Viking’s Great Lakes season has officially begun, as its two expedition ships — Viking Octantis and Polaris — are now deployed in the region. The 378-guest vessels offer a variety of itineraries that operate between Toronto and Duluth, exploring all five Great Lakes.

The cruise line has also opened two new itineraries in the Great Lakes in 2026 for booking. The 10-day Great Lakes Treasures voyages will sail roundtrip from Milwaukee and will allow guests to explore new ports of call for Viking including Chicago, as well as Canada’s Fathom Five National Marine Park and Benjamin Islands.

The longer 17-day Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures voyage sails between Toronto and Milwaukee and includes Niagara Falls, Canada’s Point Pelee National Park, and a transit of the Welland Canal.

“The Great Lakes region is a phenomenal place that is close to home for many of our guests, but one that few have yet to fully discover. With more than 10,000 miles of coastline, world-class cities and remote wilderness areas, it is truly a destination that is best explored by ship,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “We would like to thank our local partners for the warm welcome once again, and we look forward to introducing more curious travelers to the Great Lakes this season and in future years.”

Viking’s Great Lakes Cruises

Here are highlights of Viking’s Great Lakes cruises from 2024 to 2026:

Great Lakes Treasures — 10 days, roundtrip Milwaukee

Visit Chicago and its variety of world-class museums, including the Art Institute. Explore the picturesque islands of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and admire their bucolic landscapes. Venture out to Flowerpot Island in the Fathom Five National Marine Park and marvel at the stunning pink granite isles of the Benjamins Islands. Participate in lab studies as you explore coastal wetlands and delve into the native cultures of the Great Lakes.

Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures — 17 days, between Toronto and Milwaukee

Discover the mighty Niagara Falls and immerse yourself in nature amid the freshwater marshes of Point Pelee’s peninsula. Witness the creativity of Detroit’s urban development as you admire the city’s postmodern and art deco skyscrapers. Behold the stunning isles of Georgian Bay from the water and marvel at their verdant landscapes during this extended voyage.

Great Lakes Collection — 15 days, between Toronto and Duluth

Join Viking for a unique voyage across the historic waterways of all five of the Great Lakes. Experience culture-rich urban centers and admire the awesome power of thundering Niagara Falls. Explore the granite islands and sheltered inlets of Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks. Study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes as you journey and venture into the dense boreal forests that line the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.

Niagara & the Great Lakes — 8 days, between Toronto and Milwaukee

From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover North America’s wilderness alongside renowned cultural attractions while cruising the waterways of the Great Lakes. Immerse yourself in the lakes’ storied shipping history, experience the power of the beautiful Niagara Falls, and keep watch for scores of migratory birds at Point Pelee. Led by a team of experts, explore sheltered bays and woodlands to uncover complex ecosystems and hidden treasures.

Undiscovered Great Lakes — 8 days, between Thunder Bay and Milwaukee

Cross the width of Lake Superior between Duluth and the Soo Locks, exploring the lake’s North Shore Inside Passage as you sail. Hike along clifftop trails for sweeping views of the lake. Gain insight into the unique features and ecosystems of remote wilderness islands and admire Kakabeka Falls, the “Niagara of the North.” Follow in the footsteps of fur traders in Duluth and step back in time as you stroll the quaint, car-free streets of Mackinac Island.

Canada & East Coast Explorer — 15 days, between Toronto and Fort Lauderdale

Sail the U.S.’s Atlantic coastline and visit storied cities. Enjoy Charleston’s southern charm and colonial homes. Visit Norfolk, home to the world’s largest naval base. Trace Nova Scotia’s shores to explore its rugged landscapes and visit Quebec’s national parks. Traverse one of North America’s scenic waterways, the St. Lawrence River, and marvel at the locks and canals that comprise the St. Lawrence Seaway on an enriching journey to historic ports.

Longitudinal World Cruises

Viking is also offering a variety of Longitudinal World Cruises between the Great Lakes and Antarctica, offering guests the opportunity to sail from the world’s largest freshwater system to “the end of the world” or the reverse. Additionally, all of Viking’s cruises in the Great Lakes feature a stop at Mackinac Island, which was recently rated the #1 summer travel destination in the United States by USA Today 10Best.

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We recently sailed on Viking Radgrid, one of Viking’s many river cruise ships. This Viking Seine River cruise was our first river cruise, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect. We stayed in a balcony room, which is our usual cabin preference on ocean ships. But, how did these river cruise accommodations compare? Well, we break down all the details with our Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom review.

Our Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom Review

When comparing ocean ships to river ships, there are much fewer cabin options. In fact, there are only 84 staterooms in total on Viking Radgrid. The options include 22 Standard Staterooms, 18 French Balcony Staterooms, 35 Veranda Staterooms, 7 Veranda Suites, and 2 Explorer Suites.

The Veranda Staterooms are broken down into Veranda A and Veranda B cabins based on location. For our sailing, we were assigned to cabin 219. This Veranda B stateroom is located on the starboard side of the Middle Deck, or deck 2 of this four-deck vessel.

Give the size of river ships, it was never a far walk anywhere. The Restaurant was on our deck and The Lounge and Aquavit Terrace were one deck above. Thus, there’s really not much difference among any of the veranda cabins.

Inside a Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom

Layout

This Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom is 205 square feet and includes a personal balcony.

Immediately upon entering the room, the bathroom was to the right and the closet was to the left. Continuing past the bathroom and closet, the long dresser/vanity area was to the left and the bed was to the right. The bed in our Viking veranda stateroom was on the aft wall facing forward.

Between the bed and the balcony, there was a small shelf-like desk which doubled as a nightstand along with an upright chair. The television was on the wall opposite from the bed above the dresser, and there was a small nightstand on the other side of the bed as well.

Finally, there is the balcony, which felt small when compared to balconies on ocean ships. The balcony was fairly long and narrow and had just enough room for two upright chairs and a small table.

Overall, the cabin was a bit cozier than we expected, but we were glad to have a full balcony.

The finishes and décor of the cabin were very on brand for Viking. They looked very similar to the cabins we stayed in during our Viking Ocean and Viking Expedition cruises in the past, except smaller.

Bathroom

The bathroom in this Viking Veranda Stateroom was a little small even by cruise ship bathroom standards. Yet, it still featured all the necessities and even some upgrades like heated floors.

Opening the bathroom door, the stand-up shower was to our left, the toilet immediately in front, and the sink/vanity area to the right. There are a few shelves for storage and adequate counterspace.

The shower was a rectangular set-up with a glass door. This innovative glass door is hinged in both directions, making it easier to get in and out. Further, all Viking ships provide premium Freyja bath products.

Closet

Across from the bathroom are the closets. The closet size seemed on par with other cruise lines. One side featured a full length clothes bar with hangers. The other side featured shelves along with the safe.

Given the weather was cooler during our sailing and we had packed several layers, we were thankful for the addtional dresser drawers. It would have been very difficult to fit all our clothes along with jackets otherwise.

Main Cabin

While the dresser/vanity area was very generously-sized, we did miss the traditional seating area with sofa found on most ocean ships in this Viking Veranda Stateroom.

The dresser portion housed the mini-fridge and six additional drawers for storage. The vanity area had a small stool and plenty of counterspace. Even though there was no shelving here, the area was plenty big for getting ready and storing many of our toiletries.

This area is where you will find the glass bottles of provided water, the ice bucket, and the QuietVox device charging station as well.

You will also find 1 US and 1 European power outlet near the vanity and 2 USB outlets and 1 additonal power outlet above the dresser portion.

In terms of the seating area, it was basically just one upright chair and a larger nightstand/desk. This became our charging station for laptops and cameras during the cruise. There is 1 US, 1 European, and 2 USB outlets near each nightstand.

The queen-sized Viking Explorer bed provided adequate comfort during our trip. We had no issues falling asleep after our long days ashore exploring new and exciting ports of call.

Balcony

Lastly, there is the balcony which always provides a great spot for taking in the scenery. Given that the weather during our trip was rather cool and rainy, we unfortunately did not get to use this balcony much. Though, it was nice to watch some of the scenic sailing.

It’s important to note that river cruises are known for tieing up next to each other while in port. So, you might not always have a view while docked even if you have a balcony. On our sailing, we were lucky that whenever this double docking occurred it was always on the other side of the vessel.

Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom Inclusions

Across the fleet, all Viking River Cruise Veranda Staterooms come standard with certain amenities. These include:

• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to veranda with river views
• 12 PM Embarkation
• Queen-sized Viking Explorer Bed
• Free Wi-Fi
• Television with live TV channels, complimentary movies, and in-house programming
• 110/220 volt outlets and USB ports
• Bathroom with glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror, and hair dryer
• Premium Freyja toiletries
• Plush robes and slippers (upon request)
• Telephone, safe, refrigerator
• Individual climate control
• Bottled water replenished daily
• Twice-daily housekeeping
• Under-bed suitcase storage space
• Wardrobe with wooden hangers

Recap of Our Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom Review

Our Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom offered all of the amenities you would expect to find in a standard cruise ship cabin. However, when compared to Viking Ocean and Expedition ships, the staterooms are smaller. To be fair, we’ve never sailed on any other river ships for comparative purposes.

We did make the accommodations work for our week-long cruise, but it would have been nice to have a bit more space in the closet and bathroom. It was also a tight squeeze to walk between the foot of the bed and the dresser. We missed having a sofa as well.

But, we did enjoy having a traditional balcony and some of the other upgrades like heated bathroom floors and twice daily stateroom service which is a thing of the past on most mainstream cruise lines.

Overall, river cruises are more about the destinations than the ship anyway. So, it’s always a benefit to have our accommodations, dining, and transportation taken care of for us. The ability to pack and unpack once while exploring multiple destinations is why we love cruising in all its forms–ocean, expedition, and river!

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Viking announced today that its newest ship for the Nile River, Viking Sobek, has been floated out. This marks the first time a ship touches water, and is a major milestone in the construction process.

Viking Sobek is scheduled to debut this fall and will operate Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

“Egypt has always captivated curious travelers with its rich culture and history, and it continues to be a destination of interest for our guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “We believe the Viking Sobek and her sister ships are by far the most elegant vessels on the Nile, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests to explore this fantastic region.”

The float out ceremony took place at Massara shipyard in Cairo. The vessel will now be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

Viking Sobek will be able to accommodate 82 guests in 41 staterooms. An identical ship to Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, and the new Viking Hathor, which is scheduled to debut this summer, Sobek features many aspects familiar to Viking guests. These include the cozy and modern Scandinavian design that Viking is known for, as well as the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace.

By the end of 2024, Viking is scheduled to have six ships sailing on the Nile River. Additional vessels in the line’s Egypt fleet include Viking Ra and the MS Antares.

Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary

During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, or the Great Egyptian Museum.

Travelers then fly to Luxor where they can visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding the river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River. One highlight includes visits to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings. Excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a colorful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school are also popular shore options during the voyage.

The journey concludes with a flight back to a Cairo for a final night in the city.

Pre and Post-Trip Extensions

For those who wish to extend their journey in Egypt, Viking also offers pre and post extensions that provide Privileged Access to archives and exhibits.

Guests on the five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension will begin the journey in London, where they’ll meet their Viking Tour Director, an expert Egyptologist, and experience Privileged Access to two museums: first, a private, early morning visit to the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum before it opens to the general public — and then a visit to the home and personal museum of world-renowned architect Sir John Soane, where the tour will be illuminated by candlelight, a re-enactment of how Soane entertained guests and showcased his exquisite collection of Egyptian antiquities, including a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus.

Guests will also visit London’s Petrie Museum, which houses over 80,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt and Sudan.

In Oxford, guests will visit the Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest in the world, and home to a varied collection of Egyptian mummies and art — and go behind the scenes at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute, where they will enjoy a Privileged Access visit to see Howard Carter’s archives, which detail the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Lastly, travelers will have further Privileged Access with an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle to view the Earl of Carnarvon’s magnificent private collection of Egyptian artifacts, as well as archives and exhibits not usually accessible to the public.

Additional offerings include a three-night pre-extension in Istanbul, where guests can visit sites like the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. After concluding the river cruise, guests can also extend the journey with a four-night post-extension to Jordan — Petra, Dead Sea & Amman to view Roman antiquities at Jerash, Crusader-era castles at Kerak or Shobak, and experience the lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Boarding a river ship that only holds 168 guests was a bit different for us given we usually sail on the world’s largest cruise ships. But, to explore Paris and the banks of Northern France, we decided to step outside of our comfort zone and put our trust in the crew of Viking Radgrid. This vessel is one of four Viking longships specifically designed to cruise the Seine River.

While we have sailed with Viking on the brand’s ocean and expedition ships, this was our first river cruise. Now, we are back from our Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary and want to share what it was really like in our Viking Seine River cruise review.

What Its Really Like Onboard a Viking River Cruise

Viking Seine River Cruise Review

Exploring the World in Comfort

When cruising with Viking, regardless of whether it is an ocean, expedition, or river ship, there are many similarities. From modern Scandinavian design and warm hospitality to a level of inclusion not found on contemporary brands, Viking guests feel right at home. This level of consistency helped ease us into our first river cruise experience.

It also helps that Viking guests are taken care of from the moment they arrive at the airport. With Viking’s all-inclusive offering, flights booked with the cruise line include free transfers from the airport to the ship.

While we usually fly in a day before any cruise, this Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary includes an extra day at the embarkation point. Thus, there is no need for a pre-cruise hotel unless you want to extend your stay.

Luckily, we had a direct, overnight flight from Boston to Paris. Arriving around 9:30 AM, we were quickly greeted by a Viking representative in a bright red coat and were on a bus heading to the ship within 30 minutes of getting our luggage. Unfortunately, Viking can’t help the traffic though, as it was nearly a 2 hour drive from Charles de Gaulle airport to our docking location in Paris.

However, upon arrival at the ship, embarkation was a breeze. We were checked in, escorted to our stateroom with our luggage, and ready to get our adventure started.

Viking Inclusions

If you are new to cruising with Viking, you should know what’s included in your cruise fare and what’s not. Included on all Viking river cruises are:

• All meals
• Beer and wine at lunch and dinner
• One daily excursion
• WiFi
• Specialty coffee, tea, soda, and bottled water

Unfortunately, there is no room service on Viking river cruises. There is also no pool, fitness center, spa, or casino. Further, beyond beer and wine at meals, all other alcoholic beverages will cost extra. Viking does offer the Silver Spirits drink package, which is very reasonably priced at $25 per person, per day.

Dining

One of the staples on any cruise is dining and Viking river cruises are no different. On Viking Radgrid, there are two main dining areas, The Restaurant and the Aquavit Terrace.

The Restaurant on Deck 2 is a formal restaurant that resembles a typical main dining room. With panoramic windows lining both sides of the venue, there are constant scenic views. The Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a variety of options and local specialties. Though, you’ll need to make friends as there are mostly large tables and no tables just for two.

The Restaurant usually opens for breakfast around 7 AM and is a hybrid dining experience. It includes a small buffet of breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, and breakfast potatoes. Guests can also order off a menu with made-to-order items like pancakes and French toast.

Lunch is served promptly from noon to about 2 PM each day, which means all cruisers need to dine during these hours if they want lunch. The lunch menu consists of always available options like the signature salad and a hamburger. There are also a few rotational selections that vary daily like short ribs and an energy bowl.

Each evening, dinner followed that night’s port talk, usually starting at 7 PM. Again, cruisers can opt for always available selections or regional specialties with Chef Recommendations that included dishes like brie pane, poulet aux morilles, mille-feuille, and boeuf a la bourguignonne. One evening, Viking also features a signature regional buffet, which was the Taste of Normandy on our sailing.

While the menus are smaller than main dining rooms on most ocean ships, the quality and presentation were top notch.

The second dining offering is the Aquavit Terrace up on Deck 3. Offering tables for 2 and 4 and al fresco dining, this venue serves the same menu as The Restaurant for lunch and dinner. The only difference is the more casual setup and ambiance.

Unfortunately, the patio was closed for most of the cruise, given the mostly unfavorable weather conditions. So, each night, it became a competition to nab the handful of tables available inside the Aquavit Terrace.

In addition, cookies (continental items in the morning) and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas are available at two self-serve stations on Deck 3. Along with the selection of espresso beverages, they also offer syrups and skim milk. Thus, we had all the essential ingredients for Heidi’s twice-daily nonfat caramel latte.

What we did miss though were more casual, grab-and-go options. While the Aquavit Terrace did have continental breakfast selections, it did not offer the same setup for lunch or dinner. We would have liked the ability to grab a sandwich, a personal pizza, or salad to bring back to our room on some occasions, especially because there’s no room service. Thus, after a long day in port, the only option is a sit-down meal.

Onboard Amenities and Activities

In contrast to the larger ocean ships on which we typically sail, Viking Radgrid only has four decks and hence few public areas. Deck 2 is home to a small Guest Services desk and a small shop with Viking logo items and children’s books by Viking’s EVP Karine Hagen.

Deck 3 features a small library with books and games, an “internet cafe” with two computers, and the Lounge. The Lounge is the main bar and entertainment space on the ship.

Deck 4 is a full length sundeck with plenty of seating to enjoy the outdoors as the weather allows. It also features a small herb garden, a walking track, and the smoking area. One mile will take nearly 16 laps around the track.

Further, anyone interested can sign up at guest services for a visit to the wheelhouse. Unlike the bridge of a ship, this top-deck wheelhouse is hydraulic and lowers automatically when encountering low bridges.

Of note, there is one small elevator for those with mobility issues as well.

Nighttime Entertainment

With each new day consisting of at least one new port of call, there was little downtime during our Viking Seine River cruise. As one of the benefits of river cruising, guests get to explore off the beaten path destinations and quaint towns that can’t be accessed by larger cruise ships. There’s also more time in port, sometimes even two different ports in one day, and plenty of scenic cruising in between stops.

Subsequently, the Viking Daily’s list of onboard activities is more sparse when compared to ocean cruising. One morning, a local artist did come on board to offer a lecture on impressionism.

Then, once most cruisers are back on board in the evenings, there is usually some kind of activity taking place in the Lounge. Following dinner, we enjoyed live local musicians or a cultural activity, like opera singers and a string trio.

Additionally, the program director, Mia, hosted a port talk around 6:30 PM each day. This included an introduction to the next day’s ports, tour options, and any procedural information that we needed to know. During our sailing, Mia also hosted a French lesson and a game show that was a lot of fun. Having more game shows and group activities like this throughout the week would have been nice.  

Besides being a great host, Mia did an outstanding job coordinating the excursions. She always had a smile, was talkative, and was present throughout the ship at all hours of the day. Given that she was essentially the entire activities staff, she managed her many duties well.

Stateroom

We stayed in stateroom 219, a veranda (B) stateroom on Deck 2. All the cabins on the starboard side of this deck are balcony cabins, while those on the portside are French balcony cabins. Deck 1 consists of standard staterooms, which feature river views from a half-height picture window. Deck 3 consists of additional veranda and French balcony staterooms, along with a few suites.

While cruise ship cabins are small in general, this 205-square-foot cabin felt even cozier than the typical balcony staterooms found on ocean ships.

Immediately upon entering the room, the bathroom was on the aft wall. The tiled shower had just enough room, thanks to the double-sided glass doors. With two storage shelves and upgraded features like premium bath products and heated floors, the bathroom was comfortable and functional for the week.

Across from the bathroom is the closet. It featured deep shelves with the safe on one side and a clothes bar with hangers on the other side. The forward wall has a long table/desk, four drawers which we used for additional clothing storage, and a mini fridge. Here, you’ll also find carafes of water that are refilled daily and the Quietvox devices which are utilized on most shore excursions.

Further, the cruise line allows guests to bring local products back on the ship, like food or alcoholic beverages, that are able to be consumed during the voyage. So, this is a nice perk.

The queen-sized Viking Explorer bed is on the aft wall facing forward, across from the desk. Each side of the bed has a 110 V outlet, European outlet, and 2 USBs. There was also a nightstand on one side and a small table on the other along with one lone chair.

This seating area was a bit tight, but the nook became my workstation for the week. The table was large enough to house my computer and charge various devices.  

Getting from the door, past the bed, to the balcony is a tight squeeze. But, considering only 35 cabins on the ship have a veranda, we are not complaining. We appreciated having the balcony with two chairs and a table to enjoy the scenic cruising.

Viking Seine River Cruise Review – The Itinerary

Our Paris & the Heart of Normandy 8-day itinerary consisted of seven ports of call. Along with Paris and the Beaches of Normandy, the stops ranged from quaint villages to bustling cities. Each port along the way offered an opportunity to experience something new.

With 6 included tours, and two optional excursions, there wasn’t dull moment, as we wanted to make the most of our first visit to this region.

Springtime in Paris

We embarked Viking Radgrid in Paris where the ship remained through the following day. Given the rainy weather and jet lag, we did not get out to explore much during our first day in the city. So, we packed in as much as possible on the second day of our cruise.

The weather was slightly better on Day 2. It was cloudy, with a few periods of sun, but it was still rather chilly. In the morning, we set off on Viking’s included Panoramic Paris shore excursion.

This mix of a bus tour and walking tour hit several of the city’s highlights. It included a city center stop for a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower, a ride down the Champs-Élysées, and two circles around the Arc de Triomphe for photos. We did get off the bus for a short while near Notre Dame and the Latin quarter. The 3.5-hour tour was a good overview as we had never been to Paris. But, given the 2024 Olympics, many areas were under construction.

Back to the ship for a quick lunch, we headed out on one of the optional tours to the Palace of Versailles in the afternoon. This 4-hour tour included a transfer to the 17th-century palace. Now a museum, we had a standard tour that took several large groups through two wings of the massive building.

Our tour guide did a great job weaving through the crowds. She never stopped her narration of the history as we dodged other tourists. Unfortunately, we had limited time to explore the gardens independently afterwards as we got caught in a rainstorm.

We Had the Chateau to Ourselves

On Day 3, we awoke in the quaint village of La Roche-Guyon.

For the morning, we strolled the picturesque streets of this small community situated right along the banks of the Seine River. Various historic buildings exist throughout the village, but the 12th-century Château de La Roche-Guyon is the most iconic.

We opted for a self-guided tour with the Viking discount, which costs $7.50 per visitor. We spent about 90 minutes exploring this partially restored castle using the audio guide and overview map. If you can handle the 250 steps, a walk up to the castle’s bell tower is worth it for the panoramic views of the village.

With the ship departing for Vernon at 2 PM, we opted for one of the included tours to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise. This little known locale is the final home of the impressionist painter Vincent Van Gough. This tour included stops in the town associated with the 70 days the painter spent here before the tragic end of his life, including the famous church he painted.

Again, our tour guide was excellent. She provided a wealth of history and backstory about the town, the region, and this iconic artist. We also had some free time to pop into a local bakery for fresh pastries.

Of note, this tour was a substitute for the Monet Gardens given we were too early in the season.

Roaming the Streets of Rouen

Grey skies loomed overhead as our longship sailed along the Seine, approaching our most northern stop, Rouen, on Day 4. With small towns, factories, and pastures dotting the coastline, we had a lazy morning of work.

After lunch, we headed ashore for the 1:45 PM walking tour of the city. For about 90 minutes, our guide weaved in and out of a few blocks showcasing the 16th-century architecture. From the half-timbered buildings intertwined with modern-day shops and cafes, Roen was much different than any of the places we visited on this trip.

While not walking far, we did hit the highlights. Among the photo-ops were the Church of Saint Maclou, the Palace of Justice, the Church of St. Joan of Arc, the Town Clock and Belfry, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The tour ended at the Old Market Place, giving us free time to explore independently. While the museums in town are free, we opted for macarons and Starbucks coffee. That’s French enough, right?

Remembering The Past

Along with the embarkation city of Paris, the other highlight of this itinerary is a full-day excursion to the landing beaches of Normandy.  

On Day 5, we set off from Roen (where we were docked overnight) on this 11-hour tour. The briefing the night before set the emotional stage for the tour and reliving the historic events of June 6, 1944.

The day-long excursion included an approximately 2.5-hour drive to Caen. One of the major holdouts after the landing, this city is home to a thoughtfully laid-out and curated museum. Our stop included approximately two hours here with a partially guided tour. We then had some free time to explore the exhibits on our own.

From here, we made a short lunch stop before heading to the American National Cemetery, about 45 minutes away. We had about 90 minutes at the cemetery, which included a brief ceremony at the memorial and time to roam the grounds where over 9,400 American soldiers are buried.

The final stop was at Omaha Beach. The 30 minutes here let guests walk along the beach and reflect on the D-day landing. Back on the bus, it was close to three hours back to the ship.

A Sunny Day in Les Andelys

When we pulled into the charming village of Les Andelys on Day 6, it was quite grey. The early morning fog made us concerned it would be another gloomy day. Yet, by late morning, the skies cleared, and it was a bright and sunny midday—at least for now.

With our tour scheduled for 2 PM, we had free time to see some of the sights on our own. Thus, we took a quick stroll and made sure to grab some photos and videos of the ship before meeting our tour shoreside.

We spent the next two hours strolling the streets of this picturesque village with our energetic and enthusiastic tour guide. The most impressive site is the 12th-century Chateau Gaillard, built by Richard the Lion Heart. Technically, you can get better shots of the remains from the riverbank, but making the trek to the top is worth it. We were able to get amazing pictures of the town and the ship from here.

Along the way, we also learned about the town’s history and the chateau’s construction. Of note, it is a rather steep ascent. So, do keep your physical fitness levels in mind.

When we finished the tour, we took our guide’s advice to grab some sweets and a French baguette from a local pâtisserie. Thankfully, we just made it inside when the skies opened and there was some of the worst hail we’ve ever seen!

A Change of Plans

Ahead of the cruise, we received a warning that the ship might be unable to dock in Paris due to river water levels. While we could board the ship a short walk from the Eiffel Tower a week ago, that would not be the case for departing Viking Radgrid.

During the disembarkation day talk, the captain announced that the ship would be docking in Le Pecq for the last two days due to high river levels. This did not dramatically change our plans; although, it did mean that we wouldn’t get to walk around Paris at all.

For the last day of this cruise, we had two tours scheduled. The first was the included tour of Napoleon’s Chateau de Malmaison. 

After a short drive to the Chateau, we had about two hours to tour the early 19th-century seat of Napoleon’s government. While not as impressive as some other French castles we visited during this cruise, it was relatively empty which was a nice reprieve. This gave the Viking groups plenty of time and space to enjoy this hidden gem.  

Back on the ship by 12:30 PM, it was a mad dash to lunch before our next 1:30 PM tour. This optional excursion included a guided tour of the Louvre and a brassiere dinner. However, I don’t think we were ready for what a busy museum full of tour groups and priceless works of art really looked like.

To see all the Louvre offers would take two months of daily visits. So, we only got to see the highlights while dodging the crowds. But, from the original fortress foundations to Greek and Italian sculptures to the French crown jewels, the roughly 2.5 hours touched on some of the more noteworthy pieces.

Of course, no trip to this museum is complete without seeing the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo. While we did have to battle the crowds, we were able to snap a selfie with the slightly smiling lady.

After some free time to browse the gift shops, we went to a local brassiere for an “authentic” French dinner. Although, the Caprese salad and broiled lamb chop were not precisely what we envisioned. But, the massive profiterole for dessert was a perfect ending to our seven days in France.

Our Viking Seine River Cruise Review Recap

Over 7 days, we traveled back in time through several centuries. We explored historic chateaus, sampled French cuisine, and marveled at the heroism of Allied troops at the very beaches they stormed 80 years ago.

The 55 crew members of Viking Radgrid ensured we were well-fed and well-taken care of along the way. Those who have sailed on smaller cruise ships will feel right at home with the friendliness and quaint surroundings of this longship. With upscale dining, cozy accommodations, and twice-daily service, Viking wraps cruisers in comfort and handles every little detail of the trip.

The onboard atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and Viking Radgrid felt like a floating home away from home.

We must admit as mega-ship cruisers, we were worried that there wouldn’t be enough to do on such a small ship. Yet, that was never the case. In fact, we were often so tired from a day full of exploration ashore that we had to actively keep ourselves awake to enjoy the nighttime entertainment. A round of espresso martinis also helped.

On most of our trips, the ships themselves are the destination. While on a river cruise, the itinerary is the focus. With Viking Radgrid blending into the background, we were able to absorb the scenery, culture, and history. We can’t think of a better way to explore this region than by a river cruise ship.

Ocean cruises and river cruises are two very different options to “sea the world, one port at a time”. But if you enjoy the comforts of a cruise ship and want to explore new destinations, we encourage you too to step outside of your comfort zone and try a river cruise.

Viking offers various sailings throughout Europe, Asia, and even on the Mississippi and Nile rivers. So, we suspect you will find a region of the world worth exploring on your first river cruise.

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Whether you’re happily child-free or want to have some time away from your (and other people’s) littles, an adults-only cruise is a great option for a relaxing and fun vacation. In the cruising world, there are surprisingly few lines that ban kids completely, but they do exist.

So what cruise lines offer an adults-only experience? Well, we take a look at cruise lines that are just for adults, as well as other brands that have designated at least one ship as child-free. We also go over lines that allow older kids or teenagers, but keep the younger children to a minimum.

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Best Adults Only Cruises

1. Viking

Which cruise ships are adults only? All of Viking’s ships are adults-only.

Since their debuts, Viking’s ocean and expedition cruise fleets have been reserved for the 18 and older crowd. The brand’s river cruise division previously allowed tweens and teens 12 and older, but moved to align with the ocean vessels by implementing the 18+ adults-only rule in 2018.

By cruise ship standards, the line’s ocean vessels are small, coming in at just under 50,000 gross tons and holding 930 passengers each. The expedition ships are even smaller at just over 30,000 gross tons and carrying 378 passengers. Most of the line’s “Viking Longships,” or river vessels, are between 350 and 450 feet long, carrying under 200 guests.

The vibe onboard all of Viking’s vessels is upscale and laid-back. They feature cozy Scandinavian interior design that shines through in venues such as the ocean ships’ light and wood-filled Wintergarden space, the pool decks, the Explorers’ Lounge with a faux fireplace, and The Living Room central atrium. As an added bonus, all of the staterooms on the ocean and expedition ships include balconies.

Included in the cruise fare on Viking is one excursion in each port. The fare also includes wifi; beer, wine, and soda at lunch and dinner; specialty coffees; bottled water; and port taxes and fees. The ocean and expedition ships also include the use of self-service laundry facilities; all onboard dining; use of the spa’s thermal suite; and 24-hour room service.

As this is an adults-only cruise line, Viking has a focus on relaxation and its destinations rather than on thrills. Because of that, you won’t find energetic top-deck attractions such as water slides and ropes courses. Instead, guests enjoy things like performances from onboard and local musicians, cooking and mixology classes, pools and hot tubs (note: most river ships don’t have a pool), the spa’s thermal suite, and afternoon tea.

2. Virgin Voyages

Adults-only ships: All of them

Virgin Voyages is the latest adults-only cruise line to splash onto the scene. It made waves with its first official sailing in 2021. A venture of Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, Virgin Voyages currently operates three nearly identical 110,000 gross-ton, 2,770-guest ships in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

What are adults-only cruises like on Virgin Voyages? From the start, the brand said that it would be doing things differently, “reinventing the cruise ship experience” on “adult-by-design” vessels. The line’s target demographic is millennials up to those in their early 60’s with a special focus on non-cruisers. It’s been quite successful with convincing many of them to give cruising a try through its unique approach to what a cruise experience can be.

Interior design is modern and trendy. Venues include the boho beach club-inspired Dock House, old ship-themed bar The Loose Cannon, and The Red Room entertainment space. It also features one of the best nightclubs at sea — The Manor — complete with a mirror-clad “infinity room” hallway entrance. Virgin Voyages also debuted the cruise industry’s first on board tattoo parlor, aptly called Squid Ink.

Virgin turned traditional cruise dining upside-down, as ships have no traditional buffet or main dining room. For a casual option, they instead feature The Galley with differently themed food stations that you can order via a server.

In place of main dining rooms and extra-fee specialty restaurants at dinnertime, Virgin has differently-themed restaurants (which would be specialty on most other cruise lines) that are included in the cruise fare. Guests can choose from The Wake steakhouse, modern Mexican venue Pink Agave, veggie-forward Razzle Dazzle, Korean BBQ restaurant Gunbae, and more for dinner each evening.

Entertainment is another area where Virgin Voyages has set itself apart in the cruise industry. Shows include Duel Reality, a retelling of Romeo and Juliet with a circus twist, and It’s a Ship Show where an old-school variety hour meets a late-night talk show.

The ships are also filled with some of the best parties at sea, including an energetic pajama party and the not-to-be-missed Scarlet Night. This ship-wide activation includes interactive games, circus performances, live music, and an epic dance party in and around the main pool.

Virgin’s base cruise fare inclusions are somewhere between Viking and mainstream cruise lines. The cost of the cruise doesn’t include shore excursions, specialty coffees, or any alcohol. However, it does include wifi, gratuities, and fitness classes.

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3. Saga Cruises

Adults-only ships: All of them

Not only is boutique British line Saga Cruises adults only, but it goes above and beyond the usual 18+ age minimum… to 50. That’s right, you can’t cruise on a Saga ocean or river vessel without being at least 50 years old.

Saga has two ocean ships and two of its own river ships. Plus, there’s several additional river vessels that it charters from other companies. The cruise fare includes all onboard restaurants, wifi, fitness classes, gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, and house spirits, draft beer, mocktails, and soda.

The ocean ships are just over 58,000 gross tons, carrying 999 passengers each and feature all-balcony cabins. There’s also a fitness center, spa with thermal suite, a wraparound promenade, and a lido deck with swimming pool.

Restaurants and bars vary between both ships. Options include the 1950s-inspired supper club restaurant The Club by Jools, Coast to Coast seafood restaurant, Nepalese venue Khukuri House, and Amalfi Italian restaurant. There’s also a main dining room and The Grill. The Grill offers casual options at breakfast and lunch and doubles as another main dining room in the evenings.

Saga’s river vessels feature a panoramic lounge and bar, fitness area, and a shaded sundeck with a splash pool. All cabins feature either a window or a French balcony, and excursions are included in the river cruise fare.

4. P&O Cruises

Adults-only ships: Arcadia and Aurora

P&O Cruises is a popular choice for many British families. Though, the line also sees value in having an adults-only cruises. Five vessels in the fleet are open to both kids and adults, while the remaining two are reserved just for the 18+ crowd. These two ships are Aurora and Arcadia.

Arcadia is slightly larger than Aurora, but both are considered small by modern ocean ship standards, coming in at under 85,000 gross tons. Aurora carries 1,878 passengers, while Arcadia holds 1,952 at double occupancy.

Like the other cruise lines on this list, you won’t find top-deck thrills and adrenaline-inducing activities around every corner on these ships. Instead, they offer a relaxing, distinctly British experience. They include things like afternoon tea, a spa with thermal areas, a pub, swimming pools, cabaret shows, and a nightclub.

Both ships feature the standard buffet and main dining room, along with a complimentary poolside grill. You’ll also find specialty restaurant Sindhu on both vessels, which serves up Indian fare with a British twist. Arcadia also boasts The Ocean Grill steak and seafood restaurant. Aurora features The Glass House by TV presenter and wine expert Olly Smith.

P&O’s adults-only itineraries are primarily in northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Though, you’ll also find cruises to the Caribbean, Canary Islands, and Canada/New England. In select destinations, passengers can stay out late to experience the nightlife during late-night and overnight port calls.

5. Marella Cruises

Adults-only ship: Marella Explorer 2

Another British cruise line, Marella, has taken a page from P&O’s book by allotting one ship as adults-only (Marella Explorer 2). The rest of the fleet remains family-friendly. The 1,814-guest vessel, which began sailing with Marella in 2019, offers a semi-inclusive cruising experience. It wraps gratuities and a selection of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages into the cruise fare.

Amenities on Marella Explorer 2 include a spa with thermal suite, a nightclub, a golf simulator and bar with themed cocktails, modern British pub Squid and Anchor, outdoor movies at night, multiple sundecks, a pool, and hot tubs.

The ship features nine restaurants, five of which are included in the cruise fare. The Dining Club is a high-end specialty venue that also offers The Great Musical Afternoon Tea. Dishes are inspired by famous musicals, and teas and a cocktail are included in the event fee. Other dining highlights include Kora La pan-Asian restaurant, Surf & Turf Steakhouse, Beach Cove with a barbecue-inspired menu, and Nonna’s where you can create your own pizzas and pastas.

Marella Explorer 2 sails mostly in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Other Cruise Lines With Age Minimums

In addition to the lines mentioned above, there are other cruise brands that don’t allow young kids or discourage them. Small ship luxury line Windstar Cruises doesn’t allow guests under eight years old. While Scenic has a minimum of 12 years old except on its Christmastime voyages.

River cruises are another option where you won’t find many or any younger children. This is due to the fact that river cruises aren’t usually as kid-friendly, along with age minimums that some lines have in place.

Uniworld and AmaWaterways have an age minimum of four years old, but encourage that guests be at least eight years old to sail. Avalon Waterways has a minimum of eight. Emerald and Grand Circle require that guests are at least 12 and 13, respectively.

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Earlier this year, Viking launched a brand-new class of ships. This luxury cruise line which is known for both its river cruises and ocean cruises has now entered the expedition cruise market. The line’s first endeavor, Viking Octantis, is a 30K gross ton vessel accommodating up to 378 passengers. We are currently sailing on Viking Octantis for its Caribbean Connections itinerary and what to share our experiences with you. So, we dive into it all in our Viking Expedition Cruises first impressions.

Viking Expedition Cruises First Impressions

At six decks tall, 665 feet long, and a beam of 77 feet, Viking Octantis feels like a smaller version of the line’s ocean cruise ships. This new expedition ship seamlessly blends elements of both river cruising and ocean cruising. Thus, this new polar class 6 vessel delivers something unique, but still distinctly Viking.

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Along with familiar public venues like the Aquavit Terrace and the Explorers’ Lounge, you will find the cruise line’s award-winning service and hospitality.

If you have cruised on either a Viking river ship or an ocean ship, you will certainly feel right at home on this Viking expedition ship.

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Indoor Spaces on Viking Expedition Ships

On Viking Octantis, guests can learn more about ashore activities at the Expedition Central on Deck 2. Immediately below on Deck 1, Guest Services is available to answer all of your other questions. There is also a small Nordic shop on Deck 3.

The ship’s impressive theater, the Aula, can be found on Deck 2. This venue transforms from a presentation theater to a beautiful indoor viewing area. The Aula is home to documentaries, port talks, and other edutainment.

In addition, it provides a warm aft-viewing area which is perfect for itineraries in the polar regions.

The Nordic Spa is located on Deck 2 as well. This thermal suite is complimentary to all guests. So, you can enjoy the hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, heated stone loungers, and more throughout the day. Of course, you can also book up-charge spa sessions like massages or facials.

Right next door to the spa is the fitness center. While small, it does contain cardio equipment, some weight machines, and a small free weight section. It never appeared all that busy either.

The Explorers’ Lounge is located on Decks 4 and 5. This forward-facing venue features floor to ceiling panoramic windows, comfy furniture, fireplaces, and a centrally located bar. This Viking staple is the perfect spot day or night.

Finally, the Living Room is also located on Deck 5 featuring a quiet space to read, relax, or play interactive table games. Here, you can also find a bar and and plenty of great views.

Outdoor Spaces on Viking Expedition Ships

Perhaps the most stunning addition to Viking Octantis is the Finse Terrace. This outdoor space with sunken seating, outward facing aft views, and even fire-pits is located beyond the Aula on Deck 2.

At the completely other end of the ship, there is the Shelter and the Bow on Deck 3. Here you will find a sizeable viewing platform ideal for watching sail-in to ports.

For those chillier times, the Shelter is a partially covered region behind the bow.  

In order to provide a true expedition experience, Viking Octantis offers the Hangar on Deck A. This sports deck of sorts has some of the most high-tech equipment that you will find at sea. Along with dozens of kayaks and zodiac boats, this vessel is home to two special operation boats and two submarines that will get you up-close and personal with your destinations.

We were able to test out the special operations boat and submarine, and all we can say is wow! Given we are just sailing the Caribbean, we can only imagine what it would be like to be able to explore Antarctica onboard either vessel.

Located at the aft of the ship on Deck 5 are plunge pools offering both indoor and outdoor spaces to take a quick dip and admire the views. Likewise, you will find both indoor and outdoor loungers in the Aquavit Terrace.

Cruisers can also take a stroll on the open Promenade on Deck 5 to admire the surrounding landscapes.

Lastly, there is a completely open sundeck midship on Deck 6. Here, you will find secluded seating areas, as well as outward facing loungers. For warmer climates, this is a quiet spot to catch some rays.

Viking Expedition Cruises Restaurants

Each evening, Viking Expedition Cruises offer a three-course meal in the Restaurant on Deck 1 with a rotating menu.

Unlike the river and ocean ships however, reservations for the Restaurant are required. So, make sure to book those as soon as possible. For a ship of this size, the venue is smaller than you would expect.

The menu in the Restaurant is also more limited than contemporary cruise lines; though, the staff will work to accommodate any special requests.

Like other Viking cruise ships, beer and house wines are available during dinner for no additional costs.

Like Viking ocean ships, there is one alternative restaurant, Manfredi’s, on Deck 1. As one of our favorite specialty restaurants of any cruise ship, this venue features the popular Bistecca Fiorentina, along with homemade pasta and a variety of other Italian classics. Again, reservations are required for Manfredi’s.

Both of these sit-down restaurants are available for dinner only. Breakfast and lunch are available in the casual eateries (or room service which is always complimentary).

Casual Dining on Viking Expedition Cruises

Mamsen’s, Viking’s traditional Scandinavian deli, is open for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. This venue is located portside on Deck 5.

Breakfast is served usually between 8:30 am to 10:30 am, with lunch from 11 am to 2 pm, and snacks from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Viking cruisers will recognize the open-faced sandwiches like the Reke and Roastbiff and the signature waffles.

Surprisingly, this restaurant functioned more like a buffet, unlike a quick service restaurant where the waffles are made-to-order.

The World Café is the ship’s buffet. In fact, the buffet on this ship is larger than its counterpart on Viking’s ocean ships. The World Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Again, to our surprise, the buffet was self-service.

With freshly made cookies, breakfast pastries, and bread, the midship bakery section is a hit.

For dinner, I was a fan of the sushi and seafood bar, aft on the portside. Across the way, the Grill served made to order steaks, lobster tail, and other seafood selections each evening. During the day, the Grill was your lido deck food stop with burgers, hot dogs, and fries.

Given the itinerary and smaller than expected main dining room, we dined at the buffet more than we usually do on a cruise.

Onboard Activities on Viking Expedition Cruises

In the early evening, port talks regularly occurred in the Aula. This venue also featured some documentary movies. Given it is such a beautiful space, we did feel it was a bit under-utilized during our trip.

You can also find light classical music in the evenings at the Living Room. It is an ideal area to relax after a long day ashore. The bar in the Living Room was open from 10 am to 9 pm daily serving up the cruise line’s standard drink menu.

There are four additional bars onboard this expedition vessel as well.

For your pre-dinner drink, the Viking Bar is located Deck 1 starboard. Deck 5 is home to the Aquavit Terrace with a large U-shaped bar.

On Deck 4 of the Explorer’s Lounge, you will find another bar which is open from about 12 pm to 10 pm daily. This two-story observational space also features live music in the evenings from a piano player and a musical duo. This is the ideal backdrop to relax and strike up a conversation with some new found friends.

Tucked away all the way forward on Deck 1, you will find a new and rather hidden space, The Hide. This venue has a swanky, early 20th century vibe and feels akin to a speakeasy. The Hide serves up aperitifs like the signature Viking aquavit. It seemed right at home being at the lowest deck, as it felt like something out of a Jules Verne novel.

Viking Expedition Cruises Staterooms

For our cruise on Viking Octantis, we were assigned a Nordic Junior Suite. This spacious and luxurious room provided all the comforts of home (and even more space than we needed for the week). This stateroom features plenty of closet space including a drying rack for those Antarctica expeditions as well as a rather large sitting area and desk.

The bathroom is also an upgrade from a typical cruise cabin. It features a full-sized shower with a glass door, double sinks, and even heated floors and a heated towel rack.

Not to mention, this Viking Expedition Cruises stateroom has a Nordic balcony, which is similar to the infinite verandas found on Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class of ships. While we are not generally a fan of this style balcony, it does make complete sense for an expedition vessel. This window lets you get up close to your destinations while still enjoying the comfort and warmth of your cabin.

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Viking Expedition Cruises Recap

Combining elements from the brand’s ocean and river ships, Viking Expedition succeeds at delivering a diverse and engaging small cruise ship experience.

With a variety of dining options, unique spaces and activities, as well as luxurious finishes, Viking Octantis is a perfect option for high-end adventure travel. With the addition of the Hangar, guests can get even closer to their destinations.

After a long day ashore, you can rest assured that you will return to exquisite and personalized service. The staff truly go out of their way to make guests happy. Even if that means delivering a bottle of caramel syrup to our stateroom for the wife’s morning latte!

Really, the only drawback that we found was the rather small main dining room, making it difficult to dine here at our preferred times.

While we loved the adventures offered during our Viking Octantis trip, past guests should be aware that this is a more active cruise.

Overall, with superb attention to detail, thoughtful design, and Viking inclusions, Viking Octantis ensured we were able to explore the Caribbean in comfort.

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Viking is synonymous with river cruises, with a fleet of over 70 ships sailing on 4 continents. Heidi and I have sailed on Viking Ocean and even one of the cruise line’s expedition ships. But, we recently took our first Viking River cruise on the Seine River. We are familiar with the cruise line’s ships on other bodies of water. Yet, there were several things that surprised us about Viking Radgrid. So, whether you are new to cruising in general or new to river cruising, we share our Viking river cruise tips to ensure your trip is smooth sailing.

VIKING RIVER CRUISE TIPS VIDEO

Viking River Cruise Tips For Your First Sailing

Onboard Announcements

Viking instituted a new no-announcement policy as of March 2024. The cruise line has reduced the number of ship-wide announcements by instituting this “silent ship policy”. Now, the cruise line will only make announcements for essential updates. It will no longer make in-cabin announcements for tour group meeting times, onboard activities, etc.

Now, when an announcement is made, everyone onboard knows it is essential. Thankfully, during our week-long cruise, there was only one announcement regarding a change to the cruise itinerary. Besides that, the ship’s PA was silent.

We are fans of this quieter approach. However, it does require a little more attention on your part to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. The cruise line provides tickets and tour information each evening in your cabin. There is also a print version of the daily program left in your stateroom, along with information provided in the Viking Voyager app.

Viking Voyager App

Now, given that there are no longer ship-wide announcements, using the Viking Voyager app and having a paper copy of the daily becomes even more critical.

Compared to other cruise lines, the Viking Voyager app is rather basic. But, it does contain the most pertinent information.

The app allows cruisers to see the daily schedule, the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus for the entire voyage, plus a list of your booked excursions and additional tours.

So, while it is relatively simple and easy to use, it also serves its purpose. Not to mention, there is still a daily magazine with all the activities and tours delivered to your stateroom each night.

So, be sure to download the app and add your Viking voyage info prior to boarding the ship.

What You Can Bring Onboard

Most ocean cruise ships have a list of prohibited items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. Many of these restrictions are also true on Viking, items like candles and irons are still prohibited. However, one significant departure from mainstream cruising is that Viking river cruises allows guests to bring on drinks and food.

Viking allows guests to bring unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with them on their sailing. This Viking river cruise tip works any time during the trip as well. Yes, guests can board with these items on embarkation day or pick them up at a port of call at any point during the sailing.

So, if you want a few bottles of wine from town or a six-pack of the local brew, that is not an issue. The same applies to food items from the local bakery or cheese shop.

There are also no corkage fees, and the onboard crew will be happy to serve any spirits or drinks you brought onboard during the trip at no additional cost.

A Streamlined Embarkation Process

With over 80 cruises under our belts, we have spent countless hours in line during cruise embarkation day.

So, it was a relief that the embarkation process on our Viking river cruise was quick and efficient. In total, it took 15 minutes. In fact, most of this process occurred right onboard the ship—no need for tons of documents or checkpoints.

After our Viking transfer from the airport to the embarkation point, we walked right onto the river ship. Guests Services checked our passports, handed over our key cards, and we were off to our stateroom. Our luggage was also delivered minutes later. Of note, you do want to make sure to complete the pre-cruise check-in process providing your preferences and necessary documentation.

Convenient and Seamless Travel

As part of the cruise line’s inclusions – which we will get to a little later – cruisers who book flights with the cruise line also get complimentary bus transfers to and from the airport. This is where the Viking service and seamless travel begins.

A Viking representative was at the airport waiting for us and approximately 25 other cruisers also with overnight flights. Arriving at the the ship, our program director, Mia, welcomed this batch of travelers onboard. Our luggage was taken from the bus to the ship, where we were quickly reunited with it in our stateroom.  

Similar to Viking Ocean, the first night of most river cruises is an overnight stay in the embarkation port. This gives cruisers all day to arrive and even some of the next day if there are flight delays. So, booking a pre-cruise hotel stay is unnecessary unless you want to extend your trip.

Casual Onboard Vibe

This Viking river cruise tip will help with your packing. We weren’t sure what to expect regarding the vibe onboard the ship. So, we were surprised to find the atmosphere was casual and relaxed. Most days consisted of tours and sightseeing, and the dress code on the ship fit that bill.

You will find plenty of travel wear from brands like Eddie Bauer, Columbia, and Patagonia. As New Englanders, we were also rocking some Vineyard Vines and LL Bean attire.

Most cruisers did change up for dinner, but the attire was mainly slacks and a button-down shirt for the men. Women were wearing similar attire as well. We did not see many sports coats or dresses this trip.

With some long days in port, the last thing most cruisers want to do is don their elegant attire.

How Tours Work

Like ocean cruise ships, Viking river cruise packages include one free tour at each port of call. For our seven-night cruise, there were six included shore excursions. These ranged from a comprehensive walking tour of downtown Rouen to a bus tour of Paris.

The quality of the tours did vary. We were disappointed that our time in Paris was primarily spent experiencing the city through a pane of glass. While we had plans to see more of the town on our own, the weather did not cooperate later in the week. Further, there was no privileged access to sites like Le Louvre or the Palace of Versailles, meaning our tour was amongst the mobs of other tourists.

But, we thoroughly enjoyed our walking tours in villages like Les Andelys and our self-guided exploration of the Chateau de La Roche-Guyon. We also had a very long but informative day re-tracing the path of Allied Forces during WWII and visiting the beaches of Normandy.

Cruisers are placed into groups for the included tours, and you are with most of these same guests for the duration of the trip. So, you get to know those people quite quickly. 

As a side note, anytime you see a Viking tour labeled “panoramic”, it is most likely a bus tour. So, if given the option, we would opt for something different if you’d prefer a more active day.

Quietvox Hack

As part of these tours, guests are each given a Quietvox. These small devices allow tour guides to provide you with narration and information in large groups without having to shout. Each guest on a Viking river ship receives a device and an earbud in their stateroom.

Most cruisers wear the Quietvox with a wired headset while roaming the streets or perusing a museum. However, one of our Viking river cruise tips is that you may use a Bluetooth connection for wireless headphones.

We use AirFly when connecting to in-flight entertainment or when we want to use our Airpods on devices with a 3.5 mm audio jack. This AirFly device can also attach to a Quietvox. Of course, cruisers can also use their personal headphones if they prefer. But you do want to remain mindful your surroundings. That is why the headphones provided with the Quietvox are only for one ear.

The Pace of the Tours

As forty-something cruisers, we admittedly are not in the most incredible shape. We barely survived the treks in Antarctica or hikes in the Caribbean. But the Viking River walking tours tend to be very slow-paced.

While some river cruise lines offer tours of various activity levels, Viking only provides one level for included tours. Of note, some tours do offer an accessible option for those with mobility issues.

Once we got into the groove, this pace wasn’t a big issue for us, as we would go ahead or stay behind the tour taking photos or exploring a bit more. With the earpiece and the constant narration, we knew we could catch up to the tour.

There was only one point in Rouen where the tour moved on, and the narration got a tad fuzzy. So, it was time to turn back and head towards the rest of the group.

So, if you are okay with a tour that takes time and doesn’t go far, you will fit right in. If not, almost all the stops are easily navigable with one of the provided maps or a smartphone app.

Don’t Leave Home Without a Card

Viking takes excellent care of its guests. In addition to the included tours, the cruise line knows guests want to explore at their leisure. That is why the cruise line offers maps at each port of call. During our cruise, guests could grab a map at Guest Services or from crew at the gangway.

Along with some points of interest, the maps also detail the ship’s location. No, the map doesn’t include the location of the nearest Diamonds International.

But the cruise line also wants to ensure guests return safely. This is perhaps one of the most important Viking river cruise tips for those not on a tour. With potentially spotty cell service, the cruise line offers guests small cards that fit in a lanyard or wallet at each port of call.

The card includes the local number for the ship and the address. So, if cruisers ever need assistance getting back from town, they can hand the card to a taxi driver or someone at a local tour office. We often took pictures of the cards to have on our phones, and we recommend you do the same.

Be Flexible

Similar to our Antarctica cruise with Atlas Ocean Voyages, our Viking river cruise encountered some unseasonal weather. At the end of the sailing, the river levels were too high, so we were not able to dock back in Paris.

Instead, the ship docked about 30 minutes away in Le Pecq. This did mean a change to our tour times for the day. Also, it impacted travelers looking to walk around Paris for the final day. While the cruise line did provide a shuttle, it wasn’t the same as spending the last night onboard with a view of the Eiffel Tower from our ship.

Also, given the time of year, one of the included tours to the Monet Gardens wasn’t running yet. The alternative tour was instead a stop in the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, the final home of another famous impressionist painter, Vincent Van Gough. While our tour guide was great, this swapped tour was perhaps my least favorite.

Either way, when on a river cruise, weather and river conditions can impact the trip. So, one of our Viking river cruise tips is to be flexible and roll with the current.  

Cabin Size

During our cruise, we stayed on Deck 2, the middle deck, in a veranda stateroom. It was nice to have the semi-private outdoor space, even if it barely fit the two chairs and table. The cabin (with veranda) has a total square footage of 205.

While it contains many features of a stateroom on an ocean ship, it did feel smaller in comparison. So, if you’re used to cruising on ocean ships, don’t be surprised by the cabin size on a river ship.

Nonetheless, there was plenty of storage space for our clothes. Immediately entering the room was a closet with one section of shelves and another with clothes hangers. While compact, the bathroom contained a nice glass-enclosed shower and the line’s signature heated tile floors.

While squeezing between the bed and the long desk and dresser took some maneuvering, it was still a comfortable home away from home during our Seine River cruise.

Thankfully, you can get creative to maximize your space with items like magnetic hooks, which always come in handy on any cruise. We used these to hang bags, jackets, hats, and other items.

No Onboard Laundry

As mentioned, we could unpack and store all our clothes and gear for this week-long trip without too much difficulty. But Viking does offer river cruises that span two weeks, not to mention pre- and post-cruise extensions that can add even more days to the trip.

So, we were surprised that the Viking longships do not have self-service laundry, especially since both ocean and expedition ships offer launderettes.

Of course, cruisers can pay to have their laundry done for them, but it is not cheap. The costs are on par with contemporary cruise lines, which charge between $5 and $8 for an article of clothing. Only guests in suites get complimentary laundry services, and longships have very few of these accommodations.  

Thus, cruisers should plan to pack enough clothes for the voyage.

 What to Pack

Speaking of packing, given the laundry situation and the fluctuation in temps and weather conditions, it’s important to pack layers.

Regardless of season, you should be prepared for various weather conditions. This means bringing lightweight, packable clothing to layer as well as items like suntan lotion and bug spray. Viking does provide umbrellas but they are pretty cumbersome to carry around, so packing your own rain gear is a good idea too.

What you wear on the ship will depend on your temperature regulation. While many fellow cruisers felt the ship was cold and wore sweaters, we thought it was warm and didn’t end up wearing many of the nighttime clothing items that we packed.

Do keep in mind that even in the summer, the mornings and evenings can get cool, especially on the upper deck or your balcony as the ship is sailing to the next port of call. So, plan accordingly.

All Meals are Open Seating

Dining on Viking river cruises was different than we expected. We have sailed on smaller ocean ships with open dining. But, even those experiences did not prepare us for how meals work on this voyage.

All meals are served as open seating in the Restaurant or the Aquavit Terrace. Given the weather, the terrace was not open much, so there were very few tables inside this more casual dining spot.  

This meant for most meals all cruisers dined in the Restaurant. Here, there are no tables for two, only larger tables of 6 or more guests. Thus, you’ll need to make some friends.

Throughout the cruise, guests did tend to gravitate to the same groups and tables for dinner. So, by the end of the week, cliques had formed in several sections of the main dining room.

For the most part, Viking river cruisers are friendly and talkative. But, it is hard to escape others during mealtimes. So, if you are shy or want a quiet dinner that may not be easy to do during the sailing.

Limited Dining Options

On Viking river ships, there are two restaurants that serve the same menu. The meals occur at predictable times, and everyone is on the same schedule. Breakfast is served at 7 AM, lunch at noon, and dinner at 7 PM.

Actually, we were surprised by the lack of dining options. On our previous Viking sailings, there was a buffet setup where we could grab a quick bite without the sit-down service. However that is not the case on Viking river ships. There is also no specialty dining and no room service.

Thus, if you have two tours in a day, it can feel hectic hustling back to get something to eat before returning to land for further exploration.

The Aquavit Terrace did have some bakery and continental items for breakfast. So, we appreciated the ability to grab some food here and coffee from the self-serve espresso machines in the AM.

But, there were no grab-and-go food selections for lunch or dinner. Basically, if you didn’t want to eat in the Restaurant at the set dining times, you didn’t have any other option…besides cookies at the coffee station.

Also, we did feel the Restaurant menus were a tad limited, with a few standard items that remained on the menu and a few daily specials. However, Heidi was able to order a piece of grilled chicken one afternoon even though it wasn’t on the menu.

You’ll Get to Know Everyone Onboard

As we mentioned, most cruisers partake in the organized tours and open seating at meals, so everyone onboard gets to know each other. With about 162 other cruisers, you will have seen everyone on board by the middle of the week…for better or worse.

Even if you haven’t officially met them, you will quickly recognize them when walking around the ship or ashore. For most, saying hi or striking up a conversation with another guest is a part of cruising. But unlike larger ships, there’s no blending into the crowd or escaping if you don’t feel like being social one night. The only place to truly do that is your stateroom.

Mobility Issues

Ocean cruising is one of the best forms of travel for those with mobility issues. On the other hand, river cruises are not the most accessible. Arguably, most of Europe and many of the landmarks and historic destinations in these countries are not wheelchair-friendly either.

Even for those with minor mobility issues, getting around many villages we visited, with hills and cobblestone walkways, could be challenging.

We did not see many walkers or wheelchairs on our Seine River cruise. However, Viking Radgrid does have a small elevator. It could only accommodate a couple of passengers at a time though.

So, even though the ship only has four decks, most passengers take the stairs. Still, if you have your heart set on going on a river cruise, it is certainly possible to get around the ship with an assistive device.

Who Is Onboard

Being in our 40s, we were among the ship’s youngest cruisers. While most ocean ships have a median passenger age of 50s, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say it was in the 70s on our Viking river cruise.

For the most part, they were still lively, engaging, and well-traveled folks. Given the long days ashore and later dinner, we retired for the night shortly after. So, Heidi and I fit right in with the crowd.

One thing we do like about Viking is that it is adults only. While some travelers did bring their “kids”, these were adult “kids” who were often older than us.

Getting On and Off the Ship

Along with the laid-back embarkation, getting on and off the ship is also very casual. Cruisers can come and go as they please at each port of call. There is often no crew member even manning the embarkation point. All cruisers need to do is swipe in and out at a kiosk with their room key card.

However, cruisers will often need their room key card to get back onboard, as the doors are locked. There are no long queues, metal detectors, or airport screeners to worry about when coming back from a day ashore.

Just keep in mind that sometimes Viking river ships will dock next to each other. So, it is possible you will need to walk through another ship to get to your vessel.

If this is the case, a team member is usually there to ensure you are on the right boat. Although, you’ll probably figure it out as your key card won’t work when you attempt to scan yourself back on the ship if you are in the wrong place.

What’s Included on the Cruise

Viking ensures guests are well taken care of on and off the ship. The cruise fare includes all dining on the ship, a range of nonalcoholic drinks, and specialty coffee and tea throughout the day. However, the coffee is at a self-service kiosk in the main atrium.

The cruise fare includes beer and wine at lunch and dinner as well. If you are looking for further alcoholic beverage options, there is also the cruise line’s inexpensive Silver Spirits package. So, it doesn’t take much to upgrade to a truly all-inclusive cruise.

Unlike most ocean cruises nowadays, there is still twice-daily room service. Like the old days of cruising, our room attendant was like a ninja, finding time to make up our room when we were out for short periods of time.

Along with everything else, all cruisers get unlimited WiFi for one device. The internet worked much better than on our last Viking sailing, and the onboard staff did confirm it was Starlink technology. I was able to easily switch from my phone to my laptop when I had some work emails to check.

While the speeds were acceptable, they were not fast enough for streaming videos. However, I was able to upload a video to YouTube over the span of about two days.

What’s Onboard

Given that all Viking longships are essentially interchangeable, cruisers are truly sailing for the destination with the ship as the backdrop. Still, Viking allows its guests to explore the world in comfort.

On Viking Radgrid, the service was friendly and attentive. Servers quickly learned individuals’ preferences and tastes. Given that there are only 160 cruisers and about 55 crew, it really is like one big family.

That being said, there are not many public spaces or amenities though. While the ships have a sun deck with loungers, a walking track, and some greenspace, they do not have pools, spas, or fitness centers onboard. Besides the two dining venues, the only other public area is the Lounge, which is also the main bar and entertainment space.

There were few organized activities during the day. Even in the evenings, we expected some enrichment sessions, but it was mostly just the daily port talk.

On three occasions, local performers performed after dinner in the lounge. Mia, the program director, hosted a version of majority rules one night as well which was a lot of fun. But, that was the extent of the entertainment.

Overall Impressions

Overall, while our first Viking river cruise was not exactly what we expected, we still had a fantastic time. The cruise line does a remarkable job of catering to its guests. With the relaxed pace, elegant Scandinavian design, and amicable onboard atmosphere, we certainly wouldn’t hesitate to take another river cruise.

While it is different than ocean cruising, there are still many similarities that made us feel right at home. We enjoyed getting to explore off-the-beaten path locales that we could never visit on larger ships. While there’s less offered onboard, there’s plenty to do and see ashore.

If you are considering your first river cruise, it’s important to remember that the journey is really about the destination, and Viking will help make sure it’s a memorable one with attention to every detail!

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Viking has announced that for the first time, it will be offering guests destination-focused experiences in Mongolia with its new Spirit of Mongolia extension program. The five-night, fully-guided pre or post-cruise extension will allow guests to further immerse themselves in the region, from the ancient city of Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi Desert.

The Spirit of Mongolia and a variety of other extensions, including in Hong Kong and Beijing, are available for Viking’s new, first-of-their-kind China itineraries: Best of China, China Discovery, Classic China & the Coast, and Wonders of China.

Spirit of Mongolia Extension Program

Guests booked on the five-night Spirit of Mongolia pre or post-cruise extension will begin their journey in the city of Ulaanbaatar, where they will meet their Viking Representative and explore the sites of the city – including the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, Mongolia’s largest and most contemporary cultural institution, then go behind the scenes for a look at fossil specimens and more in the paleontology lab.

After a day exploring the city, travelers will continue on to Dalanzadgad, where they’ll go to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge — an eco-lodge nestled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains in the Gobi Desert near the Gurvan Saikhan National Park. At the lodge, guests will enjoy comfortable accommodations in their own “ger,” an authentic yurt updated with modern amenities.

For three days, guests can enjoy lodge activities including archery, a camel safari, or an exploration of the famous Flaming Cliffs. They may also choose to join fellow early risers for a sunrise trek through the desert hills with a naturalist guide or take in panoramic views of the steppe from Bulagtai Mountain to examine ancient petroglyphs.

Alternatively, guests can learn how to make buuz (steamed dumplings) from the lodge’s Mongolian chef.

Following their time in the desert, guests will return to Ulaanbaatar for additional exploration for one night before continuing their journey home or embarking on their Viking cruise in China.

Viking Extensions in China

Viking is also offering four immersive pre and post-cruise extensions in China. These new, fully-guided extensions range from three to four nights and are offered in the cities of Hong Kong and Beijing, as well as Guilin and Suzhou.

Beijing

Delve into the mysteries of Beijing, one of history’s great capitals and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Optional excursions offer an opportunity to be immersed in the city’s eclectic mix of China’s ancient past and bold future. The three-night extension is available on the China Discovery itinerary.

Hong Kong

Delve into one of the world’s most bustling metropolises with an extension in Hong Kong. Admire the beautiful cityscape and soak up its blend of tradition and modernity, culture and commerce. An optional excursion to Macau allows for more opportunities to experience China’s lively southern coast. The three-night extension is available on the Classic China & the Coast and China Discovery itineraries.

Hong Kong & Guilin

Explore two versions of China: the urban spectacle of Hong Kong and the enchanting natural beauty of Guilin. Admire the towering skyscrapers and energy of Hong Kong, a metropolis steeped in commerce and culture, while tranquil Guilin captivates with karst mountains, serene rivers, and ancient caves. The four-night extension is available on the Classic China & the Coast and China Discovery itineraries.

Suzhou & Wuxi

Discover Suzhou and Wuxi, famed for their exquisite gardens, canals, and embodiment of ancient charm. Visit UNESCO-listed classical gardens, stroll ancient alleyways, gain insight into the region’s legacy of silk making, cruise the scenic Grand Canal, and view one of China’s largest Buddha statues. The three-night extension is available on the China Discovery itinerary.

Viking’s China Itineraries

Best of China (20 days roundtrip from Beijing)

This 20-day cruisetour allows guests to see the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and rare giant pandas among other iconic destinations. Guests will enjoy China’s scenic eastern coast, delve into Tibet’s spiritual tradition, and admire the Terra Cotta Warriors while sailing the scenic eastern coast.

Wonders of China (20 days roundtrip from Beijing)

This comprehensive 20-day cruisetour itinerary delivers China’s main highlights. Guests can meet a Tibetan family at their home, walk on the Great Wall, and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Additionally, guests experience the scenic coast of Dongtou and have opportunities to explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and Shenzhen, a UNESCO city of design.

Classic China & the Coast (15 days; Beijing, Xian — Hong Kong (Shenzhen))

This voyage combines the experiences of Viking’s 10-day China Discovery voyage with opportunity to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors and other iconic landmarks. While sailing China’s coastline, guests can experience a phenomenal diversity in languages, cultures and cuisines.

China Discovery (10 days from Shanghai to Hong Kong (Shenzhen))

This 10-day itinerary allows guests to experience the Buddhist shrines of Zhoushan and the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen.

Viking Yi Dun

Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, Viking Yi Dun, (formerly Viking Sun) is a sister ship in Viking’s ocean fleet. It has a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons and can hold 930 guests in 465 staterooms. The vessel features all-balcony cabins, a Scandinavian design, and a variety of included dining options.

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VIKING OPENS 2026 OCEAN VOYAGES AND ANNOUNCES NEW EXTENSIONS

Due to Strong Demand, Viking Opens Bookings for Newest Ocean Ship and Itineraries Through 2026 

Viking opens 2026 ocean voyages for booking. With many 2024 dates already sold out and 2025 departures selling fast, strong demand among North American travelers has led to an early opening of 2026 departures across the company’s ocean fleet.

Viking also announced voyages for its newest ship, the Viking Vesta®, scheduled to join the fleet in July 2025. The 998-guest sister ship will spend her inaugural season sailing popular itineraries in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia.  

“We have always done things a bit differently. At Viking, we are contrarians. We design travel experiences for thinking people, with no children and no casinos,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We are pleased that our approach has resonated with so many—and with the addition of the Viking Vesta to our ocean fleet, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the Viking way of exploration.”

Examples of the most popular voyages include:

• Viking Homelands (15 days; Stockholm—Bergen)
• Iconic Western Mediterranean (8 days; Barcelona—Rome)
• Empires of the Mediterranean (10 days; Venice—Athens)
• British Isles Explorer (15 days; Bergen—London)
• West Indies Explorer (11 days; San Juan roundtrip)

New Pre and Post Cruise Extensions

Additionally, Viking has announced six new immersive Pre and Post Extensions beginning in 2024 and 2025. Pre and Post extensions are increasingly popular with travelers. Over 45 percent of all Viking guests choose to add such extensions to their voyage.

The new, fully guided, three-night extensions are offered in the iconic cities of Barcelona, Istanbul, London, Rome, Stockholm, and Venice. They feature Privileged Access® to museums, local cuisine for lunches and dinners, market visits and cooking classes—as well as more time to personalize the journey with optional excursions.

The new extensions include:

• Best of Barcelona – Explore Cataluña’s capital, the beautiful city of Barcelona. Admire views from atop Montserrat, revel in the spectacle of La Sagrada Familia and roam the storied Gothic Quarter. Additionally, enjoy time at your leisure or join fellow travelers for optional excursions to further immerse in local culture.
• Best of Istanbul– Immerse yourself in the history of the Ottoman Empire with visits to the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. Explore the Grand Bazaar and a spice market. Then, savor Turkish culinary delights at a Michelin Star restaurant and farm-to-table experience in an idyllic setting.
• Best of London – Explore the iconic sites of London and enjoy Privileged Access experiences at the British Museum and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Tantalize your taste buds at Borough Market with TV chef and culinary author, Celia Brooks. Then, spend an evening at the Tower of London as you witness a centuries-old ceremony.
• Best of Rome – Explore more of Rome, the “Eternal City,” during an extended stay. Stroll narrow streets and vibrant piazzas, with every corner of the city revealing a piece of history. Visit Vatican City and its museums, see the sights of ancient Rome, and learn the art of making pasta the Italian way.
• Best of Stockholm– Immerse in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Stockholm. Admire the art gracing its subway stations and historic City Hall, cruise its scenic archipelago, and savor a taste of traditional cuisine. Optional excursions offer you a chance to explore more of Sweden’s elegant capital city.
• Best of Venice– Experience Venice as few do, avoiding the crowds for an intimate look at this famous city. Cruise the Grand Canal at night, take a stroll through the Rialto Fish Market, and admire historic landmarks around St. Mark’s Square.

The Viking Vesta

Classified as a small ship, the Viking Vesta has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. She will join the award-winning ocean fleet of sister ships, which includes Viking Star, Sea, Sky, Orion, Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn. The new Viking Vela is scheduled to debut in December 2024.

Booking Details

From now through January 31, 2024, Viking is offering North American travelers the Discover More Sale. This includes with up to free international airfare, special fares, and a $25 deposit on all-inclusive river, ocean, and expedition voyages.

SOURCE Viking

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VIKING ANNOUNCES FIRST-OF-THEIR-KIND CHINA VOYAGES

Bookings Now Open for Three Exclusive Itineraries Exploring China in 2024

Viking announces three new, first-of-their-kind China voyages. These itineraries will provide guests with exclusive access to China in 2024. The new voyages range from 10 to 20 days and explore iconic cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Each itinerary features a domestic sailing of China’s coast highlighting rarely-seen destinations and ports—something that has never before been available for international visitors.

The new voyages will operate from September to November on the Viking Yi Dun—formerly the Viking Sun. This sister ship features the same award-winning design and service as all other ocean ships in Viking’s fleet. The Chinese-flagged Viking Yi Dun will be the first ship dedicated to the foreign market to operate domestic sailings in China. Each voyage will offer The Viking Way® of exploration, with immersive experiences to introduce guests to the people, history, and culture of China, including insightful lectures, Chinese-inspired cuisine, and destination experts. 

New China Voyages      

• Wonders of China— 20 days; Beijing roundtrip. This comprehensive 20-day cruisetour itinerary delivers China’s main highlights. Guests can meet a Tibetan family at their home, walk on the Great Wall and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Additionally, guests experience the scenic coast of Dongtou and have opportunities to explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Shenzhen, a UNESCO city of design.
• Classic China & the Coast— 15 days; Beijing, Xian – Hong Kong (Shenzhen). This voyage combines the experiences of Viking’s 10-day China Discovery voyage with opportunity to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors, and other iconic landmarks. While sailing China’s coastline, guests can experience a phenomenal diversity in languages, cultures and cuisines.
• China Discovery— 10 days; Shanghai – Hong Kong (Shenzhen). This 10-day itinerary allows guests to experience the Buddhist shrines of Zhoushan and the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen.

The Viking Yi Dun

Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests’ discoveries ashore, the Viking Yi Dun is a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet.

Viking’s ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests. The ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces, and abundant al fresco dining options.

Booking Details

From now through January 31, 2024, Viking is offering North American travelers the Discover More sale, with up to free international airfare, special fares, and a $25 deposit. Additionally, both new and returning guests can save on river, ocean, and expedition voyages, including the new coastal China itineraries.

SOURCE Viking

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