Discover the Allure of Viking River Cruises: Inside Their Award-Winning Longships
Viking River Cruises has revolutionized the river cruising experience with their innovative Longships, setting a new standard for elegance and comfort on Europe’s rivers. These sleek vessels are designed to bring passengers closer to their destinations, offering unparalleled views and experiences that will leave a lasting impression. With a focus on Scandinavian design and a commitment to delivering unforgettable journeys, Viking Longships have become synonymous with river cruising excellence.
Design and Engineering
The Viking Longships are masterpieces of modern engineering, boasting a streamlined design that not only looks stunning but also maximizes space for comfort and exploration. Each ship is 135 meters long, 11.45 meters wide, and features three decks, accommodating up to 190 passengers in 95 cabins. The Longships are built to navigate Europe’s rivers with ease, including the Rhine, Elbe, Main, and Danube, offering passengers a unique perspective on these historic waterways.
One of the standout features of these ships is their ability to provide a consistent experience across different rivers. This consistency is achieved by maintaining identical ships with similar layouts, ensuring that passengers always know what to expect, whether they’re cruising through Germany or exploring the Danube in Austria.
Cabin Options and Amenities
Viking Longships offer a variety of cabin options to suit different tastes and budgets. Passengers can choose from standard cabins, staterooms with French balconies, and luxurious Explorer Suites. The Explorer Suites are particularly impressive, featuring a wraparound balcony with a 270-degree view, making them some of the largest and most luxurious suites on European rivers.
Cabin Types include:
- Standard Staterooms: Located on the lower deck, these cabins have fixed windows providing river-level views.
- French Balcony Cabins: Offering the ability to open doors for fresh air, these cabins provide a more traditional river cruising experience.
- Veranda Suites: Featuring full step-out balconies, these suites offer additional space and comfort.
- Explorer Suites: The pinnacle of luxury, with separate living and sleeping areas and expansive wraparound balconies.
Onboard Experience
The onboard experience aboard Viking Longships is designed to be both relaxing and engaging. Passengers can enjoy the Aquavit Terrace, a glass-enclosed dining and lounge area at the bow of the ship, perfect for taking in the scenery while savoring a meal or simply enjoying the view. The sundeck is another favorite spot, equipped with loungers, an herb garden, shuffleboard, and two putting greens.
For those interested in staying active, there are walking routes and a small gym onboard. Viking also emphasizes cultural enrichment with onboard lectures and entertainment that enhance the journey.
“The Viking Longships have set a new benchmark for river cruises, offering an experience that is both intimate and expansive, with every detail carefully considered to ensure a comfortable and enriching journey.” ?????
Dining and Beverages
Dining onboard Viking Longships is a highlight of the journey. The Restaurant offers a varied menu with open seating and no reservations required, making it easy to dine at your leisure. The Aquavit Terrace provides a more casual dining option with lighter meals and stunning views. Viking includes wine and beer at lunch and dinner, enhancing the dining experience with regional offerings.
Some dining highlights include:
- Buffet-style breakfast and lunch
- Four-course dinners with a variety of options
- Vegetarian and gluten-free options available
Itineraries and Destinations
Viking River Cruises offers a wide range of itineraries across Europe’s most iconic rivers. From the romantic Rhine to the historic Danube, each journey is carefully curated to maximize sightseeing and cultural immersion. Passengers can enjoy guided tours in each port, with at least one excursion included in the fare.
Popular Itineraries include:
| Itinerary | Description |
|---|---|
| Rhine Getaway | A journey through the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, featuring quaint villages and medieval castles. |
| Grand European Tour | Explore the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, passing through Germany, Austria, and Hungary. |
| Douro River | Discover the beauty of Portugal’s Douro Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and rich wine heritage. |
Inclusions and Value
One of the most appealing aspects of Viking River Cruises is the value they offer. Included in the fare are meals, wine and beer at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, and at least one guided shore excursion per port. This approach simplifies the planning process and ensures that passengers can focus on enjoying their journey without worrying about hidden costs.
Sustainability and Responsibility
Viking River Cruises is committed to sustainability and responsible travel practices. By focusing on environmentally friendly operations and supporting local communities through tourism, Viking ensures that its cruises not only enrich passengers but also contribute positively to the destinations they visit.
This commitment to sustainability is reflected in Viking’s efforts to reduce waste and emissions, ensuring that their presence on Europe’s rivers is as gentle as possible.