Viking River Cruises operates a fleet of award-winning Longships across 65+ itineraries in Europe, Egypt, Asia, and the Mississippi River. Each ship carries just 190 guests and features Scandinavian-inspired design, al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, panoramic lounges, and all-outside staterooms ranging from 135 to 445 square feet. Every sailing includes a guided shore excursion in every port, all onboard meals, complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and all port taxes. There are no casinos, no formal nights, and no children under 18.
Viking’s river fleet sails the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Elbe, Main, Moselle, Mekong, Nile, and Mississippi, with cruise durations ranging from 8 to 23 days.
Offer valid on new bookings made by March 31, 2026. Not applicable to existing bookings. FREE airfare or reduced airfare only applicable to select departures of featured itineraries during stated sailing period. Offer is based on inventory availability at time of purchase.
A limited-time $25 deposit per person is due at time of booking for select departures of featured itineraries; remaining deposit is due with final payment. 2026: Pay in full by May 7, 2026 or at 120 prior to departure. 2027: Pay in full by July 31, 2026. 2028: February 15, 2027. Free and Reduced Air offers not valid when booked from gateways in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or Mexico. Reduced Air offers vary by selected Air gateway in country of residence. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Air does not have to be purchased to receive cruise/cruisetour offer. Prices are based on double occupancy in US dollars and for US residents only. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Not combinable with group contract pricing. Additional restrictions may apply.
One of our dedicated Travel Advisors will contact you shortly with your customized Viking river cruise quote.
Berwick Voyages has been booking Viking river cruises for many years, and Viking is our number one partner across all cruise lines. We’ve sailed multiple Viking river itineraries firsthand, including the Rhine, the Danube, Bordeaux wine country, and Portugal’s Douro Valley. That firsthand experience means we can offer the kind of specific, practical guidance that goes beyond what you’ll find on a booking website: which stateroom categories are worth the upgrade, which itineraries are best for first-time river cruisers versus experienced travelers, and which ports deserve an extra day.
As a preferred Viking partner, Berwick Voyages offers exclusive savings and onboard credits not available when booking directly with the cruise line. Every quote is personally prepared, and every client works directly with an experienced advisor from first inquiry through final disembarkation.
Every Viking river cruise includes a comprehensive package of amenities designed to eliminate hidden costs and surprise fees. Here is what is included with every sailing:
A guided shore excursion is included at every port of call, led by knowledgeable local guides. Onboard, all meals are included across multiple dining venues with open seating and no required reservations. Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner. Specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water are available 24 hours a day.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, along with an in-room infotainment system offering movies on demand, live TV channels, and Viking’s own programming. Every stateroom is outside-facing with river views. All taxes and port charges are included in the cruise fare.
Guests booking cruisetour packages or pre/post extensions stay in handpicked first-class hotels arranged by Viking, adding seamless comfort before or after the cruise. Cultural enrichment programming, including onboard lectures, cooking demonstrations, and destination-focused performances, is also included at no additional cost.
Not included: Gratuities, optional premium shore excursions, spa treatments (where available), and airfare (though Viking frequently offers promotional air packages, including free economy air on select sailings).
Viking Longships offer five stateroom categories, all outside-facing with river views. The patented asymmetrical corridor design maximizes interior space and natural light across every category. Staterooms range from 135-square-foot French Balcony cabins with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to 445-square-foot Explorer Suites with wraparound private verandas and separate living areas.
Every stateroom includes a queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (convertible to twins), private bathroom with heated floors, premium Freyja toiletries, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with infotainment system, individual climate control, a refrigerator, and daily bottled water. Suite categories add welcome champagne, a daily-replenished minibar, personal coffee machine, complimentary laundry service, priority embarkation, and more.
Image representative of most Europe longships; some ships on certain rivers (Douro, Seine, Bordeaux area) will have slightly different layouts and details.
Viking Longships are purpose-built river cruise vessels carrying 190 guests in 95 all-outside staterooms. First introduced in 2012, the fleet now includes over 80 ships sailing rivers across Europe, Asia, Egypt, and the United States. Each ship measures 443 feet in length, features a shallow 5-foot draft for navigating narrow waterways, and is powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines with solar panels for quieter, more efficient cruising.
Onboard spaces include the Aquavit Terrace at the bow, offering al fresco dining with panoramic forward views; a light-filled main restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows; a lounge and bar with daily entertainment and enrichment programming; and a curated library. The Sun Deck features a shaded sitting area, walking track, putting green, and an organic herb garden that supplies the kitchen with fresh herbs.
An elevator connects the Middle and Upper decks. Stateroom categories E and F on the Lower Deck are not elevator-accessible. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, and a small onboard shop carries Viking-branded merchandise and travel essentials.
Viking also operates a fleet of ocean cruise ships for travelers looking to explore beyond the rivers, as well as expedition voyages to Antarctica and beyond.
Our award-winning Viking Longships® showcase innovative engineering, streamlined design and understated elegance for the most comfortable European river cruise experience available.
What is included in a Viking River Cruise? Every Viking river cruise includes all onboard meals, complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, a guided shore excursion in every port, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, daily bottled water, port taxes, and an in-room entertainment system. Gratuities, optional excursions, spa services, and airfare are not included in the base fare, though Viking frequently offers promotional airfare packages.
Which Viking River Cruise is best for first-timers? The 8-day Romantic Danube itinerary (Budapest to Nuremberg or reverse) and the 8-day Rhine Getaway (Basel to Amsterdam or reverse) are consistently recommended for first-time river cruisers. Both routes feature iconic European capitals, manageable durations, and a strong mix of guided excursions and free time. For travelers who want to experience multiple rivers in a single voyage, the 15-day Grand European Tour combines the Rhine, Main, and Danube from Amsterdam to Budapest.
How much does a Viking River Cruise cost? Viking river cruise pricing varies by itinerary, travel date, and stateroom category. European river cruises typically start around $2,500-$3,000 per person for an 8-day sailing in a Standard stateroom, before any applicable promotions. Suites, peak season dates, and longer itineraries carry higher fares. Viking regularly offers sales that include savings of up to 35% off and promotional airfare. Contact Berwick Voyages for a personalized quote with current pricing and any available exclusive offers.
Where do Viking River Cruises sail? Viking’s river fleet sails across Europe, Egypt, Southeast Asia, and the United States. European rivers include the Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle, Seine, Rhône, Saône, Douro, Elbe, and Dnieper. Viking also operates Nile River cruises in Egypt, Mekong River cruises in Vietnam and Cambodia, and Mississippi River cruises between New Orleans, Memphis, and St. Paul.
Do Viking River Cruises have all-inclusive pricing? Viking includes most core amenities in the cruise fare: meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, one shore excursion per port, Wi-Fi, and port taxes. However, gratuities, premium excursions, and airfare are not automatically included. Viking frequently runs promotions that add complimentary or reduced airfare. Suite guests receive additional inclusions such as a minibar, laundry service, and the Silver Spirits beverage package.
Are Viking River Cruises suitable for families with children? Viking River Cruises are designed exclusively for adult travelers. Guests must be 18 years of age or older. There are no children’s programs, kids’ clubs, or family-oriented activities onboard. This policy contributes to the calm, relaxed atmosphere that Viking is known for, making it particularly well-suited for couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends.
How far in advance should I book a Viking River Cruise? Booking 6 to 12 months in advance is recommended, especially for popular itineraries like the Romantic Danube, Rhine Getaway, and Grand European Tour during peak summer months (June through August). Christmas market cruises in November and December also sell out early. Early booking often provides access to the widest stateroom selection and promotional pricing.
What is the best time of year to take a Viking River Cruise? The European river cruise season runs from March through December. Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) offer mild weather, smaller crowds, and lower pricing. Summer (June through August) provides the longest daylight hours and warmest temperatures but is also the busiest season. November and December are ideal for Christmas market cruises along the Rhine and Danube. Nile cruises operate year-round, with October through April being the most comfortable season for Egypt.
Is airfare included in a Viking River Cruise? Airfare is not automatically included in the base cruise fare. However, Viking regularly offers promotional airfare packages, including complimentary economy air from select U.S. and Canadian gateways. Reduced airfare options are also available on many sailings. Guests who prefer to book their own flights independently are free to do so.
Are Viking Longships wheelchair accessible? Viking Longships have limited accessibility. An elevator connects the Middle and Upper decks, but Lower Deck staterooms (categories E and F) are not elevator-accessible. Doorways and corridors are narrower than ocean cruise ships. Many shore excursions involve walking on cobblestone streets, uneven terrain, or steep inclines. Guests with mobility concerns should contact Berwick Voyages to discuss specific needs and identify the most suitable stateroom and itinerary options.
Is there a dress code on Viking River Cruises? The dress code on Viking river cruises is casual during the day and elegant casual in the evening. There are no formal nights. Most guests wear comfortable clothing for daytime excursions and dress slightly more polished for dinner, though jackets and ties are not expected. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious.
Do Viking River Cruises offer vegetarian or special dietary meals? Yes. Viking accommodates a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special requests. Guests should notify Viking at least 30 days before sailing to ensure the kitchen can prepare appropriate options. The main restaurant and Aquavit Terrace both offer daily vegetarian selections as part of the standard menu.
Is there laundry service onboard Viking River Cruises? Yes. Fee-based laundry service is available on all Viking Longships. Self-service laundry facilities are not available onboard. Guests in Suite and Explorer Suite categories receive complimentary laundry and shoe-shine service as part of their stateroom benefits.
Are gratuities included in the cruise fare? Gratuities are not included in the base cruise fare. Viking provides envelopes at the end of the cruise for guests who wish to tip the crew. Pre-paid gratuity packages are also available and can be arranged before sailing. The suggested gratuity amount is typically communicated in pre-departure materials.
Is Wi-Fi available throughout the ship? Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included on all Viking Longships and is accessible throughout the ship. Connection speeds vary depending on the ship’s location and the number of users. Wi-Fi performance is generally sufficient for email, messaging, and light browsing but may not support high-bandwidth activities like video streaming or large file downloads.
Are there fitness centers or spas on Viking Longships? Viking Longships do not have full fitness centers or dedicated spa facilities onboard. The Sun Deck features a walking track, and some sailings offer optional morning yoga or stretching sessions. For guests seeking spa treatments, Viking partners with select local wellness providers at certain ports of call. Viking’s ocean and expedition ships do offer full onboard spas and fitness centers.
Does Viking provide airport transfers? Airport transfers are included for guests who purchase their airfare through Viking. Guests who arrange their own flights can purchase airport transfers separately or arrange independent transportation. Transfer details and meeting points are provided in pre-departure documentation.
