About Viking River Cruises

The world’s leading river cruise line, Viking River Cruises was established by a Scandinavian and Dutch consortium experienced in cruising. With 24 ships, Viking River Cruises continues to expand by building innovative vessels that provide the comfort of a fine hotel under attentive Swiss management. We showcase Europe and Russia's numerous rivers: Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Elbe, Seine, Rhône and Volga. River cruises are an ideal way to explore all that Europe offers, with visits to quaint villages, historic museums and castles, and the enchantment of the Old World.   All itineraries are designed to provide travellers with comprehensive sightseeing opportunities and feature:

* Attentive personal service including an experienced Cruise Manager * Fine Gourmet dining and regional specialities * Folkloric entertainment, lectures and demonstrations * Daily sightseeing tours led by knowledgeable, English speaking guides * Accommodation in an outside, river view cabins with private bathroom and shower * Hotel style beds and large picture windows that open in many cabins * Intimate, deluxe ships averaging just 150 passengers * Beautifully appointed public areas with single- seating restaurants, bar and lounge * Modern nautical equipment meeting the highest safety standards

Viking advantages—quality, service and value

Viking River Cruises operates the world’s largest and best fleet of deluxe vessels built specifically for river travel. With extensive background in European river cruising, we are the most knowledgeable company in the business. Viking was the first to offer river trips in Russia, and our China management team has decades of experience helping travellers see China. As a result, more than half a million people have joined Viking on magical, enlightening journeys through these exciting places.

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 personalised, in-depth experience wherever you travel with Viking.

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 honoured by prestigious international organisations like the World Travel Awards. Meanwhile, travel agents have recognised 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.

FAQ's about life on board

What is the electrical voltage in the stateroom? What kind of converters will I need for my computer/curling iron/camera battery charger? Electricity on the ships is 220V. Our European ships have the German Schuko safety plug, which has two pins. In China the ships have a 3-pin blade safety plug; if you have an adapter with just the two slanted blades that will work fine. Some of these plugs are grounded and some are not. Each stateroom will have one or two 115V razor plugs available, generally in the bathroom. What is the local currency where we are going? Will I be able to exchange money on board? What forms of payment are accepted on the ship? Local currency depends on the region where you will be travelling—most of Europe uses the euro, in Russia it is the ruble, in Ukraine it is the hryvnia, in China it is the renminbi (whose basic unit is the yuan) and in Egypt it is the Egyptian pound. Your ship will be unable to exchange money, so plan on bringing some currency with you and exchanging it for local currency at a bank or currency exchange office, or getting cash as needed at ATMs. If you are planning on using an ATM, you should verify with your bank that your ATM card and PIN will work overseas. Items you purchase on board, together with any optional excursions you purchase, will be added to your shipboard account. You may settle your account in cash (local money, dollars or euros) or with a credit card (sorry, the ship is unable to accept travellers checks). You can include gratuities for shipboard personnel to your shipboard account (except in Egypt). Are the ships nonsmoking? Are there smoking areas? All Viking ship interiors and staterooms are nonsmoking. Each ship has an outdoor smoking area. Will there be a hair dryer in my stateroom or should I bring one? What about shampoo, etc.? Your ship has hair dryers for guest use. Most staterooms are equipped with a hair dryer; if there isn’t one in your stateroom, you can request one at reception and it will be provided to you. Your stateroom amenities include shower gel, shampoo, body lotion, shower cap and vanity kit. Are there refrigerators in individual staterooms? Our renovated Russia ships, Viking Surkov and Viking Kirov, and our newest ship in Europe, Viking Legend, have individual refrigerators in most staterooms. Staterooms on the Egypt ships have a small refrigerator/mini-bar. For other ships, if you would like something (such as medications) kept refrigerated, please inform Reception Desk staff and we will take care of it for you. Is there fitness equipment on board? Most Viking ships do not have fitness equipment; there is a small gym aboard Viking Century Sun and a few of our European vessels have exercycles. Our guests enjoy getting their exercise during each day’s shore excursions. Some ships feature walkaround promenade decks, so guests can take a stroll or “power walk.”