Overview of River Cruise Destinations

See the World’s Great Cities

Paris, Vienna, Budapest…because so many cities and towns developed along waterways, they were literally made to be accessible by river. Some of these cities are just not available to ocean cruisers, and bus passengers spend precious hours on the highway, checking in and out of hotels. River cruising brings you more of these destinations than you could see any other way.

Hassle-Free Travel

After boarding the ship, unpack—just once—in your spacious river-view stateroom. Relax in comfort for the duration of the cruise. No need to worry about maps, traffic congestion or the many other hassles of traveling by bus or train. A river cruise is a stress-free way to see the best that your destination has to offer.

New Scenery—All Day, Every Day

Enjoy breathtaking scenery from just about everywhere on the ship—in the bar, restaurant or lounge (all with panoramic views), on the sun deck with fresh air or from the privacy of your stateroom. And, river cruise vessels keep moving, so you see new vistas and explore new destinations throughout the day, every day. Our ships often travel at night, so you can wake up in an exciting new place each morning, with no effort on your part.

The Heart of Your Destination

Unlike ocean cruises, rivers provide easy access to city centers. Sail directly to the heart of every destination and dock in the middle of town. Walk right off the ship and join the day’s activities. You spend less time getting there—and more time being there.

A More Intimate Experience

Because our ships are designed to accommodate between 150 and 300 guests, it is easy to make new friends. Share a drink with the couple you met on the day’s tour, or dine with interesting people in the open-seating restaurant. And you can forget about waiting in long lines to embark, disembark or have a meal.

Culture & History Everywhere

Walk through an open air architecture museum in the middle of a Russian lake; watch the artists at work in a Meissen porcelainware studio; hear a concert of ancient bronze bells in Wuhan. Such unforgettable experiences can be yours on a river cruise—and you are unlikely to reach these places any other way.

Travel Your Way

Enjoy the guided walks, in-depth tours and excursions planned for you in each destination—or sightsee on your own, with time allocated for independent activities.

Smooth Sailing

The flat-bottomed shape of river cruise ships ensures a safe and smooth ride without any worries about motion sickness. No need to spend days “getting your sea legs” as with ocean cruising—which means more time to really enjoy your vacation.

Elegant, Comfortable Ships

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

Spacious Accommodations

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

Gourmet Cuisine

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

Consistently Excellent Service

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

Expert Planning & Execution

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

Cultural Enrichment

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

Great Travel Value

Due to our close relationships with air carriers, you can get a great deal on airfare with Viking. And enjoy additional savings by reserving early, traveling with us more than once and referring your friends—you can even earn free travel by putting together a group.

The World of Viking

Because we travel along the major rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Egypt, Viking offers the widest possible variety of destinations. Experience world cities like Budapest, Paris, Kiev, St. Petersburg, Shanghai and Cairo, immersing yourself in local culture in the smaller towns along the way.

The World's Most Award-Winning River Cruise Line

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

Europe’s Cutting Edge

The recently launched Viking Legend offers the ultimate in river cruising vessels, with all the latest amenities and efficient “green” propulsion technology. Viking Legend joined our award-winning European fleet, which also includes Viking Sun and Viking Helvetia—these three vessels are the very best ships sailing through Europe today, featuring deluxe staterooms, each boasting a French balcony or picture window. From Viking Primadonna with its private balconies to the intimate “purpose-built” Viking Fontane and (for 2011) Viking Schumann—both recently refurbished—to deluxe hotel-style staterooms in France, you will always enjoy the hospitality of the right ship in the right place.

Best River Ships in Russia

We have dramatically upgraded our Russian fleet—Viking Surkov, Viking Kirov and (for 2011) Viking Pakhomov have deluxe staterooms throughout, including suites and singles, and an expanded restaurant facility. These fully refurbished ships are by far the best river cruise ships in Russia.

A Brand-New Jewel on the Yangtze

For 2010, Viking Century Sun proudly plies the waters of China’s Yangtze River. Guests enjoy a balcony in every stateroom—so they never miss a view. This glorious vessel has a full Western-style kitchen for a variety of delectable cuisine, and Swiss hotel management brings the Viking standards of service, cleanliness and excellence to the Far East. Famed maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten, known for their work with several leading ocean cruise lines, designed this ship, awarded a 5-star rating by the China National Tourism Office, especially for Viking.

For 2011, Viking is proud to welcome the newest member of the fleet—the fabulous Viking Emerald. The newest and most elegant ship on the Yangtze River, Viking Emerald features a private balcony in every stateroom and the largest suites in river cruising, including 840-square-foot Presidential Suites with two flat-screen TVs, panoramic windows and a wrap-around balcony.

Built for the World’s Great Rivers

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

Designed for Viewing

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

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

Spacious Staterooms

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that Viking staterooms compare favorably with those of ocean cruise ships. Every stateroom is an “outside” stateroom—with a river view through a picture window or French balcony. Most windows open; suites and category A and B staterooms are located on upper decks for best views.

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

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

Little Things That Count

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

Sail Aboard a Fine Hotel

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

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

Variety to Suit Every Palate

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

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

Local Culinary Specialties

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

Casual Dining in Elegant Style

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

Silver Spirits, Our Premium Beverage Package

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

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

Rigorous Staff Training

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

Extensive Local Experience

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

Highest Customer Satisfaction

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

Great Service, Guaranteed

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

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

Comprehensive Shore Excursions

What travel experiences do you dream of?
• Wandering the halls of the Hermitage Museum in Russia’s St. Petersburg
• Sampling fine French wines in Burgundy
• Strolling the courtyards of Beijing’s Forbidden City
• Touring age-old castles along the Middle Rhine
• Marveling at the incredible dexterity of a Chinese artist crafting fine porcelain wares

When traveling with Viking, you enjoy at least one shore excursion every day. These guided tours bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations—and virtually all excursions are included in the cruise fare, providing great value and an incredibly rich experience. In most ports, you will also have some leisure time for shopping or whatever suits your fancy. And of course, if you would prefer not to join the organized shore excursion you are always free to explore as you choose—independently.

Never Miss a Word

With our Quietvox tour audio system, there are no worries about missing any of the interesting details on your shore excursions. This popular program provides personal headsets for all travelers. A lightweight portable receiver is worn around the neck or slipped into a pocket, and a comfortable earpiece with individual volume control allows you to hear your guide’s comments no matter where you are standing—so every guest has the ‘best seat in the house.’

Immerse Yourself in the Region’s Old World Highlights®

To complement your onshore excursions, take part in Viking’s Old World Highlights—immersive learning and enhancement activities both on board and ashore:
• Hands-on demonstrations in cuckoo clock-making, wooden shoe-carving or glassblowing
• Classes in cooking local specialties, like apple strudel
• Tai chi lessons from a Chinese master—offered on deck as you cruise through the Yangtze morning mist
• A traditional tea service in Russia or Ukraine

These in-depth experiences are included as an essential part of discovering more about the places through which you cruise, and each activity is planned specifically to illuminate each itinerary.

Learn More About History and Local Arts With Culture Curriculum

Sometimes you want to dig a little deeper. We offer a series of onboard multimedia talks to shed light on the history and culture of the places you visit. Learn about:
•The Dutch Masters or French impressionists, or the formation of the European Union, while traveling through Europe
• The fall of Communism in Russia
• The importance of China’s dynasties while sailing on the Yangtze River, or Egypt’s dynasties while sailing on the Nile
• Key words and phrases in the local language wherever you are traveling

These presentations provide a context for your own observations, enhancing your travel experience.

We Manage Everything

Best of all, there is no need to do research or make arrangements in advance. We take care of all the details—transportation, reservations, entry fees and more. You return home enriched with wonderful memories.

Dining Aboard & On Shore

Classic cuisine is yours on board our ships, with regional specialties as well as Western-style favorites. Restaurants have been selected to represent local culinary delights for most meals on shore.

Shore Excursions

Many of the highlights of a Viking trip are found on our guided tours. You will be immersed in local culture on an excursion every day, and virtually all of these activities are included.

Performances & Demonstrations

Viking itineraries feature cultural events—such as a Chinese acrobatic performance or a Dutch wooden shoe carving demonstration. Nearly all of these enriching experiences are also included.

Onboard Lectures

Our Culture Curriculum lectures focus on the history of the regions through which we sail, with topics ranging from the painters of the Seine to the Russian czars. They are another facet of our all-inclusive packages.

Hotel Accommodations

Viking “cruisetour” packages include overnight stays in major cities. We use deluxe, first class or superior first class hotels, chosen for their location and their high quality standards, everywhere we travel.

Personalize Your Cruise

If you want to enhance your cruise by going above and beyond the included excursions, we offer a selection of optional activities on each itinerary. Attend a classical concert in Vienna or a Tang Dynasty dinner show in Xian; take a wine-tasting tour or visit an art gallery. You can purchase these special-interest excursions separately on board to personalize your journey.

Explore More Pre- and Post-Cruise Extensions

Wherever your vacation takes you, we have exciting ways to extend your stay and see even more. With Viking, you can often add a hotel stay at either end of your cruise (and sometimes both) in fascinating places like Paris, Prague, Helsinki, Amsterdam and Hong Kong. And you will stay in hotels specially selected for their stellar locations and high levels of guest satisfaction.

Price Guarantee

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

Air Travel—Best Through Viking

Because of our airline relationships, Viking can offer very competitive prices. Our airfares include taxes, fees, fuel surcharges—and best of all, transfers to and from your ship or hotel. This eliminates luggage hassles and saves you hundreds of dollars in taxis and shuttles. Viking can also arrange an upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class.

E-Check Program

Viking now offers special incentives when you pay via e-check (electronic debit to your checking account)—a quick and convenient way to pay for your vacation. Ask for details when making your reservation.

Viking Explorer Society

Once you travel with Viking, you automatically become a member of the Viking Explorer Society. Members receive many benefits, including travel credits on future Viking journeys.

Viking Referral Rewards

Share the delights of travel with friends and family, and everyone saves on their next Viking voyage.

Group Leader Discount

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

Europe’s Cutting Edge

The recently launched Viking Legend offers the ultimate in river cruising vessels, with all the latest amenities and efficient “green” propulsion technology. Viking Legend joined our award-winning European fleet, which also includes Viking Sun and Viking Helvetia—these three vessels are the very best ships sailing through Europe today, featuring deluxe staterooms, each boasting a French balcony or picture window. From Viking Primadonna with its private balconies to the intimate “purpose-built” Viking Fontane and (for 2011) Viking Schumann—both recently refurbished—to deluxe hotel-style staterooms in France, you will always enjoy the hospitality of the right ship in the right place.

Best River Ships in Russia

We have dramatically upgraded our Russian fleet—Viking Surkov, Viking Kirov and (for 2011) Viking Pakhomov have deluxe staterooms throughout, including suites and singles, and an expanded restaurant facility. These fully refurbished ships are by far the best river cruise ships in Russia.

A Brand-New Jewel on the Yangtze

For 2010, Viking Century Sun proudly plies the waters of China’s Yangtze River. Guests enjoy a balcony in every stateroom—so they never miss a view. This glorious vessel has a full Western-style kitchen for a variety of delectable cuisine, and Swiss hotel management brings the Viking standards of service, cleanliness and excellence to the Far East. Famed maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten, known for their work with several leading ocean cruise lines, designed this ship, awarded a 5-star rating by the China National Tourism Office, especially for Viking.

For 2011, Viking is proud to welcome the newest member of the fleet—the fabulous Viking Emerald. The newest and most elegant ship on the Yangtze River, Viking Emerald features a private balcony in every stateroom and the largest suites in river cruising, including 840-square-foot Presidential Suites with two flat-screen TVs, panoramic windows and a wrap-around balcony.

Built for the World’s Great Rivers

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

Designed for Viewing

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

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