps of the historic center. 

Main Place of Interest in Wurzburg

Wurzburg Residence –  This structure was built for the Prince-Bishop of Wurzburg in the 18th century.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wurzburg Residence ( Würzburger Residenz in German) and the outside gardens is one to visit. It was designed and furnished to rival Versailles. Why let the Sun King dominate Europe with his triumphant Versailles? So here you have the prince-bishop’s attempt to gain global attention: an enormous palace with a stately grand staircase and spacious rooms adorned with detailed woodwork and artwork. Each room had a specific purpose; the major ones are the White Hall and the Emperor’s Hall.  Photographs are not allowed once you enter, but suffice it to say, the architecture and artwork are something to see in an over-the-top kind of way. The money that was spent on this palace is incredible to ponder.  Some of the artwork incorporates trompe l’oeil (illusion in art) so some of the frescoes on the ceiling aren’t exactly what you think they are. In fact, there are parts that look as if they’re three-dimensional when, in fact, they’re painted in such a way as to fool the eye. You’ll spend time looking and looking again to try and figure out if that person’s garments are really hanging off the ledge or if it’s an illusion. (Hint: it’s often an illusion!)

Wurzburg War Destruction  About 90% of the Wurzburg Residence was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945 during World War II.  Major John Davis Skilton, a member  of the U.S. Army and one of the people instrumental in preserving Tiepolo’s Olympus and the Four Continents  artwork on a ceiling in the Wurzburg Residence after it was bombed and left open to the elements , is honored here for his work in helping to restore this historic site after its near destruction. (Prior to the war, he was a curator at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.) You’ll see a tribute to him as you near the end of the tour. To read more about the work of the hundreds of people dedicated to preserving the artwork during World War II, read The Monuments Men : Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History .

Wurzburg Residence Fun Fact : The Three Musketeers (with Orlando Bloom, 2011) was filmed here. In the movie, Wurzburg stood in for Paris, and the Wurzburg Residence became Versailles. 

Other Places of Interest in Wurzburg

• Old Main Bridge – The Old Main Bridge ( Alte Mainbrücke in German), spanning the Main River, boasts statues of saints and other historic figures. In nice weather, it’s a gathering spot for folks. When we visited, the bridge was crowded with happy-go-lucky people sipping Franconian wine (served by a local restaurant) and visiting with friends.

• Fortress Marienberg – Dating from the 8th century, Fortress Marienberg, sitting atop the bank of the Main River in Wur zburg, offers two museums, a restaurant, and a commanding view of Wurzburg.

FRANCONIAN COUNTRYSIDE

This excursion takes travelers by a private motor coach to several spots. In addition to what is included below, this excursion includes a relaxing stop at a restaurant where visitors enjoy a cold beer along with pretzels (to dip in their delicious mustard).

Places of Interest in the Franconian Countryside

Zeil  .

A small town of less than 10,000, Zeil has half-timbered houses and quaint charm. It is also the place that suffered from conflicts as well as a devastating loss of crops in the early 17th century.  Some people questioned authority and were accused of being witches; ultimately hundreds were tortured and killed here under the local prince-bishop. When you walk through the town, you can see where people were chained to buildings in the square, so that passersby could look at them, spit on them, and more.

Wallfahrtskirche Maria Limbach

Said to have healing power, this pilgrimage church sits along a road calling no attention to itself. In fact, the exterior is so plain, that one would expect the interior to be simple, as well. This is most assuredly not the case. The interior is ornate, over the top, and showy. The architect also worked on the Wurzburg Residence palace in Wurzburg (which is a must-see in that town), but we were told that he died before he was able to design the outside. Today the church is used by appointment for baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Speaking of funerals, there is a very well-tended cemetery in the back of the property.

Seehof Palace  

Built in the 17th century and located just outside Mummelsdorf (and not far from Bamberg), this was the summer residence (to escape the city heat and smells) and hunting lodge of the Bamberg prince-bishops. Its White Hall was an important stateroom for hosting visitors; its ceilings are magnificently painted. The palace is surrounded by a manicured garden. Our guide told us that there was a salt lick outside the prince-bishop’s bedroom window, so he could watch animals as he peered outside in the morning after he awoke.

NUREMBERG, Germany

The second largest city in Bavaria (after Munich), Nuremberg ( Nürnberg in German) has over 500,000 residents, and over 35% of them are immigrants. A major force in German history, it is probably best known for its Christmas markets and its place in World War II history.  When visiting today, you can still see the moat, a centuries-old defensive measure, that encircled the city centuries ago.

It is said that Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party chose Nuremberg as its base due to its central location with Germany, its strong railroad infrastructure (an advantage as it made it easy for the masses to gather here), and the abundant land on the city outskirts which offered the space they needed to build large grounds including Zeppelinfeld (which you can visit) for their rallies. Since about 90% of the city was bombed during World War II, much of Nuremberg was rebuilt and, therefore, not original. Today, Nuremberg has a somewhat odd look to it as it has a patchwork of historic and modern (the 1960s-1970s) architecture. Considering so much of the city’s structures were ruined, there was not a proportional loss of life. I was told by our local guide that this was due, in part, to the large number of beer cellars that were enlarged and converted into air raid shelters. It was Nuremberg, of course, that was the site of the Nuremberg Trials that were held after the war.

Nuremberg Fun Fact : This Bavarian region is known first, for its beer — and second, for its wine. Beer was preferred since if it went bad, you simply made another batch that would be ready in weeks. If the wine went bad, you had to wait until the next year’s harvest before starting the process of replacing the spoiled liquid.

Places of Interest in Nuremberg

• Imperial Palace ( Kaiserburg in German) – The seat of power from the Middle Ages, this palace welcomed visiting emperors and other distinguished dignitaries. Today, mere mortals like you and me can visit the palace and its gardens.

• St. Lorenz Church – Dedicated to St. Lawrence, this church was built in the 15th century and was the first church in Germany to become Lutheran in the 1500s. St. Lorenz was badly damaged during World War II and has since been restored.
• Pedestrian Market Square – Nuremberg is an inviting place for visitors as the square and other areas in the city center are reserved for pedestrians — leaving cars verboten (German for banned ) in these places. Along the square and adjacent areas, people shop and dine in the many places inviting tourist dollars.

• Documentation Center ( Dokumentationszentrum Reichsparteitagsgelaende in German) – With detailed exhibits that include photographs, artifacts, and videos (including some from Holocaust survivors), this museum provides detailed insights into the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler. Near the end of the tour, you come to a balcony of sorts that overlooks the unfinished Congress Hall (resembling a coliseum) that Hitler had planned to use for his efforts. The museum gave off an eerie vibe (one that I’m sure was intended) with its low ceilings, dark lighting, brick walls, and life-sized photographs of the thousands upon thousands of Nazis who used Nuremberg as its base.

• Nuremberg Palace of Justice – The Nuremberg Trials were held here in courtroom 600. The courtroom has changed since the infamous international tribunals of Nazi criminals in 1945-1946, but you can imagine the scene with a guided tour leader explaining it to you. The courtroom is open to visitors when it is not being used for a trial; I was lucky enough to visit on such a day.

REGENSBURG, Germany

Regensburg is a charming medieval town — the oldest on the Danube River — that still has visible remains from the Holy Roman Empire. (Luckily, Regensburg sits right on the river, so we had a very short walk from our Viking river cruise ship to the town itself.) Regensburg grew to become part of a major trade route. Over the years, wealthy citizens boasted of their wealth by building tall towers (20 of the original 60 survive) within the city. Today it’s home to three universities; the young population makes it a happening place: there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and beer gardens.

Places of Interest in Regensburg

• St. Peter’s Cathedral – Built in 1320, this cathedral has a unique feature: a sculpture of a smiling angel (the first such sculptured angel known at this point). We were lucky enough to enjoy some organ music inside at noon — a welcome respite from sightseeing.

• Old Town Hall tour – There’s an afternoon tour in English that is excellent. Our tour guide explained the political system of the Middle Ages and beyond, the hierarchy of the Holy Roman Empire’s nobles, as well as the crime and punishment protocols. This tour included a visit to the torture chamber and prison cells. Buy your tickets at the tourist information office attached to the town hall.

• The Museum of Bavarian History ( Museum der Bayerischen Geschichte in German) – Opened in 2019, the museum recounts Bavarian history from the 19th century onward. 
• Historische Wurstkuchl (Historic Sausage Kitchen) – Our guide recommended this spot on the side of the old stone bridge (today it’s a pedestrian bridge) that serves a sandwich with finger-sized sausages, yummy mustard, and sauerkraut. Delicious! We ate ours as a takeout meal as we strolled over the bridge on our way to Alte Linde, an outdoor beer garden.

• Alte Linde (a beer garden) – This is the perfect spot to relax while visiting Regensburg. Because we had just chowed down on the saus age sandwich  before arriving here, we didn’t order food here, although there is a full menu. We opted to savor one of the beers under the deliciously cool canopy of mature trees along the banks of the Danube.
• Golf Museum – Pop and I don’t play golf, but we heard this is an interesting place for those who do.

Our visit to Regensburg was a day trip. I wish we had been able to stay a couple of nights. This place has a lively vibe with plenty of sightseeing, cafes, and beer gardens to enjoy. Regensburg was another key highlight of our Viking Grand European Tour cruise. 

PASSAU, Germany

It’s a good news, bad news story for this storied town.

Good news: The convergence of three rivers helped Passau (“The City of Three Rivers”) develop into a prosperous town driven by commerce — especially in salt, which was sometimes referred to as “white gold” since trading in salt helped its early economy flourish.

Bad news: Passau’s location on rivers has meant periodic flooding through the centuries.

A delightful town to visit, Passau is the first or last large town along the Danube before entering Austria, assuming you’re heading east. This town of 50,000 includes about 12,000 students at the University of Passau. Despite its popularity, Passau remains an enjoyable town to visit. The streets weren’t crowded; we only saw a lot of people during the midday organ concert at St. Stephan’s Cathedral — it’s a big draw!)

Places of Interest in Passau

• Old Bishop’s Residence ( Veste Oberhaus in German) – Built high above Passau on the opposite bank of the Danube River, the castle represented the power and wealth of the prince-bishop (and the Catholic church itself) who built it. The prince-bishop was the town’s top administrator until Passau became secularized in 1803 when Napoleon took over the area. You can walk through the ruins, visit the museum (well worth it), eat at the restaurant, and take in the view from the ancient walls. From here, you can see how the three rivers come together and even the difference in the color of the Inn River (due to the silt from its journey that originates in the Swiss Alps). You can walk up from the street (which we opted to do) or take a bus from Passau.

• New Bishop’s Residence ( Neue Residenz in German) – Well worth a visit is a stately Baroque stairway crowned with an elaborate ceiling fresco. Dominating the painting are two women. The woman in a red dress represents Rome; the woman in the blue dress represents Passau. The interpretation is that Rome is crowning the prince-bishop of Passau.

• St. Stephan’s Cathedral ( Stephansdom in German) – Built in the 17th century after a fire destroyed a previous church, St. Stephan’s was the seat of the Bishop of Passau. It is yet another ornate church with a richly carved and painted interior. What makes this cathedral particularly interesting is its organ. With over 17,000 pipes, it’s the largest cathedral organ in the world. We enjoyed a 30-minute organ concert here; organ concerts are offered at noon and in the evening most days from May through October.

• Mariahilf – This pilgrimage church, though not as ornate as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, is said to house the tomb of the first Hungarian Christian queen. It can be accessed by climbing up the covered 321 stairs ( Wallfahrtsstiege in German) used by pilgrims through the ages. This is another spot that offers stunning views of the town.

• Park at the Point (Lolly’s name for it) – Walk down here for a peaceful break. You’ll be at the point where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers converge. Benches and a grassy area offer a little relaxation from sightseeing in Passau.

MELK, Austria

I walked from the ship into town on my own along a pebbled path that turned out to be quite peaceful. The path leads you to a bridge, and the town awaits you on the other side. One of the main attractions of Melk is the abbey.

Place of Interest in Melk

Melk Abbey – Sitting high atop a rock in the Wachau Valley in Austria, Melk Abbey ( Stift Melk in German) is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. Founded by Benedictine monks in 1089, today, the abbey is still home to monks and still has an operating school. There’s elaborate architecture and artwork in all areas of the abbey along with a library with an extensive collection of manuscripts. No photography is allowed inside.

KREMS, Austria 

A city of about 24,000, Krems (or, as it’s sometimes known, Krems an der Donau) was a brief stop for us while on our Viking Grand European Tour river cruise. Therefore, I am only highlighting what we visited: Gottweig Abbey.

Place of Interest in Krems

Gottweig Abbey – Another UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site, Gottweig Abbey is a Benedictine monastery that dates back to 1083 on a hilltop overlooking the Wachau Valley along the Danube River. The Abbey has vast land holdings, including 13,000 acres of forest. Their main income is derived from timber, tourism, and wine. There are 42 monks with ties to this monastery; some live here, and others live and work in over 20 parishes in surrounding communities. Centuries ago, this was a safe harbor for townspeople to congregate during wartimes. 

The church is both Gothic and Baroque in design. Some of it was destroyed in an 18th-century fire as there was no local water source to halt the fire high atop the hill. This has since been rectified, of course. The altar is adorned by a large painting of Mary, its patron saint. Above the large painting of Mary is another one that is actually one of several that are switched out depending on the Christian season. 

In addition to the church, there is the imperial wing of the abbey with a grand staircase (with small risers, as was the custom centuries ago when women would ascend or descend stairs as if floating — never allowed to show their ankles). The magnificent ceiling fresco above the staircase was painted in 1739 and features Emperor Charles VI and Maria Theresa, the Hapsburg empress. The ceiling fresco features some trompe l’oeil , an optical illusion technique that fools the eye into thinking something is three-dimensional when, in fact, it is not. Other buildings on the campus are an infirmary for the monks (since no one other than the monks can enter the actual domicile of the monks), a retreat house, a youth hostel area, a restaurant, and a gift shop. 

Each of the monks has a responsibility in the community. The one we met was in charge of tourism, and one of the things he oversees is their Instagram feed. Here’s a peek at it: @goettweig, @stiftgottweig.

After our excellent tour by an Abbey guide, we feasted on a dinner on the terrace (overlooking the Wachau Valley), which was a visual and gastronomic delight.  If you’re in the area, this is worth a visit and a meal. They boast a variety of wines as well as apricot juice and jams. (Apricots are an important agricultural product in the area and are found in many local products.)

VIENNA, Austria

Austria’s capital and largest city, Vienna, accounts for about one-third of the country’s population. It’s home to several international organizations, including OPEC. Sometimes dubbed the City of Music for its rich musical history, it’s also sometimes referred to as City of Dreams because of one of its famous former citizens, Sigmund Freud. Its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the Historic Center of Vienna and the Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn) are popular with tourists. 

Vienna is huge compared to the other river towns on our Viking Grand European Tour cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. It boasts just less than 2 million people. There is much to do and see in Vienna and plenty of excursions from which to choose. We took a walking tour of the city and a guided tour of the Hapsburg’s summer home, Schönbrunn Palace . The palace has more than 1,400 rooms, but only a portion are for public view. We had been spoiled by all the delightful towns on our river journey south. What we found in Vienna and at  Schönbrunn Palace was wall-to-wall people (and this was before schools were on summer vacation). This was a city overrun by tourists. To be honest, my husband, Pop, and I opted to enjoy some of the coffee houses, window shop, and then relax in the relative peace of the Viking river cruise ship. The mobs of people turned us off. Hopefully, you will have a different experience.

BUDAPEST, Hungary

Budapest (actually pronounced Budape sh t because the “s” in Hungarian is pronounced “sh”) is the capital of Hungary. Formed in 1873, Budapest — with a population of over 1.7 million, the tenth largest city in the European Union —  is a marriage of two parts. Buda sits on the western side of the Danube River (the river is Danu in Hungarian) and Pest on the eastern side. It attracts over 14 million visitors annually as it’s become a popular destination.

Places of Interest in Budapest

• Buda Hill Funicular – There are other ways to get up to Castle Hill (by walking or taking the bus), but this is a fun and inexpensive way to make the trip. If possible, get in the first car so you get the best views as you ascend.

• Buda Castle – Home of the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, the Buda Castle is something to see on Castle Hill. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to check out in the area.
• Matthias Church ( Mátyás-templom in Hungarian) – A Catholic church built in its current state in the 1200s in front of Fisherman’s Bastion, the church was initially named after the Virgin Mary but was later renamed after King Matthias in the 1800s. King Matthias ordered changes to the structure and held two of his marriages here.

• Fisherman’s Bastion ( Halászbástya in Hungarian) – Built around 1900 to commemorate the millennial birthday of Hungary, the Fisherman’s Bastion is a viewing terrace built on Buda Hill. Its seven towers represent the tribes that settled in the area in the 9th century.

• Széchenyi Chain Bridge – Built in the mid-1800s, this suspension bridge first linked Buda and Pest. It’s a beautiful structure that carries pedestrians and vehicles alike. 
• Hungarian Parliament – With its domed exterior, one might mistakenly think this is a religious building. It’s huge — the second-largest parliament building in Europe (after Romania). Some say the Hungarian Parliament was built to impress visitors from Vienna, 150 miles away. It’s a notable sight from outside — especially at night when it is adorned with lights. But inside, it is an absolute must-see. You can take pictures everywhere inside except in the heavily guarded Dome Hall, where the ancient Hungarian crown is on display (and guarded around the clock). Buy tickets online to ensure you’ve got a spot on an English-speaking tour on the day you’re visiting.

• Shoes on the Danube – This touching display is a short walk from the Hungarian Parliament. These shoes (made of iron) represent Jews who were shot and killed by the Arrow Cross militia in 1944-45. After being shot, their bodies fell into the Danube to drift away.

• Great Market Hall ( Nagyvásárcsarnok in Hungarian) – The oldest indoor market in Budapest, the Great Market Hall was opened in 1896 in the Pest area. It is chock full of stalls with merchants selling produce, meat, candy, baked goods, and Hungarian treats. The upper level has places to eat and souvenirs.

• Thermal Baths – The  Szechenyi Baths are probably the best known of the thermal baths, but there are many in the city. You’ll find luxury spa treatments, saunas, and massages at the baths, so do your research. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

We had two short days in Budapest, but you may want to add more time to explore all the city offers. Many river cruisers add time at the beginning or end of their Viking Grand European Tour cruise (depending on if they are beginning or ending their cruise here), so they have enough time to do this city justice.

Related Articles

Viking related articles.

• Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide
• Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions: What You Need to Know
• Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps to Take After Booking a Cruise
• Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
• Best Sights to See on a Viking Grand European Tour Cruise
• Viking Antarctica Cruise: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

General Travel Planning Articles

• Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers
• Travel Lightly: Top Ten Tips for Your Next Trip

Travel Planning Timeline

• Expert Tips for Traveling to Europe for More Fun, Less Stress
• How to Use Google Translate While Traveling

Final Thoughts

The Viking Grand European Tour river cruise offered the best of the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. We appreciated the well-planned ports of call and excursions. In addition, Viking did a fine job communicating with us about what we were to see each day. The evening port talk by the program director (before dinner) prepared us for the next day’s destination. Also, the Viking Daily, a four-page handout that was left in our stateroom each evening while we were at dinner, outlined the city we would be visiting the next day along with all the important times to note (docking, excursions, departure) and not-to-miss highlights and notable restaurants and shops of each destination. The Grand European Tour was certainly a grand experience for us!

To ensure you remember all the great experiences on your cruise, take lots of pictures and create a photo book of your journey when you return home. You’ll be glad you did!

If you have experiences to share from any of the cities mentioned in this post or as a passenger on the Viking Grand European Tour, feel free to share your thoughts below! 🙂

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8 thoughts on “best sights to see on the viking grand european tour river cruise”.

What a fantastic article. Well done. My wife and I and two friends will be boarding this Viking cruise in Amsterdam April 22nd this year. Your article provided us great insight into what we should expect from Viking and at all the ports of call. We have now completed our tour planning thanks to you.

A short story. We planned this adventure in 2019 for a spring 2020 sailing to celebrate our 50th anniversary and our friends 40th . That didn’t work out as planned due to Covid. So, we rebooked the same for 2021. That didn’t work out. So, we decided to skip a year and happy we did because of the regional politics. We only 6 weeks away from our sail date. Wish us luck.

Wow, your cruise is right around the corner, Glenn! How exciting! I’m glad you found the article helpful — and that your delayed adventure is so close. Good luck! Have fun!

Hello! I came upon your site while searching the internet for information on Viking River cruises. What a wonderful site! I just finished reading everything and it basically answered all of my questions. We are celebrating a 30th anniversary and this is our big trip for the year. Headed out for the Romantic Danube in early September and we’re very excited. Thank you for the information! Great job!!

Hi Phyllis, I’m so glad you found the article helpful. Happy 30th! Enjoy your fall cruise!

Hi Lolly, what time of year did you cruise? We are having a hard time figuring out what kind of clothes to bring.

Thanks, Debbie

Hi Debbie, my husband and I cruised in early summer. We like to visit Europe before schools get out there and families take their summer vacations. We were told years ago by some locals that places can get especially busy during July and August. Another optimal time in my view is September and early October. Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you so much for your review. We have been contemplating this cruise for a year or so and booked this past week for June 2020. Looking forward to it even more now.

Hi Ryan, I’m so glad you found the information helpful. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time on your cruise — only a few short months away. When you return, why don’t you post a few thoughts about your experience?! Have fun!

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Viking River Cruise: 15 Things to Know Before You Go

By Helene Sula

The moon shone brightly on the smooth Rhône River as we sailed silently, passing dimly lit chateaus and castles. I took a seven-day Viking River Cruise through France’s Provence and Lyon region and was not only enthralled with the scenery but adored the ship itself. 

If you're considering a Viking Cruise or want to know what it's like to sail on a river, this post will guide you through everything you need to know before you go.

I boarded the Viking Buri on a windy spring day in Avignon, France. Upon arrival, waiters greeted me with a lemongrass scented towel and a glass of ice water. After briefly looking at our passports, the Maître d' himself ushered our luggage into a cozy stateroom and explained the features of the room.

Was this really a cruise? Yes. And it only gets better from here.

Viking Cruises offers excursions on the sea and river. I was delighted to spend seven days along the Rhône River on the Provence and Lyon itinerary .

Viking features a number (over 60 in fact!) of river cruises on their fleet. I've outlined what you can expect on a river excursion.

15 things to know before you take a Viking River Cruise

It’s stress-free..

When I set sail on Viking I was immediately met with many questions, the most frequent, why take a cruise? To me, taking a cruise is probably the most relaxing vacation.

Travel planning usually takes a lot of time: where to stay, eat, sleep, and most importantly, what to see. But when taking a cruise much of this (and more) is done for you. With a Viking cruise, you know they've taken care of everything. You can sit back and enjoy the scenery around you. No need to stress. When I really want to relax I choose Viking.

See my first time cruising with Viking, here:

Stress-Free Travel with Viking Ocean Cruises

Very few “extra” costs

I hate being nickel and dimed. When paying for a vacation, I want to know all of my costs up front. This is one thing I love about Viking. Once you pay for your cruise, you’re pretty much all set. Included is a tour every day, all of your meals, and unlimited beer and wine at lunch and dinner. If you want an alcoholic drink at any other time, you can purchase the reasonably-priced “Silver Spirits” package which includes unlimited top-shelf liquor, specialty beer, and wine — available whenever you want.

Once you book your cruise, you’ll receive extensive details about your journey and options for booking tours. Of course, you can stick to the included tours. We spent more to take a few optional tours. For example, we took a truffle, cheese, and wine tasting tour outside of Lyon — one of my favorite experiences on the trip. We also purchased an additional trip to a Les Baux to see “Carrieres de Lumières” — an incredible display of Van Gogh’s artwork on an old stone quarry wall. Set to music, it felt like walking through a real life “Fantasia” and as if I was part of the artist's masterpieces. I think these tours were all well worth the additional cost. 

At the bottom of this post I share my exact trip itinerary.

It’s surprisingly casual

I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t have enough formal wear for dinner at night, as is required on some cruises, but not to worry. Viking River cruises are somewhat casual.  I loved that I could wear jeans or a dress at dinner. I would suggest packing a nice pair of flats, blouse, and jeans or pants, to wear for dinner (no shorts or t-shirts). You don’t have to wear a long black dress every night. I did also pack a few dresses, leggings, and I ended up buying a Viking fleece on board. I wasn’t anticipating how chilly France would be in May! I always pack my tennis shoes and a few lightweight sweaters. 

You won’t spend tons of time in the room, but opt for a balcony

The itineraries with Viking sometimes mean you might visit one or two places in a day. That means you’ll have lots to see and do. But, when you are cruising, it’s absolutely wonderful to see the sights from the comfort of your room’s balcony. We spotted stately chateaus, vineyards clutching the sides of cliffs, and hilltop towns nestled beside fortresses. You can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as you watch the world sail by. It’s a not-to-miss experience!

For me, one advantage of a river cruise is the luxury of having all your belongings in one place. I travel a lot and am often hauling my stuff from place to place. With a cruise, I can easily visit multiple places across the country, or even countries, and have the convenience of putting everything in one spot and knowing all my meals, transfers, and sleeping is in one convenient and comfy spot.

Bring Your Cruise Documents

This might sound like a no-brainer, but the two things you shouldn't forget are your passport and your cruise documents. The documents outline all the details you need to know about your trip and also include things like handy luggage tags.

You'll also find important information such as currency, language, and flight details if you booked with Viking.

Something to note is that Viking provides transfers to and from the airport, so you won't need to worry about getting to and from. Since I was exploring France a bit before my cruise, I found my own way to the ship. But they provided transfers from the ship to the airport when I was departing.

Leave your converters at home

Another great feature of a Viking River cruise is the ship's electrical outlets. Is that a crazy thing to say?! Yes. But having to pack additional converters or keeping your fingers crossed that your curling iron won't blow up is a nice feature. On the Viking ships you'll find American plugs (as well as European), making it easy to plug in your electronics.

Basically, Viking thinks of everything — just one reason I love this company.

Tell the staff about your special occasions

Michael and I were celebrating our 8th (!) wedding anniversary aboard the ship. I casually let the ship staff know about it. To our delight, on the night of our anniversary, the waitstaff surprised us with a delicious cake, candles, then serenaded us to “It's Now or Never.” It was such a memorable moment!

Viking goes out of its way to make you feel special, especially if you're celebrating an important event. So feel free to let them know.

The ship has WiFi, but it's limited

Yes, they advertise WiFi on board the Viking ships, but it's not going to be lightning fast Internet like you're used to at home. Just something to keep in mind. The Internet is good enough to check your emails or social media, but not quite strong enough to upload a video. This is not the case on ocean cruises, but I did find this on the river.

It's all about the destination

Yes, the cruise ship is incredible. But get off the boat! When you dock ashore, Viking includes an activity each and every day. This makes Viking different from other ships. They want you to get off the ship and find out more about the places you're visiting.

If you want additional help you can also use the onboard concierge to plan additional experiences or things to do. I highly recommend using these services to find unique options, food, and things that interest you.

Seven days isn't enough? No worries! Viking offers trip extensions so you can see even more of the cities and learn more about the history.

The food alone is worth the cost of the trip

All the Swiss-trained chefs prepare the food fresh every day. Viking menus emphasize specialty dishes from the region where you’re cruising. All the delicious food on Viking is included and starts with a breakfast buffet and a choice to order off-the-menu. You can also grab pastries in the Aquavit terrace.

Lunch is served in two locations: the dining room for a more formal order off-the-menu, or pasta and salad from the buffet. The Aquavit terrace grill serves burgers, hot dogs, and more. Dinner is served in the dining room or Aquavit and you’ll order off-the-menu.

You’re encouraged to order a starter, main dish, and dessert. Don’t worry if you can’t choose. They’ll bring you both! I particularly enjoyed the savory soups such as mushroom truffle and French onion. There’s also a coffee and water station with soft, fresh baked cookies. They're dangerous — I couldn’t pass by without grabbing one. The exceptional food on Viking is worth the cost of the cruise alone. 

Almost everyone on the ship has sailed with Viking before

The first night of our arrival we received welcome drinks and listened to music in the Aquavit lounge. The staff went over important information before introducing themselves. Then the guests were asked if they had sailed with Viking before. Nearly every hand shot up! A true testament to the Viking experience. 

There's a reason why Viking consistently receives awards as the best cruise company out there.

The cruise is great for adults of any age

Viking doesn’t allow children on board. You must be at least 18 to book a cruise. Most of the time you’ll find a bit of an older crowd. But that’s not to say younger cruisers will feel out of place. There are activities to appeal to all ages. 

River cruising differs greatly from ocean cruising

Having sailed with Viking on both ocean and river, I can tell you the experience is not the same. Ocean cruises feature a much larger ship, a wider variety of restaurants and entertainment, and a bigger crew. The Viking River cruises are more intimate. You usually dock overnight at many of the ports, leaving you the option to explore in the evening if you choose. 

Leave time to explore your ship

The Viking Longship is an absolute masterpiece of Scandinavian design. Clean lines and beautiful, modern decor are featured throughout the vessel.

We sailed on the Viking Buri — well equipped with everything you could need and more. A glamours marble entryway leads to a lovely staircase toward a library, beautiful dining room, sun deck, bar, lounge, as well as many tucked away corners where guests can relax. 

The staff are world class

One day I mentioned that I preferred Diet Coke over coffee in the morning. Every morning after that, the waiter or waitress brought me a Diet Coke with a fresh glass of ice, I never had to ask again. They specialize in that personal touch, even making a point to remember names!

Intent on making the trip the best ever, the staff are fun, personable, and helpful. They not only cook, clean, organize, and serve, but they also entertain. One reason I and others keep coming back to Viking is because of the incredible staff. One important note: you tip additionally per day, per person. I recommend to also tip any staff you feel went above and beyond. For us, it was the Maître d, bartender, and piano player.

Here’s a look at our exact 7-day Viking Buri Provence and Lyon Excursion:

Day 1 – arrival and avignon.

We arrived in Avignon and headed to the ship where a light lunch was provided. Our luggage was whisked right into the room and we had time to explore the boat and meet our fellow passengers on the ship.

Day 2 Arles

At Arles, known as the place where Van Gogh cut off his ear, we did a walking tour, saw the incredible Roman ruins, and walked the lovely sun-drenched cobblestone streets. Here we also went to Les Baux to see the “Carrieres de Lumières” exhibit in the quarry.

Day 3 Avignon

Heading back to Avignon, we walked through the city walls and explored the Pope's Palace- one of the most important historical sites in France. Now, it's used for a theater festival each year. We also went to the market and sampled oysters and candied fruits.

Day 4 Viviers

Lavender is extremely prevalent in Provence. On a tour of a lavender museum, we learned the many uses of this beautiful flower. Driving through small towns near the area I spotted house after house with blue shutters — a signature color in Provence.

Day 5 Tournon

After exploring the small town of Tournon, we hopped on a steam train! Yes, this was an included tour — incredible. We passed beautiful churches, bridges, and a gorge. Afterward, we took a walking tour of Vienne with its lovely church and Roman temple.

This, my second time to Lyon, reminded me of what makes this city so special — the incredible church, the views all around the city, the intricate and historical murals that explain its history. Because we were docked in Lyon that night, we could stroll the streets and take in the well-lit city after dark.

Day 7 Lyon and Excursion

Today we left Lyon on a bus tour that started with learning and tasting wine in the Beaujolais region. After wine, we had a feast of truffle flavored delights followed by a truffle hunt with an adorable dog. We finished off the day learning about goat cheese making, and we brought home salted caramel sauce.

Day 8 Departure from Lyon

On our final day, we packed up our stuff, had a delicious breakfast, and Viking assisted us straight to the Lyon airport. I was so sad to go, but know I'll be booking another Viking cruise soon!

How to choose a Viking cruise:

First and foremost think about the length of time. You can opt to spend seven days cruising the river or opt for two weeks cruising in the ocean.

Are you adventurous? Do you prefer seeing the sights like castles and walking cobblestone streets? Consider what you like to do or what's on your bucket-list and let the cruise fit your options.

If you're still feeling stuck, just remember, you can't really go wrong. Viking prides itself on going to astonishing and enriching destinations. I find Viking to be really exceptional. We left feeling they made every possible effort to make our trip special. And it was. 

MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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• World's Best

T+L Readers Chose This Cruise Line as Their Favorite for the 3rd Year in a Row

If you want to head out to sea, consider doing so on a Viking ship. For the World’s Best Awards for 2018 , Travel + Leisure readers chose Viking as the World’s Best large-ship ocean cruise line.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey , T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins/facilities, food, service, itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in five categories; large-ship ocean cruise lines have vessels that can carry 600 to 2,199 passengers.

Related : The 2018 World's Best Awards

This is the third year in a row that our readers have ranked Viking as No. 1 in this category. For years, the brand sailed exclusively on the rivers, in Europe, Russia, and beyond. But since Viking added ocean cruises in 2015, it has racked up numerous accolades for its unique experience. The brand now has five identical 930-passenger ships in its fleet: Viking Star , Viking Sea , Viking Sky , Viking Sun , and Viking Orion .

On board, passengers will find neither casinos nor kids. Instead there are stately dining rooms, a library, and a sprawling, Nordic-inspired spa complete with a thalassotherapy pool and snow room. Other major highlights are the ships’ serene Scandinavian design and private verandas for every stateroom.

Once docked at port, Viking guests can hike to notable landmarks or take part in cultural activities like museum visits, depending on the cruise. Resident historians can further provide context for the destination.

Viking sails around the world, visiting northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Alaska, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Voyages typically last from eight to 15 days, but the longest is the “Ultimate World Cruise,” which lasts an astonishing 245 days.

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The Roaming Boomers

Best time of year for a european river cruise.

Posted by David Porter on Monday, June 1, 2015 · 19 Comments  

River Cruise Climatologist

What is the best time of year for a European river cruise?

This can be a very tricky question to answer.  And to be frank, even the most experienced travelers are going to be disappointed from time to time.

Sure, there are “experts” out there (like this guy pictured to the right), but the truth of the matter is: specific weather patterns are very difficult to predict six to twelve months out.

Our Sad Story

Carol and I tend to like to travel to Europe in the shoulder seasons (April, May, Sept, Oct).  The weather is generally cooler, the massive summer crowds gone, and you can often get more bang for your buck.

A while back, Carol and I flew off to the south of France for a long-awaited river cruise with our friends at Viking River Cruises. As we landed in London to swap planes and head to Marseilles, we got an email from Viking telling us that our river cruise was going to be disrupted by high water levels.  You can read the whole story by clicking here .

When we got to our starting point in Avignon, Viking offered their clients the option of leaving the sailing with a refund of the unused portion of their cruise, or continue on with the hopes of lower water levels in the coming days.  We opted to stay, and as it turned out, we never got to sail and wound up using our cruise ship as a hotel with luxury coach excursions to and from our ship each day.  But, at the end of this experience, even though we did get to see nearly all of our desired locations, Viking still offered their guests a 50% discount off of a future sailing.  Very generous, indeed.  You can read about that by clicking here .

So, if we got foiled, what’s a person to do?  When is the best time of year for a river cruise?

Well, before I make an attempt to offer a few tips on this subject, let’s take a peek at a helpful video from our friends at Tauck River Cruises:

Click for larger view.

So, as you can see in this video, high water, low water, and broken locks can disrupt a river cruise.  While these things are definitely not the norm, what can we do to stack the odds in our favor so that these river gods and nixes don’t disrupt our vacation?

While not all high water occurs in the spring, spring rains and snowmelt are generally the culprits for most springtime high water events.  If you look at the map I’ve included, you can see which areas of Europe are most prone to flooding.

And, oh look, there’s our Rhône river in France!  It’s highly prone to high waters as the French Alps are nearby and shedding snowmelt into the river.

Now to make this even more difficult, we don’t know when this spring snowmelt is going to occur.  We interacted with a couple on our Facebook Page who had taken our same exact cruise a week prior and had absolutely no difficulty.  And, I suspect that the group behind us enjoyed smooth sailing as well.

Travel Tips: Best Time of the Year for European River Cruises

• If you’re river cruising Europe in April, May and even early June, the rivers flowing through the darkest regions in the map above provide the greatest opportunity for high water levels.  These include the Rhône and certain portions of the Rhine.  We had clients sailing the Rhine while we were sailing the Rhône.  They had to swap river cruise ships one afternoon, but other than that, the rest of their journey was just fine.
• Alternatively, if you’re river cruising in the spring, the Bordeaux region of France, the Seine around Paris, and the Douro River in Spain might make good options for less high water probabilities. It looks like the Rhône is best in the late spring, summer and fall.
• Predicting low water levels?  No can do.  It totally depends on the summer weather and each individual country’s management of the water levels.
• Predicting broken locks?  No can do.  When we sailed the Danube, we sailed through 11 different locks.  We encountered no problems, but it must happen on occasion and back up the river traffic for a bit.
• European summers are a very busy time for travel and river cruises.  Most of the river cruise lines completely sell out in the summer months, requiring that you book at least a year in advance.
• European summers can be hot and posses very large crowds in popular cities.  But, this is also the time of year when you find many fun festivals to visit.  So, maybe hot weather and fun festivals are more your cup of tea.
• Fall can bring beautiful foliage, lower temps, and again, the large crowds will be gone.
• Christmas cruises on the Rhine and Danube can be wonderful times.  The temps will be towards the cold side (layer your clothing), but the cities are absolutely beautiful all dressed up for Christmas.  We did the Danube in very early December and completely loved the experience.

I know that this wasn’t a very definitive answer to my initial question.  But the truth is, I don’t have one of those goofy hats (pictured at the top of our article), and therefore, I’m not a river cruise climatologist and don’t have a definitive answer.

Your best course of action?   Be certain to include water level probabilities in your discussions and be aware of the possible risks.  No one can ever promise you absolute perfection with every travel experience.  Airline strikes, volcanoes, floods, and stifling hot weather are just a few of the things that can pop up to make a mess of your vacation.  Do your best to contemplate the things that can go wrong, and then be flexible.  You can’t predict all things, but you can decide to make lemonade out of lemons.  Right?  🙂

How to Book a River Cruise?

Are you thinking about a fun European river cruise?  Give us a call at (480) 550-1235 and we can help you sort through the options, discuss potential obstacles, and book a wonderful sailing.  When you book with us, the price is never higher than doing it yourself, and many, many times we have special pricing options available that are not widely known to the general public. 

If you prefer, you can also use our online information request by clicking here .

Category: Blog , Travel News & Tips · Tags: European River Cruise , Viking River Cruises

19 Comments on “ Best Time of Year for a European River Cruise ”

Interested in cruising September, October. My partner and I are looking for upper and a 2for 1 would be great. The route would be from Basel to Amsterdam. Wondering about weather and water levels, from your experience.

September is a very popular month for river cruising, and if you look, you’ll also notice that because of the demand, prices are generally the highest in September. Folks like September because the weather is still lovely and the crowds are gone.

Generally speaking, high water issues come with the spring snow melt in mountainous regions, and further high/low water issues are weather driven. For example, a few years ago, there was a drought in the Danube region which produced low water issues for the ships. Water levels are difficult to predict, but “generally” not an issue in September, October.

I will pop you an email, and if you like, we can take this conversation offline. Thanks for reaching out.

we have cruised with Viking river 7 times and have only run into one minor problem with high or low water. that was near lyon in the summer when a bunch of thunder storms dumped plenty of rain and guess where it went. to the river. by the way that is the only summer cruise we have taken. most of our cruises are around Thanksgiving time. tulip time in Holland we have found is the hardest cruise to time to predict.

We’ve been stuck in Lyon on a river cruise as well. With the French and Swiss Alps feeding The Rhône, it can be tricky in that area.

Leaving on Uniworls River Cruise Nov. 30 to Dec 7.. Austria and Germany.. Vienna to Nuremberg…. What do you wear on the ship and what coat should I bring? Can you give me an idea of the weather ? Thank you..

This will help you with your what to wear question: https://www.uniworld.com/en/faq/ And this should help you understand the weather: https://www.accuweather.com/en/at/vienna/31868/november-weather/31868

I saw and appreciate your answer to Brenda, above. We are cruising the Rhine with Uniworld, from Amsterdam to Basel, on November 5 of this year (the last sailing for that itinerary of the season). Given all the water level issues right now, I was wondering if you have any info or experience with Rhine water levels in November on the Rhine?

Boy, I’d hesitate to give you an answer. River levels are difficult to predict. From our experience, we don’t generally see any issues at that time of year. But, the moment I say that they’ll have a colossal draught and you will be disappointed.

I just came off that river trip and the water was very low. We had to bus three hours to another ship waiting for us upstream. Beautiful trip even with that switch of boats!

Hi Claire, we’re glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip, in spite of the water issues. 🙂

We are planning on doing our first river cruise in 2019….Would June or Sept be the best for the Rhine or Danube? We prefer Viking and air fare included.

First of all, thanks for stopping by our website. While the Rhine and the Danube are two completely different experiences, we tend to prefer to do our river cruises in the less busy shoulder seasons. While all months are lovely, June will likely find large crowds in the cities and while September is a wonderful month from a weather perspective, it is also the most expensive month of the year for a river cruise.

I would recommend that you consider April, May, or early October.

Lastly, we’ve often got perks for you above and beyond Viking’s best offers. We’re the #2 booking agents for Viking in the world. When you book with us, you’ll get good advice, benefits from our backchannel access, and perks. If you like, give us a call at (480) 550-1235. Thanks! 🙂

We are thinking of a river cruise next May. We will be going to visit our son in Berlin and plan to travel for a few weeks while there. Possibly start a cruise in Budapest and ending in Berlin or the other way around..any suggestions? We’d love to visit Prague and Vienna as well.

There are quite a number of options depending on your preferred style of travel. Perhaps it’s best to give me a call and we can discuss. 480-550-1235. Thanks! 🙂

Great article thanks. Other issues to consider is rain potential and also whether you have seasonal allergies. I had a minor issue with cottonwood in the late spring during our river cruise.

Hi Chuck, Thanks for stopping by and sharing. 🙂

Can you recommend the best European River cruise line for me to take my 87 year young mom on? Limited bus tours, we prefer short shore excursions and /or a more ambitious walking excursion for me while she enjoys the amenities of the ship in port. Open to all European Rivers, but leaning towards Paris-Normandy or?

The Rhine is a great first-time river cruise. Lots of castles and very little time on a bus. We like the Paris to Normandy itinerary. Just know that when you visit the Normandy region, that day is a lot of time on the bus. 🙂 Please feel free to give me a call to discuss. We’re the #2 booking agents in the world with Viking and we can bring you a lot of expertise in the booking process. Plus, right now, we have some additional perks to share.

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17 Best Viking Cruises Food Options I Enjoyed On Board

• Cruises and Sailing
• River Cruises
• Types of Travel
• Viking Cruises

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

I recently took a Viking River Cruise on their Rhine Getaway itinerary cruising down the Rhine River for eight days. It was an incredible journey visiting four countries and experiencing their distinct cuisine along the way. A river cruise is a very different experience from an ocean cruise when it comes to dining. On Viking River cruises, you can dine in the main dining area or at the Aquavit Terrace, which is an indoor-outdoor dining area. Both serve the same menu for each meal. Although it doesn’t have the variety you will find on the ocean ships, I ate very well, from delicious meals in the main dining room to most al fresco dining offered to room service.

Viking does a great job curating experiences that provide excellent opportunities to visit small local businesses and creators both on the ship as well as on their excursions. I am quite the foodie and consider food and wine an important component of travel. Meeting local cheese and winemakers as well as many others filled that need for me.

I was on a press trip for Viking Rivers Cruises on their newest ship, the Egdir . All opinions are my own.

Pro Tip: Each day Viking provides a Viking Daily , a four-page flier with the next day’s schedule as well as historical, cultural, and culinary information about your next destination. The culinary section can give you ideas of what you might want to taste during your visit.

17 Best Viking Cruises Food Options

On board the egdir, 1. breakfast.

Every morning I ate breakfast at the Aquavit Terrace. Our cruise was still on the chilly side, so I often had it all to myself. The view was lovely from the front of the ship, especially if cruising.

I ate the same thing just about every day. I love a European-style breakfast with meats and cheeses and fresh bread and croissants. Noshing on a crispy, buttery croissant and sipping fresh coffee, well it doesn’t get much better than that. You can also order breakfast items off the menu. One day, I just felt like eggs and was able to customize a one-egg omelet. It was just the right size and allowed room for croissants.

On both sides of the ship just outside the lounge are two coffee stations. A high-tech machine dispenses coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate. A water dispenser offers still or sparkling water. In the morning, find breakfast pastries and, in the afternoon and evening, a variety of cookies which change each day.

Pro Tip: If you like a late-night snack, snag a few favorites to bring back to your room because there is no food available later at night.

2. Salads And Chef’s Selections Of The Day

The Viking River Cruise menus have a section of items that are available each day and then a daily menu. I loved the variety of fresh salads with a new one each day. I really enjoyed these and loved that it was a smaller portion so you could enjoy something else as well. This was a good thing as each day the chef prepared a selection of appetizers and small bites to choose from. Always so fresh and appetizing that I often chose more than one!

3. The Best Brownie Ever

One afternoon on a rare sunny day during our trip, I was able to dine outside on the Aquavit Terrace. The service was excellent, and the brownie dessert served at lunch that day was the best ever. The decadent, dark chocolatey goodness of the brownie was drizzled with a buttery, rich caramel sauce then topped with roasted pecans and served with a side of vanilla ice cream. So memorable.

During My Viking Egdir Excursions

4. black forest cake in the black forest.

What a treat to enjoy traditional Black Forest Cake in the Black Forest. The included excursion was a bus trip that took us to Hofgut Sternen, Germany — the Black Forest Village. From its humble beginnings as a 13th-century medieval horse station, it has evolved into a stop for visitors to the region. The long tradition of craftsmanship in the area is supported by the shops in the Black Forest Village.

Black Forest Cake is a culinary treat that infuses layers of chocolate sponge cake with kirsch , a local cherry brandy, mounds of whipped cream, sour cherries, and chocolate shavings. Enjoy a slice and pick up the recipe during your visit.

Pro Tip: The village can get rather crowded, so while everyone is exploring enjoy your cake first. The restaurant offered a special for Viking cruisers that included a slice of traditional Black Forest Cake and a cup of coffee. I enjoyed having the place to myself, and then I explored the village and even had time to hike a bit.

5. Currywurst At An Imbiss

I love meeting fellow writers during a press trip because they know things. Chris Owen of Chris Cruises is an expert on Viking Cruises, having been on over 30. When docked in Koblenz, he loves to get a Currywurst with pommes frites (fries) at an imbiss (a German fast-food stand) near the ship. Seeing the joy on his face munching on one of his favorite treats, I of course had to try one. Yum! Hard to believe this is fast food.

Flavors Of Alsace Excursion

I took the optional Flavors of Alsace excursion, which involved walking and eating throughout the Grande-Île UNESCO World Heritage Site of Strasbourg in France. This historic area is filled with small shops and eateries with a culinary heritage that is a blend of French and German cuisine. Here are a few of my favorites…

6. Flammenkuchen

I enjoyed this delicious Alsatian traditional flame-cooked dish at the Le Gruber Vinstube, which strives to preserve the authenticity of Alsatian cuisine and the traditional Vinstubes. Flammenkuchen is like a pizza, but the crust is super thin. The traditional savory version has a light delicate crust and is topped with a creamy sauce, bacon lardons, onions, and cheese. A more dramatic presentation was a version with apples that is drizzled with Calvados (a brandy from Normandy) and then lit on fire. A very impressive dessert.

Pro Tip: Check the Viking Daily each day for Live Culinary demonstrations. On our day in Strasbourg, Chef Lulian taught us how to make Flammenkuchen.

7. Wine And Cheese

One of the highlights of this tour was visiting Un Cantalou a Strasbourg . Owner Jeroud introduced our group to wines from the Alsace region perfectly paired with local cheese and charcuterie. He led the paired wine tasting of three regional wines, and it was a great presentation. Informative without being stuffy. Jeroud was so knowledgeable, but his bubbly personality made this such a fun event.

Donatien Maître Éclair was a fabulous stop. Owner Donatien Fehr is a true artist who has taken this humble pastry and elevated it to a whole new level of culinary delight. In addition to sweet pastries, he has created the savory éclair. On my visit, he was offering a ham and asparagus creation that utilized fresh, local asparagus. The crisp éclair shell was filled with flavorful filling and topped with ham and asparagus. It was so tasty. ‘

I also tried a pistachio cream sweet éclair which was divine. One of the things I was amazed about on this tour is that so many businesses focus on one thing and do it very well. Imagine a shop focusing on only eclairs!

9. The Mustard Museum

The Kölner Senfmuseum — or mustard museum — in Cologne, Germany was such an interesting experience. Mustard Miller Harald Löhausn shared how pure milled mustard is made, and we also got to try the different mustards. These mustards are made on-site with no additives from a basic recipe of mustard seeds, vinegar, salt, and spices. The mustard seeds are dry ground and added to the ingredients to ferment for a week then wet ground before aging for two months.

This all-natural mustard will keep for 2 years at room temperature. The mustards are packaged in handcrafted stoneware containers that are just beautiful and make a great souvenir. So how does it taste? Pretty good with a rich flavor not found in grocery store mustards. The best seller is their original from a recipe dating back to 1810.

Pro Tip: Purchase one stoneware urn, which is heavy, and then refill pouches to lessen the weight of your luggage. Also, buy one of the small wooden spoons which must be used to ensure the flavor of the mustard which is affected by metal.

Curated Dinner Excursions

Viking River Cruises offers a variety of dining experiences off the ship. I tried two, and although I tend to avoid the touristy experiences, I found I really enjoyed both of these excursions.

10. Dine In Rüdesheim Am Rhein

Despite getting on the kitschy mini-train that moved us from the ship to the restaurant, this was a fun experience. Rüdesheim is a charming small town and the Drosselgasse, a narrow pedestrian passageway, is just darling. The Rüdesheimer Schloss had a fest hall vibe to it where we enjoyed a farm-to-table meal of favorites from the Rheingau region. We even got to try the local Schnapps.

It was white asparagus season and we hadn’t had the opportunity to try them. The restaurant accommodated my request and I was able to order a plate for our table. The entertainment was fun and most of us joined in for the chicken dance, or the duck dance as it is known in this area.

11. Cologne’s Beer Culture And Dinner

This was such an interesting experience. We started at the Brauhaus zur Malzmühle, which since 1858 has been one of the more popular Brauhaus in Cologne. We enjoyed a multi-course meal with a variety of German favorites before joining our guide to try a few brewhouses. 

Kölsch is a crisp, light beer that is only brewed in Cologne. Unlike other areas of Germany where beer is served up in large steins, Kölsch is served straight from the barrel in special 7-ounce glasses which allows you to finish the beer while it is still cold. Such an interesting experience. Papa Joe’s Biersalon will remind you of the movie Cabaret with its jazzy vibe. It is worth a stop to see this collection of mechanical music machines from player pianos to animatronic musicians. Super fun.

Each Viking River Cruise itinerary will have different experiences, but the dining experience will be the same on each river voyage. I love this consistency of the brand — you know what to expect. Each trip will have a variety of on-ship culinary demonstrations and excursions as well as the delicious food served in the Dining Room and Aquavit Terrace.

Editor’s Take: Best Food On The Viking Egdir

TravelAwaits’ Senior VP, Missy Glassmaker, also enjoyed a week on the ship. Here are her picks for the best eats.

I agree with Peggy’s picks. The dining options were amazing and endless. Here are a few additional dining experiences I loved.

12. Roast Duck Breast

I never pass up duck when offered and this did not disappoint. Served with shiitake mushrooms, butternut squash, and Korean barbecue sauce, it was the perfect dinner choice to kick off our trip.

13. Grilled Lamb Chops

I couldn’t believe I ate this decadent meal for lunch, but I’m so happy I did. It felt like a special meal you would only enjoy on a rare Friday or Saturday night out, but it actually wasn’t too heavy for lunch and was oh-so-delicious.

14. Bitterballen

Viking does an excellent job of incorporating local dishes into the nightly menus. Bitterballen was served while we were sailing through the Netherlands. It’s a breaded beef meatball served with spicy mustard. It was my first time trying it and I’ll definitely be looking for it again on my next visit.

15. Every Croissant

I didn’t keep track of how many croissants I consumed for good reason, but I enjoyed a few each day and one was better than the next, from plain to chocolate, apple, and pecan. Simply delicious!

16. Chocolate Mousse

This was offered a few times at lunch and dinner while sailing. It’s simple but perfect. Enjoy it with the Chianti I recommend below.

I loved the Kolsch in Cologne and the Riesling in Alsace, but the wine on the ship just felt special in part because the staff was so ridiculously amazing, they knew what I would love before I did. My favorites were the Chateau Miraval Cotes de Provence Rose with lunch and the Poggio al Sole Chianti Classico during and after dinner — occasionally paired with chocolate mousse for a lunch treat. The Gentil “Hugel” Alsace was also very good the first evening. 

The Best Dining Venues on Viking Cruises

Popular dishes on Viking cruises include Scandinavian specialties like gravlax and herring, as well as global cuisines such as sushi and pasta. Fine dining experiences offer gourmet meals paired with exquisite wines, ensuring a culinary journey on board in the main dining room and the areas I listed below.

The Chef’s Table

The Chef’s Table offers the perfect pairing of food and wine. The sommeliers and culinary masters at the Chef’s Table pour select vintages and serve thoughtfully prepared dishes during a multicourse tasting. A private dining room provides an opportunity to have an intimate meal.

The Pool Grill

For a relaxed lunch or an afternoon snack, the Pool Grill serves casual fare prepared to order and a small salad bar for lighter meals. Enjoy the poolside atmosphere while sipping the regional cocktails in the Pool Bar.

The World Cafe

Viking ships’ buffet, The World Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.  A sushi bar with a seafood buffet is one of my highlights when it comes to evening offerings.

The Kitchen Table

The Kitchen Table is part shore excursion part cooking experience. It is a unique onboard cooking school with options to shop, cook, and eat with the masters. Witness the culinary expertise of top chefs as they bring local flavors from the market to the table. 

Room Service

Room service is excellent on all Viking cruise ships. The continental breakfast menu is comprehensive and offers a range of hot and cold dishes and coffee. Complimentary room service offers prompt delivery of delicious meals.

Viking really wants you to enjoy your meal. If you don’t like one thing, pick something else. Having trouble deciding? Pick both. I ended up with two desserts at one meal and loved sharing with the table. You’ll order, and eat, more food than you expected, but that’s what the excursions are for, and there’s a walking track on the top of the ship. Enjoy!

Heart set on a river cruise? Read all our Viking content here .

Are Meals Free on Viking Cruise Lines?

All meals on Viking cruise lines are complimentary, including specialty restaurants, a private dining room, room service, and other dining venues. The only dining experience with a fee is The Kitchen Table. 

What Are Specialty Restaurants on Viking Cruise Lines?

Specialty restaurants focus on local flavors and regional cuisine or culinary themes. Whether it’s an intimate chef’s table experience that can be enjoyed in the restaurant a private dining room or a casual al fresco dining option, these specialty venues offer variety and excitement.

Can I Order Room Service on Viking Cruises?

Yes, passengers can order room service on Viking cruise lines at any hour, any day. The complimentary menu includes a pasta dish, burgers, hot dogs, fish, chicken, a cheese plate, and fresh fruit as well as soft drinks, and desserts. 

What’s the Viking’s Pool Grill?

Pool Grill is Viking’s version of a burger bar. Pool Grill has a tasty take on the vegetarian burger, wings, chili dogs, pizza, grilled fish, and french fries. It also includes a small salad bar. Lunch is served daily at the Pool Grill.

Why Is the Viking’s Aquavit Terrace So Special?

Located outside the World Cafe, the Aquavit Terrace is an enchanting place where you can choose to either dine in a restaurant or in your own private dining room. It provides the most al fresco dining experiences of all ships at sea.

She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. Her work can be found in Northwest Travel & Life Magazine , 253 Lifestyle Magazine , and other regional publications. She is the author of 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die , Reedy Press, and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). The name of her travel blog came about from her friends constantly asking her, "Peggy, Where Should I Go?"

• Expeditions

Press Release

Viking returns to the great lakes for third season, new voyages announced for 2026 will bring a viking ship to chicago for the first time.

LOS ANGELES (May 30, 2024) – Viking® ( www.viking.com ) (NYSE: VIK) today is celebrating the start of its third season in the Great Lakes, with both of its identical expedition ships, the Viking Octantis ® and the Viking Polaris ®, now deployed in the region. Voted #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the most recent Readers’ Choice Awards, Viking offers a variety of itineraries that operate between Toronto and Duluth and explore all five Great Lakes. The 378-guest expeditions vessels, which were designed specifically to transit the historic Welland Canal, will remain in the lakes until early October before returning to Antarctica for the austral summer.

Viking has also announced that two new itineraries in the Great Lakes for 2026 are now open for booking. The 10-day Great Lakes Treasures voyage will sail roundtrip from Milwaukee and will allow guests to explore new ports of call for Viking, including Chicago, as well as Canada’s Fathom Five National Marine Park and Benjamin Islands. The longer, 17-day Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures voyage sails between Toronto and Milwaukee and also includes Niagara Falls, Canada’s Point Pelee National Park and a transit of the Welland Canal.

“The Great Lakes region is a phenomenal place that is close to home for many of our guests, but one that few have yet to fully discover. With more than 10,000 miles of coastline, world-class cities and remote wilderness areas, it is truly a destination that is best explored by ship,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “We would like to thank our local partners for the warm welcome once again, and we look forward to introducing more curious travelers to the Great Lakes this season and in future years.”

The return of Viking’s expedition ships to the Great Lakes coincides with the recent announcement of the company’s latest scientific advancement—for the first time ever, phytoplankton is being genetically sequenced at sea. With scientific support from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), real-time environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing of phytoplankton is being conducted in the PCR lab on board the Viking Octantis . Visiting scientists contributing to the Genomics at Sea Program (GASP) are able to monitor the environmental impact on phytoplankton without the need to transport samples to a distant shoreside facility. Viking will regularly host Scripps scientists on board the ship this season in the Great Lakes.

Viking has also partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), which conducts innovative research on the dynamic environments and ecosystems of the Great Lakes and coastal regions to provide information for resource use and management decisions that lead to safe and sustainable ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human communities. Additionally, Viking’s expedition ships have been designated official NOAA / U.S. National Weather Service weather balloon stations, from which regular launches are undertaken.

Highlighted 2024-2026 Great Lakes Voyages:

• NEW Great Lakes Treasures (10 days; roundtrip Milwaukee) – Visit the “Windy City” of Chicago and its wealth of world-class museums, including the Art Institute. Explore the picturesque islands of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and admire their bucolic landscapes. Venture out to Flowerpot Island in the Fathom Five National Marine Park and marvel at the stunning pink granite isles of the Benjamins Islands. Participate in lab studies as you explore coastal wetlands and delve into the Native cultures of the Great Lakes.
• NEW Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures (17 days; between Toronto – Milwaukee) – Discover the mighty waterfalls of Niagara and immerse yourself in nature amid the freshwater marshes of Point Pelee’s peninsula. Witness the creativity of Detroit’s urban development as you admire the city’s postmodern and art deco skyscrapers. Behold the stunning isles of Georgian Bay from the water and marvel at their verdant landscapes during this extended voyage.
• Great Lakes Collection (15 days; between Toronto – Duluth) – Join Viking for a unique voyage across the historic waterways of all five of the majestic Great Lakes. Experience culture-rich urban centers and admire the awesome power of thundering Niagara Falls. Explore the granite islands and sheltered inlets of Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks. Study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes as you journey and venture into the dense boreal forests that line the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
• Niagara & the Great Lakes (8 days; between Toronto – Milwaukee) – From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover North America’s wilderness alongside renowned cultural attractions while cruising the striking waterways of the Great Lakes. Immerse yourself in the lakes’ compelling shipping history, experience the power of the thundering Niagara Falls and keep watch for scores of migratory birds at Point Pelee. Led by a team of experts, explore sheltered bays and woodlands to uncover complex ecosystems and hidden treasures.
• Undiscovered Great Lakes (8 days; Thunder Bay – Milwaukee) – Cross the width of Lake Superior between Duluth and the Soo Locks, exploring the lake’s North Shore Inside Passage as you sail. Hike along clifftop trails for sweeping views of the lake. Gain insight into the unique features and ecosystems of remote wilderness islands, and admire Kakabeka Falls, the “Niagara of the North.” Follow in the footsteps of fur traders in Duluth and step back in time as you stroll the quaint, car-free streets of Mackinac Island.
• Canada & East Coast Explorer (15 days; between Toronto – Fort Lauderdale) – Sail the US’s Atlantic coastline and visit storied cities. Enjoy Charleston’s southern charm and colonial homes. Visit Norfolk, home to the world’s largest naval base. Trace Nova Scotia’s shores to explore its rugged landscapes and visit Quebec’s national parks. Traverse one of North America’s scenic waterways, the St. Lawrence River, and marvel at the locks and canals that comprise the St. Lawrence Seaway on an enriching journey to historic ports.

Viking is also offering a variety of Longitudinal World Cruises between the Great Lakes and Antarctica, offering guests the opportunity of a lifetime to sail from the world’s largest freshwater system to “the end of the world” or the reverse. Additionally, all of Viking’s Great Lakes voyages feature Mackinac Island, which was recently rated the #1 summer travel destination in the U.S. by USA Today 10Best .

Viking Expedition Ships

The Polar Class, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. These vessels are built for expeditions, at an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. Highlights include:

• The Aula: A stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Used for lectures, daily briefings, documentaries and films, this spectacular venue features a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts to expose floor-to-ceiling windows and 270° views.
• Finse Terrace: An outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed seating, the Finse Terrace was designed to allow guests the comforts of the ship al fresco while enjoying the dramatic scenery. Named after the Finse Plateau in Norway, where some of the greatest polar explorers, including Nansen and Amundsen, did their expedition training in preparation for their North and South Pole expeditions.
• The Hangar: A state-of-the-art, industry-first in-ship marina providing ease of embarkation and disembarkation of Special Operations Boats and other equipment while sheltered from the elements.
• The Bow: An important forward-viewing platform. And in the case of inclement weather, The Shelter is a comfortable, partially enclosed space for guests to warm up with a hot drink before going back out into the elements.
• The Science Lab: Developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-Niva, The Science Lab, at 380 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities. Guests have supervised access to The Science Lab to learn from and participate with scientists in undertaking meaningful research.
• Expedition Central: The hub for the expedition team to consult with guests on their expedition activities and share knowledge about the destinations on a one-on-one basis, with the aid of 3D printed maps, digital screens, and a state-of-the-art spatial data visualization chart table.
• Dining Choices: The Restaurant offers fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics; the casual World Café offers an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors; Mamsen’s, named for the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare; and Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine.
• The Nordic Spa: Following a day of exploration, The Nordic Spa offers guests opportunities to experience the ultimate healthy Nordic traditions, with an indoor heated pool set against expansive windows and a badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) that is open to the outside.
• Explorers’ Lounge: Located high on the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Explorers’ Lounge provides guests an ideal space to take in the magnificent scenery, share discoveries with fellow travelers or to enjoy a drink.
• The Living Room: On the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris , The Living Room is located to maximize views of the surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows and a library that informs even the best-read explorers. The Library is curated by acclaimed London bookshop Heywood Hill, as on all Viking vessels, as well as Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute.
• Nordic Balcony: A first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms on board Viking’s expedition ships feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft. to 1,223 sq. ft.—all with a Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.
• Expedition Ship Suites: Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer Suites (580 sq. ft.) on the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris are similar to those on Viking’s fleet of ocean ships, with wood detailing and amenities that include additional storage and seating, an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, a fully-stocked mini-bar replenished daily, complimentary laundry, priority restaurant reservations and more. Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. Additionally, each ship features one Owner’s Suite (1,223 sq. ft.) that has three rooms –a living room, a board/dining room and a bedroom—as well as a 792 sq. ft. private deck with a traditional Norwegian badestamp open to the invigorating outdoors.
• Enrichment On Board and On Shore: Viking has created the world’s leading scientific enrichment environment in an expedition setting. Exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—as well as other prestigious scientific institutions match leading researchers and educators with each expedition. Thirty-six experts accompany each journey as part of the Viking Expedition Team, including an Expedition Leader and support staff, photographer, field research scientists, general naturalists, mountain guides, kayak guides, submarine pilots and specialists (ornithology, geology, higher predator biology and history). On board, guests enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about their destination. On shore, they can assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities during landings—such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns; accompanying scientists to collect samples; or taking their cameras ashore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes.
• Environmentally Considerate: Viking believes that its responsibility extends beyond providing exceptional travel experiences. From the outset, the company has been deliberately concerned about the environment, making decisions that it believes are scientifically correct, rather than what is deemed as politically correct. Viking’s fleet boasts many environmentally friendly features, such as diesel-electric river ships and energy-efficient ocean vessels equipped with closed-loop exhaust scrubbers. Viking’s expedition ships have set a new standard for responsible travel by exceeding the current International Maritime Organization (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements by nearly 38%. Additionally, Viking is working to make its next generation of ocean ships even more environmentally friendly, with a project for a partial hybrid propulsion system of liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, which could allow for operation with zero emissions while in port and while traveling at low speeds.

With a clear focus on creating experiences for The Thinking Person, Viking does not try to be all things to all people. This approach has resonated with guests, and in 2023, Viking was rated #1 for Expeditions, as well as #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans by Condé Nast Traveler in the most recent Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media Assets

For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact [email protected] .

About Viking

Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure . No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com . For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv . Contact

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The 3 types of Viking cruise ships, explained

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

Viking is unusual among major cruise lines in that it operates both ocean ships and river ships. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

The vast majority of Viking’s river ships — at last count, there were 80 — feature the same design. If you’ve seen one of them, you’ve seen them all.

Ditto for the line’s ocean ships. Nine of Viking’s 11 ocean ships are nearly identical. The two exceptions are the recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

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As a result, the bulk of Viking’s vessels falls into one of just three groups; all the ships in each group sport nearly identical designs.

An introduction to Viking cruise ships

Viking has expanded enormously in recent years with the addition of dozens of new river and ocean ships.

Founded in 1997 with four river vessels, the company operated just 29 ships as recently as 2012. Now, there are more than 90 ships in its fleet.

The vast majority of these ships are river ships — the company’s sole focus for its first 18 years in business. The company dominates the market for river cruises aimed at North Americans, accounting for about 50% of all such trips.

Starting in 2015, Viking began rolling out ocean cruise ships, too.

In early 2023, as noted above, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — almost all of which have the same basic design. The exceptions are a few vessels that Viking operates on rivers in Egypt and Asia (more on these ships below). The line also recently began offering cruises on the Mississippi River and its tributaries using a new type of vessel.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Viking’s ocean ships fall into two distinct groups: a series of 930-passenger traditional ocean ships that began debuting in 2015, and a series of 378-passenger expedition ships that began debuting in 2022.

Unlike most cruise lines, Viking doesn’t use the term “classes” to define different sets of ships in its fleet. Instead, it refers to its series of traditional ocean ships as the “Viking ocean ships” and its series of expedition ships as the “Viking expedition ships.” We’ve followed the same breakdown of the line’s ocean and river fleet below.

Viking ocean ships

Ships: Viking Saturn (2023), Viking Neptune (2022), Viking Mars (2022), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion (2018), Zhao Shang Yi Dun (2017), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Sea (2016) and Viking Star (2015).

Size: 47,800 tons.

For years, Viking only operated river ships, and some cruisers still think of the brand primarily as a river cruise company. However, since 2015, Viking has been rapidly rolling out a series of upscale ocean vessels; these new additions are increasingly dominating the world of higher-end ocean cruising.

As of June 2023, Viking has nine ships sailing the world’s oceans, each with a capacity for 930 passengers. That gives Viking 8,370 berths in the upscale ocean cruise market — more than competitors Oceania Cruises and Azamara combined.

The series is far from finished. Six more of the vessels are on order from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for delivery between 2024 and 2028, and the company also has options with Fincantieri for four more of the ships to debut in 2029 and 2030. Assuming they are all built, Viking’s ocean division will soon be bigger than Oceania, Azamara, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises  combined.

The first thing to know about the ships in this series is that they all are pretty much identical. When sailing on any one of them, you will be hard-pressed to tell what is different.

They’re also quite upscale. While Viking doesn’t market itself as a luxury line, some still consider it so. The vessels are full of luxury touches, from sumptuous bedding in cabins to heated floors in cabin bathrooms.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites

Each of the ships in this series has a stylish, Scandinavian-influenced design that is a Viking trademark, and the cabins are large by cruise ship standards. Even the smallest cabins on each of the vessels have 270 square feet of space — a generous amount. Many cabins are significantly bigger than that, with 14 two-room suites on each of the vessels ranging in size from 757 to 1,448 square feet. Many of these bigger suites offer sweeping views from wrap-around private balconies.

Each of the ships’ interior spaces is built around an elegant, three-deck-high atrium filled with comfortable seating areas that have a living room-like feel. Each also has a bar and guest relations desk. At the top of the ships, you’ll find two-deck-high, glass-walled lounges that offer stunning views over the bow. Other interior spaces include a fitness center and a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels).

Multiple restaurants on board each of the vessels include Italian eatery Manfredi’s (named after former Silversea owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen) and The Chef’s Table. The latter features rotating themed menus.

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of the ships is the main pool area, which features a glass magrodome that can close during inclement weather. The main pool area on each of the ships sits next to a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden, which is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it’s one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

While all of the ships in this series are essentially identical, you will find small differences on a few of them. Most notably, two of the vessels in the series — Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter — have a small planetarium built into the top level of the two-level lounge at their fronts (known as the Explorers’ Lounge). Some of the later ships in the series have slightly larger fitness centers and slightly smaller hair salons.

Note that in addition to the nine Viking ocean ships officially in the Viking fleet, a 10th ship from the same series, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, caters exclusively to the China market as part of a joint venture between Viking and a Chinese company. When it debuted in 2017, the ship originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking river ships

Ships: Viking Fjorgyn (2022), Viking Kari (2022), Viking Radgrid (2022), Viking Skaga (2022) and more than 60 other Longships built since 2012, as well as additional river vessels.

Size: 4,000 to 5,000 tons.

River ships originally put Viking on the map, and they’re still at the core of the brand.

As noted above, the line has 80 river ships in its fleet. The vast majority of them have the same basic design and are known as Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Unveiled in 2012 and designed specifically to fit into the locks used across many of Europe’s rivers, the Longships broke new ground in river ship design in multiple ways.

For starters, they have a configuration that includes some of the largest suites ever for river ships in Europe. They also have a significant number of cabins with balconies — which is made possible by an innovative cabin area layout that offsets main corridors. (In other words, the corridors don’t run down the middle of the ship, creating a wider side with space for balconies and a narrower side with cabins turned sideways to also create room for verandas.)

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s cruise loyalty program

Other innovations include a squared-off bow that allows for eight more cabins than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. Also, quieter engines allow for more cabins at the rear. An enormous amount of groundbreaking engineering went into redesigning the bow areas of the ships, in particular, to enable extra cabins while still leaving room for needed machinery.

As a result of such innovations, the Viking Longships can carry more passengers than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. This has allowed Viking to offer lower prices than other river cruise lines and still bring in a similar amount of revenue per ship — a fact that has contributed greatly to the company’s rapid growth.

Like many river ships, each of the Viking Longships has one main restaurant where most passengers eat their meals as well as one main interior lounge with a bar. There’s also a secondary, casual dining area at the front of each vessel with indoor and outdoor seating. (The outdoor portion, called the Aquavit Terrace, also serves as a forward-facing outdoor lounge during off hours.) Unlike many river ships, the vessels have no spas or fitness centers.

As is typical for river ships, the top of every Viking Longship is covered with an expansive lounge area. There’s also a walking track and an herb garden — the latter used by the kitchen staff to grow herbs used during the preparation of onboard meals.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long — the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe’s rivers. Viking also built slightly smaller versions of the Longships, measuring 361 feet or 410 feet in length, specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require smaller vessels. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

Related: Fast-growing Viking unveils four new ships for the Seine

While the Longships come in several different lengths, they are essentially identical in their offerings and decor. The only notable difference is that the smaller versions of the ships have fewer cabins and thus hold fewer people. The 443-foot-long versions of the ship are designed for 190 passengers, for example, whereas the 410-foot-long versions of the vessels hold 168 passengers (since they have 11 fewer cabins).

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships and traditionally have operated on rivers in Russia and Ukraine. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the war in Ukraine.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

As of May 2023, Viking had another 14 river ships either under construction or on order via provisional contracts.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Viking expedition ships

Ships: Viking Polaris (2022) and Viking Octantis (2022).

Size: 30,150 tons.

Designed to hold just 378 passengers, the Viking expedition ships are specifically designed to take travelers to the most off-the-beaten-path parts of the world, including Antarctica and the Arctic.

As of now, Viking operates just two ships in the series, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, both of which debuted in 2022 . No more are currently on order.

As is typical for expedition ships, these are tough vessels with reinforced bows that let them bump through ice in polar regions; the ships also have extra tanks for fuel and food.

Each of these vessels has its own landing craft on board to bring people ashore in remote locations, as well as kayaks and even submarines for exploring. (The latter is the hot new thing for expedition ships — upscale cruise brands Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Seabourn have been adding submarines to expedition ships , too.)

Like other expedition ships, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to operate with a large and seasoned “expedition team” that includes biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists and ornithologists who lecture regularly.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Each of the vessels has several new and unusual features, too. Most notable is The Hangar: an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to a 12-seat excursion craft while still in the protected interior of the ship. It’s a first for an expedition cruise ship.

In another first for a polar expedition cruise vessel, every cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to be upscale. Like all Viking’s vessels, they boast elegant Scandinavian designs. The restaurants on both vessels include a version of Viking’s signature Italian spot, Manfredi’s and the Scandinavian-inspired Mamsen’s outlet.

Another feature of both ships that will be familiar to regular Viking customers is a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers’ Lounge offering stunning views of passing scenery.

In case you’re curious, Viking Octantis is named after Sigma Octantis, the current “south star” that hovers over the South Pole (also known as Polaris Australis). Polaris is named after the current “north star” that hovers over the North Pole. The names are a nod to the polar regions where these expedition ships will likely spend much of their time.

Bottom line

Viking operates more cruise vessels than any other major cruise company catering to North Americans. This is in part because it’s involved in both the ocean cruise and river cruise businesses. Despite its large size, its fleet of vessels is relatively easy to understand. The vast majority of both its ocean ships and river ships are almost identical in their designs.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
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• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Viking Starts Third Great Lakes Season

• May 31, 2024

Viking is celebrating the start of its third season in the Great Lakes, with the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris deployed in the region.

The season features itineraries that operate between Toronto and Duluth and explore all five Great Lakes until early October when both ships return to Antarctica.

Additionally, two new itineraries in the Great Lakes for 2026 are now open for booking. The 10-day Great Lakes Treasures voyage sails roundtrip from Milwaukee, with new ports of call for Viking, including Chicago, Canada’s Fathom Five National Marine Park and Benjamin Islands. The 17-day Niagara and Great Lakes Treasures voyage sails between Toronto and Milwaukee, with visits to Niagara Falls, Canada’s Point Pelee National Park and a transit of the Welland Canal.

“The Great Lakes region is a phenomenal place that is close to home for many of our guests, but one that few have yet to fully discover. With more than 10,000 miles of coastline, world-class cities and remote wilderness areas, it is truly a destination that is best explored by ship,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking. “We would like to thank our local partners for the warm welcome once again, and we look forward to introducing more curious travelers to the Great Lakes this season and in future years.”

Highlighted 2024-2026 Great Lakes season:

• Great Lakes Treasures voyage (10 days; roundtrip Milwaukee)
• Niagara and Great Lakes Treasures (17 days; between Toronto – Milwaukee)
• Great Lakes Collection (15 days; between Toronto – Duluth)
• Niagara and the Great Lakes (eight days; between Toronto – Milwaukee)
• Undiscovered Great Lakes (eight days; Thunder Bay – Milwaukee
• Canada and East Coast Explorer (15 days; between Toronto – Fort Lauderdale)

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Viking Cruises Earnings: Bets on 55+ Demo, Cuts Debt, Vague on Forecasts

Sean O'Neill , Skift

May 29th, 2024 at 3:11 PM EDT

Viking, the only pure-play luxury cruise line, has reported its first quarterly earnings since it went public. The company is targeting a English-speakers over the age of 55, a demographic with most of the wealth and a broad eagerness to travel.

Sean O'Neill

Viking  on Wednesday provided its first earnings report since its IPO earlier this month. The company, which operates 92 luxury river and ocean cruises, gave a broadly upbeat report.

Here are some key takeaways from its presentation .

Betting on over-55s

• Viking’s core customers are affluent, English-speaking travelers over age 55.
• “In the U.S., this demographic has a large spending power and holds 70% of the wealth,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO. “They’re also the fastest-growing segment of the population, expected to increase from 98 million people in 2020 to 110 million in 2030. To put things in perspective, we carried about 650,000 guests in 2023.”
• Executives said this demographic likes an all-inclusive product because they like to know their budgets upfront. That said, about 40% of passengers book an upsell, typically a package that includes a stay in a hotel before departure or at the end of a cruise. The company also offers optional excursions while in ports as upsells.

Strong 2024 and 2025 seasons

• For sailings this season, it has sold 91% of its possible passenger cruise days — a measure of the number of passengers carried multiplied by the number of ship operating days.
• For the 2025 season, it has sold 39% of its passenger cruise days. That amounts to $2.5 billion in advance bookings so far.
• “Our current bookings pace is proceeding pretty much as we planned,” Hagen said. “We have had no surprises.”

Growing capacity

• As the company adds ships, the volume of passengers it can serve obviously grows. Viking will boost its ocean cruise capacity by 17% for next year’s season, compared to the level in 2023, and its river cruise capacity by 12% next season, compared to last year.
• Viking said it had exercised options with the shipbuilder Fincantieri. It expects delivery of two wholly new 998-guest cruise ships in 2029.

Vague forecasts

• The company’s executives said that typical fluctuations in the mix of bookings over any given year make it impossible for them to provide a specific forecast for yields. Net yields last year averaged about $500 per passenger per day.
• A few analysts were disappointed in the lack of detailed guidance. “It seems to us that giving guidance would be easier for you than your peers given that your booking curve is farther out [Viking is better at generating bookings farther in advance] and you don’t really generate much onboard revenue [because] Viking’s ships are smaller,” said Robin Farley, managing director and leisure stock analyst at UBS.
• “Our goal is always to try to keep [price hike percentages from season to season] in the mid-to-high single digits,” said Linh Banh, executive vice president, finance.

Narrowing losses

• The operator of river and ocean cruises said it has been reducing its cash burn. Its adjusted EBITDA was negative $214 million in the year through March 31, representing half the loss of the prior comparable period.
• The company raised about $246 million in net proceeds from its IPO.
• Viking’s net leverage slipped from 3.8x as of year-end to 3.4x trailing yearly adjusted EBITDA as of March 31.
• “Our balance sheet is probably among the best in the industry,” Hagen said.

Viking IPO: Key Facts Behind the Luxury Cruise Operator’s Billion-Dollar Debut

Wednesday’s IPO will value Viking, an operator of luxury river and ocean cruises, at roughly $10 billion. Leaders in the luxury travel sector will be eyeing the move closely.

Cruise and Tours Sector Stock Index Performance Year-to-Date

What am I looking at?  The performance of cruise and tours sector stocks within the ST200 . The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets including both cruise lines and tour operators.

The Skift Travel 200 (ST200)  combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more cruise and tours sector financial performance .

Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.

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Tags: cruise , cruise earnings , cruise industry , cruise lines , earnings , viking

Photo credit: An aerial view of a cruise ship run by Viking Cruises, near Geiranger, Norway, and next to Seven Sisters Waterfall tumbling 1,000 feet into the fjord's water. Source: Viking Holdings Viking

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best party cruises for 2024.

The best party cruises have something fun for everyone.

The Best Party Cruises

Getty Images

You won't be bored on a party cruise.

The magic of a cruise vacation is created with culinary delights, exotic ports of call, comfortable accommodations, carefully curated spaces and, of course, parties. These onboard celebrations can take many forms: large dance parties and quiet lounges, family-friendly and adults-only, adrenaline-pumping and relaxing activities, elegant and come-as-you-are events, and entire ships transformed into themed cruises .

Prepare for fun times on the following ships hosting the best party cruises at sea.

Royal Caribbean: Oasis of the Seas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Explore the eastern and western Caribbean aboard Oasis of the Seas , one of the largest cruise ships in the world. On this 6,771-passenger vessel, 18 decks of fun and 2,109 crew members await your next voyage.

• Bionic Bar: For late-night parties where "mixology meets technology," order cocktails from unexpected bartenders: robots! These two specialized tech creations are well-versed in classic alcoholic and nonalcoholic cocktails, and they can also mix a bespoke drink designed by you.
• Adrenaline-pumping amenities: Get ready for day and night thrills at four separate venues. Ripcord by iFly is billed as the only skydiving simulator at sea; North Star allows cruisers to snap stunning photos from the tallest viewing deck found on any cruise ship; Sky Pad provides a virtual reality experience while patrons jump on a bungee trampoline; and the Ultimate Abyss, named the tallest slide at sea, plunges 10 stories down.
• Surprise events: Scattered throughout the ship are several surprise activities that pop up among the scheduled itinerary of events. Join a toga party; boogie at a disco brigade; dress for a masquerade party; or transport back in time at an '80s-inspired extravaganza.

Book a  Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Carnival: Liberty

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Cruise for two to 14 days through the Caribbean, Bahamas or Panama Canal on the 2,974-passenger Carnival Liberty . In addition to decks of party fun, cruisers can dine at eateries designed by famous chefs, watch live sports and movies under the stars, and enjoy activities with the kids.

• Sailaway Party/Mega Deck Party: Get the party started on launch day at the Sailaway Party, where all passengers can gather for music, dancing, drinks and smiles. Then, see everyone again at the open-air Mega Deck Party under the stars on the Lido Deck, complete with more dancing, games and giveaways.
• RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar: Taste the flavors of the tropics at these two popular venues for drinks, music and good times. Choose from a chill menu of cocktails and specialty beer while you stay cool by the pool.
• Fun and games: If parties with your friends include spirited competition, this is your ship. In addition to showing off your skills on the basketball court and obstacle-filled mini golf course, play cornhole, sign up for the scavenger hunt and compete in art games. Then, try your luck gambling in the casino, playing bingo, and joining the "Deal or No Deal" onboard game show.

Find a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages: Scarlet Lady

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Bring your fabulous self aboard Scarlet Lady , the inaugural ship of Virgin Voyages , an adults-only cruise line . Fares include all food, essential drinks, Wi-Fi access, tips, group fitness classes, entertainment and more than 50 onboard events and activities for 2,770 sailors.

• Drag brunch and dance party: Join the ladies in the Razzle Dazzle restaurant for an early meal seasoned with glitz, glam, humor and style. Then, spend an evening in The Red Room, where drag queens bring the party to life with dances and banter.
• Scarlet Night Party: Wear your best scarlet attire and immerse yourself in the saga of a "mysterious goddess of the sea and the sailor who won her heart." The whole vessel becomes part of the story with games, tales, live music, pop-up performances, a red pool and a late-night dance party.
• The Manor: Bring your dancing shoes and enter this two-level nightclub through a hall of glittery mirrors. Inside are drinks, music and the Festival Stage Acts – a collection of rotating comedy acts that change every few weeks.
• Studio 72: Dance to the beats of the '70s and early '80s at this high-energy venue. Live music, light shows and surprises await.

Explore Virgin Voyages deals on GoToSea.

MSC Cruises: Divina

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

This 4,345-passenger ship combines modern comfort with eco-friendly tech in an atmosphere of Golden Age glamour. You'll enjoy lots of party venues on Divina 's two- and three-night cruises in the Caribbean.

• Bars and lounges: Spend time with friends in your choice of 17 themed spaces, including a cigar bar, a jazz bar, a sports bar, indoor/outdoor/poolside bars, Italian lounges and the casino. Then, try your talents at karaoke (available in multiple languages).
• High-tech spaces: A stocked video arcade, cyber cafe and full-size Formula 1 racecar simulator await.
• Get Together parties: Gather with likeminded cruisers from across the world during special events like the Veterans Get Together, Solo Guests Cocktail Party and LGBTQIAP+ Get Together.
• Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: Book a cruise that includes a stop at this exclusive private island in The Bahamas. Step off the ship and head to the sand for a day of sun, fun and exploration with your shipmates. Scuba dive, climb the lighthouse, rent a cabana, have a spa treatment or sip your favorite beverage by the sea.

Compare MSC Cruises on GoToSea.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Breakaway

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Take a transatlantic voyage or book a cruise in the Caribbean or Mediterranean on this 3,963-passenger ship. Refurbished in 2020, Breakaway offers a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade, unique entertainment venues, and a host of complimentary and specialty dining options.

• Spice H20: Pool party by day; dance party by night. This transformative space, inspired by Ibiza's beach parties, offers cruisers a refreshing dip in the pool, hot tubs and a waterfall when the sun is high. Return after dark to enjoy the venue's dance floor and large video screen.
• Skyy Vodka Ice Bar: Escape the heat in the coolest spot on the ship – a frozen bar. Sip specialty drinks in this adults-only spot inspired by Scandinavian ice hotels. The bar, tables, decor, seats and glasses are all made of ice.
• Syd Norman's Pour House: Step back in time at this classic rock 'n' roll venue built to look like the intimate, gritty clubs of days gone by. Performers bring to life all the top tunes of the '60s, '70s and '80s while the crowd sings along.
• Bliss Ultra Lounge: Stay out on the dance floor all night long at this high energy lounge. The distinctly nightclub vibe is created by DJs spinning up-tempo music, ultraviolet lights, plasma screens and a delicious selection of cocktails.

Book a  Norwegian Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

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Celebrity Cruises: Apex

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Elevate your celebrations of important life events aboard the sleek Celebrity Apex . Work with a specialist to plan a luxury wedding, vow renewal or engagement party on a sailing through Europe or the Caribbean. Itineraries include the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, the Cayman Islands , the Bahamas and more.

• Magic Carpet: Gather with friends and family at this unique venue. The cantilevered, floating platform is perched out over the ocean on the starboard side and can move to different decks during the voyage. Room for 100 guests, a full bar, live music and views up to 13 stories above sea level create a memorable experience.
• Resort Deck: Enjoy multiple locations throughout this architecturally pleasing space decorated with various art installations. Intimate cabanas sit near the swimming pool, bar and two-story martini hot tubs, while the covered adults-only Solarium is a luxurious spot to unwind. Additionally, the Rooftop Garden offers cocktails, dining, comfy seating, live performances and games. This venue can accommodate up to 270 guests for day and night fun.
• Eden: Choose this glass-wrapped, three-story, 11,800-square-foot space for your next party. This popular venue features tranquil gardens, constantly shifting views, cozy seating, fresh air and an array of nightly events.

Find a Celebrity Cruises itinerary on GoToSea.

Disney Cruise Line: Disney Wish

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Make memories on a multigenerational cruise packed with parties for all the ages aboard the 4,000-passenger Disney Wish . Discover a host of family-friendly sights and sounds to delight everyone on this new Disney Cruise Line ship.

• Oceaneer Club: Entertain cruisers ages 3 to 12 at five Disney-themed spaces: Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars Cargo Bay, Mickey and Minnie Captain's Deck, Imagineering Lab, and Fairytale Hall. The fun includes training as a super hero recruit; an interactive creature challenge; nautical-themed games; hands-on activities; and arts and crafts.
• Edge/Vibe/The Hideaway: Hang out with friends at these three popular clubs for tweens and teens . Counselor-led activities and photo wall backdrops in the chic loft are perfect for cruisers ages 11 to 14. A funky, Parisian art loft awaits those ages 14 to 17, while young adults ages 18 to 20 can plan private parties at The Hideaway.
• Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge/Keg & Compass: Enjoy some adults-only time at two venues created for grown-up gatherings. At night, the ship's Star Wars-themed lounge becomes a destination for signature cocktail tastings. Or, grab a craft beer and cheer on your favorite sports team in the pub space inspired by Viking ships.
• Pirate Night: Dress as your favorite buccaneer for a swashbuckling good time with the whole family. Shows, trivia, dancing with Disney characters, special effects and fireworks with Captain Jack Sparrow create a night to remember.

Explore Disney Cruise Line deals on GoToSea.

Royal Caribbean: Themed Cruises

Sailing on a themed cruise with Royal Caribbean International is a nonstop party. Pick your favorite pastime, hobby or passion and book an immersive experience on a ship full of fun folks who share your interests.

• Star Trek: The Cruise VII, Mariner of the Seas : Explore the Caribbean alongside an impressive list of stars from STNG, DS9, Voyager and more. Hang out in the Star Lounge, Studio B, pubs, bars and night clubs with your fellow Trekkies.
• The '80s Cruise, Mariner of the Seas: Step back in time and get ready to sing and dance on this seven-day, all-inclusive cruise . More than 50 concerts are planned for this voyage, including '80s music star performances by 38 Special, Debbie Gibson, Ray Parker Jr., Wang Chung, Sheena Easton and many more.
• The Old School Cruise 2024, Navigator of the Seas : Rock with the old school bands of the '60s, '70s and '80s on this cruise sailing from California. Kool & the Gang, Club Nouveau, Midnight Star and more provide the music for this retro dance party.
• Super Legends 2024, Navigator of the Seas: Take an epic musical cruise with the timeless legends of old school, Latin soul, freestyle and Tejano, all on one voyage. This three-night concert at sea sails roundtrip from Los Angeles.

Book a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

Azamara: Journey

Revel in elegant merriment aboard this mid-sized luxury ship. If stylish celebrations are what you seek, the 690-passenger Azamara Journey is the perfect setting.

• Club Crooner: Enjoy the musical stylings of the great crooners from the past and present at this swanky onboard nightclub. Talented performers channel their inner Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole and others for an evening of songs and cocktails.
• And the Beat Goes On: Join in the songs and dances from the greatest hits through time via a musical journey across genres. Set lists include famous tunes by Madonna, Ricky Martin, Katy Perry, Journey and many more.
• Six Strings: Watch the singers and dancers at this venue of classic rock with an acoustic vibe. Reminisce with tunes from The Beatles, Pat Benatar, Aerosmith, Queen, The Rolling Stones and others.
• Onboard fun: For daytime fun, challenge your shipmates to tournaments in darts, table tennis and trivia. In the evenings, enjoy the tunes of pianists, a quartet, a five-piece band and a DJ spinning dance music – or make your own music with a night of karaoke. Be sure to bring white attire to wear at the signature White Night festivities, which include special food and drinks, live music, and dancing on the pool deck.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Angela Minor fell in love with cruising during her first voyage as a teenager aboard the SS Emerald Seas where she performed on the ship. Her voyages have taken her into the Caribbean, the Atlantic, the Pacific and Alaska, where she once lived on an island. Minor used her extensive travel knowledge and research skills to write this article.

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Viking Stock Rises as Analysts Begin Coverage With Bullish Comments

Bill McColl has 25+ years of experience as a senior producer and writer for TV, radio, and digital media leading teams of anchors, reporters, and editors in creating news broadcasts, covering some of the most notable news stories of the time.

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Key Takeaways

• Viking Holdings shares advanced Tuesday as several analysts began coverage of the cruise line with bullish comments.
• Bank of America Securities began coverage with a "buy" rating and price objective of $35. JPMorgan analysts gave it an "overweight" rating and a price target of $34.
• Both research teams pointed to Viking's "unique" position in the cruise market and high-end business model.
• Viking shares gained close to 3% in intraday trading Tuesday at $30.48 as of 2:45 p.m. ET.

Viking Holdings ( VIK ) shares gained close to 3% in intraday trading Tuesday after several analysts initiated coverage of the cruise line with bullish comments about its outlook.

Bank of America Securities gave Viking a "buy" rating, with a price objective of $35. The analysts said that the recently listed company was “well-positioned in the industry given its superior returns and unit economics, growth profile, and balance sheet .”

BofA Praises 'High-End Business Model'

BofA said Viking had a “unique, high-end business model” with daily net per diems of more than $500, better than other cruise lines, other all-inclusive resorts, and publicly traded hotel companies. It added that Viking’s business is predictable, with the average customer itinerary booked 11 months in advance.

JPMorgan rated Viking "overweight," with a price target of $34, and pointed to Viking’s specific customer target of affluent, English-speaking travelers who are 55 years old or older, noting that this age group is the fastest-growing population in the U.S. and holds 70% of all U.S. wealth, according to the investment bank.

JPMorgan analysts said that Viking also controls 51% of the river cruise market, has priority access to 97% of docking locations, and its management has more than 20 years' experience in providing its service. They noted that the company’s educational, destination-first focus, and “One Brand” marketing strategy is driving sustainable customer loyalty and high guest repeat rates.

UBS, Well Fargo Also Favor Viking With $35 Price Target

UBS reportedly issued a "buy" rating and $35 price target for Viking, while Wells Fargo gave it an "overweight" rating along with a $35 price target.

Viking's stock began publicly trading on May 1 after the cruise line held the second-largest U.S.  initial public offering (IPO)  so far this year behind Amer Sports. Viking shares were nearly 3% higher at $30.48 as of 2:45 p.m. ET Tuesday and up 27% from their IPO price of $24.

TradingView

Bank of America Securities. "Viking Holdings - Sailing Away with the Luxury Cruise Market and Superior Returns; Initiate Buy, $35 PO."

JP Morgan. "Viking Holdings - Growth Story w/ Demographic Insulation at Industry Inflection Point; Initiate Overweight."

Investing.com. “ Wall Street firms start coverage of Viking Holdings after post-IPO gains .”

Reuters. “ Viking gains after wave of bullish Wall Street coverage initiations .”

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