Viking offers you the best way to experience Scandinavia, Europe and North America. But with so many ships and itineraries to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've created this guide. Think of it as your personal Viking travel advisor! Here you'll find everything you need to plan a perfect vacation on board one of our boats, including information on which itineraries are best suited for families or couples; how much time you should budget for each port-of-call; what activities there are to enjoy in each destination; plus loads more tips and tricks…
Award winning
Viking has won over 250 awards for excellence, including being named the #1 River Cruise Line as voted by both Condé Nast Traveler’s and Travel + Leisure readers. The company also received top honors in their respective categories:
- Viking Longships were voted "Best Cruise Ship" by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2022;
- The same year, Viking Ocean Cruises was awarded "Best Ocean Cruise Line" by both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure readers;
- And in 2023, Viking River Cruises took home the distinction of "World's Best River Line" from both publications!
New expedition ships
Viking has been building new ships since 2010, and the fleet now boasts eight purpose-built vessels that can take you to some of the most remote places on Earth. The newest additions are two identical ocean ships (the Viking Star and Viking Sea), which were delivered in 2018; two identical expedition ships (the Viking Sun and Viking Sky), which debuted in 2022; and two new Longships® for Europe's rivers (the Longship Achiever) that will be delivered in 2023. In addition to these new vessels, there are also three more riverboats coming soon: one each for the Mekong River in Cambodia; Mississippi River in Louisiana; and Nile River between Egypt and Sudan.
Inclusive values
Inclusive values are the extras that Viking offers on their ships, such as complimentary shore excursions and port taxes. This can be a great way to save money while traveling.
- One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
- Free Wi-Fi
- Visits to UNESCO Sites (UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization)
- Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
In addition to these benefits, there are many other things you can do on your Viking cruise that will help make your vacation even better! These include:
- Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
- 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
- Port taxes & fees
Featured Itineraries
Rhine Getaway (8 days; Amsterdam to Basel) – Castles & cathedrals
Explore one of Europe’s best-loved rivers, the Rhine. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns, and spectacular scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the region’s renowned white wines, the roots of its terraced vineyards reaching back to Roman times. Savor the various culinary traditions of Alsace. From Amsterdam and Cologne to Basel, this journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty and culture.
Romantic Danube (8 days; Budapest to Regensburg) – Sail to charming cities & villages
Visit Budapest’s Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Visit historic Salzburg. Spend two days in Vienna, and celebrate the city’s musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this 8-day journey on the “Blue Danube” is one you are sure to love.
Grand European Tour with Up To FREE Airfare (15 days; Amsterdam to Budapest) – Travel through the heart of Europe
Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the food and wine of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest’s Café Gerbeaud. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. Our most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.
Conclusion
The perfect Viking voyage is out there waiting for you. All it takes is a call to our specialists and start the the planning!
