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Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips (2024)

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: January 4, 2024

Home >> Travel Tips >> Cruises >> Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips (2024)

A common question for first-time river cruisers is how to pack for a cruise . We have learned a lot sailing on Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises over the years. We’ve learned that packing for a river cruise differs from what you would pack for a cruise on one of the bigger cruise lines.

With this in mind, we’ve put together our Viking River Cruise packing list. Our list is loaded with helpful cruise packing tips that help you to get ready for your river cruise.

You will find an example 7-10 day packing list at the end of the article to use as a starting point for your packing.

Table of Contents

How to Pack for a Viking River Cruise

One of the great advantages of a river cruise is being able to unpack once and relax for the rest of your cruise. However, even with all the great packing hacks we mention here, the secret to packing for a cruise is still to pack light.

River cruise cabins are smaller than hotel or ocean vessel rooms, so pack only essentials to avoid clutter.

Related: 10 Travel Safety Tips to Put in Place Before You Go

Storage in Your Cabin

One thing we love about Viking River Cruise vessels is the ample storage in the cabins. While the cabin may not be that spacious, there is plenty of drawer and cupboard space to stow your things. Empty suitcases or bags slide easily under the beds to minimize clutter.

Pack Your Cruise Carry On Bag Wisely

When you set sail on a Viking river cruise, smart packing matters. Remember your essentials: a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and vital medications in your carry-on bag. Having the best wheeled underseat luggage helps you travel light and keeps you prepared for emergencies on your Viking river cruise.

If you’re using a fly-cruise package and the airline misplaces your luggage, it might arrive late or at the next port. This delay could disrupt your Viking river cruise packing plans.

While it rarely happens, if your bags do get delayed on the river cruise, you have no need to worry. Freshen up and explore the ship without waiting for your belongings during your Viking river cruise.

Related : Avoid lost luggage issues. We’ve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast.

Best Time to Take a River Cruise

There are many river cruises in Europe , but there are numerous others aroudn the globe. Consider voyaging along rivers in China, Vietnam, or Egypt for a diverse experience beyond the usual European route.

When preparing your attire for a Viking River cruise, consider the chosen cruise destination and the prevailing weather conditions. Seasons play a crucial role.

Many opt for European river cruises during spring and autumn, characterized by varied weather. Europe’s summer can also be unpredictable, unlike parts of Asia where summer often brings heavy rainfall

Related : Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sea

Review the Shore Excursions

When assessing your river cruise itinerary, pay close attention to planned excursions and those you’ve already reserved.

Consider packing attire suitable for specific excursions, like versatile hiking or walking shoes for comfortable strolls.

Some activities, like the Russian Banya or Budapest’s spas, might necessitate a swimsuit, providing unique bathing experiences.

Shore excursions are pivotal in European river cruises, often offering cultural evening events such as opera or ballet. For these, consider slightly more formal attire.

Help reduce single-use plastic when you travel .

It is extremely important to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your travels. While Viking provides bottled water on excursions, using a reusable filtering water bottle is environmentally conscious, budget-friendly, and ensures safe refills anywhere.

Explore our guide for the best travel-friendly filtering and purifying water bottles that suit your preferences.

Best Luggage for a Cruise

What kind of luggage is best for a cruise?  The best luggage for a river cruise is sturdy, easy to maneuver through airports, and easy to stow under the bed.

We prefer a soft duffle-style bag with wheels and a telescopic handle. They are easy to pack, easy to carry, and pack flat when not in use. They are also more forgiving if you overpack a little or pick up too many souvenirs on your trip.

Samsonite Wheeled Duffel

We like the Samsonite wheeled duffel bags because they are lightweight, easy to carry and with changeable packing options, are so easy to pack. They also come in different sizes depending on your requirement. Perfect for cruises.

Cruise Luggage Tips

• If you are traveling as a couple, we recommend taking one large suitcase or bag between you for a cruise and one carry-on bag each.
• You maximize the room in your cabin this way and only have to worry about one case while traveling.
• With this in mind, consider baggage weight allowances if your river cruise includes domestic flights within the country.

Best Bags for Cruise Excursions

The ideal bag for shore excursions should prioritize comfort, practicality, and anti-theft features while avoiding excessive bulkiness.

For women, consider opting for anti-theft crossbody purses over large shoulder totes. These practical, stylish alternatives prevent overfilling for comfort, blend in discreetly, and offer security.

Given the extensive walking during river cruise town explorations, prioritize comfort to avoid pickpocketing incidents

Read Our Guide to the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel  

Crossbody Bags for Travel 

Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Bag

Sherpani Prima, Anti Theft Crossbody Bag

Travelon Anti-Theft Cross Body Bag

Read Our Guide to the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel  

Anti Theft Fanny Packs

Discover the resurgence of trendy fanny packs, the perfect lightweight companion for day excursions during your river cruise or leisurely days on board.

We have reviewed some of the best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here , but these are a few of our favorites. Some even transition beautifully from day to evening.

Travelon Addison-Anti-Theft-Convertible Crossbody/Belt Bag

Travelon Origin Anti-Theft Waistpack/Sling Bag treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology

Daypacks for Cruise Excursions

When you choose a travel daypack, prioritize features like hidden pockets, secure zippers, and adaptable designs that remain snug against your back. Make sure you can easily shift your bag to the front in crowded settings.

You can avoid the risk of pickpocketing if you opt for a sling bag. These types of bags provide added security. You can explore our curated collection of Sling Backpacks for men & women .

Read Our Complete Guide to Buying an Anti-Theft Backpack

Best Cruise Purse for Evening Excursions and Onboard

If you want to bring an additional purse for evening excursions or evenings on board, consider a handbag for travel with a small anti-theft wristlet or clutch for evenings. Or, pack a separate anti-theft clutch that won’t take up much room in your bag.

Perfect for carrying your phone, lipstick, room card, and money without having to pack an extra purse.

Baggallini womens Horizon Travel Crossbody cross body handbag

Baggallini Women’s Cross Over Bag with Wristlet

Travelon Anti-Theft Boho Clutch Crossbody Bag

Related: A Complete Guide to the Best Anti-theft Travel Gear

Example Viking River Cruise Packing List

Below is a packing list that will give you all the essentials you need. Continue reading beyond this list to understand the best reasons why you should bring these specific clothing items. This cruise packing list is for a seven to ten-day cruise. You may want to increase some clothing items depending on the type and duration of the cruise.

• 5 – 7 Tops to mix and match with bottoms.
• 1-2 Dressier tops for special evenings.
• 3-4 Bottoms to mix and match with tops.
• 1  Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings.
• 1-2 Long sleeved sweaters depending on the season.
• Lightweight jacket/cardigan for cooler days.
• Scarf/stole – either lightweight for summer or woollen for winter.
• Underwear for the duration of your trip.
• Socks for the duration (including compression socks for the flight).
• Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it.
• Travel umbrella.
• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
• Sunglasses and reading glasses.

Seasonal Additions

• Winter jacket – Lightweight, packable puffy down jacket for travel.
• Warm winter hat.
• Pair of gloves.
• Winterweight scarf/woolen stole.
• Pair winter shoes – opt for lightweight over heavy boots.
• Sun hat for summer
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes.
• 1 pair of day shoes for around the boat or casual evenings.
• 1 pair of dressy shoes for special evenings.
• 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin.

Tech and Accessories

• Extra SD cards for the camera
• External phone charger
• Kindle or E-Reader
• Batteries and chargers for all devices
• Travel adapters (if you need them)
• A power strip (if you think you need one)

Personal Items

• Toiletries and all medications – (quality shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap, and body wash are provided onboard.)
• Hair straightener or curler if you use one – You DO NOT NEED a hairdryer
• Electric shaver if you use one

What to Wear on a River Cruise

How should i dress for a viking cruise.

Viking has a well-earned reputation for delivering an upscale river cruise experience. While this is undoubtedly true, many equate this with the need to dress up during the cruise.

Usually, this is not the case. While a certain level of dress is expected and always appreciated, on a Viking River Cruise, you will not find the need for formal wear as you might on a big cruise line.

How to Pack for a Cruise

To avoid overpacking for your cruise, choose clothing that will work for multiple combinations so you can mix and match outfits.

Start with a predominantly neutral color scheme -black, white, beige, tan, and grey. Depending on your style, you can highlight this with one or two pastels or brighter accent colors.

See our top five best women’s travel pants that are stylish, comfortable, and versatile – perfect for river cruising.

Anatomie Skyler Travel Pant (use code GET15OFF for 15% off your order)

Cashmere Classic Cardigan

Round Neck Stripe T

Bluffworks Travel Palma Chino Pants

See our guide to the must-have travel essentials for women for more travel packing list tips for ladies.

Cruise Packing Tips

• If you are creating a packing list for a seven-day cruise, select five to seven tops to compliment three to four bottoms.
• A brightly colored scarf, shawl, or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit.
• You may wish to choose one additional dressier outfit or elegant top to dress up one of your mix-and-match combinations.
• You may want to increase this accordingly for each additional week you are traveling.

See the end of the article for a complete example river cruise packing list.

Bluffworks Ascender 5 Pocket Travel Pants

Goodthreads Men’s Long-Sleeve Solid Oxford Shirt

Nautica Men’s Classic Fit Polo Shirt

Levi’s Men’s Cargo Short

Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. Easy care, wrinkle-free, breathable fabrics are best.

Layer Your Outfits

Depending on the season and destination, the weather could be changeable from port to port. Layering is the best way to combat changeable conditions when traveling even from morning to night or when transiting in airports.

Allow for one heavier, windproof jacket, although leave overly bulky or heavy clothing at home. They can become cumbersome when on the move. You can find our top-rated women’s travel jackets and men’s travel jackets with hidden pockets here .

Pack some long-sleeved sweaters or cardigans as well as short and long-sleeved tops and shirts. This way, you can be warm in the cooler mornings and evenings and shed easy-to-carry layers as required during the day.

Scarves and Shawls

A nice scarf or pashmina is the perfect travel accessory for layering when it gets a little cool. It can also dress up an outfit for evenings.

A lightweight scarf also makes great layering for sun protection and as a shoulder and head cover for entering places of worship.

Bluffworks Lightweight Travel Utility Scarf

Dalle Piane Cashmere Stole

Cruise Day Wear

True to the ethos of destination-focused cruising, you will have plenty of time ashore exploring independently or on one of the many included and optional shore excursions.  So comfortable, casual wear will make up the majority of your wardrobe.

• Comfortable trousers or jeans are best, or shorts or skirts are also appropriate if the weather calls for it.
• Lightweight, breathable tops. Both long and short-sleeved.
• A lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler weather. (a packable down puffy jacket is good for cold or winter weather)
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Hat and sunglasses

Consider any places of worship you may be visiting where respectful dress is required. You may be denied entry if you are considered to be inappropriately dressed.

Another good reason to always carry a lightweight travel scarf .

Looking for practical and stylish travel wear?

Read our Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel .

We’ve put together a collection of the most stylish anti-theft hidden pocket clothing for travel for both men and women.

Cruise Evening Wear

Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at the orchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board.

While the restaurants offer a fine dining experience, the dress code is optional. Of course, you may choose to dress up, but many passengers will opt for “elegant casual”. There are no “formal nights” on a river cruise.

For ladies – Dresses, skirts, or pants with a blouse or sweater are appropriate.

For men – Trousers and collared shirts are acceptable. Ties and jackets are a personal choice.

Look for easy-care, wrinkle-free dress shirts you can wash and not worry about ironing like this travel range from Bluffworks .

Bluffworks Wrinkle Free Azores Blouse

Bluffworks Wrinkle-Free Travel Zenith Dress Shirt

A river cruise schedule can be quite busy. So much so, some days will barely allow time to change before dinner.

Think about your mix and match. A smart dress shirt or polo can quickly dress up a casual look for men, and a lovely shawl and change of shoes can quickly transform a casual outfit for ladies.

There is no need to bring any fancy jewelry. It will only be something for you to worry about on the cruise.

Pack for the Conditions

Cold and Wet Weather

If you are cruising in the shoulder season or taking a winter river cruise, such as a Christmas market river cruise , you may want to prepare for cold and wet weather.

• A pair of lightweight gloves and hat that can slip easily into your daypack or handbag.
• A scarf or shawl is great for layering in minor changes in weather and a must if cruising in the winter months.
• A lightweight rain jacket or quality rain poncho . Consider a jacket that can double as your day-to-day jacket for cooler days, or choose a waterproof jacket that will fold down for easy storage and carrying.
• All river cruises offer complimentary umbrellas on board as just one of the thoughtful cruise accessories on offer . However, they are quite large, so they are not always ideal for taking out for a full day of sightseeing. A small, quality travel umbrella is perfect for keeping in your daypack or handbag, and you always have it in case of an unexpected downpour.

Our favourite travel accessories for wet weather. 

Totes Women’s Reversible, Packable Travel Rain Poncho

The North Face Venture Rain Jacket

totes Women’s Bucket Rain Hat

Windproof & Lightweight Folding Travel Umbrella.

Sun and Hot Weather

If cruising in the warmer months, don’t get caught without sun protection. There is nothing worse than a sunburn on your holiday.

Too many people forget about sun protection when sightseeing around cities and local attractions. Even in the shoulder seasons, the sun can be very harmful, so always be prepared with at least the basics.

• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts are perfect for hot sunny days. Collared shirts are always better.
• A travel umbrella works equally as well as a sun parasol.
• A lightweight travel scarf is great for additional sun protection on the neck and shoulders and comes in handy when visiting places of worship. They are also good if visiting dusty areas to cover your face.

Foldable and Packable Sun Hats for Travel

SunLily Women’s Roll-n-Go Sun Hat

Scala Women’s Packable Cotton Hat

Foldable & Packable Fedora Panama Straw Hat

Best Shoes for a River Cruise

Shoes take up the most room in our luggage and can sometimes add the most weight – See our tips on how to pack shoes to solve these issues. Especially when considering some men’s shoes. In saying that, consider carefully what shoes you will pack for a river cruise.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentary way to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. At each port, you will have numerous shore activities and excursions to choose from, including lots of free walking tours.

You will be doing a considerable amount of walking and even some easy-to-moderate hikes on some excursions. 

Comfortable walking shoes will be very important. Also, choose shoes with a good grip. Walking around Europe on the cobblestones can sometimes be perilous, especially in the wet.

See our guide to the best travel sneakers for comfy, grippy, cobblestone-proof footwear.

Forsake Davos Mid Men’s Waterproof Outdoor Sneaker Boot

Allbirds Men’s Risers Sneakers

Skechers Men’s Relaxed-Fit Memory Foam Slip-On Loafer

Thankfully today, you can find some very stylish, practical, and, more importantly, lightweight walking shoes on the market.

Tip: Break in your walking shoes before you leave on your cruise

ECCO Women’s Soft 7 Sneaker

Skechers Women’s Go Joy Walking Shoe

Allbirds Women’s SuperLight Tree Runners

Additional Day and Evening Shoes

You may like to take a second pair of day shoes for around the ship that can transition to evening and one pair of dressier shoes for evening excursions.

We always like to take a pair of flip-flops or a similar comfortable sandal for relaxing in the cabin or making those quick trips to the snack and coffee station.

Fly – Cruise Tip

If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long-haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. Swollen feet from flying are bad at the best of times.

On a river cruise, you will launch straight into tours and excursions; there would be nothing worse than squeezing swollen feet into shoes for a walking tour.

Personal Items, Adapters & Chargers

Toiletries and personal products.

Embarking on a river cruise grants you ample shore time to easily grab any toiletries you need along the way. With Viking River Cruises, skip packing basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, or body lotion—unless you have specific preferences.

They offer an exclusive, luxurious range by Freyja, supplied in generously sized, refillable bottles, sidestepping leaks and the burden of tiny containers. These premium products are replenished daily or upon request, ensuring you’re always catered to.

Plus, there’s a convenient onboard shop for any urgent needs.

Medications

Don’t forget any medicines you might need for the duration of your cruise, plus additional just in case of any delays.

Tip for Travelling with Medications

Check any travel advice for the countries you will be traveling to regarding prohibited medication lists . If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home.

Additional Handy Toiletries We Recommend

Don’t forget to carry some hand sanitizer with you. We find the ones that clip to your bag are the best as you never leave them behind and are easy to access when needed.

Hand Sanitizer Travel Sized Pump Bottle

One of the less desirable aspects of travel is having to use public conveniences, something you will often do on a river cruise. We always keep some of these handy wipes in our bags. Whether at an airport or on a shore excursion, throw a few in your bag, and you will never get caught out.

Flushable, individually wrapped wipes for travel.

Adapters and Chargers

Travel Adapters

Viking longships have 110 / 220-volt outlets and USB ports in every cabin, so you shouldn’t need a power adapter unless you have hotel stays included in your cruise itinerary or either side of the cruise. (Not every cruise company will have this, so you should check in advance if cruising with a different company)

You will find power points next to the bed and near the desk, which will likely be ample for most travelers.

If you find you need more charging space for cameras, phones, or even a laptop, we recommend bringing a  power strip from your home country. We always travel with one, just in case.

Cruise Excursion Tip

Bring your headphones – I find the earpieces issued with the audio devices for tours very uncomfortable and difficult to attach to my ear.

I have found the plug-in headphones you would typically use with your smartphone are compatible with the audio devices on board. They are much more comfortable to wear for long periods and produce better sound.

Generic Premium Earbuds/Headphones with Stereo Mic & Remote Control for Smartphones

Charging Bank

A quality, fast charging bank is great for travel days and essential for full-day shore excursions, especially for anyone who uses their phone as their primary camera. They are not expensive and can be a lifesaver when you really need that bit of extra battery.

Dandelion Travel Adapter with 2 USB Ports

Power strip with 3 AC Outlets, 2 USB Ports

The Smallest and Lightest High-Speed Power Bank

Do You Have All Your Chargers and Cords?

Always do a final check of all your devices, cameras, and electronic equipment to make sure you have all the right cords, batteries, and chargers. You may not be able to get a replacement should you forget one.

The Complete Guide to a Viking River Cruise

Ever consider a Viking European river cruise? River cruises are very popular choices for people who like traveling to new places in the comfort of a floating hotel. That is, you sleep and eat on the ship and are transported to your destinations along a river. It’s certainly a relaxing way to travel. Plus, Viking offers several excursions each day that the ship is in port. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Viking River cruise, which transported us comfortably to some amazing European destinations.

This article highlights the European river cruises aboard the Viking Longboats. The sizes of the ships are designed specifically for the rivers they ply (e.g., they need to navigate the sometimes narrow waterways and any locks along the way). Viking ships all sport calming Scandinavian decor and are designed efficiently.  The general experience on all Viking River cruise ships is the same, no matter what ship you’re on. However, the information in this article is from our Grand European Tour cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest aboard the Skirnir and Modi (more on the two ships later).  Once you’ve booked a Viking cruise, take the next steps , like creating an online account with Viking, to ensure a wonderful adventure .

NOTE: This article was completely updated in January 2023 from the original article, written in 2019 . Some procedures and protocols on cruise ships have changed to address public health concerns since the global COVID-19 pandemic. Check with your Viking agent or travel agent (or your MyVikingJourney online portal if you’re already booked on a cruise) to learn the latest protocols aboard the ship, and in the countries you’ll be visiting. Despite some tweaks, this article will prepare you for your Viking River cruise. Enjoy!

What to Expect on a Viking River Cruise

Viking is an industry leader for a variety of reasons, including their choices of fascinating destinations, varied excursion options, attention to detail in designing the private and shared spaces, and a welcoming and hard-working staff.

Viking River Cruise Destinations

You’ll find Viking River cruises throughout Europe, Egypt, and Southeast Asia . There are so many choices of destinations and lengths of the trip. Some people book two cruises back-to-back to extend their vacation. Also, Viking offers options to add a few days in the first or last destination before and after a cruise.

What You’ll Find on Viking

On all river cruises, guests are offered one complimentary shore excursion at every destination . In addition, quite a few “optional” excursions are available at an extra cost. The excursions provide guests with an array of experiences, including peeks into how locals live, how and where they work, and some “privileged access” options just for Viking guests.

Onboard you’ll have port talks to prepare you for each new day along with musical entertainment in the lounge. Plus, you can expect some special cooking and craft demonstrations, wine tastings, and presentations about a destination’s unique features .

Guests are served complimentary soft drinks, beer, or wine during lunch and dinner. There is an extra charge for the Silver Spirits package for guests who want to enjoy premium wines and beer, cocktails, and champagnes.

What You Won’t Find on Viking

There are several things you won’t find on a Viking River cruise, and they are often some of the prime reasons so many people choose Viking .

• No inside staterooms.
• No kids. All guests are 18 years old or more.
• No smoking.
• No casinos.
• No formal nights.
• No charge for Wi-Fi.

Viking River Cruise Ships

Viking Longboats have four decks:

• The Sun Deck has tables and chairs for guests to enjoy the views plus a walking track.
• The Upper Deck has the library, bar, lounge, Aquavit Terrace, coffee and tea station, and internet cafe, along with both of the Explorer Suites, all of the Veranda Suites, and some of the Veranda and French Balcony staterooms.
• The Middle Deck has Guest Services, the restaurant, the Viking shop, and some of the Veranda and French Balcony staterooms. 
• The Lower Deck has the Standard Staterooms.

Stairs connect all the decks; an elevator service the upper and middle decks.

Viking River Cruise Staterooms

All Viking River cruise ship staterooms have:

• river views.
• king-size beds that can be split to make two twin beds.
• private bathrooms that are separate from the living space.
• housekeeping twice a day.
• a telephone, safe, and refrigerator.
• a closet with wooden hangers.
• luggage storage under the beds.
• free Wi-Fi (though connection speeds vary depending upon location).
• a flat-screen TV with infotainment options.
• 110/220-volt outlets and USB ports.

Stateroom Options

The different types of staterooms range in size, available outdoor space, the time for guaranteed stateroom access, and amenities. Also, the ability to book optional excursions varies by the stateroom level . For example, the guests in the Explorer Suites can book optional excursions before guests in the Veranda Suites. This practice continues through all the classes of staterooms, with the standard staterooms getting the last optional booking options. Having said this, there are often opportunities to book optional excursions once you board the ship. This is because some guests may have canceled their planned optional excursions prior to the cruise, so it’s a good practice to check on this and any other concerns once you’re on board. 

• 150 square foot stateroom with picture window (no outdoor space)
• located on the Main Deck (lowest deck)
• 3:00 pm guaranteed stateroom access
• 135 square foot stateroom with French balcony (sliding glass door with no outdoor space)
• located on the Upper Deck and Middle Deck
• 205 square foot room with full-size private veranda
• 275 square foot suite with full-size private veranda
• located on the Upper Deck 
• 12:00 pm guaranteed stateroom access
• mini-bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks that are replenished daily
• complimentary fruit plate daily
• complimentary laundry & shoe shine services
• expansive 445 square foot living space (separate living room and bedroom) with wraparound balcony at the stern of the ship plus a French balcony in the bedroom. 
• complimentary in-room breakfast service
• complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package
• private arrival and departure transfer (from and to the airport)

Stateroom Amenities

The staterooms and bathrooms are efficiently designed to maximize usable space , and there are many things to appreciate in the staterooms.

• A safe with an electronic keypad is provided in each room. You set the code, so it’s a cinch to remember. It easily holds passports and other travel documents, along with jewelry and money. One tip we learned is to put a shoe (just one!) in the safe the day before you check out. Having to look for the shoe on the last day will remind you to open the safe so you don’t forget your valuables.
• Staterooms have 110V and 220V electrical outlets , so you can plug in whichever fits your needs. We took a universal travel adaptor with 4 USB plugs and 4 outlets and used just one outlet for all of our electronics (smartphones, cameras, tablets , and Apple Watch). That saved precious counter space.
• There’s a full-size   hair dryer with a German Schuko 2-pin plug that matches the 2-prong outlet in the bathroom.
• Sturdy wooden hangers are in your closet upon arrival; if you need more, just ask, and they will be delivered promptly.
• A complete supply of Freyja toiletries , including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion along with a shower cap and vanity set, awaits you in the bathroom. These supplies are replenished as needed.
• The bathroom has a laundry line in the shower that is handy for hanging hand-washed garments.
• Laundry can be sent out to be done. It is usually returned within 24 hours. You can choose to have your garments washed and ironed or ironed only. For an idea of the costs for cleaning and ironing, pants are 6 Euros, a blouse is 5 Euros, and a polo shirt is 3.5 Euros (at the time of publication). Guests in an Explorer Suite or Veranda Suite receive complimentary laundry services.
• There’s a mini-fridge in the staterooms. Whatever you consume will be replenished when the staff cleans your room.
• A large glass bottle of water i n your guest room (along with glasses) will be replenished as needed. (You will also be offered bottled water as you leave for each excursion.)
• There are two listening devices on lanyards along with an earpiece (for your left ear) for each device inside your room. Keep these devices in the chargers when not in use, so they are fully charged for excursions.
• All rooms have a color TV with live channels, complimentary movies, and Viking programming . We used the TV for weather updates and a map that always shows the ship’s location; this was very handy as we navigated the rivers in between ports of call. 
• Housekeeping will visit your room in the morning to clean it.
• Housekeeping will revisit your room while you’re at dinner. You’ll notice the Viking Daily on your bed when you return to your room later that evening. This publication outlines the schedule for the next day, with all included and optional excursions as well as suggestions on where to visit and eat during your free time the next day.
• There’s room under the bed to store suitcases after unpacking.

Viking River Cruise Common Areas

In addition to your stateroom, there are several key public areas on the longships including an expansive, relaxing lounge and bar, the Aquavit Terrace at the ship’s bow for al fresco dining and soaking in river views, a dining room, a coffee/tea station, a small library, and an area with two desktop computers for guest use. For more details on the areas designed for guest comfort, read the illustrated guide to the Viking River Cruise ship’s common areas .

Embarkation

Staterooms are guaranteed to be ready at 3:00 pm. (If you are booked in one of the suites, you’ll have access to your stateroom at 12:00.) If you arrive before your guaranteed time of 3:00 pm, you can spend time in the Lounge or leave your luggage on the ship and begin to explore the city on your own. A light buffet is available in the Lounge around midday, so you’ll be able to recharge a bit before the cruise begins — a nice treat if you just got off a long flight.

The Viking Onboard Experience

Naturally, safety is a primary concern of travelers and the crew. There was a mandatory safety drill on our first full day of the river cruise. Life vests were under the beds, but prior to the drill, they were placed on our beds while we were at lunch. Just before the drill, we were all asked to return to our staterooms and don our life vests. After that, we went to an assigned group on the upper deck (groups are determined by what floor the staterooms are on), and we had to give our stateroom number to the staff at the assigned location (for roll call). Once everyone was accounted for, we were able to leave, return our life vests to our stateroom, and resume what we were doing.

Each time you leave the ship, you scan your room key . When you return to the ship, you scan it again . This is one way the crew can account for all guests. Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. (It’s not uncommon for someone to forget to scan their card when returning to the ship.)

Attire on a river cruise is casual. During the day on excursions, travelers dress very comfortably as they leave the ship to explore a destination. However, most guests sport a smart casual look for dinner. Leave your dressier clothes at home; no formal nights are on a Viking River cruise. 

Meals on a Viking River Cruise

Three meals are included each day at the following times:

• Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 am
• Lunch: 12:00-2:00 pm 
• Dinner: 7:00 pm

Soda, beer, and house wine are available at lunch and dinner at no charge.

Travelers who purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package (price varies depending on the length of your cruise) can get whatever alcoholic beverage they want during lunch, dinner, and whenever else the bar is staffed (afternoons and evenings) at no additional charge. The Silver Spirits package is complimentary for guests in an Explorer Suite.

If you have dietary restrictions, let Viking know when you book. You should also alert the Maitre d’ once on board.

The river cruises have open seating, so that means you aren’t assigned any table mates. Each time you enter the dining room, you find a table that you want to sit at. We enjoyed sitting with different people; it gave us a chance to learn about their travel experiences and lives a bit. You never know what you’ll learn or who you’ll meet!

Although lunch is available in the dining room, we favored the Aquavit Terrace (at the front of the ship) for our midday meal. It’s relaxed and has an abundant food buffet with soup, a variety of salads, meats, warm sandwiches (like paninis and Cuban sandwiches), fruit, and dessert. There’s always iced tea — often with different flavors every day. Servers take your drink orders (sodas, beer, wine) and freshen up your glass when it is empty. Just inside is the Lounge where we ate one rainy lunchtime. The Aquavit Terrace is one advantage Viking has over its competition. This is a great venue for enjoying the passing landscape on travel days and relaxed dining every day.

Prior to dinner, the chef usually introduces the options including his/her recommendations. On our cruise, this was done in the Lounge just after the evening port talk by the program director. Dinner begins at 7:00 pm in the dining room. If you choose to eat on the Aquavit Terrace, dinner begins at 7:15 pm with all of the same options as in the dining room.

Menu Options

On one side of the menu are the “classics” or options that are always available. W hen we cruised, the “classics” included Caesar salad as a starter; steak, salmon, and chicken as entrees, and Creme Brûlée, a selection of cheeses, a fruit plate, and ice cream for dessert.

On the other side of the menu are “regional specialties” or options that are focused on our destinations. Examples were creamy potato soup, Wiener Schnitzel, and Sacher cake when in Vienna; while in Budapest, the menu featured Hungarian Farmer Salad, Fogas Karpathy (perch and shrimp in white wine sauce), and Zserbo (a layered walnut and chocolate cake).

Without a doubt, we give Viking chefs top marks for the presentation and flavor of the food they serve. We always enjoyed the variety of food from the local areas we were visiting. After all, we travel to experience new places, new food, and new people, so we like to eat local specialties whenever possible. We were never disappointed with our meal selections. Whichever side of the menu you order from, the meals for the entire table are served at the same time.

Guests & Socializing

Cruising is a social experience as you chat with fellow passengers on excursions, at the social hour before dinner in the Lounge, and at meals.  An easy way to begin a conversation is to ask where people are from, about their past travel experiences, and what excursions interest them the most. We’ve found there are a lot of commonalities as well as interesting folks to meet. 

River cruises are designed for the mature traveler as Viking guests must be 18 years old. Many of the guests are retired, but there were quite a few still working or recently retired. 

Exercising on a River Cruise

There is no fitness center or spa on Viking River cruise ships; the space that could be a fitness center is instead put to use in the common areas and staterooms. (European river cruise ships are limited in size due to the rivers they cruise on, so they have the same overall dimensions. Some companies may take space from common areas to put into spas and fitness centers; others, like Viking, use all that available space for staterooms and common areas.)

To burn off some of the calories ingested by the delicious food onboard, I walked in the morning around the sun deck track. 12.5 laps = 1 mile. Viking asks that guests not walk on the sun deck from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am as a courtesy to those whose cabins are just below the sun deck. Getting my heart rate up while enjoying beautiful scenery passing by while the ship made its way down a river was a win-win.

My husband prefers to jog each morning, and he was able to when we were docked in the early morning before excursions began. Other times, we were still sailing, so he could not. A good idea if you’re a runner is to check with the reception desk to map out when there will be time in the morning to leave the ship for a jog or run before excursions begin.

Excursions on a Viking River Cruise

You can sign up for excursions from your account on MyVikingJourney.com prior to your trip. Sometimes optional excursions sell out, although there are usually some available once you’re on the ship. Please note that Viking requires at least 48 hours’ cancellation notice if you are on the ship and decide not to go on an optional excursion. 

There are three activity levels for excursions :

• Easy means the walking will be on mostly smooth (not cobbled) surfaces, there are few steps, and the tours will be 1.5 hours or less.
• Moderate means the walking could be a little more strenuous or have more stairs or inclines. The total time on these outings could be 1.5 to 3 hours.
• Demanding means extensive walking, hiking, or biking. Walking could be on unpaved or uneven surfaces and may involve many steps or steep inclines. The total time on these outings could be longer than 3 hours.

Prior to Excursions

About 15 minutes before each excursion, there is an announcement to remind guests that it is almost time to leave and to remember the listening devices. These devices are attached to lanyards with earpieces. 

You’ll receive an excursion card with a number and a letter. The number indicates which ship you’re on. (This is handy because you might encounter tour groups from other Viking ships that are docked in the same city at the same time.) The letter indicates which excursion group you’re on. Since there are often different excursions leaving simultaneously , this is an efficient way to find which tour guide to meet as you disembark the ship. The buses and tour guides for your group are each marked: the bus has a placard with the same number and letter to let you know you need to board that bus; the tour guide has a red and white sign on a paddle to indicate that group, as well.

Leaving the Ship

As you leave the ship, you’ll scan your room key to indicate your departure and rescan it upon returning . This is Viking’s way of accounting for guests.

As you leave the ship, you are handed a bottle of water.  To conserve resources, you could easily fill a reusable water bottle from home with water in the rooms. There are also bright red full-size Viking umbrellas to take along on excursions if it’s raining. I learned that I probably should have packed a small collapsable umbrella to stuff in my backpack; that way, I won’t be carrying the big Viking umbrella around after the rain has stopped while we’re still sightseeing.

A Few Important Excursion Notes

It’s important to note that when the ship docks somewhere in the morning and you go on an excursion, you sometimes will be brought back to the ship in a different location — like another city further down the river. This taught me to take pictures when I first see a scenic sight just in case I wouldn’t have the opportunity again.

There is precise timing to docking and excursions. For example, we arrived in Cologne at 9:30 am and our walking tour began at 10:00 am. Viking is very efficient with their timing. Likewise, when the ship is ready to leave, it leaves — as long as all the guests are accounted for. 

Not everyone needs to go on excursions. Some guests preferred to stay in the Lounge and simply relax, read a book, or enjoy the view beyond the big plate glass window or take in the views from the sun deck.

Big City Lesson

One thing we learned is that although some excursions will guide you through a large city, if it is inland a bit, you may be spending a significant amount of time traveling from the ship to the city — and comparatively modest amounts of time actually in the city itself. We learned this the hard way one day, and we realized that we actually prefer exploring the little towns that we dock at more. Our preferred day at a town where we were docked included a morning walking tour (an included excursion) to get the lay of the land. In the afternoon, we followed up on some of the suggestions the local guide from the morning had regarding how to spend the remainder of the day. That worked well as we enjoyed some nice non-touristy lunches and other walks and tours on our own.

Viking Communication

We found the onboard communication to be excellent . This includes the Viking Daily which provides information for each new day and the evening updates by the program director in the Lounge before dinner. There are also daily announcements with information on docking and reminders about impending excursion departures. 

TIP: Take a picture of The Viking Daily each evening before heading to bed. Then it’ll be the first photo on your camera roll before the next day’s activities. Doing so will help you remember months and years later where all your amazing pictures are from!

The crew communicates with each other quite well. For example, once the crew knows that everyone is accounted for after excursions, the ship is sailing within minutes of the anticipated departure (as noted in the Viking Daily ). 

Viking Staff

The Viking onboard staff — from the captain, hotel manager, and program director to the housekeeping and wait staff — were all positive, upbeat folks: smiling, accommodating, and helpful. Also, the onboard staff and the local guides speak English well.

Little Touches by Viking

Viking has perfected hospitality on many levels. Their crew is well-trained and genuinely appears to want to make you happy. There are lots of smiles and offers of help. They also are known for providing little touches that many guests appreciate. Here are some examples from our cruise:

• Viking is happy to celebrate your birthdays and anniversaries while onboard. Many people were serenaded during dinner, and special treats made pleasant surprises. We celebrated a big anniversary on our cruise and were delighted with champagne and a special dessert awaiting us in our room after dinner one night.
• Every once in a while, you may be treated to a little “extra” like a refreshing drink served on the sun deck while sailing one day.
• I borrowed some books from the ship’s library and left them on a table in our room. When I returned, I noticed two Viking bookmarks resting on top of the books. Likewise, a few days later, I had just started reading a different book and placed it on my night table on top of my Kindle. When I returned to the room, I noticed another bookmark was placed on top of it. 

Tipping is the universal way to thank someone for providing excellent service — and you will find excellent service on Viking. You can choose to pre-pay gratuities which we did. Prepaid gratuities came to 18 Euros per guest per day. Viking adds a discretionary service charge (15 Euros per guest per day when we traveled) to your shipboard account if you choose not to prepay the gratuity . The tips cover all onboard staff. We also took along some thank you cards and added some extra cash to give to those we felt went above and beyond during our cruise.

The recommended tipping (for each guest) on excursions is 2 Euros for local guides and 1 Euro for bus drivers.  Needless to say, it’s handy to have small change for tipping.

Onboard Account

Viking keeps track of your expenses during the cruise, including bar items, laundry, phone calls, and purchases from the Viking shop (logo wear and souvenirs). When the cruise ends, you settle your account in cash (U.S. dollars or Euros) or by credit card.

Parallel Parked Ships

Sometimes there’s a lot of river cruise ship traffic in popular cities. This was true in Passau, a city of over 50,000, and especially in heavyweights like Vienna and Budapest. When this happens, the cruise ship parks parallel to another cruise ship. This means that your ship could be the first, second, or third ship docked. Furthermore, this means that you may have to walk through another ship to get to shore or people are walking through your ship to get to and from theirs. The ships are designed for this — to have travelers walk through the common spaces. And our experience was that we were usually parked next to other Viking ships, so we walked through familiar spaces.

Having to dock the ship next to another cruise ship also means that the view from your stateroom could be blocked and your cabin could be a bit dark.  We were docked next to other ships several times on our 15-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. It’s not a deal breaker for us, but it’s something every river cruise guest should be forewarned about. 

Transferring Ships

There are times when river cruise ships have to have guests disembark a ship and then board a sister ship. Sometimes the river water levels may be too low in spots (due to the lack of sufficient rain during summer) or there is another issue (like a broken lock) necessitating the change.

When We Had to Switch Ships

Here’s our story. We were sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest. There was a broken lock near Regensburg, about halfway between the two big cities. Viking had a sister ship sailing the same journey in the opposite direction — from Budapest to Amsterdam — so we switched ships. We got off our ship, the Skirnir, in Nuremberg (one of our scheduled ports) before the damaged lock. The guests on the other ship, the Modi, got off the ship at Regensburg, on the other side of the damaged lock. Essentially, each ship then turned around and went back to the city from which it originated. Suffice it to say that Viking has this all figured out and has contingency plans firmly in place.

Impact on Guests

What it meant for guests was a minor inconvenience. We had to have our luggage packed and placed outside our stateroom door by 7:00 am on the day of the switch. Viking collected the luggage (with different colored tags for the three different floors of the ship) and trucked it to where the Modi, our new ship, was docked. All guests left the ship for excursions (the times of the excursions were modified that day so they would all be timed for the same number of hours). After the excursions, we all met at a restaurant in Nuremberg for lunch, had a little free time, and then were bussed to the new ship in the late afternoon. As we arrived at the ship, we were warmly greeted, and we went to our rooms (which were intentionally left unlocked). Our luggage awaited us, and our new room keys were on the dresser.

Since they are sister ships, they are the same, so the only thing that changed was the crew. The one exception was the program director, who made the move with us. Otherwise, we had a brand new crew. We had grown to like the crew on the Skirnir, but we quickly came to like the new ones as well.

Disembarkation

Viking has guest departures timed to match their future travel plans. Viking assigns different colored luggage tags to guests depending on what their next travel destination is (a post-excursion through Viking, a trip independent of Viking, or a flight home). The tags have the time the luggage must be outside the staterooms as well as the time that guests are expected to depart the ship. (Viking asks that luggage not be placed outside the staterooms when going to bed the previous night due to safety concerns — should there be an emergency, having bags in the narrow corridors would pose a safety risk.) 

On our cruise, some guests had to put their luggage outside their staterooms as early as 2:45 am and leave the ship at 3:30 am to go to the airport. Regardless of their next destinations, all guests had to place their luggage outside their rooms no later than 9:00 am. After that point, guests still on board could use the common areas (Lounge or sun deck) until their transfer to the airport or other destination. That way, Viking could clean the staterooms and ready the ship for the passengers boarding later that day for the next cruise.

Planning Your Viking River Cruise

Once you book a Viking River cruise, take the next steps to ensure an amazing experience . One of those steps is to create an online account with Viking. There you’ll find a countdown to departure, background on each port of call, the entire list of excursions available (some are complimentary; others cost extra) that you can book online, a calendar showing your itinerary for each day, and other helpful information about the cruise. For a complete list of action steps

You will receive your final travel documents and Viking luggage tags within three weeks of your trip. Included is a packet of information specific to your ship (including phone numbers on the ship plus embarkation location information) and an itinerary.

Booking Options

Some travelers prefer to book through Viking itself. We opted to book through our travel agent with whom we could meet face-to-face, ask questions, and learn from her knowledge of cruising and different cruise companies. Plus, some travel agents provide onboard credit to cruising clients. Since we booked through our travel agent, Viking sent her the final travel documents, and she checked them before passing them on to us.

Disclaimer: My husband and I paid for our Viking River cruise ourselves. We did not receive any compensation or discounts from Viking or any other organization. I merely want to share our experience on a river cruise with my readers. 

Related Articles

Viking related articles.

• Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide
• Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions: What You Need to Know
• Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps to Take After Booking a Cruise
• Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
• Best Sights to See on a Viking Grand European Tour Cruise
• Viking Antarctica Cruise: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

General Travel Planning Articles

• Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers
• Travel Lightly: Top Ten Tips for Your Next Trip

Travel Planning Timeline

• Expert Tips for Traveling to Europe for More Fun, Less Stress
• How to Use Google Translate While Traveling

Final Thoughts

We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking River cruise. O n our trip, we met interesting people; visited fascinating places; sampled new foods, wines, and beer; and appreciated Viking’s convenience and gracious hospitality . We can’t say enough about how well-run and maintained the ships are. Although we have some other trips planned (that we organize ourselves, as we often do), we are contemplating which Viking cruise — river or ocean — we will be booking next. 

The Viking Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest was a great experience that we’ll never forget.

To ensure you remember all the great experiences on your cruise, take lots of pictures and create a photo book of your journey when you return home. You’ll be glad you did!

If you have taken a Viking River cruise and want to share your experiences, please do so in the comment area below. 🙂

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Best Sights to See on the Viking Grand European Tour River Cruise

Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking Your Cruise

Viking Antarctica Cruises: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

108 thoughts on “the complete guide to a viking river cruise”.

Thank you so much for the wonderful information in this guide! We are leaving in 6 days for the Grand European Adventure from Amsterdam to Budapest. This is our first cruise ever, and you have answered many questions we still had. We appreciate you sharing your time and adventures with us, and I signed up for your “Travel With Lolly” newsletter too! Thanks again!

I’m hoping you’re having a fabulous cruise! That’s a great itinerary.

Things that I learned while stationed in Germany and traveling around the local economy. You need some small change for this. – Public toilets have attendants who maintain them and who expect a gratuity (.20-.50 Euros) for use. This may have increased since my last visit. – Damen = Women, not “The Men” – Herren = Men, not “Her”

Thanks, Rich!

Some cruises include excursions. How expensive are the excursions? Where do you find the choices? Thanks!

Hi Leslie, Viking cruises include an excursion at each destination; these are usually general bus or walking tours of a city. In addition, they offer optional excursions that are more targeted to specific interests like concerts, museums, hiking or biking, and farm or winery tours. The anticipated optional excursions are listed on the Viking website for each cruise. They are also listed on MyVikingJourney.com, a site you can access after you book a Viking cruise, along with prices. Prices vary and usually run from $60-$200.

Thanks for this information. I’ve been on a Viking ocean cruise but am going on my first river cruise in June. I found that it’s easy to book shore excursions on one’s own (through “Tours by Locals”, AirBnB, and other venues) and many cost far less than what Viking charges. For example, going to Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny will cost 4 of us about 1/3 of what Viking is charging. Going to a chocolate making session at Lindt will cost $90 per person — about twice that going w/Viking. I know they have staff to pay, and overhead to finance, and many people will want the easier route of booking a Viking excursion. But for those who have the time to explore options online, and are willing to read through reviews to ascertain the good and bad of each offered tour, I highly recommend a little independent booking.

Thanks for sharing, Carol!

Thank you so much for this super-detailed information. :). I have a couple of follow up questions. I read a number of the comments, but time right now is a premium, so I apologize in advance if I am rehashing any prior q’s.

We are leaving on our Rhine cruise next week and are super excited! 1. Is there much sailing during daylight hours? I fear that all the great sailing will be while we are sleeping. The point of a cruise, for me, is a good bit of time enjoying the water. 2. My husband and I are seasoned travelers. Would you encourage or discourage any bookings at locations through outside vendors? I recall the part of your article that indicates the ship may change position during excursions. I would hate to book an outside excursion and come back to find the ship has gone on to another location. For instance, we would like to take a side morning trip to Heidelberg during the stop at Speyer, but we don’t want to do the 9 hour tour available through Viking. We were thinking we may get a ride to Heidelberg and tour the castle on our own. Viking doesn’t really say anything about outside tours.

Thanks again!

Hi Karen, There may be some sailing during the day, depending on the distance between two ports, but most of it is in the evening and at nighttime. You’ll probably be enjoying some views while sailing during late afternoon and early evening. To get more information about the times the ship is expected to be in port, use the Live Chat feature on the My Viking Journey online site to ask about it. When you know when the ship is in port, you can figure out when it will most likely be sailing and if you have enough time for an outside tour. I’ve found the Live Chat staff to be very helpful; hopefully, you will, too! Have a wonderful cruise!

This is a very informative post and the details are very helpful. We will be doing the river cruise at the end of July (Budapest to Amsterdam) and opted for a post cruise excursion that offers 1-day tour and the next day on our own. With this 1 limited free day, can you please recommend a thing or two to do or visit in Amsterdam? We’re thinking of Anne Frank museum, is it worth it? My husband is a classical music junky and wanted to tour or watch something in Concertgebau. I will appreciate your recommendations.

Hi Joel, Spending time in Amsterdam offers so many options! It comes down to what you like to do. I think the Anne Frank House is worth a visit, as are the musuems. The only issue is getting tickets for a visit just a few weeks away. Perhaps going on TripAdvisor will give you ideas for things you’d enjoy doing. They may have recommendations for special interest tours or other experiences that speak to you!

Hi Lolly – oh my goodness! This is the BEST information. Thank you so much for your thoroughness! We are taking our first river cruise in November 2024 (Rhine Getaway on the Gersemi) and we cannot wait, but we are also grateful that we have so much time to research and prepare. A river cruise has been on my list for quite some time. Thank you again!

I’m glad the article helped you prepare for your upcoming river cruise. I hope you have a wonderful time on the ship, exploring new places, and meeting new people. 🙂

Lolly, No questions, I just wanted to thank you for having such an informative post. You answered all the questions we had after going through the Viking pages. Thanks for what you do.

Thanks for the kind words, Keith! I’m glad you found the article helpful.

When using a visa credit card, will the charge be in dollars or Euros?

Hi Glenn, When using credit cards in Europe, it’s usually best to avoid converting the amount into dollars (because there’s usually a fee for doing so). So accept the transaction amount “without conversion,” as you want to use the local currency option.

Although we’ve done probably 25 or so cruises on the big ships this is our first river cruise. We’ll be on the Grand European from Amsterdam to Budapest in July and we’re beginning to get really excited. Of course, that also means that we were starting to come up with all sorts of questions about the ship & excursions. Happily, your article has answered many of our questions!! I do have one question though – can we get additional Euros through the service desk on the ship or should we make sure we have plenty before we board? Thanks so much!

Hi Jan, I’m glad you found the article helpful! About Euros, Viking’s guest services desk will break Euros into smaller denominations, but they don’t handle currency exchanges. If you’re starting with some Euros, you should be able to easily obtain more from ATMs in Amsterdam (and other ports); the guest services desk should be able to tell you where to find one near the ship. Keep in mind that many shops and restaurants accept credit cards (VISA and MasterCard primarily), so you’ll probably use your Euros mostly for small incidentals and for tipping tour guides and bus drivers when on excursions. Accepting the local conversion rate (not into dollars) is usually advantageous when withdrawing from an ATM. For more tips for traveling to Europe, read Expert Tips for Traveling to Europe for More Fun, Less Stress . Have a wonderful cruise!

How much time (approx) did you have in each port?

Great question, Jessica! Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. You can ask Viking or your travel agent for specifics for the cruise that interests you. As an example, on my upcoming Viking cruise in the Mediterranean, we arrive in port in the mornings by 8:00 or 9:00 am. Our departure times vary quite a bit from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

What a great article! We leave on our trip tomorrow, Antwerp to Amsterdam for ten days. We have never cruised before. This was so helpful. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for your kind words. Have a marvelous time!

Thank you for this very informative article. Looking at the Viking Daily it appears that included tours are in the morning and optional ones are in the afternoon. Is it then possible to do one of each per day?

Hi Barb, Excursion options vary and are often driven by local tour operators and their schedules. There weren’t separate morning and afternoon excursions for an upcoming ocean cruise my husband and I are taking, and that’ll work out just fine. Most days, my husband and I will go on an excursion in the morning and then explore a town independently in the afternoon (and evening, if still in port) — perhaps having a leisurely lunch in a scenic spot, visiting a museum, or going for a hike nearby. I suggest asking about ideas for independent activity once you’re aboard the ship. The Viking Daily gives some general ideas, and I’m sure the Viking staff can help you find things (e.g., museums, restaurants, shops) that specifically interest you. Oftentimes, it’s exploring on our own that makes traveling so enjoyable. Hopefully, it will be the same for you, too. Have a wonderful cruise!

Great article. Thank you for taking the time to post this. One question: in checking in for your flight at the end of the cruise, did you have any issues doing this on board the ship? We might want to change airline seats, which we cannot do before our cruise.

Hi Ron, I’ve not experienced any issues connecting online while on the ship. If you do, I’d suggest going to Guest Services for help. Have a wonderful cruise!

Thanks for your article it was very informative. My husband and I are booked on the Grand European cruise with an extension in Prague at the end of June. We are traveling with 8 other people. Would there be any issue with booking an independent excursion for the days we will be in Prague or in the ports that we will be in overnight? Viking is only offering us a morning excursion the second day in Prague so we are looking to do some exploring on our own.

Hi Anne, booking an independent excursion shouldn’t be a problem. Quite a few cruisers actually do that. Just make sure you are aware of the times the ship will leave the port so you don’t miss its departure. Have a wonderful cruise!

Great post. Very informative. One question though – How can we tell how much bus travel time is involved in each excursion? We are doing the Grand European Tours B-A with extensions in Prague and Amsterdam, and have booked a full schedule. We are doing the Salzburg Highlights but just read it’s a 2 hour bus ride each way. We don’t even know if it is The Sound of Music “heavy”, and that is kindof why we are doing it. There are other excursions that day that we could do. Thank you for your article and your help!

Hi Kathy, Great question! I suggest signing on to My Viking Journey and using the “Live Chat” feature to get your answer. After logging on to My Viking Journey, go to the “Shore Excursions” section and initiate a conversation with a Viking Cruise rep. You should see a red “Live Chat” box along the margin of the screen. You’ll be able to find out about the length of bus trips to/from excursions and other related information. Have a fabulous cruise!

We have quite a bit of Viking on board credits and wanted to purchase optional shore excursions with that credit. But it looks like pre purchasing using on board credit isn’t possible. What are the chances of excursions still being available when we are on board? We are on the Aug Rhine cruise and our 1st river cruise.

Hi Pat, There’s a good chance that some optional excursions will be available once you board the ship — even if they’re listed on MyVikingJourney as being sold out. That’s because some people end up canceling their reservations for optional excursions. Go to the guest service desk and inquire about the excursions you want and if they’re fully booked, ask to be placed on a waitlist. Wishing you good luck and a fantastic cruise!

I am going on a Christmas Market cruise with Viking in 2024. Since it will be winter with colder temps, I am wondering about the indoor lounging space/common areas on the longboats. Is there plenty of space for passengers indoors in the common areas, if the outdoors are too cold or rainy? Do you know if the outdoor areas on the sun deck can be enclosed for added warmth on these cooler weather trips? Thanks for any thoughts!

Hi Jaime, Viking’s European longship has a spacious lounge, the Aquavit Terrace (some of which can be enclosed in bad weather), and seating in the atrium area — all good choices for relaxing inside while not in your stateroom. The sun deck does not have enclosed spaces. Enjoy your cruise!

Does anyone wear jeans at dinner?

Hi Carolyn,

Per Viking: “There are no ‘formal nights’ in the evening; recommended evening dress is ‘elegant casual.’ For ladies, this may include a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; and for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional.”

However, some guests do wear nice jeans (not torn or ripped) in the evening. It’s relatively easy to dress up a pair of jeans a bit, so the overall look is “elegant casual.” Enjoy your cruise!

GREAT INFO. Scheduled for Grand European in September 2023. Wondering how much american cash we should bring and do we need to get euros prior to arrival (if so how much). You mention that from 5:15-7 there will be drinks & live music or a port talk. If you want wine at that time is there a charge?

What is the availability of restroom facilities in these small towns? Do they charge for use?

Hi Victoria, I’m so glad you found the article helpful! Deciding on cash is a personal choice, of course. My husband and I like to have about 100-200 Euros on us before leaving home. Plus, we always have some dollars with us, too. If you want to obtain Euros before departure, check with your bank or AAA office to see if they can help you. Also, you can get Euros from bank ATMs after you land; there are probably some ATMS near your cruise embarkation site. We’ve never had a problem finding an ATM in Europe, and Viking can surely help direct you to one. Remember to notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations before leaving home! (Another idea is to get Euros at one of the airport currency exchange kiosks, but the exchange rates will probably not be favorable.)

Viking offers complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. At other times, like when gathered in the lounge before dinner, you’ll charge your wine, beer, or cocktails to your stateroom.

Public restrooms are available in European towns, and many charge a nominal fee (.50-1 Euro). Your best bet is to ask about availability, location, and cost at Guest Services once onboard. Have a wonderful cruise in September!

Thank you for great information and insights! We took our first Viking River cruise in 2018 (Rhine – Amsterdam to Basel) and leave in a month for the Danube (Budapest to Regensburg) with the pre and post cruise stays. You answered my questions about docking locations (though understand they are subject to change) and the Hungarian currency. Hope you have been able to enjoy more Viking cruises since your original one.

We are also thinking of taking an old smart phone and purchasing a SIM card that works in Europe for language translation, directions, and apps to enhance our experience. Our US-based cell phone service does not work outside of the US. Do you have any experience about this?

No, Tamara, I don’t have direct experience replacing SIM cards. My husband and I use a major U.S. cellphone carrier that functions well in Europe. When we travel to Europe, we notify our carrier before departure. It’s been a seamless process for us, and it functions well although we do incur additional international charges.

I’m glad you found the article helpful, Tamara. Our next Viking cruise is coming up soon, and I can’t wait. Enjoy your journey!

Lolly, We are going to cruise Viking July on European sojourn with pre post extensions Bucharest and Amsterdam. This will be first river cruise for us. We are in a veranda A stateroom and doing business class flights as a bucket wish. We are experienced travelers on land but this will be a new experience. My first question is, without using the laundry service on board , do you have suggestions on washing items in your cabin? Is there a retractable clothes line in the shower to accommodate hanging clothes. ? You know is it a venus and mars question. Haha. I am sure i will have more later but your thread is wonderful. Any comments on safety in cities? Using ATMs machines? Thank you for your time. Rosetta

It sounds like you have a wonderful journey coming up this summer, Rosetta! Concerning laundry, yes, there is a retractable clothesline in the shower. I’ve hand washed some things in the sink and hung them up to dry on the line, and it worked fine. My husband and I sent out a few clothes to the Viking laundry, which also worked out well. Concerning safety, you can sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), a free program run by the U.S. Department of State. Once enrolled, you enter the dates of your travel and your destinations. They will text you with any security issues you should be aware of while you’re away. (When we were in Europe a few years ago, we received texts of some demonstrations in town and were given their locations and advised to stay away. We weren’t near them then, but it was nice to be notified of them.) If you don’t live in the U.S., I’m sure other governments have similar programs for travelers. And about ATMs, we’ve used them in Europe without any problems. Just make sure you notify your bank before traveling, so they don’t flag your ATM transaction in another country as suspicious! Have fun!

I didn’t read through all the comments, so I hope I’m not being repetitive. We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise from Prague to Paris last summer. I will add one note that we experienced. River traffic varies and the time to pass through the locks can change based on the number of ships, weather, etc. There were a few days when we arrived at our port later than planned and had much less time to explore the city. It wasn’t a deal breaker, but something you should be aware of. We also like to explore on our own, so there were times when we just joined a tour for a while and then told the guide we were going to branch out on our own. We always made sure we were back to the ship on time! We loved our trip and would recommend it to others.

You make an excellent point, Julia. As much as Viking tries to stick to its anticipated docking times, some things – like other ships waiting in line to go through locks, weather issues, and river levels – are beyond its control. It’s just the nature of this type of travel. And I think remembering that delays can arise on any type of travel (e.g., flights, cruises, trains) helps us all manage our expectations. So glad that you had a great cruise!

As mentioned throughout the comments, thank you so much for such insightful and helpful information! My husband and I are doing the Grand Tour B —> A in early October 2023. I am very intrigued by the Salzberg excursion but see that it is a 2 plus hour bus ride each way. Do you have any experience with that destination? Would an excursion like that feel to rushed to enjoy, or do you know if Salzberg is a “not to be missed” kind of place? Really, just looking for your opinion on longer trips off-ship. Thank you!

Hi Robin, you pose a great question, but it isn’t easy to answer! My husband and I had planned to go on the Salzburg excursion, but when we learned we would be spending so much time on the bus to travel there and back (for a total of 9.5 hours), we decided to spend our time in Passau instead. We didn’t regret our decision. We took the walking tour of Passau, enjoyed a leisurely lunch in town, went on a hike, and strolled around town afterward. We liked exploring on our own after getting the lay of the land from the morning tour guide. Having said that, I know that Salzburg is lovely and many people enjoy that excursion. Frankly, I don’t think you can go wrong either way, but they’re two very different experiences. Enjoy your cruise! It’s a great one!

Do you have to go on the planned excursion or can you go off and explore on your own?

Hi Daisy, you have the choice of going on the included or an optional excursion — or exploring on your own. Once you’re on the ship, you’ll learn the times that the ship will be docked in a city, so you can plan your day. For a walking tour (directly from the ship), some passengers go on the tour to learn about the destination and then spend the rest of the day shopping, enjoying a meal, or just wandering around. In addition, some people research other (non-Viking) tour options in advance of their cruise and book a personal or small-group tour to suit their specific interests on their own. Have fun whatever you decide to do!

Just found your site–lots of great info! We’re doing the Rhine Getaway, Amsterdam to Basel in early Oct, but haven’t actually booked yet! We love most of the optional excursions versus the included excursions but about how much do the optional ones cost? Are they like $20 per person or more like $200? For instance, how much is the “Top of Cologne” in Cologne Germany and is it worth it? I like the idea of a smaller group so that is a plus. Thank you!!

Hi Stephanie, Thanks for your kind words. As you know, Viking offers an included excursion in each port. These are typically large-group bus or walking tours of a city that provide a nice overview of a place. The optional excursions have smaller groups and are more focused on cultural, recreational, and even culinary experiences. That’s where you might find biking or hiking options, or as you mentioned, the “Top of Cologne” optional tour. My husband and I took the “Top of Cologne” excursion, and it was one of the best. It was led by an art historian who took us up to the very top of the cathedral (above the ceiling) where the craftspeople worked. Before we descended, we were able to step outside and soak in panoramic views of the city. That was just one of the optional tours we enjoyed and still talk about. There are costs associated with the optional tours and they vary, and I suppose that correlates with the costs Viking incurs. You’ll see all your options on the online My Viking Journey portal when the tours open up prior to your trip. I’ve not taken a Viking optional tour that I didn’t like, but I will say that there are passengers who also book tours independent of Viking due to a keen interest in something and the personal or small-group experience that is available with independent tour guides. Good luck with your planning, and have a great cruise!

So glad I discovered your very informative account of the Viking River Cruise! One question I have is how you handled local currency in Hungary as they do not use the euro. We have extended our cruise to allow two extra days in Budapest, thus giving us four days there. I’m sure we will need some “pocket money” for small purchases. Also, what shore excursions do you recommend while in Budapest?

Hi Pat, I’m so glad you found my article helpful! Regarding local currency in Hungary, you can head to an ATM once you’re there to get the amount of local cash you want. As for shore excursions, my husband and I enjoyed the walking tour (through Viking) that included the funicular up to Castle Hill. Also, we had booked an English-speaking tour of the Hungarian Parliament which ended up being fascinating; if you plan to do this, make sure to make reservations online ahead of your visit. We walked from where the ship was docked to the Parliament building for the tour and enjoyed a stroll back to the ship along the river. On our walk, we passed the Shoes Along the Danube (very moving) and other interesting sights. Some other Viking guests enjoyed their visits to the thermal baths, but we opted to “do our own thing” with the parliament tour and walks to areas recommended by our local tour guide (from the walking tour).

Doing the Grand European Trip for our 50th in May of 2023. Going from A to B with two extra days in Amsterdam and Budapest. 1. We do the red eye and get into Amsterdam early morning. After clearing customs and immigration and getting our luggage, how do we find Viking to take us to our hotel or how does Viking find us? 2. Check-in time for the hotel is 3:00 PM. Does Viking get us into our room early or do we have to check our luggage with the hotel and wait until 3:00 PM? 3. On leaving Amsterdam, check-out time from the hotel is Noon but embarkation is not till 3:00 PM. What does Viking do with our luggage once we check out of the hotel? I don’t want to waste any precious time in Amsterdam because this may be the last time we see it. Thanks.

Sounds like you’ve got a great anniversary trip planned, Gary! A few weeks prior to your departure, Viking will send stickers for you to wear at the airport when you land, so they can identify you as a Viking guest. (You’ll also receive Viking tags for your luggage.) As for the specifics about checking in to hotels and then embarkation timing, I’d suggest you contact Viking directly (or your travel agent if you used one to book the trip). That way, you’ll learn exactly how things will work with getting to and from that specific hotel. I hope you have a wonderful 50th celebration on the Grand European Tour!

Great article. Serious question…..how to get coffee in the morning without getting dressed??? Is room service available or will my husband have the opportunity to ‘fetch’ my coffee?

Hi Catherine, I’m glad the article was helpful. About coffee, there is a coffee and tea station on Viking’s river cruise ships that’s open 24/7 in the main common space. That makes it handy for your husband to fetch your morning cup! It’s also where you’ll find freshly baked goodies throughout the day.🙂 I hope you two have a fabulous time on your cruise!

Hi Lolly, thank you for the great article and this really prepared us for our trip next week. I have a quick question that I wouldn’t seem to find the answer online: We are thinking about renting a car at Koblenz and go to Nurburgring for a few hours and also at Speyer to go to Stuttgart for the day. Is that possible? We found the car rentals and made reservations, but we can’t find any daily schedule of when the ship docks and departs at each port. Just wondering if there is a regular daily schedule and of course we understand the change caused by water level, weather, etc. Thanks again!

Hi Danny, I’m not sure which cruise you’re referring to, but you asked an excellent question about renting a car to make day trips while on the cruise. I think it would be a tight schedule if the ship is docked for just a day. You’d need to factor in picking up and dropping off the rental cars and then driving to and from your planned destinations. 

I’d suggest you talk with the staff once you are aboard to learn of their planned docking times and see what they recommend. That way, you’ll have current information and be able to talk to people “in the know” to see if your plans will work. Even with that information, as you mentioned, dockings could be delayed to traffic on the river or there could be delays going through locks.

I’m sorry I can’t give you a more definitive answer, but so much depends on conditions at the time you board and what the staff recommends. I hope you have a wonderful cruise and that things work out for your planned day trips!

Re renting a car to go to a specific place Viking tours don’t include: Is Uber possible in the cities Viking goes to? I’d much rather take an Uber than rent a car!!! Also, for individualized tours – try Tours by Locals (we’ve had EXCELLENT tours in many, many cities including Europe, India, Malaysia, Thailand…), or AirBnB’s tours.

Hi Carol, Although ride-share companies, like Uber, are in many cities worldwide, they’re not everywhere, so it depends on what cities you’re considering. Some areas also have other popular ride-share companies like Bolt in Europe. It’s best to check availability online — or ask Viking — for the cities you’ll be visiting. As for Tours by Locals, I’ve used them, as well, and was pleased.

We are going on the Grand European tour in October 2022. How can we arrange individual tours or make dinner reservations if we dont know the times or the port arrangements? Do we just work with Viking program director on the day of or the day before?

Hi Kathleen, For individual tours and dinner reservations, I’d let the provider (tour company, restaurant) know what day you’ll be coming into port. They may be familiar enough with Viking’s schedule to easily accommodate you. Once onboard, verify the time you’ll be in port and then fine-tune your tour or dinner plans. Have a great cruise!

We are taking the Grand European cruise, B-A, in late September 2022. The water levels are extremely low right now. Any thoughts on how this might play out for us?

Hi Karen, A few things could happen when river levels are too low for cruise ships. Passengers could disembark and be bussed on an excursion and then afterwards, be bussed to a different location on the river where the water levels are higher. There they may board another ship. For example, sometimes two sister ships sail on the same one-way voyage starting at the same time – just at opposite ends of the itinerary. That way, if they reach a low point in the river, they can have passengers disembark, go on bussed excursions, and afterwards be taken to the sister ship that completes the journey. To accomplish this, passengers pack up the night before the transfer, and while out on excursions, their luggage is transferred to the other ship. When passengers get to the sister ship, their luggage is in their new cabins (which are usually the same cabins they had on the original ship).

Another option, if the river levels are too low overall, would be for passengers to be bussed from destination to destination, staying in hotels, throughout the cruise.

Incidentally, we had to change ships midway through a river cruise because of a broken lock on the river, and Viking handled it professionally and without too much inconvenience.

One thing to keep in mind is that things can change from day to day, week to week – and that includes river levels. Low river levels today might be just fine for cruising in a few days.

I guess the bottom line is to remember that disruptions can happen whenever we travel, so plan to get the most out of each experience and cherish the time that you get to explore new places and meet new people. I hope you have a wonderful time!

Lolly – just finished the Grand European tour a week ago (Budapest-Amsterdam). Was our first Viking cruise, so we used your article as a guide. We could not have chosen any better than the Skirnir and Viking. Everything was as you said – food, service, boat, amenities, all topnotch. (OK, the wifi in the rooms REALLY sucks…but if that’s your #1 problem, you aren’t doing badly). The hotel manager was great – and the program director was a literal Energizer Bunny. Herding 169 tourists onto separate buses all going separate places at separate times…wow, that’s a job! The maitre-d I am convinced is in league with the devil, as she tempted diners again and again with “just try this ONE little pastry”. Our stateroom steward kept the room immaculate. We kept our itinerary full, which might have been an error – trust me, you want to take a breather every few days! Viking then allowed us to purchase a no-expiry date voucher towards another cruise – an amount they matched. So for 200 dollars, we got a 400 value – good for tickets, flights, an excursion, or even the beverage package. We will definitely be using it in the years to come.

Oh, I’m so glad you had a wonderful cruise with amazing service! Haha, I got a kick out of being tempted with just one little pastry! Great service – sounds like Viking! As for keeping the itinerary full, it’s hard not to when you have so many great places to explore, but I agree that scheduling downtime is important, too. I bet you’re planning your next cruise already. I’m looking forward to ours next year!

I was curious about what time you have to be back on the ship at night. We are thinking we would might rather be wandering through the town and trying local cuisine.

Hi Karen, you will have the freedom to wander on your own in the evenings in some locations. Check your cruise itinerary as it will tell you the expected times your ship will be docked at each stop. Once onboard, you’ll be given more specific times, so you’ll be able to fine-tune your plans. Enjoy!

They will let you know on board. They say they will be staying til X o’clock and then leaving. Better be aboard, cuz they won’t wait!

Hi. I wonder if you have any thoughts on us meeting up with friends from Stuttgart. We would either meet in Bamburg or Wurzburg. Is this allowed? Also can you remember if those two cities is where the boat docked. Just thinking of the best options for meeting friends for a short visit. Thank you

Hi Theo, you shouldn’t have any problems meeting up with your friends in either Bamburg or Wurzburg while on the cruise. I’d suggest you reference your online itinerary on Viking’s site before departure to get a rough idea of when you’ll be docked in each city. Follow up with a conversation with the Viking staff when you’re onboard to learn the expected times and exact location of the ship while docked. This should allow you to finalize your plans to disembark and go meet your friends. Enjoy!

WOW, what a complete piece of well written and informative information we have come across. Thanks!! We are heading out on our first river cruise, the Kara from Basel to Amsterdam in late September this year. Trying to guess the weather so we can narrow down what to pack. We’re celebrating our 50th! One of many questions we have is how much currency (and what kind) to bring with us. We saw you comment about change for guides and such and credit cards with no foreign charges. But, what else would we spend money on? We’re planning on a dinner in a town, tour of some beer gardens and lunch in Heidelberg, and just walking around. Your comments are really appreciated.

Congrats on your 50th! Sound like you have a great cruise coming up! As for how much money to bring along, I usually start out with about $300 worth of local currency. That gives my husband and me plenty of money for tipping the local guides and bus drivers as well as Viking staff before we leave. Also, having cash is great for souvenirs, incidentals, snacks, or a quick lunch while exploring a city. By the way, Viking does build in a set amount of gratuities for ship staff (or you can arrange for this on your account before sailing), but you may also want to give a personal cash tip to staff members who are particularly helpful. If you think you might do that, you may want to take along a few blank thank you cards to enclose your extra tips, so you can explain why you valued their service so much. I know other travelers who just get cash out of ATMs while traveling (and I’ve done that, too, of course), but I just like beginning the trip with some local cash. Good luck! Have fun!

Most the times we always take the NCL cruise, but this is the first time on Viking Cruise River The Grand European Tour from Budapest to Amsterdam (for our 22nd anniversary).I’m so glad I found a lot of information from the article that’s very helpful for us for excursions, maybe transferring ships, parallel parked ships and other information. The best description and information about Viking River Cruise, thank you for taking the time to write this information, we’re very appreciate.

Thanks for your kind words, Triana. I hope you have a fabulous anniversary cruise!

Thank you for your informative article! We leave Saturday for Prague followed by the Budapest to Amsterdam Viking river cruise. We have booked all the included excursions, but have held off booking the optional ones as we love to do our own thing when in port, and perhaps covering more “ground” than the optional excursions. Can you tell me which docking/ports might be too far from the cities/towns? Thank you!

Hi Deb, you’re just a few days away from your journey. How exciting! One great thing about Viking is that many times their ships dock right in the towns, so it’s easy to get off and be on your way to make your own discoveries. Of all the stops on the Grand European Tour, these are the cities in which our ship had prime docking spots (making it very easy to go out and explore on our own): Budapest, Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Wurzburg, Cologne, and Amsterdam. Keep in mind, though, that things are not 100% the same from cruise to cruise due, in part, to other ship traffic at the time. The best thing to do is to talk with a Viking staff member as soon as you board to find out details for your specific cruise. Good luck! I hope you have a wonderful time!

Thank you for all the information. We are planning to take the Grand European Tour in July of 2023. We are trying to determine if the additional cost for a veranda stateroom is worth the extra expense compared to the french balcony. On average, how much time did you spend on the boat sailing from each port? Do you travel overnight for most of the time or is there day travel as well?

Hi Tanya, Sounds like you have a great cruise coming up! About the stateroom, that really comes down to personal preference. Having the veranda offers you another personal space plus a nice perch (with chairs) from which to view the passing scenery during the time that the ship is sailing in daylight hours. (For my husband and me, having the personal outdoor space was high on our list. We enjoyed relaxing there and enjoying the sights and sounds of being on the ship. We actually enjoyed sitting outside in the dark before bed, too, cruising by small towns.) There’s a mix of traveling overnight (almost all of the time) and during the morning/afternoon/evening (some of the time). If you decide on the stateroom with a french balcony, you will still be able to enjoy some time outside in the common areas while the ship is sailing. I hope you have a wonderful time!

We are scheduled to take the Viking Danube cruise in early June 2022. We chose a French Balcony room. My question is about size of our luggage (or size limitation due room size). I have seem videos of rooms but cannot perceive where we can place our 2 luggages + backpacks and not having to hop over them inside our room. Please hare your opinion with me.

Hi Ricardo, It sounds like you have a great trip ahead! You can store your luggage under the bed(s). Once unpacked, you can put your backpacks in your empty luggage and slide it all under the bed(s) and not think about them until it’s time to leave. Have a great cruise!

First timer on river cruise. Does everyone get back on the bus when the excursion is over or is that the time you make plans for individual sightseeing? Did you use local guides? Did you bring euros or use credit card? Thanks

Hi David, it sounds like you’re gearing up for a great adventure! We went on the Viking excursions (with local guides) and did not book any local guides directly. A few guests scheduled independent sightseeing tours, and it seemed to work out well for them. By the way, the excursions included in the trip are typically large group experiences, while the optional excursions (available at an extra cost) are usually much smaller groups as they are more focused on specific areas of interest. We received great overviews of a place with the large group tours, but what we remember most were the unique experiences that came from the optional experiences. As for money, we used a credit card (with no foreign transaction fees) and Euros (very handy for tipping tour guides and purchasing small incidentals). Have a wonderful cruise!

Thank you for the excellent summary of each important category. It is very helpful to reduce wandering around looking like a tourist while trying to figure out the procedures. 🙂 Any further suggestions about picking up the excursion cards each morning? How early are they available to avoid the rush? Did you see anyone carry on and off luggage? We travel light with one roll aboard and one backpack. Any idea if the Terrace will be open for meals in the chill of November? Is there a restaurant seating option for introverts? 🙂 Thanks again.

I’m glad you found the article helpful, Thomas! Now to your questions. I’d suggest you ask about picking up excursion cards and other details like that once you’re on the ship, as some procedures like this may vary a bit. We travel light, as well, but the ship will take care of delivering your luggage to your room; we just kept our small carry ons (the ones that fit under the airplane seats) with us. The Aquavit Terrace is a great place to have a meal. There’s a section of the Aquavit Terrace at the very front of the ship that’s open to the weather, but there’s also an area (just behind it) that can be enclosed with sliding glass doors, so the area can be enjoyed when the weather isn’t cooperating. And about general seating at meals in the dining room, there’s a choice of large and small tables and there’s no assigned seating, so if you’re one of the early ones at meal time, you’ll have a great chance of finding a setting that suits you best. Have a wonderful cruise, Thomas!

Booked an Amsterdam to Budapest trip in September ’23….our first river cruise (for our 20th). Besides being helpful, your thorough details helped me to envision and imagine, which is my favorite part of planning! The daily planner for Vienna was the best….one of the stranger transitions from Ocean to River cruising is not having your port times right there on the schedule. Thanks for the great details!

I’m so glad you found the article helpful, Rich! I’m with you on how much fun it is to plan trips. Have a wonderful cruise next year!

Thank you for taking the time to write this informative piece. We thoroughly enjoyed a Viking Ocean cruise in 2019 and have been eager to try river cruising. We’ll do the Grand European from B to A in October this year. Your descriptions of the change of ship due to the broken lock and of docking side by side with other ships were reassuring. I will miss the free on board laundromat from ocean cruising though! Your advice about avoiding the far inland tours is wise, I think. We are not interested in spending a lot of time on buses. All the best.

I’m glad you found the article helpful. You mentioned laundry, and although there’s no laundromat on Viking’s European river cruise ships, there is a laundry service that you can use. (Depending on the category of your stateroom, the laundry service may be complimentary.) We sent some clothing to be laundered, and we were happy with that choice. Enjoy your cruise this fall!

Thanks for the great information. We are on a Viking rive4 cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam in April 2023.

What are your thoughts on the Silver Spirits package? I understand drinks are provided with meals but I enjoy a few drinks before dinner.

Good question, John, but it’s not an easy one to answer!

Here are a few things to think about when considering Viking’s Silver Spirits package.

As you probably know, Viking offers nice quality wine, beer, and soft drinks free of charge at lunch and dinner. The Silver Spirits package offers unlimited drinks including cocktails, premium wine, and beer. The Silver Spirits option is offered at a fixed price per guest and spans the entire length of the trip. You either choose it for your cruise, or you don’t – no daily option. (The price of the package varies, but it comes to about $20 or so a day per person.) If sharing a stateroom, both guests must pay for the package.

Paying upfront might offer peace of mind if you like knowing that it’s already paid for and you don’t have to think about an upcoming beverage bill. So it comes down to how much – and what kind of beverages – you’re likely to consume each day. You said you enjoy a few drinks before dinner, and if you add in some premium wine at dinner, the total you spend each day might add up pretty quickly. If you’re interested in figuring out the details, you may want to ask Viking for a bar menu with pricing before making up your mind.

With all that said, my husband and I did opt for the Silver Spirits package. In addition to cocktails, there were some very nice premium wine options aboard Viking, and we had fun trying ones that were new to us. We’ve had no regrets. 🙂

I hope you thoroughly enjoy your Viking cruise next year! Cheers!

Hi, Considering the Silver Spirits package. What are the charges for individual cocktails, apertifs or premium beers/wines by glass? Thanks

Hi Linda, you’re facing a big decision: to go with Silver Spirits or not! As you probably know, the package includes unlimited beverages when the bars are open. That includes any drinks up to $15 like cocktails, aperitifs, and premium wines by the glass. Without the Silver Spirits package, I’d plan on $6-10 for most cocktails, aperitifs, or premium wine by the glass. (Viking offers complimentary house wine and beer at lunch and dinner.) Another consideration, of course, is how often you might order specialty drinks from the bar: at lunch, throughout the day, before and/or after dinner? Some folks elect to get the Silver Spirits package because they enjoy trying new cocktails and/or premium wines while on vacation. Others get the package because they like having their drinks all inclusive without having to think about a bar tab. Hope this info helps you a bit! Have a wonderful cruise!

I agree with a previous comment about this being the most informative, most inclusive article I’ve seen as well. Indeed, very VERY helpful…especially for first time river cruisers. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Good Job!!

I’m so glad you found the article helpful, Ronnie! Thank you!

I have been on 1 Viking River cruise and 3 (soon to be 4-I hope!) Ocean Cruises. My sister is taking her first river cruise in March and I found this site while trying to find info for her. This is by far THE BEST description and information on Viking River Cruises that I have ever read! Everyone should read this as every question seems to be answered well and clearly!

Thanks so much for the kind words, Laura! It makes me happy when I can help others get more comfortable with and enjoy their travels. Hope your sister finds her Viking river cruise everything she hopes it to be. What a great experience she has ahead of her! 🙂

Interesting information! We’re planning a Viking river cruise May 2022. Trying to navigate changing pandemic restrictions is a challenge I’d rather not have to deal with, but we’ll give it a try.

Thanks, Tom! We do indeed have new travel hiccups and challenges these days. I hope things go smoothly for you and that you have a wonderful time!

My husband and I will be sailing with Viking on a Rhine River cruise (Netherlands to Lucerne) this month and our very first river cruise (during a pandemic). Aside from the new safety protocols Viking has put in place your “Complete Guide to a Viking River cruise” was thoroughly informative, enjoyed the photos and took many notes while reading. Thank you for making me less anxious!

Happy traveling, Lolly!

Oh, I’m so happy you’re able to enjoy traveling safely during the pandemic. Yes, there have been changes to address public health safety, but I’m betting they won’t interfere with your overall enjoyment. And I’m so glad I was able to help you prepare for your cruise. Have fun! Bon voyage!

Thank you! We depart in 9 days on the Grand European tour, and this is the best account I have seen… we’ve done a dozen ocean cruises on several lines, but never a river cruise. My husband had been to a number of these cities on business and wanted me to visit them too, and this makes it sound easy. I liked the posted copy of the daily ‘news’ and we had already decided from our ocean experiences to take the drinks package. We’ve chosen a mix of the included tours and the custom days, avoided any places to which we’ve already travelled and have added in the ‘extensions’ to both ends, hoping to see friends in Amsterdam. Especially your tips on dinner were helpful — I will pack his blazer. And the small umbrellas! Since it will be November, and I’m also afraid of open heights we’ve opted for the French balcony room. The rooms do seem smaller than ocean cruiser rooms: did you stay in your cabin a lot? Thank you so much for this detailed account. Much better idea of what we’re ‘sailing’ into now!

Hi Cynthia, I bet you’re so excited about your upcoming trip! It sounds like you are all set. I just have one clarification about dressing for dinner mentioned in the article you read. Many folks do tend to change from the clothes they wore for daily excursions to something a little dressier for dinner, but I wouldn’t call dinner attire dressy. It would be more like “smart casual” (so no worn jeans and flip-flops, for example). Your husband doesn’t need to pack a blazer if he wouldn’t normally wear one for dinner. (I’m trying to save you room in your luggage!) People are relaxed aboard Viking river cruises (no dressy occasions), and that’s one thing people tend to enjoy about the experience. Have a wonderful time!

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What to Pack for Your Viking River Cruise: The Ultimate Packing List

Viking River Cruises: What to Pack

A Viking River Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you want to make sure you pack everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. But with so many different things to consider, it can be hard to know where to start.

That’s where we come in. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about packing for a Viking River Cruise, from what to wear to what to bring for your excursions. We’ll also provide a packing list of essential items, so you can be sure you have everything you need for your trip.

So whether you’re planning your first Viking River Cruise or you’re a seasoned traveler, read on for all the information you need to pack like a pro.

Clothing and Accessories

When packing for a Viking river cruise, it is important to consider the weather conditions in the various ports of call you will be visiting. In general, you can expect mild weather in the spring and fall, with temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, temperatures can reach into the 80s and 90s, while in the winter, it can be cold, with temperatures dipping below freezing.

For your cruise, you will need to pack a variety of clothing items to accommodate the different weather conditions you will encounter. Here is a list of suggested items:

• Tops: T-shirts, blouses, sweaters, jackets, and coats.
• Bottoms: Jeans, shorts, skirts, dresses, and pants.
• Outerwear: A waterproof jacket, a raincoat, a hat, and gloves.
• Shoes: Sneakers, sandals, walking shoes, and boots.
• Accessories: A scarf, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, and a beach towel.

In addition to these basic items, you may also want to pack some extra items depending on your specific interests and activities. For example, if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, you may want to pack a camera and a guidebook. If you plan on going hiking or biking, you may want to pack some athletic gear. And if you plan on spending a lot of time on the beach, you may want to pack a beach bag with sunscreen, a beach chair, and a beach umbrella.

When packing for your Viking river cruise, it is important to be prepared for anything. By packing a variety of clothing items and accessories, you can ensure that you are comfortable and stylish no matter what the weather brings.

Personal Care Items

In addition to clothing and accessories, you will also need to pack a variety of personal care items for your Viking river cruise. Here is a list of suggested items:

• Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, deodorant, and makeup.
• First aid kit: Band-aids, aspirin, cough drops, allergy medication, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Electronics: Phone, charger, camera, laptop, and tablet.
• Travel documents: Passport, visa, and travel insurance.
• Other items: Money, credit cards, passport holder, sunglasses, hat, and a day bag.

It is important to pack all of your personal care items in a single bag that you can easily access during your cruise. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you have everything you need at your fingertips.

When packing for your Viking river cruise, it is important to be prepared for anything. By packing a variety of clothing items, accessories, and personal care items, you can ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Electronics and Entertainment

In addition to your everyday electronics, there are a few other items that you may want to consider packing for your Viking river cruise.

• A laptop or tablet: This is a great way to stay connected with friends and family back home, as well as to do some research on your destinations. You can also use your laptop or tablet to watch movies, play games, or read books.
• A camera: You’ll want to capture all of the amazing moments on your cruise, so be sure to pack a camera. A point-and-shoot camera is a good option, but if you’re serious about photography, you may want to consider bringing a DSLR camera.
• A phone charger: You’ll need to keep your phone charged so that you can stay connected. Be sure to pack a phone charger that is compatible with your phone’s charging port.
• A portable power bank: This is a great way to extend the battery life of your devices. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing or taking photos, a portable power bank can be a lifesaver.
• A music player or headphones: If you enjoy listening to music, you may want to pack a music player or headphones. This is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery on your cruise.
• A travel adapter: If you’re traveling from a country with a different electrical outlet than the one used on your cruise ship, you’ll need to pack a travel adapter. This will allow you to plug in your electronics without damaging them.

Documents and Tickets

Be sure to pack all of the necessary documents and tickets for your Viking river cruise. This includes:

• Your passport: This is the most important document you’ll need for your cruise. Be sure to have it with you at all times, and make sure that it is valid for at least six months beyond the end of your cruise.
• Your visa: If you need a visa to enter the countries you’re visiting, be sure to have it with you. You may also need to apply for a transit visa if you’re connecting through a country that you don’t have a visa for.
• Your cruise tickets: These will be sent to you by Viking River Cruises in advance of your cruise. Be sure to have them with you when you check in for your cruise.
• Your hotel confirmations: If you’re staying in hotels during your cruise, be sure to have your confirmations with you. This will help you check in to your hotels quickly and easily.
• Your travel insurance policy: It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance in case of any unexpected events. Be sure to have your policy number with you in case you need to file a claim.

These are just a few of the things you may want to pack for your Viking river cruise. Be sure to pack everything you need, but don’t overpack. You’ll want to be comfortable and have plenty of room to enjoy your cruise.

What should I pack for a Viking River Cruise?

• Comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered.
• Sturdy walking shoes or boots.
• A waterproof jacket or raincoat.
• A hat and sunglasses.
• Swimsuit and cover-up.
• A small day bag for excursions.
• A camera and charger.
• Medications and toiletries.
• A copy of your passport and travel insurance documents.

What should I not pack for a Viking River Cruise?

• Heavy or bulky luggage.
• High-heeled shoes.
• Formal clothing.
• Valuables that you don’t want to lose.
• Excess liquids.

Where can I find packing lists for Viking River Cruises?

• The Viking River Cruises website has a comprehensive packing list for each cruise itinerary.
• There are also a number of third-party websites that offer packing lists for Viking River Cruises.

What are the packing restrictions for Viking River Cruises?

• There is a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per suitcase.
• There is a maximum size limit of 24 inches x 16 inches x 10 inches per suitcase.
• Luggage must be able to fit in the overhead bin of an airplane.

What happens if I overpack for my Viking River Cruise?

• You may be charged a fee for excess luggage.
• Your luggage may be delayed or not delivered to your ship.
• You may have to check your luggage at the airport, which can be inconvenient.

How can I make sure I pack everything I need for my Viking River Cruise?

• Start packing early.
• Make a list of everything you need.
• Pack light and only bring the essentials.
• Label your luggage with your name and cruise ship.

packing for a Viking river cruise can be a fun and exciting experience. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Be sure to pack light, dress in layers, and bring comfortable shoes. Don’t forget your camera to capture all of the amazing moments along the way!

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When it comes to packing for a river cruise, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. With the right items in your suitcase, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your adventures along the rivers of Europe.

Our Complete Viking River Cruise Packing List

Your footwear choices are important, from comfortable walking shoes for exploring picturesque villages to dressier shoes for elegant nights onboard. Be sure to pack travel documents, including your passport and any necessary visas.

It’s also wise to bring a travel umbrella for any changeable weather conditions. Remember to wear comfortable clothing items, such as lightweight layers for the summer months and clothing appropriate for visits to religious sites. This complete list will prepare you for an unforgettable river cruise experience.

Pack Your Cruise Carry-On Bag Wisely

Packing your cruise carry-on bag wisely ensures a smooth and hassle-free beginning to your trip. By including essential items in your carry-on, you can be prepared for any situation that may arise during travel.

First and foremost, it’s important to include a change of clothes in your carry-on. This is particularly essential in case your checked luggage is delayed or misplaced. A fresh set of clothes can provide comfort and peace of mind.

Remember to pack toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and any other personal care items you may need. Bringing any necessary medications in your carry-on bag is also a good idea. This will ensure that you have access to them throughout your journey .

Of course, essential documents such as your passport, travel insurance , and cruise reservation details should also be kept in your carry-on bag. These documents are essential for check-in and should be easily accessible.

Consider investing in wheeled under-seat luggage to make transporting your carry-on bag easier. These compact luggage options are ideal for carrying your essentials and can fit neatly under the seat before you, providing easy access throughout your journey.

Storage on Board a Viking River Long Ship

Regarding storage options on board a river cruise vessel, you’ll find ample drawer and cupboard space in the cabins to keep your belongings organized. Despite the limited space in the cabins, cruise ship designers have ensured enough storage to minimize clutter and ensure a comfortable living space.

The drawers in the cabin allow for easy storage of clothing items, accessories, and personal belongings. You can neatly stow away your folded clothes, undergarments, and even small electronics in these drawers, keeping them easily accessible and out of sight.

In addition to the drawers, there are cupboards in the cabin where you can hang your formal attire or other garments that must be kept wrinkle-free. These cupboards provide a convenient space to store your clothing items, giving you easy access whenever you need to dress up for formal nights or special occasions.

To further optimize storage space, you can slide empty suitcases or bags under the beds. This prevents them from taking up unnecessary space in the cabin and allows you to keep them safely stored during your river cruise. I also regularly place any dirty laundry back into one of my suitcases to help keep the cabin clean and uncluttered during the cruise.

Consider Your Cruise Itinerary

When packing for your Viking River cruise , it’s essential to consider your cruise itinerary. The destinations you’ll be visiting and the activities you’ll be participating in will determine what items you must bring along. Please pack the appropriate attire, such as dresses or suits, if your itinerary includes visits to religious sites or formal events. If you are exploring larger cities or participating in outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for changeable conditions are a must. I want you to know that being mindful of your itinerary will help ensure you have all the necessary clothing and accessories to enjoy your Viking River cruise fully.

How Long is Your Cruise

When planning for your Viking River Cruise , it is essential to consider the length of your trip. Most river cruises range from 7 to 15 days, and it is crucial to plan accordingly for the duration of your cruise.

Knowing the length of your cruise is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you determine the number of clothing items and accessories you will need to pack. For a shorter cruise, you may be able to get by with a few versatile clothing pieces, while a longer trip may require more variety.

Additionally, the length of your cruise affects the number of travel documents and essential items you should bring. For example, if your cruise itinerary takes you to multiple countries, you may need to bring different currencies or travel adapters for electrical outlets.

Understanding the length of your river cruise also allows you to plan for any on-board amenities or services you may need. For instance, longer cruises may require you to use laundry or dry cleaning services, while shorter trips may not require these services.

Are there Laundry Facilities on Board?

While Viking River Cruises does not offer self-service laundry facilities on most of their river cruise ships, they provide an onboard laundry service to cater to guests’ laundry needs. This convenient service allows you to wash your clothing items, dry and pressed, saving you the hassle of finding a laundromat during your cruise.

You do have the option to use self-service launderettes available on board ships sailing Mississippi itineraries. These self-service launderettes include irons and ironing boards and are free of charge, with detergent available for your use at no additional cost.

The prices for the laundry service on Viking River Cruises vary depending on the clothing item. For example, as of 2023, washing and pressing a shirt costs $8, while washing and pressing a blouse costs $8.50. Similar prices apply to other garments, such as underwear, nightgowns, and polo shirts.

The turnaround time for the laundry service is typically within 24 hours, ensuring that you receive your freshly cleaned clothes in a timely manner. This allows you to have clean and wrinkle-free garments throughout your cruise, whether exploring fascinating destinations or enjoying the onboard amenities.

Please keep in mind that prices and turnaround times are subject to change, so it’s always recommended to consult Viking River Cruises’s latest information regarding their laundry service.

So, while self-service laundry facilities may not be available on board Viking River cruises, their convenient onboard laundry service ensures you can easily care for your laundry needs during your river cruise vacation.

Review the Shore Excursions

When you embark on a Viking River cruise, you can look forward to various exciting shore excursions that showcase the best of each destination. From optional easy hikes to cultural evening excursions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For those interested in cultural experiences, Viking River Cruises offers a variety of evening excursions. These excursions often include visits to iconic landmarks or historic sites, where you can learn about each destination’s rich history and local traditions.

What to Wear on a River Cruise

When packing for a river cruise, it’s important to consider the activities and destinations you’ll be exploring. While river ships tend to have a relaxed atmosphere, a few occasions may call for slightly dressier attire.

Although Viking doesn’t have any designated Formal nights, guests can dress up and enjoy special evenings onboard. However, comfortable and casual clothing is recommended for most of your cruise.

Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the ports of call and a dressier pair for any evening events. You can choose to pack light and use the onboard laundry services available.

Pack with Mix and Match in Mind

When packing for a river cruise, it’s important to pack with mix and match in mind to maximize your outfit options while keeping your luggage light and compact. Here are five tips to help you pack smartly for your river cruise:

1. Consider a predominantly neutral color scheme: Choose clothing items in versatile neutral colors like black, white, navy, and khaki. This will make it easier to mix and match different pieces together.

2. Pack versatile travel pants: Invest in comfortable and wrinkle-resistant travel pants that can be dressed up or down. Look for pants made from lightweight and quick-drying fabrics for maximum comfort during your cruise.

3. Add accessories for pops of color: To add variety and personality to your outfits, pack a brightly colored scarf, shawl, or jacket. These accessories instantly transform a basic outfit into a stylish and eye-catching ensemble.

4. Don’t forget a dressier outfit: While river cruises are generally casual, there may be occasions or dining events that call for dressier attire. Pack a versatile dress or pair of dress pants, a blouse, or a dress shirt for these special occasions.

5. Mix and match outfits: Before packing, plan your outfits by mixing and matching different tops, bottoms, and accessories. This will help you pack more efficiently and ensure that you have various outfit options for different occasions throughout your cruise.

Following these tips and packing with mix and match in mind, you can create a versatile and compact wardrobe for your river cruise that will keep you stylish and comfortable throughout your journey.

Layer Your Outfits

When packing for a river cruise, it’s essential to consider layering outfits to accommodate changes in temperature and different occasions. Here are some key clothing items to include for effective outfit layering:

Tops: Opt for versatile tops that can be easily layered. Pack a mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops in neutral colors like black, white, or navy. When the temperature drops, these can be worn alone on warmer days or paired with jackets or scarves.

Jackets: Bring lightweight jackets that can easily be layered over your tops. Consider a denim jacket or a lightweight cardigan that can be worn indoors and outdoors, adding warmth and style to your outfits.

Scarves and Shawls: These accessories provide an extra layer of warmth and add a pop of color and style to your outfits. Pack a couple of scarves or shawls in different patterns and colors to mix and match with your tops and jackets.

Remember to choose versatile pieces that can be easily layered and removed as needed. This will ensure you stay comfortable and adaptable to changing weather conditions and activities during your river cruise. With these layering options, you’ll be ready for any occasion while maintaining a stylish and practical wardrobe.

Viking River Cruise Day Wear

Regarding cruise day wear on a river cruise, comfort is key. Opt for comfortable, casual attire that allows for easy movement and enjoyment of the various activities onboard. Lightweight trousers or jeans paired with breathable, lightweight tops are a great choice. Choose tops in neutral colors that can be easily mixed and matched with different bottoms.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the various ports of call. Pack a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes that withstand long walks and uneven terrain. A lightweight jacket or sweater is also a good addition to your cruise day attire, especially for cooler weather or air-conditioned areas onboard.

In addition to the basics, consider bringing a hat and sun glasses to protect yourself from the sun while enjoying the outdoor areas of the cruise. A lightweight travel scarf can also be a versatile accessory, providing extra warmth when needed or adding a pop of color to your outfit. Remember to pack clothing items that you feel comfortable and confident in, as you’ll spend ample time exploring and socializing onboard the river ship.

Viking River Cruise Evening Wear

While there are no formal nights on a Viking River cruise, passengers can dress up for the evening if they wish. The dress code for cruise evenings is generally elegant casual, allowing you to be stylish and comfortable at the same time.

A dress, skirt, or even a nice pair of pants paired with a blouse or sweater would be appropriate for women. You can also mix and match different pieces to create multiple outfits throughout your trip. Adding accessories like statement necklaces or scarves can elevate your look even more.

Men can opt for trousers paired with collared shirts. A blazer or sports coat can add a touch of sophistication to the outfit.

The key is to feel confident and put together while still being comfortable. Remember, the evenings on a river cruise are more about relaxation and enjoying the company of fellow passengers rather than adhering to a strict dress code. So, feel free to express your personal style and have fun with your evening attire.

Pack for the Conditions

When packing for a river cruise, preparing for various weather conditions is essential. Whether cruising through cold and wet climates or enjoying sunny and hot destinations, having the right items can make all the difference in your comfort and enjoyment.

For colder and wetter weather, you must pack lightweight gloves and a hat to keep you warm. Layering is also essential, so bring a variety of long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a waterproof jacket. Comfortable walking shoes with good traction are a must-have to navigate slippery decks and cobblestone streets.

On the other hand, protecting yourself from the sun’s rays is essential when cruising in sunnier and hotter destinations. Pack plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight, breathable clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are still important, as you’ll likely explore ports of call during your cruise.

Regardless of the weather conditions, comfortable walking shoes are a necessary item to pack for a river cruise. With the amount of walking and exploring you’ll be doing, it’s important to have shoes that provide support and cushioning. Consider packing a pair that can be dressed up for formal nights and a more casual pair for daytime activities.

Best Shoes for a Viking River Cruise

When it comes to choosing the best shoes for a river cruise, comfort and practicality should be your top priorities. Given the amount of walking and potential uneven surfaces you may encounter, it’s crucial to pack comfortable walking shoes with good grip. This will ensure that you can easily navigate slippery decks and cobblestone streets, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Look for shoes with solid traction to provide stability, especially during wet weather.

In addition to a sturdy pair of walking shoes, bringing a second pair of day shoes to wear around the ship is also advisable. These can be more relaxed, offering support and comfort as you explore the ship’s various amenities. For evening excursions, it’s worth considering packing one pair of dressier shoes to complement your attire for formal nights or when visiting more upscale establishments.

Consider wearing compression socks during long-haul flights to keep your feet feeling their best. These socks can help prevent swelling and improve circulation, ensuring you arrive at your river cruise destination with happy and comfortable feet ready for exploration.

Personal Items, Adapters & Chargers

Viking River ships are equipped with North American and European power outlets so that you can charge your devices without worry. However, bringing a universal adapter to ensure compatibility with any outlets you encounter during your travels is always a good idea. This will allow you to charge your phone, camera, or any other electronic device conveniently, keeping you connected and capturing precious memories throughout your European river cruise .

While Viking provides a selection of toiletries in each cabin, you may still prefer to bring specific personal products you are accustomed to. This could include shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, or any other toiletries you require for your daily routine.

Furthermore, Viking River cruise cabins are usually equipped with USB ports, making it even easier to charge your devices. You can leave those bulky chargers at home and bring your USB cables for quicker and more convenient charging.

Travel Documents

When preparing for a Viking River cruise, one of the most crucial aspects is having all the necessary travel documents in order. These documents ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their river cruise experience.

First and foremost, guests should have their passports readily accessible. Passports are required for international travel and serve as proof of identity. Ensuring your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date is essential. Additionally, some countries may require a visa for entry. It is vital to research and obtain any necessary visas before your trip.

In some instances, some river cruise itineraries may require guests to have specific vaccination records. This is particularly important for destinations where certain diseases are prevalent. To avoid complications, check with your healthcare provider or visit a travel clinic to receive the necessary vaccinations and obtain the corresponding records.

Bring a Day Bag

When embarking on a river cruise , having a well-equipped day bag is important to make the most of your port stops and excursions. A smaller bag is recommended for convenience and easy carrying during your day trips.

Here are some essential items to include in your day bag for a river cruise:

1. Travel documents: Securely keep your identification and necessary visas in your day bag.

2. Money and credit cards: Ensure you have enough cash and credit cards to cover expenses during your day trips.

3. Bottled water and snacks: Stay hydrated and energized throughout the day with a refillable water bottle and some nutritious snacks.

4. Sunscreen and hat: Protect yourself from the sun’s rays by packing sunscreen and a hat to shield your face from the heat.

5. Raincoat or umbrella: Be prepared for changeable conditions with a lightweight raincoat or a compact, collapsible umbrella.

6. Comfortable walking shoes: Choose sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking during your shore excursions.

7. Camera or smartphone: Capture extraordinary moments and scenic views with a camera or smartphone to document your river cruise experience.

8. Map or guidebook: Carry a map or guidebook of the destinations you will visit to help you navigate and learn about the history and culture.

What to Leave at Home

When packing for a river cruise, it’s essential to consider what items you can leave at home to avoid unnecessary clutter in your suitcase. Most river cruise ships provide standard amenities and services, making items redundant. Here are some things you can confidently leave behind:

1. Computers: River cruise ships typically offer Wi-Fi and onboard computers for guest use, so there’s no need to bring your laptop or tablet.

2. Hairdryers: River ships usually provide hairdryers in cabin bathrooms, so you can save space by not packing your own.

3. Excess clothing: River cruises tend to have a relaxed atmosphere, so there’s no need to pack fancy formal wear or multiple outfits for every day. Stick to comfortable, casual clothing that can be mixed and matched.

Remember to pack essentials like travel documents, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera to capture precious memories. By leaving unnecessary items behind, you’ll have a lighter load and more room for those souvenirs you will surely pick up along the way. Happy cruising!

Check the Weather Forecast

When preparing for your Viking River Cruise, it’s important to check the weather forecast for the cities and destinations you plan to visit. Here are the steps to ensure you are well-prepared:

1. Research the destinations: List the cities and ports of call along your river cruise itinerary. This will help you narrow down the areas you need to check the weather.

2. Use reputable weather websites or apps: Check weather forecast websites or reliable weather apps for up-to-date information. Some popular options include AccuWeather, Weather.com, and the Weather Channel app.

3. Enter the specific location: Enter the name of each city or destination you’ll be visiting to retrieve accurate weather information. Please pay attention to hourly and daily forecasts to fully understand the expected conditions.

4. Consider the river breeze: During the summer, river cruises can experience cool breezes. Pack a lightweight jacket or sweater to layer up in case the evenings or early mornings are chilly.

5. Be prepared for changeable conditions: Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to pack clothing that can be layered to adapt to different conditions. This way, you’ll be ready for both warm and cooler temperatures.

Follow the Dress Code & Pack Accordingly

When preparing for a river cruise, it’s essential to consider the dress code and pack accordingly carefully. Here are key points to keep in mind:

1. Check the dress code: Viking’s river cruise dress codes states the following in 2024

During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. There are no “formal nights” in the evening; recommended evening dress is “elegant casual.” For ladies, this may include a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; and for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional.  Some shore excursions visit religious sites that require modesty of dress. To avoid being denied entry, we recommend men wear long pants and refrain from sleeveless shirts; and for women, clothing that covers the knees and tops that are not sleeveless or too revealing.

Reviewing this will ensure you pack the appropriate attire and, more importantly, feel comfortable among your fellow passengers during your cruise.

Review the River Cruise Itinerary

When preparing for a river cruise, it is crucial to review the itinerary to understand better the excursions and unique outings offered at each port. This information will help you plan your activities and determine additional items to pack.

The river cruise itinerary provides a detailed schedule of the ports you will visit and the activities available at each stop. From historic landmarks to charming villages, each destination offers its own set of experiences. By looking over the itinerary, you can prioritize the excursions that interest you the most and make arrangements if you need them.

For example, if the itinerary includes visits to historic sites or religious landmarks, it is essential to pack appropriate clothing items that cover the shoulders and knees. On the other hand, if you plan to embark on outdoor adventures like hiking or biking tours, pack appropriate attire and footwear.

The river cruise itinerary will outline any unique outings or activities, such as wine tastings, culinary experiences , or cultural performances. Knowing these details in advance allows you to pack any necessary items, such as formal attire for special events or comfortable attire for more relaxed outings.

Keep It Simple

When it comes to packing for a Viking River Cruise, keeping it simple can make your journey all the more enjoyable. You can create multiple outfit combinations without overloading your suitcase by adopting a simple color scheme for your clothing items and packing mix-and-match options.

Comfort is key on a river cruise, so opt for comfortable and wrinkle-resistant clothing. Viking recommends comfortable walking shoes for exploring each port of call and a dressier pair for formal nights or special events.

Due to changeable conditions along the rivers, it’s wise to pack a lightweight jacket or sweater to layer up and adjust to the weather. Remember essentials like sunglasses and a sun hat to shield yourself from the sun’s rays during those leisurely days on deck.

While most river cruise ships provide umbrellas, it’s always a good idea to have a collapsible one in your bag in case of unexpected showers during excursions. This will ensure you stay dry while exploring.

Viking Packing Tips FAQ

What should i pack for a european river cruise.

When packing for a European river cruise, consider the weather and excursions you’ll be taking. Essentials include comfortable walking shoes and layers for changing weather.

What are some tips for packing for a river cruise?

Consider packing versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched and packing cubes to stay organized. It’s also helpful to check the dress code for formal dinners or events onboard.

What should I wear on a European river cruise?

For a European river cruise, it’s best to pack comfortable and casual clothing for exploring towns and cities along the river. Also, bring a few dressier outfits for any special onboard events or dinners.

What kind of luggage is best for a European river cruise?

Opt for a suitcase or travel bag with wheels for easy transport on and off the ship. Additionally, consider a day pack or small bag for carrying essentials during shore excursions.

What should I pack for a winter river cruise in Europe?

Pack warm layers for a winter river cruise in Europe, including a waterproof jacket, thermal clothing, and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on potentially icy or snowy terrain.

What are some recommended packing tips for a river cruise?

Some recommended packing tips for a river cruise include packing light, packing cubes to maximize space, and bringing comfortable walking shoes for onshore excursions.

What should I bring for cruise excursions on a river cruise?

Consider bringing a small day bag or backpack for cruise excursions to carry essentials such as water, sunscreen, a camera, and any necessary medications. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.

What are some essential items to pack for a river cruise in Europe?

Essential items to pack for a river cruise in Europe include comfortable walking shoes, versatile clothing for layering, and a swimsuit if you plan to use onboard amenities like a pool or hot tub.

What about packing for a European river cruise in shoulder seasons?

When packing for a European river cruise in shoulder seasons, it’s important to bring layers to accommodate changing temperatures and potential rain. Also, consider packing casual and dressier clothing for onboard and onshore activities.

Should I pack a fanny pack for a river cruise in Europe?

While it’s a matter of personal preference, a fanny pack can be a convenient accessory for carrying essentials during onshore excursions on a river cruise in Europe. Just be mindful of security and pickpocketing concerns in crowded areas.

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Things to Expect on a Viking River Cruise

By: Author Melody Pittman

Posted on March 30, 2024

A Viking River cruise promises a cascade of moments enveloped in luxury, culture, and unparalleled hospitality. Each twist and turn tells a story as the ship unfolds the treasures along the Seine, Rhine, or Danube, whichever journey you’ve chosen. You’re invited to live and breathe this narrative. Here’s more about what to expect on a Viking River Cruise vacation.

Your Voyage Beckons

Upon arrival in Paris (or your embarkation city), the City of Lights extends an enchanting welcome as your vessel, a sleek beacon of modern navigation, awaits your arrival. The Viking Fjorgyn (For this article, I’ll refer to my cruise onboard this ship) is a masterpiece of maritime design that  becomes your floating home,  tucked within the cinematic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, mere steps away.

Pro Tip:  For this  Paris to Normandy cruise , the ship will be overnight in Paris, so your arrival time is less critical than many other itineraries. 

Thanks to Viking for hosting me on two river cruises. As always, opinions are 100% mine and unbiased.

A Morning Ritual to Cherish

Greet the day aboard with a delicious breakfast spread in the inviting ambiance of the ship’s main restaurant or the lovely indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Good food is certainly something you’ll expect on your Viking River Cruise, and trust me, you’ll get plenty.

Mornings are a time for indulgence—perhaps you’ll enjoy Eggs Benedict, warm pancakes, or a taste of fresh muesli. The daily spread caters to every palate. Guests are free to eat from the buffet or order a plated meal from the menu—or both.

Should you wake up early, coffee and pastries will await you in the common area in front of the lounge from 6 AM to 11 AM.

Coffee and pastries are available in front of the Lounge from 6 to 11 AM. Guests can also enjoy a continental breakfast (with a few breakfast-sized dishes) on the Aquavit Terrace. The fruit is also fresh, no matter what location you are in.

Culinary Reverie at Lunch and Dinner

When it’s lunchtime, sit in the restaurant or take in the riverside views from the Aquavit Terrace. From chicken salad, Vichyssoise, and grilled paninis to comforting lasagna that speaks of home, Viking’s menu selections tantalize your taste buds with every course.

And when the day wanes into the evening, dinner is an affair you’ll want to linger over. I’ve never had a bad meal on Viking River Cruises, which is a bold statement. I love that you can hop from table to table to meet new cruisers during your journey and that you have staples for the picky eater who may not like every night’s course.

Complimentary beer and wine are served with each. Guests can also buy drinks at the bar anytime of day or night.

Pro Tip:  You’ll find the daily menus on your stateroom TV and posted outside the restaurant. 

A Night of France Extravaganza

Prepare to be whisked away on a culinary odyssey through France (or your chosen destination) as Viking serves up a spectacular Taste of France dinner during one night of your itinerary. This tour de force of gastronomy reflects the Viking commitment to delivering authentic and spellbinding experiences.

Having cruised in Germany multiple times, I thought the German Food Feast was sensational, but the French night even one-upped it. Regardless, it’s a great effort for them to make such a unique international food and drink dining experience.

To see what looks fun at your German cruise ports , check out this post.

Well-Appointed Staterooms

Viking River Cruises has neutral color hues throughout your stateroom and all the comforts of home. There are drawers, a closet for unpacking, and a dresser for housing personal items, water and glasses, all your paperwork and brochures, and electronics. Kudos to Viking for offering enough outlets for charging.

The bathroom is functional, with space for storing toiletries and a built-in hairdryer and vanity. However, I can’t remember if the outlets allow for US devices (curling iron, electric shaver, etc.), so it’s always a good idea to bring a  travel plug adapter . 

Enrich Your Spirit With Daily Activities

Each sunset brings an opportunity for personal enrichment, with port talks from the program director that paint a vivid picture of tomorrow’s adventures. My favorite was the Enrichment Lecture: Painters Along the Seine, which provided in-depth insights into the most famous French-connection painters Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh. You can also listen from your stateroom.

Pro Tip:  Viking offered an optional painting class to help you create your own impressionistic painting. The fee was 10 euros per person and limited to 25 guests. 

Wine and cheese tastings are the jewels in the crown of onboard activities, where the region’s best varieties are served on your plate. And then there are the wine tastings—think Bordeaux, Moscato, and Rieslings.

And don’t even get me started on the live music—your evenings will be elegantly scored by talented local musicians and the ship’s pianist, each note a celebration of the region’s artistry.

You can sometimes request your favorite songs. Dancing is encouraged.

The Viking Daily and Excursions to Enrich Every Da y

Imagine unwinding in your cabin after an event-filled day, only to find the Viking Daily newsletter awaiting you with what tomorrow brings. This isn’t just a newsletter; it’s your passport to the excitement of the upcoming day’s adventures.

Whether a gentle exploration tailored for ease or an adventure accessed by motorcoach, these inclusive outings promise to reveal the soul of the regions through which you travel. One is included daily with Viking, plus a few options for purchasing an additional paid excursion.

Please note that when the description mentions “leisure,” such as a leisure walk, it is suitable for all ability levels. The guide will be mindful of anyone with walking disabilities and take it slow.

In Paris, our  Panoramic Paris  featured a bus ride around town. In my past cruises, my favorite add-ons were:

• The  Palace of Versailles .
• Picturesque Honfleur on foot.
• A Bernkastel-Kues wine tasting.
• An eight-hour tour of Normandy and its beaches. 

Find everything from weather forecasts, precise sunrise and sunset times, and enchanting histories of locations eagerly awaiting your visit. Should you venture solo and need to reach the ship, Viking’s contact numbers are always at hand, ensuring a safe and secure experience.

Revel in Unparalleled Sun Deck Serenity

Sunny days and scenic cruising confer on the Sun Deck. It becomes a sanctuary for relaxing moments, a sip of something delightful, or the perfect corner to lose oneself in the pages of a book, all while the scenery plays out before you.

Some of the Viking ships have a putting range, giant yard games, and herb gardens on top. There is also plenty of seating and excellent places for photo ops.

A Vanguard in Health and Safety

Viking River Cruises indeed heeds care and caution regarding passenger safety. In a world of uncertainty, your well-being is the topmost priority. Courtesy runs through the ship in the form of ample hand sanitizer stations, yet carrying your own is the signature of a seasoned traveler.

Conscientiousness dictates the use of masks where appropriate, when applicable, reminding us that our health is our own to guard.

The Ultimate River Cruise Experience Beckons

With every detail meticulously planned and every vista thoughtfully presented, a Viking River Cruise is more than travel – it’s an adventure where passengers meet the wanderlust of the soul. It’s an invitation to witness the world up close, imbued with charm and ensconced in the ease of world-class amenities.

There’s a world out there waiting to be seen, and it’s seen best from the deck of a Viking ship, a brand devoted to bringing you the quintessence of exploration. Sail away with Viking and relish the river cruise experience as it should be – authentic, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable.

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Packing For A Viking Ocean Cruise: What NOT To Pack

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For first-timers packing for a Viking ocean cruise, our advice:

Preparing for any trip involves planning—as well as careful pruning:

Not only do you need to figure out what to take but you need to determine what NOT to take. 

Tips for pruning before packing for a Viking ocean cruise:

• Don’t wait until the last minute.
• Think through where you’ll be, what you’ll be doing, and what you’ll wear.
• Make lists as reminders to guide your packing.

The perils of overpacking for a Viking ocean cruise or any ocean cruise

Cramming too much in your suitcase increases the odds of additional airline fees for oversized or overweight checked bags. Heavy bags are tricky to manage, too.

As we age, carrying and lifting suitcases can exact a toll on our back and shoulder muscles.

Once onboard, it can be difficult to stow an overpacked bag under your bed easily. Although there is ample storage space onboard Viking Ocean Cruises, bringing too much stuff makes it harder to sift through your belongings to stay organized and find what you want.

Another reason you can travel light: Viking Ocean ships have self-service laundry facilities on decks 3, 4, 5, and 6, and depending on your stateroom category, laundry and dry cleaning services may be complimentary. You do not have to bring detergent as it is available for guests in the self-service laundries.

So master the art of packing ligh t! In fact, you might want to think about assembling a travel capsule wardrobe.

Oops…I left it home

Of course, there is a downside to taking minimalism to the extreme or packing sloppily. Perhaps you’ll leave your sunglasses or swimsuit at home or forget to bring a sweater for chilly evenings.

We were on a shoulder season cruise in the Mediterranean a few years ago. I could have kicked myself for leaving my swimsuit at home when the weather unexpectedly turned warm and sunny! It was impossible to find one to my liking in the department store in Marseille—although I tried.

Packing too little means you may have to do without, or pay the price of purchasing (and finding) replacements while traveling for things you already have at home.

Packing for a Viking Ocean Cruise: What NOT to pack

Here is our advice on eight things you should definitely NOT take when packing for a Viking Ocean Cruise:

1) NO formal evening attire

There are no formal nights on Viking, so there’s no need for long dresses for women or dinner jackets for men (even neckties are discretionary).

Instead, the dress code for dinner is “elegant casual,” meaning anything from a sundress in the Caribbean—to slacks and a blouse for women cruising in colder climates.

There are few hard-fast rules for evening dress on the ship except to limit shorts and workout attire to daytime use only.

Male passengers generally opt for trousers and a collared shirt (short or long-sleeved) in the evening, generally without a sports jacket or tie. A black colored polo shirt (my husband likes the Ralph Lauren slim shirt) is always a great look for men.  

I rarely take precious jewelry on any cruise. It’s something to worry about losing, and fanciful costume jewelry is just as much fun!

Read my post on Travel Jewelry: What To Take and What Not To Take

Similarly, do not bring high heels. Bring comfortable walking or athletic shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking each day.

2) NO hairdryer

Every ocean (or river ship) we’ve ever been on has had a hairdryer tucked in a drawer or closet (although you often have to search for them).

You definitely don’t need to bring one. I loved the Braun Satin Hair model in my Viking Ocean stateroom so much that I wanted to purchase one after I got home. I searched high and low without success; perhaps, the compact model is only sold in Europe.

If you are planning a cruise extension or simply want to bring your own, one of my favorite travel hairdryers is the BaByliss Pro . It’s super compact, has dual voltage, and is extremely lightweight. 

Straightening or curling irons are another story. Neither hotels nor cruise ships have caught up with the popularity of these hair tools. So if you depend on them, bring your own.

The only exception to the no-adapter rule below is to bring European-style adapters for the plugs, and any hair tool you bring runs on 220V current (for use near the makeup table in your cabin).

3) No adapters

Electrical outlets in Viking Ocean staterooms run on either 110V and 220V, so when packing for a Viking Ocean Cruise, there is no need to bring other adapters—even though you’ll be visiting different countries.

Each cabin has two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. There are also USB ports to charge your cellphone or tablet so all you need to bring are the cables.

If you travel with a lot of electronics and want to bring a power strip with. you, you might want to take a look at the Addtam power strip (available on Amazon) .  It has a clever design that won’t take up unnecessary space. This is especially handy on cruise ships where nightstands tend to be small. The AC outlets are spaced extra wide with 2.4 inches between them, much larger than the standard 1.5-inch socket. This makes it work well with the bulky adapters that come with laptops and other electronic gadgets. Although compact it has three regular outlets, four USB ports (2 of them USB C) and offers no-surge protection.

Because my husband and I have Apple watches, we bring a charging station that charges our iPhones and watches. It’s light, compact, and fits on the night table (we bring one charging station to share). I’ve tried several brands, including the one from Apple (the Apple MagSafe Duo ), and I prefer the STM ChargeTree Go, which is available from Amazon.   

4) No shampoo or conditioner

Shampoo and conditioner must be packed extra carefully when you’re flying because these liquids can easily leak onto your belongings and are subject to TSA 3-1-1 rules if you bring them in a carry-on.

Unless you are wed to a particular product, you don’t need to bring shampoo or conditioner onboard. Viking Ocean Cruises provides lovely Freyja toiletries (including shampoo and conditioner) that are designed exclusively for Viking in convenient, easy-to-handle sizes (rather than mini-bottles). (The Nordic skincare brand is named after Freyja, the Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility, divination and magic.)

Also note: The toiletries on Viking come with large print labeling so those over the age of 40 don’t need to take their peepers into the shower.

Leave the soap, body lotion, shower gel, and shower cap at home as well. They are also provided by the cruise line and replenished as needed. (If you are addicted to bar soap, you’ll need to bring one with you.)

5) No snacks

When packing for a Viking Ocean Cruise, there is no need to bring any foodstuffs because you’ll never be hungry. Aside from three meals a day, snacks are always accessible– whether you miss a meal, wake up late, or have a craving between meal hours.

Mamsen’s is a small Norwegian-style counter tucked in the beautiful Explorer’s Lounge on Deck 7, serving small plates with dishes like smoked salmon, steak tartare and shrimp salad, and Norwegian waffles.

The Pool Grill serves up burgers, hotdogs, and salads throughout the afternoon. The Viking Bar on Deck 1 has sweets and savories available through midnight. And an extensive Room Service menu is available at no extra charge 24 hours a day.

If you think you may be tempted to bring snacks back to the ship after a cruise excursion, do remember to pack a few Ziploc bags to stow them. I find the quart-size bags to be the most versatile. (You never know where you might find a special type of chocolate:-)

6) No umbrella

Viking has thought of that, too. You’ll find two large red umbrellas in your stateroom that you can use if the weather is inclement.

7) No beach towels

Whether you plan to swim onboard or take an excursion to a beach, you won’t need to bring beach towels from home.

You’ll find beach towels near the pool areas and in bins by the security exit before disembarking.

If you’ve booked an excursion that might call for beach towels, a crew member often places towels on your bed the night before.

8) No expensive jewelry

Yes, you’ll have an in-room safe in your stateroom, but why have to worry about jewelry getting lost or attracting thieves at ports?

Whenever I travel, I leave expensive pieces at home and opt for travel jewelry , fake pieces that look like the real thing.

9) Don’t bother packing alcohol

The Viking Ocean Cruises FAQ page notes that guests are allowed to bring alcohol and other beverages for consumption in their staterooms and public spaces, including the dining room.

But why bother? There are ample opportunities to order beer, wine and beverages at lunch and dinner at no extra charge.

While on shore excursions, you can also purchase alcoholic beverages to bring on board. There are no corkage fees on Viking Ocean cruises.

10) What Not To Pack: Take These Things With You

On every cruise line, it takes time for the crew to sort and distribute suitcases to all the staterooms on the ship.

If you are lucky enough to have your cabin ready for you soon after boarding, you may still have to wait for your suitcases to arrive.

We usually pack a carry-on or large tote when we cruise on Viking. Here are some of the items, we like to have to have on hand before our baggage is delivered:

• Medications 
• Essential toiletries (to freshen up)
• Passport and boarding documents
• All valuables, including our wallets, electronics and any expensive jewelry
• Our computer

Will my luggage be searched on a Viking cruise?

When you board your ship, carry-on and checked luggage are examined with an X-ray machine. Your carry-on will be placed on a X-ray conveyer when you board. Inspection of checked luggage takes place after it arrives on the ship.

Your luggage will be searched only if the crew spots any dangerous or prohibited items. If you are unsure about whether something is permitted, check out this PDF from Viking outlining Prohibited Items for Luggage Loading .

This post was so popular that I recently posted a complementary piece:

• The Ultimate Viking Cruise Packing List

FREE DOWNLOAD

• Viking Ocean Cruise Basic Packing List for Women

You’ll find some additional cruising tips in previous articles on MoreTimeToTravel :

• Cruise Hacks: Eight Tips to Help You Pack for a River Cruise
• COVID Travel Packing List (just in case)
• Viking Ocean Cruises Carves Out A Special Niche for Over-50 Travelers
• B est Travel Accessories for Men: 30 Great Gifts for Travelers

Viking Ocean Cruises

Disclosures:

• We have been invited guests of Viking Ocean Cruises but any opinions expressed in this post are our own.
• This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

More info on packing for a Viking Ocean Cruise from the cruise line

• Check out a list of items prohibited onboard:   Viking Prohibited Items List
• Also, read: Viking Ocean Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to book (or look)

• Check out Viking Ocean Cruise Deals on Cruise Critic
• Check out Viking River Cruise Deals on Cruise Critic

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48 Comments

You got me on #1, 3 and 6! I thought formal/dressy was the norm on all cruise ships! Guess not. Oh not to bring adapters! More room in my suitcase! And finally the umbrella. My travel one is small but having not to bring one would be great. Super post, Irene.

We’ve got to get you back into cruising, Janice! Glad you enjoyed the post~ Irene

In my experience, this is great advice! Thanks for the reminders.

Glad they resonated with you!

I’m bring my hair styling tool and want to plug it in to 110v in the bathroom. Will the ship have a adapter for me for the bathroom or is there a 110v plug in there? Thanks

I suggest that you call Viking Cruises to make sure—but if I recollect correctly, although there were ample 100V outlets, you may not be able to use any appliance in the bathroom except for an electric shaver. Depending on your stateroom, you will probably have a desk or dressing table with a 100v outlet where you can fix your hair.

Have a great time on your cruise!

I have been told by friends who sail on other lines that I will need a lanyard and pouch to carry ID and room keys, we did not on Viking River Cruises, do we on the ocean cruise? Thanks

Your room key is your ID. It is required each time you get off and on the ship. I usually carry a small purse with that and my phone and a small amount of cash. On the ship, you only need the ID, which you can tuck into a pocket. Some people do prefer lanyards but it’s not necessary.

Hope this helps! Irene

I’m going on a Viking River Cruise (Paris-Normandy). I wasn’t sure whether or not to bring my usual cruise lanyard and hole punch?

Up to you. Not too many passengers use them but it’s light enough to take along in case you want to:-) the only use would be getting on and off the ship. Bon voyage!

I really don’t want to bring any shampoo but I’m supposed to use phosphate free. I can’t find any info on Fteyja that gives me that info. HELP !!

I would suggest that you call Viking. I’d be surprised if they couldn’t tell you the answer; my experience is that they are great on the phone!

Jan Lee, I would definitely bring yours, I didn’t on our last Viking cruise and as great as their stuff is, it stripped the color.enjoy your trip.

Thanks for responding, Robyn. Many people prefer to bring their own reliable shampoos/conditioners/toiletries, etc. so they know what to expect when they use them.

In our documents from Viking regarding our river cruise in France, it says curling irons and flat irons are prohibited. Has anyone dealt with thus recently? My hair is very unruly and I am mortified at the thought of no heat styling tools! 18 days and counting:)

HI Shelley,

I found this online on the VIking Cruises Q&A site (I couldn’t find a similar statement specific to ocean cruises):

What Is The Electrical Voltage In The Stateroom? What Kind Of Converters Will I Need For My Computer/Curling Iron/Camera Battery Charger?

If you are traveling on a Viking Longship, you will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. The 110V electrical outlets (North American style) are located above the desk and on each side of the bed. Other European ships have 220V electricity, and have the German Schuko safety plug, which has two pins. In China the ships have a 3-pin blade safety plug; an adapter with just the two slanted blades will also work. In Southeast Asia the ships use a 2-pin Euro plug. Some of these plugs are grounded and some are not. Each stateroom will have one or two 115V razor plugs available, generally in the bathroom. See the chart for more details and pictures of the plugs.

My suggestion: It seems like it shouldn’t be a problem to bring your flat iron. I’ve taken mine on multiple Viking river and OCEAN cruises and have never had a problem. I’ve left it out on the counter and the stewards never said anything either. Unlike a hair dryer, flat irons don’t use a lot of current and most are dual voltage (check the tag).

Have a wonderful trip! Have you seen this post? https://www.moretimetotravel.com/cruise-hacks-8-tips-to-help-you-pack-for-a-river-cruise/

Best, Irene

Have you been on the Midnight Sun cruise – any thoughts on the type of clothing to bring – I leave in a few days and still struggling with what clothes to take – thanks 🙂

How exciting! No, I haven’t been on a Midnight Sun cruise but this article I recently wrote for Forbes.com may offer some general advice that could be helpful:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/irenelevine/2018/05/01/7-packing-tips-to-make-your-european-river-cruise-hassle-free/#43a857661797

Bon voyage! Irene

I am also taking that cruise. Maybe we will run into each other. Also trying to decide what to wear.

We just got back from the Viking Rhine River Cruise and these tips were very good. I have to say though that almost nobody dressed up for dinner—I saw one or two men in sport coats. Bring your comfortable easy to pack stuff ladies and bring athletic shoes that allow for socks. In the summer it can be really hot and sweaty feet even in sandals can cause blisters. Even the sharpest dressed had their athletic shoes or keen sandals on during the day. I was told specifically not to bring curling iron or flatiron (fire hazard). If you stay in a hotel before or after your cruise you will need to bring adapters for charging your phone or tablets. I definitely overpacked—shoes and clothes. I liked the hair and cleansing products on the ship, but the hotel had one cleanser for hair and body only. I was really glad I had brought my own shampoo and conditioner.

Glad the tips were helpful. Thanks for sharing your tips and experiences!

How does Viking Ocean cruises treat solo travellers. Are there any solo travellers on their cruises.

Do women really wear pants and a blouse for dinner? I am bringing a few dresses but am also bringing pants and blouses. I’m hoping that other women will be wearing slacks with a nice blouse for our Viking Ocean cruise to the Caribbean

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable but nice slacks and a blouse will be absolutely fine. The dress code on Viking Ocean Cruises is very relaxed.

Hi Meri, I just took the Caribbean Amazon cruise and women were wearing slacks and blouses, as did I. Keep in mind that though it may be tropical outside it can get chilly in the a/c. In the theatre it can be arctic. Also, regarding a curling iron…I had one and used it and had no problem. Definitely needed that in the humidity. Of course as soon as I stepped outside it was all over!

Thanks for adding your experience, Mary!

Thank you for your quick reply. We are really looking forward to this cruise and it’s wonderful itinerary. Another question- my husband is thinking about bringing jeans to wear to dinner, but I thought I read that jeans are frowned upon for dinner. What is your advice?

Jeans are discouraged in the main dining room but if you want to eat and dress in jeans, you can get almost the same foods in the World Cafe, where there is no dress code. I would suggest he bring one pair of khakis.

You will have a wonderful time!

Thanks again!

Thanks for the tips! I have been or 2 VRCs and leave for my 1st VOC in a week (Baltic Sea – yay!) I will be on the Viking Sky so joined an”unofficial” Viking FB group to ask if all was repaired after the “incident” ~ a month ago (it is!) My #1 tip to people going on their 1st river cruise is “laundry is quick & inexpensive – don’t overpack.” There are laundry rooms on the ocean ships and a friend said do NOT think you will do laundry on the days you are sailing – everybody has that idea. Throw your clothes in a washer when you leave for dinner, then in the dryer afterward. Lots of controversy on curling irons & flatirons. Viking says they are NOT allowed, but no one will confiscate. Just be sure to unplug when not in use.

Thanks for your tip! I’m sure you will have a wonderful cruise! Best, Irene

Do viking ocean cruise lines have a hairdresser on board?

Yes, I believe there is one. You can check with Viking to make sure.

Regsrding snacks you forgot to mention that you do not need room service as each room comes with a bar fridge and that snacks like the delicious home baked cookies are readily available ftim the World Cafe. We often take a few with us on tours for snacks on the bus.

Point well taken! Thanks!

Thank you for these suggestions and actual experiences! I just received my cruise documents and read through them and was quite upset when I read that I could not bring my hair straightener on board. I laughed out loud at the comments from Shelly and Mary. My hair is unruly amplified. I had mental pictures of all my photos of me enjoying Europe but my hair looking like it did in junior high. Thank you all for your notes that you had no problems bringing them on board. Whew! Thank you Irene for this information!

Hoping you will enjoy your voyage and have “good hair days,” too!

Does the ocean cruise provide different pillow?

My recollection is that Viking Ocean Cruises have fluffy comforters and luxury down pillows. If you have any kind of allergy, you can ask your cabin steward or the guest services manager for a foam pillow. Hope that helps!

Enjoy your cruise!

I like a foam pillow so I asked for one on my Bermuda cruise with Viking. It arrived promptly that evening while we were at dinner. But I noticed that I had 3 pillows and had to throw the extra one on a chair. Next time I will ask for the extra pillow to be removed. I will also ask for a lighter bed cover. The down comforter is lovely but too heavy. The room stewards are wonderful and treat you like royalty!

Thanks for sharing your experience, Cindy! It will be helpful to others.

Are there tea making facilities in room. I like boiled water first up in the mirning

Hi Glenise,

According to the Viking website, coffee machines with premium coffee and tea selections are available in Deluxe Veranda staterooms and above: https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/ships/viking-sky.htmlsin the room. If you like tea, you’ll also appreciate the high tea service in the Wintergarden. Hope this helps. Irene

Can we travel with our dog?

“No pets or other animals are allowed on board the ship, other than service animals and certified therapy dogs as Viking may choose to permit at its sole discretion.” For additional information, see the Viking FAQs . Best, Irene

Hi Glenise, To the best of my knowledge, every stateroom has a mini-bar. I checked the website and all in-room amenities are listed under the name of each ship. For example, this was the information for the Viking Star, which shows mini-bars in every category of stateroom: https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/ships/viking-star.html Since you need the refrigerator for your medicine, I would call the cruise line just to make sure it will be large enough to meet your needs or to see if a larger one can be placed in your cabin. Viking 1-866-984-5464. Hope this is helpful and have a wonderful cruise! Irene

Thank you this is very helpful. I hope people will stick with unscented laundry products, the laundry/softener fragrances really set it off for people with asthma.

Thanks for raising the issue; perfume can do that too!

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Review: What It’s REALLY Like Aboard Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises Review

Recently, I sailed on my first Viking River Cruise up the Rhine River to explore Switzerland , Germany , France and The Netherlands on their classic ‘Rhine Getaway’ river cruise.

The entire trip was calm and relaxing and I felt like it struck the perfect balance of sightseeing and leisure!

I’ve taken several European river cruises cruises with family before and immediately knew my mom would love the smaller atmosphere, quaint towns and relaxing vibe, so I brought her along for the trip!

I know river cruising is not for everyone so if you’re curious about Viking specifically or more generally wondering what there is to see and do along the Rhine River, I thought I’d recap our trip to show you the highlights.

I would recommend this trip if you enjoy small colorful towns, World War II history and good food.

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Keep reading below for a complete review of what cruising with Viking is like!

Or quickly jump to:

• Rhine River Itinerary
• River Cruises vs Ocean Cruises
• Best European River Cruises
• Pre-Trip Experience
• Should You Book Flights Through Viking
• On Board Experience
• Viking Ship
• Included Tours

Rhine Getaway Itinerary

We started in Basel, Switzerland (up north on the Rhine River) and ended at Amsterdam in The Netherlands.

Viking also offers the same route in reverse , from Amsterdam to Basel so you can pick either option. For a couple stops on the journey, boats running in opposite cities are docked together.

We had a wonderful time and especially loved how organized the entire Viking journey was, from pre-departure to on-board, everything was seamless.

Also unlike many other cruises or guided tours, almost everything was included , which made it feel like a truly relaxing vacation.

Here’s a snapshot of our 7-day itinerary and what we got up to each day!

Day 1: Arrive in Basel, Switzerland

We arrived in the small, quaint town of Basel after our international flight.

This was the general arrival / travel date so we expected to just check in and relax but discovered that Viking organized a guided walking tour of the town. That was a nice surprise!

There’s also the option to arrive a couple days early and/or stay a couple days late. If you are thinking of this, here’s a quick guide to the best hotels in Basel  to help with accommodation.

Basel is an underrated tourist attraction and the third largest city in Switzerland. The town has a gorgeous Medieval center and plenty of world-class art museums.

There’s a reason Art Basel is held here!

We checked out the Romanesque cathedral, took endless pictures of the colorful medieval buildings and headed back to our ship to relax and meet everyone for cocktails and dinner. A great first day!

Day 2: Germany’s Black Forest & Colmar, France

On our second day, we sailed northward to dock at Breisach, Germany .

In the morning, we learned how to make cuckoo-clocks, put together Black Forest cake and walked a bit throughout the Black Forest.

The wooded mountain range is the site of many local legends and populated all over with black fir trees. If you like hiking, the mountains are wonderful!

In the afternoon, we signed up for an optional tour to Colmar .

Located in the Alsace Lorraine region, the town is part of France but throughout much of history, changed hands between Germany and France.

You’ll find lots of German and French spoken as a result!

I highly recommend visiting this quaint medieval town. Every street looks perfectly preserved and it’s quite colorful. We wandered mostly on our own, ducking into gelato shops and chocolate stores while enjoying the colorful, medieval feel.

Day 3: Strasbourg, France

If you skip the optional to Colmar, no worries!

Strasbourg is its larger cousin and also located in Alsace, France .

We had a wonderful guide for this day who guided us throughout the small canals, pointing out colorful streets and letting us know about Strasbourg’s tangled history in the hands of Germany and France.

Strasbourg occupies a strategic position on the Rhine River and is the ninth largest city in France.

It’s home to many European councils and organizations, like the European Court of Human Rights (a building built like a ship) and the Council of Europe.

For the most part, we stuck to the Old Medieval Town but drove through the modern section. Highly recommend a visit to the Cathedral!

Day 4: Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg is a university town with a energetic, small town feel.

In the morning, we visited Heidelberg Castle, which perhaps should be called a ruined fortress, as much of it was destroyed by lightening, fires and war.

The ruins and castle are built high above the city and the observation terrace is well worth a look!

Meanwhile, the city was almost entirely spared from bomb attacks during World War II and it’s narrow streets and baroque charm remain largely intact.

We explored Heidelberg’s Old Town (Altstadt) by walking along the main shopping street Hauptstrasse. This is actually the longest shopping street in Europe!

For the most part, I spotted large chain stores & restaurants.

I actually recommend skipping this street to explore the quaint alleyways and backstreets instead. Much more picturesque!

Day 5: Rhine River Castles & Koblenz, Germany

By day 5, we had reached the middle Rhine!

We spent our morning above deck watching the gorgeous small German towns and castles along both sides of the Rhine River. Our Viking program director gave a guided audio tour along the way, pointing out castles left and right.

Many of them are situated high above local towns and we saw lots of German camper vans parked at the base.

I recommend bringing a pair of binoculars for this part, as some of the castles can be set a bit farther away and the detail through a zoom is incredible.

By afternoon, we reached Koblenz, a city set at the mouth of two rivers.

We explored Marksburg Castle and wandered a bit on our own after. This was another ruined fortress high above the river.

Interesting history, but definitely wear good shoes ! The entire castle is unpaved, rocky and entirely uneven.

Note – a couple others from the cruise did the optional dinner excursion on this day and raved about it.

Day 6: Cologne, Germany

During the Holy Roman Empire, Cologne was the largest medieval town in Europe. Naturally, it’s Gothic cathedral is the hallmark draw!

The nice thing about this stop is the ship can dock right into town, so you can join the tour or explore on your own.

We explored the Kölner Dom’s interior and were suitably awed.

If you want a great view, Viking offers an optional tour that takes you all the way to the very top! I had already been to Cologne on a previous trip so instead, we opted for a palace excursion.

I *love* an over the top, beautifully decorated mansion and have a whole series dedicated to them here .

We visited Augustusburg Castle, one of two gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage site classified as Bruhl Palaces.

The castle was once home to the prince-archbishops of Cologne and is decked out in gold, marble and all-around extravagance. I particularly liked the massive entryway staircase which was gilded and made my mouth drop open when we turned the corner.

Highly recommend this day trip if you love castles half as much as I do!

The interiors were really unique and the guided tour was excellent.

After the main palace, we did a quick tour of the hunting lodge as well, which was just as stunning. This is one stop I definitely wished we had more time in!

Day 7: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

Kinderdijk is home to the Netherlands’ famous windmills .

I’ll admit I didn’t know too much about the country outside of Amsterdam and our guide was quite helpful to explain the history of the nation and the purpose of its many windmills. 

Much of the Netherlands would sink, were it not for windmills to pump away water.

We even got to tour inside the home of a windmill keeper (see photos of a windmill  interior here!). What I didn’t realize was that windmill caretakers actually lived inside them with their families!

I thought the interiors were particularly interesting and our guide mentioned that some Dutch families managed to fit 13 children inside.

They’re quite small so I noticed lots of hooks for hanging, curved bunk-bed type rooms and lots of stair ladders. The Dutch windmill keepers also had a number of really unique boats which I took too many pictures of!

Fun fact: Kinderdijk is in the region of Holland in the nation of The Netherlands where the people speak Dutch .

The Rhine Getaway Cruise

One thing I liked about sailing with Viking is how leisurely the day to day pace is.

There’s generally an opportunity to sight see in the morning and afternoon, with one included tour and one optional tour.

We chose to do 2 optionals and on the other days, relaxed on board or went into town to explore on our own! It was a well-balanced pace and I truly felt “on vacation”.

Here’s a recap of our daily itinerary with Viking:

How River Cruises Differ vs. Ocean Cruises

Many of our stops were small European villages and medium sized cities, so we felt like we were able to see all the top sights without missing anything.

The best part? enjoying the comfort of a luxurious ship without worrying about transportation from town to town and only unpacking once .

Small Ships

I think most of us are familiar with large ocean liners that sail to the Caribbean.

River cruises offer a very different experience – they’re much smaller ships, typically seating only 150-200 passengers.

The Viking Hlin ship that I was on had about 150 passengers and approximately 60 crew members, for reference.

No Seasickness

In general rivers are much calmer than the open seas and you won’t have to worry about rough seasickness.

We did a fun tour of the wheelhouse and learned from the Captain that Viking ships utilize four propellers instead of a traditional rudder.

Because of this, they have the flexibility to turn each propeller a full 360 degrees for precision and smooth sailing so you shouldn’t experience any seasickness on board.

More About the Sights, Not On Board Entertainment

River cruising is a much more intimate experience, with unreserved seating at meal times so you get to mix and mingle with almost everyone on board by the end (if you want!).

There’s less on-board entertainment (no nightclubs or casinos on board) but each evening people congregated in the lounge by the bar and Viking had an on-board pianist. 

A couple nights during the week, Viking hosted either singers, dancers or local activities.

My favorite was the glass blowing demonstration by a glass master from Germany! He was quite an artist and had different glassblowing techniques than what I saw when I went to Venice .

Easier Disembarkation

T he number one reason why I like river cruises so much is because you get to see many small towns and sights in a leisurely fashion.

Depending on your journey, you stop in a new town every day or so and can get on and off the ship easily and on your own pace, without queuing for hours!

When I went on my cruise to Cuba , we received a group number each evening for the next day’s stop. That was a medium sized ship (roughly 500-1,000 passengers) and disembarking into town took about 2 hours, so depending on which group you were in.

I’m pretty impatient and hated the long lines. Everyone still has to be back on board at the same time, so for certain port stops, you would get much less time in town if you were part of the last disembarkation group.

Which is the Best European River Cruise?

I wouldn’t say there’s a “best” European cruise per se, but there are a couple main rivers in Europe that offer river cruise experiences. The most popular are the Rhine River, the Elba and the Danube.

• The Rhine River runs from the Swiss Alps through the Franco-German border and empties into the North Sea up in the Netherlands. This is the route we took.
• The Elba River   is a major Central European river and predominantly flows through Germany and the Czech Republic. A small bit flows through Austria and Poland.
• The Danube River is quite long, flowing through 10 countries through Central and Eastern Europe. It starts in Germany and flows along the borders of Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine before emptying into the Black Sea. I did this route years ago with family and loved it because I felt like I saw so much of Eastern Europe in one go. Lots of quaint, small towns perfect for a quick afternoon visit!

Viking Cruises Review

Our Rhine Getaway hit a couple towns throughout Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands in one convenient week.

Plus it had the added bonus of only unpacking once!

You can see the route we took in the Rhine River cruise map below.

Flights & Our Pre-Trip Experience

Once you book your Viking river cruise, the fun part is checking out the daily itinerary and browsing the optional excursions!

I was really impressed with Viking’s interactive website called My Viking Journey .

They have a handy map to show the journey along the Rhine River and make it easy to see what your options are each day. If you happen to pick an optional that conflicts with an included tour or a different optional tour, the website lets you know immediately.

Should You Book Airfare Through Viking?

Viking also offers airfare. 

We set a  fare alert and browsed for flights on our own, and after comparing it to the Viking customer service rep, found that they were able to get us a better deal. I was pretty amazed actually!

So I recommend booking airfare through Viking (after doing a price comparison on your own, of course).  It seems the company has relationships with partner airlines and is able to typically find flights cheaper than you can do on your own.

Another advantage to booking airfare through Viking is they also include round trip transfers.

We found this really handy after long travel days. For the arrival, our bus picked us up at the airport in Basel and left straightaway, which we really appreciated!

(Sometimes group tours will wait for the entire 50 passenger bus to fill up, which means you can get off a long trans-Atlantic flight and sit around for 90 minutes waiting for additional flights to land.)

On our departure, we had a very early flight so they arranged a cab direct to the airport – everything is totally taken care of!

Our On-board Experience on Viking’s Hlin Ship

We sailed aboard the Viking Hlin.

All of Viking’s fleet are individually named after different Nordic Gods and Goddesses and while many of the river cruise ships are similar or even identical, the small touches and art are unique.

Each ship has a giant painting of the Nordic god at the top of the main staircase, dedicated to the deity it’s named after.

Having sailed on a couple other river cruises, I loved how distinctively luxurious the Viking ship and rooms were.

Veranda Room Tour

Our Veranda stateroom was spacious, bright and airy with minimalist Nordic furniture and a cozy balcony. 

The ships are well designed to really maximize space and cabins feature a giant closet and tons of drawers to put away your clothes, should you wish to fully unpack.

Most river cruises are quite cozy and I typically keep my clothes in packing cubes … this was the first time I’ve fully unpacked!

There’s also a flat screen TV to listen to the daily on-boarding speech (if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your room) or to check the weather, watch TV, etc.

Our cabin had plenty of outlets, both European and American, so I could easily keep all my electronics charged.

On Board Amenities

My favorite part of our floor was the coffee & espresso bar to grab pastries and java any time of day. I helped myself to endless madeleines and double dark chocolate muffins.

Oh! I almost forgot to mention – Viking includes wifi on-board  free of charge. 

I thought that was such a nice touch given that I’m addicted to my phone. Internet service is a slower than usual, as it’s satellite service on the river and therefore inherently slower.

If you’ve cruised before you’ll appreciate this luxury! All other cruise lines charge exorbitant internet fees and still have slow service.

The Viking Ship

Our room was kept immaculately clean and always stocked with fresh fruit and water, thanks to a diligent cleaning staff. I’m a bit of a germaphobe and really felt at home on board.

The entire ship is airy and light-filled and despite it being a small river ship, it feels more spacious and open than some large cruise ships.

Above on the sun deck, they even have a small herb garden to season meals freshly.

In contrast, I once stayed on a ship where you had to step up into the bathroom and when the door was open, half the cabin space was used up – naturally, half the time I forgot the step existed and face planted.

Viking cabins have a pocket door so that the cabins feel spacious with glass door showers and fully openable doors that tightly seal, so water doesn’t get everywhere.

I did a cabin tour on my Instagram stories during the trip ( @shershegoes ) and got tons of messages that people were surprised how spacious and luxurious the cabins were!

Viking also clearly pays attention to the small details .

They design everything with care:

• heated bathroom floors
• angling the hallways to maximize cabin space
• large-flip cap toiletries that don’t leave you struggling to open them (vs screw offs)
• high quality European fixtures
• leather staircase railings

…just some small details I noticed, but I could go on endlessly!

It’s really clear on-board that Viking don’t skimp out on customer service and they all added up to make a seamless vacation.

Meals & Dining

All three meals are included on-board.

You have the choice to take meals either in the formal dining room or upstairs in the more casual Aquavit restaurant. We have nothing but great things to say about the meals!

Outdoor or Indoor Options

If you like to socialize and want a formal 3-course menu dinner, try the formal dining room on the main floor. 

If you want more relaxed, casual food with perhaps a table for just 2, the Aquavit upstairs is a great alternative. We had lunch a couple times there and it’s quite nice to see the river views and sit outside.

Local Cuisine

Viking also makes a effort to include local cuisine.

One night we had an Austrian / German night, with local specialties like sauerkraut, sausages, pretzels, schnitzel and plenty of German beer. 

It was a themed night, where the dining room transformed into checkered tablecloths, the staff put on their lederhosen and mini kegs were emptied!

Wine Included

Wines are included during dinner times, which I personally haven’t seen on any other cruise!

There’s also the option to purchase a Silver Spirits drink package if you wish to indulge in wine, beer and/or soft drinks before or after dinner.

Viking’s Included Walking Tours

Each day, there’s an included guided walking tour.

All the local guides were quite knowledgeable and Viking provides headsets so you can clearly hear. There’s even a designated group for those who wish to tour at a slower pace.

What I really liked was that there’s no pressure to stay with the tour. You’re free to start with the tour and slip away if you find a restaurant you like or somewhere you want to linger (although it’s nice to let the guide know so they don’t wait for you).

They really encourage you to make the most of your trip.

And that’s it! Are you headed on a river cruise?

Let me know if you have any questions about our Rhine Getaway with Viking River Cruises in the comments below.

European River Cruise – Trip Planning Checklist

We opted to extend our stay in Europe after the cruise. Viking offers both pre and post extensions, which are a fun way to see more of Europe and combine the best of both worlds (guided group tours with individual trips).

For our flights, we took advantage of Viking’s flight booking service. We set fare alerts and browsed for flights on our own, and after comparing it to the Viking customer service rep, found that they were able to get us a better deal.

Be sure to get travel insurance   for your river cruise. River cruises are highly dependent on local water levels, and abnormally low water can negatively impact your trip by forcing the boat to re-route.

In recent years, the Elba river has occasionally suffered from extreme low water levels – perhaps due to global warming? In any case, don’t end up disappointed – travel insurance will help when you need it most. Get a  quote for your trip here .

Cruising Articles

Cruising on the Seine River from Paris to Normandy

Lobsters & Lighthouses: Sailing on a Maine Windjammer

Europe Travel Articles

1 Day in Basel:  Switzerland’s Most Underrated City!

Colmar, France: Is this Beauty in the Beast Town Real?

Everything to See & Do in Heidelberg, Germany

German Castles: A Photo Diary of Castles on the Rhine River

Fun Day Trips from Amsterdam: Visiting A Dutch Windmill Home

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Those photos are just perfect! They made me want to travel Europe more. Thanks for sharing such an informative post! :)

This looks so amazing. Your pictures are absolutely stunning. Such a great informative post.

Thanks Lynzy!

I have never been on a river cruise abroad. I am not sure that the tour that we did on the Ohio river would count as a cruise lol! I would like to visit here. All of your photos make me really want to plan a trip.

Wow, amazing indeed! I have to add this to my bucket list of places to visit! Your pictures are Stunning!!

The itinerary for this trip is near perfect. I think I’d enjoy every single thing planned. I especially like what’s scheduled on the third day.

Strasbourg is definitely a highlight! Supposedly the university is fantastic and has affordable tuition, i might just apply!

These photos make me want to head out on a cruise right now. I love the exotic feel of the settings in these photos and the breathtaking views. Someday I will get it together enough to visit.

Hey Melissa, glad you like the itinerary/photos! Hope you get to experience it soon :)

I was sooooooo excited to read your article! I have wanted to go on a Viking River Cruise for awhile now. Thanks so much for the helpful information.

It was my first Viking River Cruise and I totally loved it (as you can tell from the post) Let me know if you have any questions and I hope you sail with them soon!

Oh that looks amazing and your photography is beautiful. I would really love to do one of these holidays but with 6 children i worry about all the water! lol

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This sounds much better than I expected! Some family members have been trying to get me to do one of these. Thanks for sharing!

This was an excellent review! I’ve always wondered about Viking River Cruises and have strayed away from them because I just had never heard much about them. I love cruising on the big ships though, so I’m sure I would love a river cruise as well!

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Hey! Thank you so much for the detailed information about your cruise. I am actually headed on this cruise in a week and I’m very excited.

Ah you’ll love it!! Have fun :)

Im obsessed with this blog! My fiancé and I are taking our honeymoon early and heading on the Rhine Getaway in 2 weeks. Is there and particular must dos in the other places where you don’t have the more thorough blog posts? Also do you have any more pictures of the verandah room, as that is the room type we will be in, and of the ship itself? What was the weather like? Are there specific things we should be packing as far as clothes or anything else?

Hi Alyssa, ooh have fun! Hm I think Viking’s included tours do a great job of showing you the main highlights in each town, while giving you some free time to explore or have lunch in town if you wish.

I did the optional tour to Augustusberg palace which I really enjoyed, its on the Cologne day. Just a gorgeous, unique palace and hunting lodge. There’s also an optional to see the top of Cologne’s cathedral which other people on the ship liked. And then one night there’s a fancy dinner in a palace – I didn’t sign up for it but almost regretted it bc it got rave reviews from those who did! I think its the same night as the German dinner night on board so whatever you pick you’ll have a fabulous dinner. Definitely recommend the Colmar optional, which I have the post about. If you havent been to Amsterdam before you might want to stay longer after.

We went in early May and it rained a bit and was pretty cold. Viking has huge umbrellas, which was a nice touch bc I forgot to bring mine. Other than that nothing specific to pack – its pretty casual. It’s summer now so I’m sure the weather will be much better for you!

You’ll love the rooms! I was so impressed with how comfortable they were given that its a river cruise and the ship is small. My pictures of our room didn’t come out so nice because my stuff was sprawled everywhere ha.. but we had a veranda room as well! Loved the balcony. All the bathrooms have heated floors which I loved and now want to install in my bathroom. I snuck a peek at the suites which have a separate living room area and look really really nice. I’ve also never seen a more diligent cleaning staff!!

We sailed on the Hlin ship, which I think they said was 8 years old, but looked almost brand new to me. Viking takes amazing care of their river ships! I chatted to the staff one day and they spend the winter season breaking everything down, cleaning and doing engineering things to keep it in great shape.

Oh! Do the roundhouse mini tour where you get to see the caption’s… office thing on the roof. He tells you how the ship steers and has some fun facts about the mechanics. I always find that kind of stuff interesting (how things work, how they became ships captain etc). If I remember correctly its something you can sign up for on one of the slow days when we’re cruising. Only if you’re interested, its not an official tour or anything!

Oh and bring binoculars if you have them! It’ll come in handy the morning where we saw the german forts on the Rhine. I brought a gigantic zoom lens to take those photos, the castles are high up on hills while the ship sails in the middle of the Rhine. Feel tree to shoot me any more questions and I’ll do my best to answer :)

Can’t say enough great things about Viking and I’m already dreaming about doing another with them!

Thanks! Any chance you have a list or something of the times you were in and out of each port? I’d love to know how long we get to stay each place

No. You can try checking the viking journey site for more info. It was generally around a 1 hr tour and maybe an 30min – hour of free time

But like the whole day how early could you get off the ship and how late could you start in port before you had to be back on? I can’t find that information anywhere.

It depends on when the ship gets into town and if it’s departing for a different town that evening or docking overnight.

Do you remember which ports you were docked at overnight?

Don’t remember off the top of my head but check your My Viking Journey portal! Lots of helpful info there :)

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We did the Viking Paris to Normandy cruise in September of 2016. It was wonderful. We’re booking the Rhine Getaway today for September of next year. Thanks so much for all the helpful information!!

Did you fly nonstop to Basel or make a connection? I’ve bookmarked this page as I will be doing the same cruise next summer. :)

Hey Tiffany – I had a connection in Europe. I do recommend checking out flight pricing with Viking – they surprised me with cheaper airfare than I could find on my own and they also took care of the transfers. You can just ask them what the flight price will be before committing and do a little comparison check with google flights. Enjoy your trip, its a fab river cruise experience :)

Loved your post. I’m thinking of going next April. I have two questions: what are the temperatures like and is there a fitness or exercise room on board? It sound silly, but with all that eating I’ll want to do something to keep the weight off.

Hi Bonnie – I went in mid May and it was still chilly..anywhere from 40-60 degrees. This year I remember being surprised, because we had a very late spring season so it’s hard to say what 2018 will be like! It rained a couple times in the first 2 days of the trip, and I forgot to pack my umbrella, but luckily Viking has some HUGE umbrellas on board for guests to borrow. I know for me personally, even though it can be colder I prefer traveling to Europe in April/May before the crowds hit.

River cruise ships are small so there’s usually no room on board for a dedicated fitness room. That said on the roof of the ship, they have a track loop so some runners used that to their advantage. I think it was 13 laps on the roof deck equaled 1 mile and I only remember that because my mom kept up with her daily mile runs ha. On Viking’s ocean cruises, those ships are bigger and I believe Viking has both a fitness room and a pool on ocean routes.

All of the included daily tours are walking tours, so you do walk some of it off although I agree with you – it’s hard to restrict yourself on vacation and there can be some longer bus rides where you just sit and sit! Have a fabulous trip and let me know if you have any other questions

Hi, My name is Sunny Fletcher, I really enjoyed your write up and it was super inspiring! My boyfriend and I loved this particular itinerary but did not see it on the viking site when we searched for this particular 7 day cruise. Do you have any other cruise lines you could suggest? Also what is the predominate age group on these cruises. We are in our 40’s would we feel out of place? Thanks for your help.

Sunny Fletcher

Hi Sunny! So glad you liked it. I would say you would be more in place than I was on the trip ha! Im in my 20s and went with my mom. The crowd has a good mix of age groups, predominantly 40+ to retirees and I would say Viking is a more active program than other river cruises. I do a lot of tours with my family so I guess I’m maybe more used to being the odd one out, but I don’t mind as long as the itinerary is good!

Here is the cruise we took, it’s called their Rhine Getaway route. I heard that they also offer the same route during the holiday season, when Christmas markets are open so you might like that idea too.

https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe/rhine-getaway/2017-amsterdam-basel/index.html

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Enjoyed your piece on the Viking Rhine Getaway. We’re likely going to book it for May 2018. With both artificial hips, spine issues, etc., I don’t walk so well, or far, anymore. My wife is fine, can walk forever. With my cane I can do probably a mile before a rest. I’m wondering about the shore excursions, many of which are “walking tours”. Will I be able to do them? If not, what are the options? Many thanks, Jerry

Hi Jerry! I think you would love the cruise and will try to provide my perspective.

All the included excursions are walking tours but some cities involve a bus to get to the town first while other cities viking can dock right in town so the actual walking part is not necessarily that strenuous. Cities like Colmar and Basel have compact Old Towns so the walking is quite short, but Marksburg Castle was very uneven inside (lots of cobblestone old steps) that I even found that shaky.

Regardless i would say that Viking is very accommodating.

There was a man on our tour who was blind and used a cane and he did all of the walking tours. Sometimes the guide gave him a hand. For some towns, Viking offered bicycle tuk tuks or cabs to drive passengers right to the town center. I felt the tours were quite leisurely paced and if at any time you don’t want to continue, you can leave the group to explore at your own pace or do your own thing altogether.

Many thanks for your reassuring reply. Most likely I’ll be fine. I wonder if Uber is available along the Rhine River route?

A couple more questions. I’m trying to do a little research on flights in and out. We’ll probably book through Viking, but I’d like to see what the options are regarding connections, etc. Do you remember what the required times were to get aboard the ship, and to leave at the end? Should we plan to arrive a day before departure?

Hm not sure about Uber. Lots of European countries ban it so I wouldn’t count on it, but there are regular cabs and the bike tuk tuks. Plus viking’s bus coaches.

You can arrive early or stay later but I flew in the day of departure. If I remember right, the boat sets sail in early evening so arriving the day of in the morning is fine. If you want to explore more of town, then I would stay extra.

We did the Basel > Amsterdam route. Basel is very small and I felt like we saw enough on the day of. If you arrive in the AM, Viking is nice and provides a complimentary informal walking tour of the old town! Lots of people extended their stay in Amsterdam since you don’f actually see that city during the itinerary.

I don’t remember the exact time you should leave, because we flew to Copenhagen on a very early flight. I think maybe they ask you to leave by early afternoon? So they have time to clean the boat before the next sailing route. Hope that helps!

Sadly Viking no longer provides this walking tour of Basel on the day of arrival. I checked with them A few days ago prior to our departure today and Viking said that the walking tour was no longer available. Very disappointed!

aw that sucks. i guess a lot has changed with covid. you’ll still have a great time i hope!

Hi,I have taken two Viking trips, the Danube Waltz two years ago and the Balzel to Amsterdam last year, I can’t say enough about how wonderful the trips themselves were, however, the air fair provided was another story. I understand it is offered free, BUT, when you are stuck in the last row in the plane, get told this is the only food option that is left and sorry there is NO WATER AVAILABLE, it made for a very long ride home from France with a man in front of us who had definitely not showered in a while.

Hey Dolores – sorry to hear you had a bad flight! To be honest I hate the entire flying experience and never have a great flight! I don’t think Viking has anything to do with the airline (ours wasn’t free) and we had a couple options for flight options/ seats etc

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Nice read. Quick question what is Vikings policy to bringing your own alcohol drinks on board. It sounds like it would be nice to sit on the room balcony with a bottle of wine.

Hi Ron – sorry for the delayed response, I think I missed seeing this! Yes, you can definitely sit on your room balcony and enjoy your own bottle of wine. Just so you know, all wine is included during meal times as well. I’m not a huge drinker but spent lots of mornings enjoying my coffee on the balcony.. it was so relaxing! :)

HELLO, we are taking the Rhine River cruise in late Oct. I know no one can accurately forecast the weather,wondering what kind of jacket/coat should I pack. Also, will the christmas markets be open?

Hi Lynda, I would think it’d be pretty cold. Usually October in central Europe is ~50s during the day and as low as ~40s around night time. I would probably pack jeans/long pants, light sweaters and either a wool coat like this http://bit.ly/2vz4X6w or if you’re wearing layers, a windbreaker like this one: http://bit.ly/2wz0plj .

Unfortunately the Christmas markets don’t open until late November but I would think October would be a beautiful time to see fall folliage along the river? Autumn is my favorite season so I’m sure it will be even more magical in Europe. Have a great trip!

Thanks for the great review. I’m taking this trip in April 2018 but in reverse. This answered many of my questions. Thanks for all the great details. I can’t wait.

Lots of helpful info there! Someone just told me that she had been on 3 river cruises — I think all Viking — and that you had to leave the ship around 7:30 a.m. if you wanted to join the walking tour. I’ve never heard anyone else mention such an early start. Did you experience this on your trip?

Hm.. I think I got up by 7:30am but I don’t think we left the ship quite that early. I want to stay it was about ~7:30am breakfast, leave by 8:30-9am. There are generally 2 time slots for tours per day, one in the morning and one after lunch – you can do both or just do one. Usually everyone does the morning one and if you book an optional tour, that would be your afternoon option.

FTo be honest, every land group tour that I’ve been on and when I travel personally, I get up very early to see as much as possible so I felt like Viking was nice and a “slower pace”. One lady at dinner mentioned she thought the times were early for her, so I guess it depends on your personal travel style!

Once you book a tour, Viking has a section of their website called “my viking journey” where you can see the optional tours offered and it makes it very easy to see the tour times so that you don’t double book yourself. Hope that helps!

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If the intinerary shows a tour for morning or morning and afternoon does that mean they leave after the tour or do they stay till evening so you can mull around?

Hi Margie – it depends! If the ship is staying in town and not sailing onward, you can stay out on your own after the tour, have lunch in town instead of on the ship, wander etc. For example, I think in Strasbourg some of us did this. Also in Cologne we docked overnight so you could hang out all night until the early AM if you wanted!

If you decide you’ve seen enough when the tour ends, then you can take advantage of the included shuttle bus to take you back to the ship.

Sometimes, the ship sails onward or if it’s an optional tour it might be a town far away from the dock, so it’s expected that you’ll go with the group. For example, the Colmar optional tour which I took takes you to Colmar (which is not close to the dock) so you wouldn’t want to linger. Hope that helps!

I love the idea of a river tour, especially the unpacking bit. ;) How was the social situation on board? Were the other guests mostly much older? I think that’s what’s holding me back on trying it myself. I don’t want to be the only 30-something on a ship full of seniors. :\

Hi Melissa! Ha yes the unpacking part and luxurious room were too good to pass up. Hm.. it’s definitely an older crowd, most people in their late 40s – 50s if I had to guess their ages. Some retirees as well. But, I do lots of group tours with my family and I would say its more of the “active” older / retired crowd vs those who just like to be shuttled from place to place.

There were some 30 something couples on board and at dinner you can either eat solo or mingle, so it just depends on what you prefer. If you prefer a really social atmosphere, European hostels are the best bet or I’ve had friends who went solo and joined something like a G Adventures tour for the social atmosphere.

Would you be going solo?

Because cabins are usually meant for 2 people, river cruises in general tend to charge a single supplement fee (I think Viking does, but I’m not certain).

Sher, My husband and I are traveling next June on Viking River Cruise Paris to Swiss Alps. I was wondering if you would suggest we bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to see and get good pics from the river itself. Also wondering if you know how flexible they are regarding problems clients have with food issues? I was glad to hear that if the pace of the tour was too fast or slow that you could break away from the group, however are cabs fairly easy to find if you find yourself needing to return to the boat? Do you suggest a particular app for your phone to translate? Also wondering about carrying cash or credit cards for excursions, should we have both or did you find one better than the other? Thanks I know that’s a lot of questions!

Hi Colleen,

Ooh Paris! Sounds like a good itinerary.

1) I’m a bit of a photo fanatic so I was very glad I brought my zoom lens. I think my mom would have appreciated binoculars, especially since she has poor vision. You can definitely see the castles from the naked eye on the boat, but if you want to see detail binoculars are helpful. Did you check out my German castles post? All those photos were shot with a 70-200mm lens (mostly at the 200mm mark) so as an example, you won’t see the individual castle windows or small town churches like in those photos without a zoom or binoculars. I mentioned it in the post because I didn’t bring binoculars on a safari trip to Africa and while I could see the animals just fine, a kind man lent me his for a day and it was such a better view! ha. So just personal preference.

2. Hm, I don’t personally have any dietary restrictions so I’m not sure. For dinner, there are always several options to choose from, including a vegetarian one. I *think* they have options for gluten free but I’m not 100% sure – you can try using the chat bot on the viking website or calling a customer service rep to make sure.

The waiters and all the staff are exceptionally friendly / helpful and can make menu substitutions if you don’t like anything or are allergic. I remember they had ipads during dinner service to jot notes & things. They also have excellent memories! If you wanted two appetizers or ahem, two desserts (like I sometimes did), they’re very generous with that, it’s not an issue. Or if you wanted appetizers instead of mains, that sort of thing is easy for them to accommodate.

3. I think cabs would be easy to find. I didn’t do the exact route you’re mentioning so some cities would be different, but in general I find that the stops were small European towns so it’s easy to wander and find your way back to the main square. Even Paris is not so big a city :)

Usually at the front desk, they will have maps of the city so ask for one of those before you disembark and if you want to explore on your own, then you can use the map. Also a tip is to download the offline Google Maps for each city you’ll be visiting. I always do that before I travel! I’m a big walker so with the offline map downloaded, you can navigate yourself back to the main square or the dock. And of course if you get cell service using something like Know Roaming (which I’ve reviewed on my blog briefly here ) then you can get cell service too for emergencies.

Viking uses these headphone systems which are pretty good and they split the passengers into smaller groups, so if you see yourself wanting to explore more of the city just let the guide know you’re leaving the group and you can find out about local cabs or meeting points, etc. Every evening, they leave a pamphlet in your cabin so you can get a sense of what you’ll be visiting the next day.

4. I use google translate on my phone for translation but I think you do need cell service for it to work. In general everyone in Europe speaks excellent English :)

5. I rarely bring cash to be honest, I bring a couple credit cards which carry no foreign fees and I bring my debit card for the atm / emergencies. I’m also not a shopper / I don’t buy souvenirs anymore but if you like to shop, cash is helpful for small things like street fairs, flea markets, christmas market stalls, food stalls. Do you have Chase bank? You can call ahead and ask your local branch, mine in NYC can exchange euros same day, so if you want to bring like 100 – 200 euro just to be safe, you can try that. I’m sure other banks do it too.

For the optional tours, I would recommend booking those in advance. Some of the popular ones fill up. If you login to the “My Viking Journey” website it will show you, day by day, which tours are available and also will warn you if you’re booking overlapping tours or things that conflict. I found it quite handy! So since you book those ahead, you book them all on credit card.

In general I prefer credit cards because I get points and I find carrying cash /dealing with change a pain. But that’s just me!

Hope that helps – feel free to reach out if you have more questions.

I enjoyed your account of the river cruise and I’m curious as to how dressy or casual folks were. Do you have a packing list for this trip?

Thanks, Penny

Hi Penny! Glad you liked the article.

People were pretty casual (pants, jeans, cold weather jackets etc) but I also went in May when the weather was still pretty chilly. For dinner time, I believe they ask for closed toe shoes and no shorts, but there isn’t a requirement for jackets so it’s no where near formal.

I haven’t written a packing guide yet but have gotten a couple requests so I’ll add that to my list of posts to write!

What did you do at night?

We either went back into town, had drinks in the lounge or stayed in to watch Downton Abbey (LOL).

It’s generally pretty quiet at night since it’s a small ship vs. huge ocean liners.

We also loved our river cruise! We left from Amsterdam in August and finished in Budapest with the optional trip to Prague. One word of caution, while the glassblower’s demonstration was awesome, he has yet to send us any of the items we ordered and paid for. He said it would be 3 weeks…it is now about 5 months. After multiple emails to him (unanswered) and emails and phone calls to Viking we are giving up and disputing the charges on our card. I’ve seen other complaints on trip forums about him. I’m disappointed Viking still brings him on board!

Hi Nancy – glad to hear you liked the cruise as well! Wow, I had no idea about the glassblower. I’m wondering if it’s the same glassblower since the one on our trip didn’t have large items to ship, he brought lots of little items (candle holders, ornaments, figurines, vases, etc) that you purchased right there, they packaged up for you and then you took it with you right away.

I got one of the glass ornaments and hung it on my tree this past Christmas!

I’m so shocked to hear the glassblower you had didn’t ship promptly. Have you reached out to Viking customer service to file a claim and let them know? That’s very disappointing and you should dispute the charge if it’s been 5+ months and no package. Credit card companies are usually great about resolving that in your favor.

The glassblower was Karl Ittig. His business is Glas Haus Wertheim. We bought some shot glases from him on the ship and brought them home with us. The problem is with what we ordered. We ordered 2 ornaments that were to have names etched in them along with the year. We also ordered a set of his Jagermeister shot glasses for our son with his monogram etched on them. Our friends also ordered his salad dressing bottles. They also have received nothing. We have contacted Viking several times. They said they’d look into it but nothing happened. The last time they were the ones to say to dispute the claim. It’s disappointing that Viking does not seem to care that much. It makes us wonder if they get some kind of a kickback from the glassblower.

I just google searched his name and photos of him came up. He’s not the same glassblower who was on my river cruise (Viking has so many ships I’m sure they have many, many glassblowers that they partner with).

Viking probably does get a kickback. Pretty much every travel company or tour builds in visits to local businesses and in return they get a % of commissions, just like a shoe salesman at any dept store. If you ever go on a Chinese tour – man, those take the cake for how many shopping visits they can pack in, all because they get a commission! Same with hotel concierges – they usually recommend restaurants they get a kickback from. such is life!

It’s really unfortunate that you haven’t received the items and that he essentially stole your money. If you paid via credit card, you should definitely get your money back. In my experience, American credit card companies (is yours american?) have fantastic customer service and you can file a dispute online very easily.

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My husband and I are taking this river cruise next year for our 20th anniversary and I can’t wait. I really enjoyed reading your take on it and seeing all the pictures. Can you tell me where the above picture was taken with the yellow/cream colored building with all of the decorations and red hearts? It looks like a fun place to visit. Thank you, Michelle

Hi Michelle – have fun! It’s a great cruise. The yellow building with the hearts is in Colmar, France – possibly one of the cutest towns I’ve ever been to :)

We’re considering this same cruise (from Basel to Amsterdam). Curious to know, are there better views on one side of the ship than the other? We were thinking of getting a french balcony versus the veranda. Which did you have?

Hi Dawn! We didn’t feel like there were better views on one side or the other. Hm, I can’t remember the name of our room but we had a small narrow balcony with 2 chairs and a side table where we could drink coffee outside. It was nice to get fresh air and we sat on it once or twice during sailings. We also peeked into some suites and those looked HUGE!

I think the standard rooms are fine, since you don’t spend all that much inside.

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Hi! My mom and I are thinking going on the same Vikings tour as you and your mom, but we are doing the reverse route. :) It’s nice to see that some other young people go as well! My question for you is that my mom will be 74 by the time we take this cruise. She can’t walk very long distances without needing to sit and rest for a couple of minutes. Bad knees and back. It seems like your excursions had a lot of walking involved. Do you think, in your experience, she will have issues with the walking tours that are provided by Viking?

Thank you! Sarah

Hi Sarah – sounds fun! I think she could do it. There’s 1 walking tour per day in each city / stop. The walking tours are about 1 hour, give or take, but if you get tired or want to leave, there’s no problem with ditching the tour to go stop at a cafe or go shopping. The tours are optional too, so if you and your mom would prefer you can always just leave the ship on your own and come back when you wish, instead of doing the tour. It depends on the stop (sometimes the boat isn’t docked in the center of town so it’d be difficult in those instances, it just depends on the river / boat area).

From the top of my head – the Black Forest is very doable, Colmar is a very small town so we booked the optional tour but explored on our own, the windmills are within walking distance from the boat and you can go at your own pace. Cologne we docked right in town. I wouldn’t recommend Marksburg castle because it’s very old and entirely uneven cobblestones.

The Viking staff can help you arrange a taxi or bike peddler if you want to go into town in more comfort or come back early. Overall I felt like the cruise was very relaxing. Hope that helps!

Hi Sarah – One thing I forgot to mention in my comment. Each day for the included walking tours, there is a designated group for those who want to explore at a slower pace. I didn’t join those groups so I’m not sure exactly how they work but thought that group could be great for your mom!

Considering this same cruise in 2019. Is there a bar on the ship to have a drink after dinner? Does Viking allow you to bring your own liquor on board?

Hi Diana – yes there is a nice bar and big lounge area. If you buy your own bottle of wine or spirits in the town, you can definitely bring it on board. I saw people drinking on their balcony. I’m not sure if you can bring your own liquor to the bar area though.

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Loved the article. We just booked a Danube cruise so I’m excited and this is really helpful information. I can’t wait. It all sounds wonderful.

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Sher, Great Blog, thanks. You photos are sensational. How did you compensate for the movement of the boat? Were you using a tripod? What’s your preferred camera? (We leave in 2 weeks! so excited.)

Hi Kathy – thanks so much for the kind words! Do you mean the photos of the German castles? For the most part, I shot these photos on the day excursions into each town, so we were on foot and exploring. I do have a tripod ( this one ) but the boat moves slowly enough when it sails that you can still get handheld shots. All my gear is listed on my FAQ page here :)

Thank you! Very helpful??

Thank you so much for your detailed comments from your Viking Riverboat Cruise on the Rhine. My husband and I are taking the same trip in June 2018 and were extremely impressed by your suggestions. It was wonderful reading about someone else’s experiences and recommendations. Your photography is oustanding. We are looking forward to our trip even more thanks to you!

Thanks so much for the kind words Patricia! Have a great time on your trip :)

Hi thanks for all the info in your blog….sounds like we have signed up for the right cruise.

We are taking the Rhine Getaway in July as a 70th birthday celebration for my husband. We are landing in Basel a couple days early and planned to take a train for a day trip to Lucerne (about an hour ride). Wondering if you have any thoughts about things to see/do in Lucerne?

We also extended a couple days in Amsterdam…any specific must sees (we were thinking of the hop on and off bus or canal boat give us flavor of city and an easy way to get around), and know we want to see the Ice Bar.

Thanks again for all you info!!!

Wow sounds like a great birthday celebration! Lucerne is very pretty, we just took it easy and walked around.

I have a post on day trips from Amsterdam here . The city itself is very popular, a bit crowded, so try to go early for things like the Anne Frank Museum. Try a canal cruise too! Since you have more time, I really liked visiting the Hague and Bruges. The Hague has some stunning buildings like the International Court of Justice while Bruges is more small town / medieval, very picturesque. Have a great trip!

Quite a thorough review. Many of our questions were answered. We’ve not been to Germany before so we are curious and deciding between this river cruise or a land tour. It does sound like this would be a great first-time visit to upper Europe (We have been to Rome, Athens & Crete). I really would like to see the Alps too. We’d like to also see Lucerne(Cogwheel Train, Gondola) and Munich.

Hello, Thank-You for ALL the tips on River Cruising. My 89-year-old mother and myself are planning a 2019 Paris and the heart of Normandy in Early April. any recommendations or comments on that trip?

Great summary of the trip. We’re going on the Rhine cruise in November and can’t wait. Leaving from Miami to Basel. We’ve been in many cruises in large ships but this one will be a treat. Decided to go business class with Lufthansa and that will also be a treat. Thanks!

Hi John – glad you liked my recap! Ooh, business class on Lufthansa will be such a treat. Have a great time – I think you will like the more intimate atmosphere on a river cruise!

Planning a 25th Anniversary trip for my wife in 2020.

Really enjoyed reading about your experiences. Not sure yet what trip we want to take, but you make a great argument for the trip you described in this Rhine Getaway river cruise.

Thanks for the detail.

Sounds like an amazing anniversary trip! Have a great time Marty

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Hello Sher,

Most important we do everything right on this trip in Sept Getaway Rhine. Long story, but neither myself or my companion has had a vacation in over 13 years — and I feel as if I’m planning in a vacuum. My companion is in his late eighties but wants to see the Rhine — I’m in my late seventies and just want to see something again. Would it be wise for us to just walk around the small villages rather than do the excursions? Some of them seem to take so long. My companion wants to see the war memorial in Colmar which we’ve signed up for and we have also reserved tickets to Van gogh exhibit. Am tempted to skip Heidelberg and Marksburg castle because of demanding climbs. All so confusing. Also, very important. we’ve been told many people wear jeans to dinner. True? Will appreciate your feedback — we must enjoy this trip. Thank you, Sandra

Hi Sandra – it’s up to you! Most of the guided tours take place in the morning (you’ll get a schedule the night before in your room), so you can decide what you’d like to do each day. I would suggest trying out 1 or 2 of the included free walking tours since you can always leave the group to go back to the ship or explore on your own if you no longer want to participate. Viking is very flexible and their tour guides are OK if you decide to leave mid-tour. Just let them know so they don’t include you in the headcount.

Yes, I would definitely suggest you skip Marksburg. The castle is in ruins and the footpaths are cobblestone – very uneven, very challenging for unsteady walkers. Heidelberg Castle is on a hill, but it’s much flatter and easier to walk, so it’s up to you.

You can wear whatever you want to dinner, Viking is pretty casual! Jeans are fine. Hope that helps!

Hi – great article, comprehensive & thoughtful! Wondering what time of year you went on the Viking river cruise?

Hi Kathy – I went in spring, at the beginning of the season!

Thank you for all the great information. We will be doing the same trip the first week of November and it’s so nice to hear we made a great decision!

Hi there! We’re on our final day of the Romantic Danube Viking River cruise. I agree with everything you’ve stated. Great ship, staff, food, and itinerary. Water levels are a huge deal, though. We’re presently completing a 3 hour bus transfer from Vienna to Budapest – missing one of the most scenic parts of the cruise. We are making our 2nd ship swap for the final night / our 3rd ship.

We received an email from Viking one week prior to departure telling us about the issue between Passau & Krems. Tuesday night our program director informed us of the additional issues past Vienna. We cruised the scenic Wachau valley after dark.

So we missed 2 of the 3 primary cruising segments. Spent 6-7 hours on buses – very nice buses- but buses.

We realize Viking can not control water levels, but their communication was late & misleading. They’ve been doing this for months – maybe years, yet acted like it was out of the ordinary. Passenger morale was affected. I’m not sure if they’ll offer vouchers. Some passengers were very upset.

Nothing about this on their website – apart from the fine print – but cruisers are blogging actively about this issue.

Great review, though.

-Scott S. from Boise

Hi Scott – Wow, yikes! So sorry to hear that your cruise had an issue. I hadn’t known about the water levels issue as our cruise was on the Rhine River, and to my knowledge, the Rhine River hasn’t had any critically low water levels. I’m not an expert by any means though.

I sympathize with you since it’s a terrible situation all around. Viking cant control the water, but naturally you didn’t have the full experience. It’s good that Viking had a back up plan so you could still at least experience the cities on the itinerary.

Has customer service gotten back to you about vouchers or anything else they can offer?

Also, just curious – when they emailed you a week before departure, were you able to cancel the cruise and opt for a later date?

We river cruised on emerald last year,sounds very comparable to Viking. They did include wine or beer with lunch and the 5 course dinner. You mentioned wine with dinner. Does Viking also include included wine and beer with lunch? . Viking is maybe more catered to Americans (ie: flight prices transatlantic). We are trying to find the best river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel,Switzerland, and this trip you took sounds wonderful. I do recommend you try out Emerald,they are fantastic. What would be comparable to a cabin with a “balcony” ? Ie: a window that rolls all the way down? These answers will possibly help us to decide. Thanks so much. Maria

Hi Maria – I hadn’t heard of Emerald before, thanks for bringing them to my attention! I just looked them up and they seem to have very similar luxury river cruises. It seems like they are an Australian company?

You’re right that Viking has a big American market. I believe the owner / company ethos is Scandinavian but they seem to focus on the American market as there were lots of American travelers on our journey.

I’m not sure what you mean by “what would be comparable to a cabin with a balcony”. Are you asking about accommodation on Viking? All the rooms are quite nice, the more expensive rooms get you more a bigger floorplan, higher floor and potentially a small outdoor balcony. For us, we had a small outdoor area – not too big, just enough to fit a small table and chairs and have a glass of wine or morning coffee. Hope that helps!

Or do you mean what are the rooms like without a balcony? If you go to Viking’s website here and scroll down, they have a floorplan of the Europe river ships and each room. There’s also pictures of the standard / french balcony and veranda rooms. Hope that helps!

Hi Sher – My wife and I will be going on our first cruise ever in September 2019 on the Amsterdam to Basel run, with an extra few days in Basel. I had booked a couple months ago and splurged on the two room Veranda suite. We’re very much looking forward to the trip but was curious if our suite is worth the cost. Will we find that we spend very little time there anyway? Thanks for your great website.

Hi Doug – ooh fancy! We haven’t personally stayed in the suites before, but we’ve gotten a peak into the rooms and they look super spacious and very nice.

We definitely spend a lot more time in our rooms on river cruises vs. ocean cruises, as there’s not as much on board entertainment. Also if the weather is great, it’s very nice to sit on the balcony with a glass of wine during sailings and typically September is beautiful in Europe!

I was thinking of cruising the rhine w/viking, is November OK to do this??? Thx

Hi Karen – Hm.. November might be a bit cold. I think May to October might be more comfortable weather wise!

I enjoyed this blog so much, we were thinking of doing a cruise, but now you have convinced me. Excellent writing, informative , and your photos are wonderful. One question, my husband enjoys a good cigar and drink, is there a designated smoking section with a view or just an area for smoking? Thank you again for such a great blog. PS just started following you on Instagram!!

Is their drinks package worth the price?

Hi Peter – it depends on how much you like to drink ;) Viking includes house wine with lunch and dinner. If you want other drinks, or perhaps cocktails after dinner, then I would say it’s worth getting. If you are fine with wine during meals, then don’t bother!

One of the best written river cruise reviews I’ve ever read. Sher, you have a great style in presenting activities as well as the cruise experience.

Wondering how well the cruise would be for me as I am oxygen 24 hrs….Also is there much climbing involved?

Hi Cliff – The ship has an elevator on board that you can use. For the excursions, there wasn’t any climbing but the tour of Marksburg Castle had VERY uneven paths (broken stones) so I’d probably recommend skipping that.

Hi great information, was wondering when do you think is the best time of month to do this cruise? I was thinking March or October, any thoughts?

Hi Suzanne – the European river cruise season starts in May. Usually the clean the ships in the winter and do maintenance, upkeep etc, so I don’t think March sailings for the Rhine river are available. I could be wrong! I also think it would be too cold in March to enjoy.

October would be nice! I haven’t done any fall sailings but I think it would be much less crowded and perhaps the leaves would change. Plus there’s Oktoberfest in Germany in October!

Hi, Sher We are doing our first Viking cruise in October 2019. Amsterdam to Basel. We are arriving from Philadelphia. We do not have the pre or post add on days, but do want to see the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam. Do you think we will have time? Also, I was interested in the added excursion to the top of one of the cathedrals and was under the impression there was an elevator, however, also saw where you had to climb over 300 steps! I have found your website to be very informative.

Hi Donna, thanks! Hm.. I’m not sure if you have time for the Anne Frank house. On the last day of the cruise, you’re expected to leave the ship quite early (I believe before noon), but if your flight is that evening, you may have time.

Make sure to book your tickets online before your trip, you can do that on their official website. It’s one of the THE most popular attractions in Amsterdam so expect really long lines. Or, you can take a walking tour that covers the history of Ann Frank, these are pretty popular.

Regarding the cathedral.. I assume you mean the Cologne one? It’s been a long time since I went to the top (I went before the Viking trip) so I don’t quite remember. I believe there is no lift, as it’s a very historic, old church. But you can double check with Viking before booking their excursion!

Have a great trip :)

Great info thanks

We are planning our trip on Viking River Cruises from Amsterdam to Basil in mid May, and I”m trying to figure out what and how much to pack. I see that the weather is quite changeable, rainy, cool to moderate. Are there laundry services on board the ship (Viking Einar) or facilities for guest to go their own laundry?

Hi Deborah, Yes if I remember correctly there’s laundry service on board.

Sher – my sister’s and some girlfriends of ours are planning our 1st ever international trip for our 50th bdays (gulp, can’t believe we will be 50!). As most of us have never been overseas and an international trip is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for us, we need a trip that is easy to navigate for newbies and gets us the most bang for our buck (see all we can). I have several questions for you: Did Viking pay for you to take this trip? Do you think the Rhine Getaway would be a good choice for this group based on my description above? Is there any “night life” for the evenings (we don’t want to be in large touristy areas but do want to experience as much as possible)? We don’t want to go during peak season or the worst weather time. Would April be a good time to go? Many of us either have German and/or Irish heritage so we were wanting to fly to Ireland at the end of the cruise. Is that possible? I’m sure I will have a ton more questions so please let me know how best to communicate with you. Thank you so much for your post. It was very helpful.

Hi Tracie – ooh sounds like a fun birthday milestone! To answer your questions:

No – Viking did not pay me to take the trip (but that would be the dream). I did receive the Rhine cruise complimentary, along with several other journalists, in exchange for taking photos and showcasing the cruise on my Instagram account. I ended up loving the trip so much that I decided to write a more in-depth review on my website. They had no control or input in what I wrote – the article is entirely my own opinions.

Should you take the Rhine Getaway for your group trip? I think it depends. If you are looking to celebrate with a bang, then no Viking probably isn’t the trip. At least, not their river cruises. The river cruise ships are intimate (maybe 100+ passengers) and there isn’t much in the way of entertainment at night. No casino, no pool, no shows, dancing etc. There is a pianist on board, a roomy lounge and a great bar, but that’s about it.

The ocean cruises (which I have not been on) are much larger ships with entertainment on board.

You can go out at night off the ship if the boat is docked. It depends on the city though. Some cities have their docks right in the town center, like Cologne, so you could stay out all night until the ship leaves the next morning. Other cities, like Paris, the docks are about 30-45 min driving outside Paris proper, so it’s less convenient. Viking will organize shuttles for you to go into a nearby town, but if you wanted to go out at night into Paris, you would have to take your own taxi. For places like Rome, forget it – its like a 2 hour drive. It just depends on the city’s port logistics.

If you are ok with a more cultural, relaxing trip then Viking would be good. And then you can fly to Ireland after and party :) Dublin is a great city for that, and all over Ireland, the pubs are fantastic, the people are so friendly, it’s a great country to have a good time in!

The river cruise season kicks off in mid May, so April is a bit too early. Try late May or early June, or maybe mid September – mid October, to avoid crowds + have great weather.

Hope that helps

My husband and I are going on the Rhine Getaway this summer. I have 2 questions: 1) Strasbourg – should we take the optional Strasbourg from the Top? Or stick to the included Strasbourg Highlights? 2) Heidelberg – we are doing the 6 hr included tour in the morning. We thought it would be fun to do the Dine in City Rudesheim that evening for $158 total. Is that worth it???

Many thanks! Have enjoyed and learned so much reading your review and insights.

Hi Elizabeth,

Hm, I stuck to the included Strasbourg tour and thought it was a good half day tour. We had free time after to explore the city. If you like a good view, maybe the optional is good? I don’t think there is an elevator for the cathedral though – its stairs. Up to you!

For your second question, I just double checked the Viking website because I can’t remember the specifics. They list the Rudesheim am Rhein optional on the Koblenz Day, not the Heidelberg day. That’s the add-on dinner you’re referring to right?

But under the Heidelberg day, I wrote we went to Rudesheim that night on our own so I think you are right about it being the Heidelberg day. If I remember correctly, the boat docks in Rudesheim, so you can go into town on your own and choose a restaurant if you want. I don’t think the optional is necessary.

If you are interested because you want a good local dinner, we heard rave reviews from the people on board who did the Schloss Johannisberg castle dinner + wine tasting, the next night in Koblenz.

If you do choose that, just to let you know, the fun ‘local dinner’ night that Viking does is on the same evening. So whatever you chose, it will be a memorable dinner!

On board they decorate it like a mini Oktoberfest, with music and local cuisine, beer, pretzels, schnitzel etc. It was loads of fun, but only half the people were on board (other half chose between the optional dinners and they came back very happy too).

Hope that helps – have a great trip!

We just booked this cruise for April 2020. What a wonderful blog. Thank you so much. I will be checking back and taking notes!!

We have booked the cruise from Basel to Amsterdam for late September, our 50th anniversary. We did Avignon to Lyons last year on Viking and loved it! Your descriptions of life on ship are spot on. We are seniors and I have a knee problem (May have surgery soon, took the insurance) and found the “leisure” walking groups doable. Did not ascend the Popes’ Palace but admired from below. Question: Recommendations for hotels in Amsterdam? Fantastic blog. Thank you.

We are going on the Rhine Getaway (our first river cruise) very shortly–love your review! My question: should we get “the local money” euro or do most of the shops take American credit cards? Thanks.

Hi Linda, ooh fun! Have a great trip! Hm, for the most part the cruise is “all inclusive” so you would only need cash for souvenirs and any meals you wanted to take on your own. Most restaurants and stores will take American credit cards with chips but to be safe, you can take some euro out. Ask your bank if they will change for you? Ours offers it without fees.

We have been on Viking a few times. You really did them well with your descriptions. They are a great company and we feel they really treat you well.I would love to do a cruise like you did and write about everything. I have suggested it to them and haven’t heard back. I would love to rate their ocean ships, especially northern Norway.

We are going on Paris to the Swiss Alps in September for 12 days then followed by 4 days of post trips to Zermatt and Geneva. Since this is going to be my first trip, would you suggest to bring a medium size luggage – around 26” and personal bag, or carry-on luggage and personal bag are enough?

Hi Dina – ah, hard to say. If I can, I usually bring personal bag + carry on. But for 2 week trips sometimes I need a checked suitcase. I will say the nice thing about cruises is you can unpack once, so there’s less worry about hauling a case to and from!

Such a great blog!! Thank you so much for all the information! My husband is looking at the same itinerary for Nov 2020 as a 15th wedding anniversary trip; even the extra days in Amsterdam. I was unsure, never taken a river cruise, but I am very excited now! I am just unsure about mid-November weather. I don’t mind cool temps; how much of a difference weather wise do you think going in October would be? Thanks again!

Hi Amy! I would typically recommend October over mid November. The weather is a little better and sometimes in Europe things will close for the season by mid October. Double check opening times for any attractions you want to visit, and also see if fall foliage will take place in October or November! I think fall colors would be amazing for a river cruise!

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We are going on the same cruise on this same ship in early August. I can’t wait! Love the blog and your information! Your blog was more of an “any person’s view.” Some other blogs don’t give as much information or are clearly biased as a travel expert, and difficult to relate to.

Are soft drinks available all day? Are they included in the price? I understand beer and wine is included with dinner. If not, are there stores in town where you can soft drinks to keep in your room?

Are you able to go on and off the ship as often as you like? What do you need to carry with you in town, ie passport? I was really hoping to go for a couple of early morning jogs along the river.

Ah, thanks so much for the kind words :)

Soft drinks are available during lunch and dinner times and included. There’s a coffee machine that makes espresso, latte, etc drinks that’s available any time of day.

You can go on and off the ship anytime it’s docked (but some parts of the day, you may be sailing). Typically when the ship pulls into a town, there will be a morning or afternoon excursion – usually 1 is a free guided walking tour and 1 is an paid optional tour. You can do one, both, or none and explore on your own!

I usually leave my passport in the safe – I don’t carry it into town. I usually would just bring a wallet and day bag. Hm, I’m not sure if early morning jogs are possible, since it depends when the ship arrives but usually there is an overnight in a location and you could definitely do a morning jog then!

We are taking this cruise in September of 2020 but from Amsterdam to Basel. Although too early to get our flight information, we are NOT going two days early. If our flight gets in early enough we would like to try to see one of the museums. Does the transport from the airport take you directly to the ship even if hours before the 3 pm check in time? And, would we be able to leave our suitcase on the ship and go to the museum? And finally, would the Viking staff be able to help us get the admission ticket to the Rijksmuseum? Seeing “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt is on his bucket list. Thanks in advance!

We’re doing the Rhine as well, but Amsterdam to Basel. If our flight gets in early enough we’d love to see the Rijksmuseum, my hubby wants to see Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”. Would the Viking staff be able to help us with getting admission tickets when we arrive at the ship? Will we be able to leave our suitcase on the ship even if our room us not ready? Thanks in advance.

Hi Marylee,

Yes, if you choose to take Viking’s transport they will take you directly to the ship. Both times we’ve sailed with Viking our flights have been redeyes, so we arrived in the morning on the first day. We checked in (Viking stores your luggage) and rooms aren’t ready (until 12pm I think) but you can relax in the common areas and Viking will set up lunch.

We did started in Basel, and Viking also organized a nice extra walking tour for any passengers who arrived early the first day. I’m not sure if the same applies if you start in Amsterdam. Basel is a very small city, and the ship docks pretty much in the center of the old town, so if the docking situation is similar in Amsterdam, I would think they would offer the same (but again, I’m not sure)

Amsterdam is extremely popular with tourists, so you should see what the museum ticket policy is. Is the Night Watch a big attraction? Sometimes you can buy tickets online in advance, especially for really popular sights that hoards of people want to see.

I’m not sure if Viking can get you tickets when you arrive.. I would imagine it would be a little difficult the day of since the staff is typically busy with cleaning the ship, check outs and new arrivals, but you can ask their customer support to see? On Viking’s website they have a chat function where you can speak to customer service. Or it might be straight forward to just take a cab from the ship to the museum and buy tickets directly.

Hope that helps! Enjoy the trip :)

Hello! I really enjoyed reading this and such lovely photos … can’t wait for our river cruise to begin next weekend. We are booked on the the Eir Longboat cruising from Amsterdam to Basel and then two days in Lucerne. We have prebooked every included excursion (don’t want to miss anything!!) My question is: can you remember the time in the morning that the excursions start? Being retired, we are quite used to our lazy mornings and worried that the excursion departure times will be a bit early for us. Thank you!

Hi Patsy! Hm.. each excursion is different, but generally the programmed activities would start each day around 8am (if I remember right). So we’d get up around 7 to get ready and have breakfast. Every day was different, depending on if the ship docks right in town or if there’s driving.. but in general I’d say 7:30am-9am start times.

I usually am a night owl, but on trips I think it’s a little easier to get up early since I’m excited and with the time difference. I’m sure you guys will have a great time!

what about at night? when does the ship shut down for the night?

Not sure what you mean by shut down. You can hang out in the lounge until past midnight I think.

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Thanks for your very helpful, “real person” information & the responses you provide to all the questions ! I will be sailing the same route later this year, and have a delicate question. What is the restroom situation on the tour buses or in the various towns ? I have a sensitive stomach and never know when something may disagree with me. I will likely skip breakfasts before the included (typically morning) free tours… but can’t skip all meals ! Do ALL the tour buses have an emergency restroom on them ? Are some of the castle tours soooo long that it is impossible to use a restroom before the end of the tour ? Is it easy to find a public restroom (even in a small coffee shop and then buy something from them in return) along the walking tours or during afternoon free time ? I am very glad to see you can slip away from a tour if needed. That piece of information is priceless ! (Did anyone do that & then were they able to find their group again in a little while ?)

Hi Liz – yes the coaches all have bathrooms on board. Depending on the itinerary you pick, the driving times differ. For the Rhine cruise, most of the drives were pretty short.

We’ve also done the Paris to Normandy cruise and the day you visit Normandy is a very long day with long (2 hr) drives. Italy is similar – very long drives. It basically boils down to the distance between the port and the town.

Yes, plenty of coffee shops to pop into!

If you leave the group tour (we did a couple times), it’s pretty difficult to find them again, since the group is constantly on the move. We tried once and couldn’t rejoin the group.

Your review of the Rhine River Cruise is most helpful! We have our first cruise booked November 8th, 2019 Basel to Amsterdam…it looks like it might be cold…I hope it’s early enough in November that it wont be…:( Question…is it worth the extended 2 day in Amsterdam? Thank you!

Hi Linda, so glad it’s helpful! We didn’t book the 2 day extension, as we had visited Amsterdam before. I think if you haven’t been, it might be nice for convenience but Amsterdam is also a very easy city to see on your own.

We are going on this cruise in September 2019. We want to meet a friend in either Heidelberg or Koblenz. What time is the afternoon “on-board” for passengers, and what time in the morning can passengers generally leave the ship? Viking can’t give us even a range of times for either. Any insight is appreciated.

I don’t know offhand and I think it probably varies on each trip – depending on which route you are doing (starting in Basel vs starting in Amsterdam), the water levels, how fast you go through the locks, traffic with other ships, etc.

You can try asking the crew when you go on board. Typically they lay out a program the night before for the following day, with more specific schedule times.

Great article and pictures! We are going on the Zurich to Paris 12 day Viking Cruise on March 28th, 2020. We were assured by the Viking agent that April weather will be in the 60’s. Sounds like it will be colder than that. I spoke to two friends that went on a similar Viking cruise on the Rhine. One did not like it, the other loved it. The person that didn’t like it said the food was so so, and you were only treated well at meals if you tip. We were thinking of paying gratuities in advance. What do you think?

Hi Patrice – ooh Zurich to Paris sounds like a nice itinerary! Hm, I do think April will be quite chilly. Weather is hard to predict but I definitely find that winter seems to get longer every year. I think it’s hard to get truly nice, all day sunny weather in Europe until early June. It will most likely be jacket, sweater + scarf weather in April and even May. The upside is much less crowds :)

I’ve been on several Viking cruises now. The first I thought the food was fantastic, the second time it was only good. Maybe I have gotten more picky (ha) but I think the food quality is definitely solid (maybe it wont blow you away, but hopefully you wont feel disappointed!).

I find it a little odd that your friend mentioned that about tipping to get good service. The one thing I think Viking does an excellent job of compared to other companies, is having extremely friendly service. the dining staff especially are very very nice. If you sit in the same area frequently, some of the really attentive staff even start remembering your drink / meal preferences. I never felt any pressure to tip individually, ahead of or during the trip.

It’s up to you, but I would suggest paying gratuity at the end. I know some companies now offer that you can pay in advance of a trip, but I don’t really know that the money gets to the staff on your itinerary that way. How do they keep track of it all? And do they really divvy it out to everyone on board? Also I think it’s nice to tip at the end, so you can have discretion if you want to tip an individual staff member separately, or what have you. Sometimes certain people on board go out of their way to make your trip memorable.

If you get to the airport early and take a tour with viking do they take care of your luggage before you can board the ship?

hm in our experience you can generally board the day your cruise starts. the bus will take you from the airport to the ship and then they’ll store your luggage for you until the rooms are ready. usually they put out lunch too, and sometimes a bonus walking tour if the ship is docked near the city (depends on which itinerary you’re taking). and sometimes, if you’re lucky, rooms are ready early!

My daughter and I are getting ready to do this same itinerary. My second VRC, her first. We are both so excited to be traveling together. Thanks for the great pictures and information.

Is it really a bummer to be in the economy rooms? The river cruise we are looking at is the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel and looking at going with friends who booked way before us. Most of the rooms are booked and only economy ones left. Just wondering if this will really be a downer?

Hi Gail! What time of year are you looking to visit?

I think it depends how much you value hotel rooms / rooms in general. Obviously the more expensive cabins are nicer, but if you like to socialize and plan to hang out in the bar and common areas, then the room is really just a place to sleep. The beds, showers, closets etc are the same across all the rooms.

The more expensive rooms are on a higher floor, have a larger square footage and have better views (larger windows, some with balconies, etc). I think honestly it is a nice to have, but the thing you remember most about a vacation is the destination and the memories, not the rooms :)

Oh and I asked what time of year, because we took a winter cruise and did not use the balcony at all, whereas in the summer the extra outdoor space was very nice and a great way to enjoy the sailing portions. So in colder or rainy months, having a balcony or extra large window is probably not very important, vs in late spring/summer.

I would like to do a river cruise. What is a cruise that has tours inside for castles and palaces? I would like to see beautiful interiors. If I do the Rhine getaway should I take post cruise to Amsterdam for any inside tours of castles or palaces and cathedrals also? Cathedrals on the Rhine getaway inside tours? Are tours expensive foe what I want to see?

The Rhine Getaway itinerary I reviewed in this article does include some cathedrals and castle ruins.

But, most of the castles on the Rhine river are ruins or old medieval castles, they’re not so much “Disney” like castles. For that, I believe you would need to rent a car and do a road trip as they’re not on the water.

You could do the Viking Rhine cruise above, and then do a post cruise trip to Copenhagen. Some of the most beautiful castles I’ve ever seen are in Copenhagen – I wrote about them in this post .

We booked our flights through Viking and then explored Copenhagen on our own, which was pretty easy as it’s a very modern city.

Just curious what your trip cost. We’re looking at $5,000-$6,000 per person in late October, including airfare from MN (about $600 per person), for this itinerary. Does that sound right?

Hi Shelley, Cost depends on so many factors (time of year, cabin, add on tours, flight pricing, etc), but Viking has a dates + pricing chart on their website that you can use to compare.

Thank you very much for sharing your experiences. I enjoyed reading your reviews and it is very helpful. I’m planning the trip in early November 2020 for my 30th anniversary. I have a few questions. Will it be a place inside the ship to sit and enjoy the view when sailing through the UNESC part of the Rhine when it is too cold outside? How much the optional excursion will be raftly around? 2020 will be marked Beethoven’s 250th birthday. I really like to go to Bonn. Is it possible that I can go our own when ship dock in Cologne?

Hi Tracy, sounds like a great birthday trip!

The best viewing point is on the roof deck, but there is also a smaller room with floor to ceiling windows, the Aquavit casual dining room, where you can enjoy the view indoors.

Each of the optionals has their own price, but they should be listed on Viking’s website. Hm, I’m not sure if you will have time to see Bonn when in Cologne. You can ask the Tour Director when you are onboard to see if there is enough time.

How comfortable are the beds .

What did you do on your amsterdam 2 day extension tour and do you know where I can find more specific info on the Viking extended tour

Hi JoAnne, we’ve been to Amsterdam on a previous trip so we didn’t opt for the 2 day extension tour with our Viking cruise. But, you can find more information about the optional extensions on Viking’s website!

We booked the Rhine Getaway for May 2020. I really appreciate your comments & suggestions. We are excited to go especially after reading this article.

Thanks, Janet

ooh have fun! May is a great time to visit :)

Love this blog. Found it today. Never been on a river cruise. I’m about to book the Basel to Amsterdam for my 60th b’day with my wife in Sept. So is the best way to book the cruise on line directly with Viking ? Any advantages going through a travel agent ? Tks Pierre

We are doing the Rhine Getaway in August 2020. Have enjoyed reading many of your reviews/suggestions. I know the currency is euros, do local vendors accept credit cards? What amount of currency do you recommend for an 8 day cruise? Most likely will do meals on the ship when possible. Thank you.

Yes most places in Europe take credit card. Just make sure you have a credit card with a chip on it, and that you let your bank company know you’ll be traveling abroad.

If you plan to eat most meals on the ship, I don’t really think you need much else, except for how much you want to spend on souvenirs.

Just found your blog and am loving reading all about this cruise! We’re taking this exact one for our honeymoon in April and it’s getting me even more excited!

I stumbled onto this blog while doing research for our up and coming River cruise. It sounds like almost the same cruise with one small stop difference (you stopped in Heidelberg and we’re stopping in Steyer. This article really helped solidify what I had already heard about Viking. I’ve been on several cruises on those big ships and cannot wait to do this river cruise. Thanks for the info.

How did you obtain your tour guide for Strausburg, was it through Viking or an independent source?

Hi Virginia, Viking provides all the tour guides. Strasbourg is part of the itinerary so the tour + guide were included with the cruise.

There are also extra tours available at an additional charge for some of the stops. For example, we paid for the Colmar day tour and on that optional tour, Viking also provided the tour guide (and transportation). Hope that helps

I also want to know about the comfort of the beds!

Hi Vicki, I thought the beds were comfy for a ship! To be honest I can fall asleep anywhere so I’m probably not the best person to ask..

Thanks so much for this post! My fiancé and I are scheduled to go on the first Viking Rhine Getaway on Aug 1 after COVID! I’m in my 20s and he’s in his 30/, so I’m assuming we will be some of the younger ones on board.. my biggest question is about attire. I pretty much live in athleisure so I’m worried we are going to be too informal compared to the rest of the crowd. What kinds of things do people wear during the day tours and dinners on board?

Ooh I’m jealous of your trip!

I would say you can wear whatever you want. There’s no dress code and Viking is pretty casual. Some people do dress up for dinner (just a nice top and jeans/pants) but it’s not required by any means. For the excursions, they’re usually walking tours so most people wear comfy clothes (good walking shoes, comfy pants, t-shirt and jacket if it’s colder).

We’ve all had about 18 months of lounging at home in sweats, so I don’t think anyone will look twice at wearing athleisure :)

Have a great time!

We depart on 9/15/21 and are so excited our rescheduled 2020 trip is happening this year! We’re doing the Lake Como extension before our cruise and staying in Amsterdam for two days on our own after the cruise. Any suggestions of things we must see or do?

Oooh that’s amazing! Yes I have a lot of posts on Lake Como and Northern Italy (under the Destinations menu tab, or you can type in the search box)

Hello. I noticed that the cruise includes 3 meals/day. My concern would be what if you’re out sightseeing and you want to experience the local cuisine by eating lunch or dinner in the town? Do you get a choice of not eating every meal on board the ship? I would want to eat at the different restaurants. Do you just pay for all the meals and if you want to skip some on the ship, you just eat the cost?

Yup, you an definitely skip the ship meals and eat at local spots if you’d like!

Sher, Thank you for sharing this very detailed and encouraging insight into the Viking Rhine River tour. Our 4 children gave us a Viking Rhine River tour for our 50th wedding anniversary (Oct. 16th) because during our 2nd year of marriage we lived in Erlangen, Germany for the year. We are in the planning phase of our trip. We hope to go in the May timeframe. Your post has given us great encouragement.

We have several questions and would appreciate your unbiased input: 1. My wife is diabetic (Type 2) and takes medicine that makes her have to use the bathroom about every 2 hours. Is that going to be a problem while touring, hanging around town, or riding on the bus? 2. We are 74 and 75 respectively, and while we are in fairly good health, long, rushed , arduous walking would not be fun or even physically welcome. Is that a problem? 3. We have heard from friends who have taken ocean cruises that sometime the evening entertainment is very risque. This would not be appealing to us, so we were wondering if that is what we might experience? 4. Since the world is not fully over COVID, what are the chances that that is going to have us in masks the whole time, or worse yet end up quarantined somewhere?

Thank you for any insights you can provide especially since you traveled with you Mom.

Hud and Susan

Hi Hud and Susan, that’s so sweet of your kids! I think you’ll really enjoy the river cruise. It’s very relaxing and you can do as much or as little as you want :) I also really loved the Rhine itinerary and the whole river cruising experience.

For the Rhine River itinerary, I don’t recall that we had any significantly long (2+ hour) bus rides. Most of the bus rides were 30 minutes to an hour and there is a bathroom on the bus for emergencies. You can check with Viking’s customer service about the bus times (just to be sure), as I’m sure it can vary slightly from year to year and on weather conditions. Basically if the ship can dock in a port that’s near town, the transportation time is very short. In some countries though, like Italy, the cruise terminals are located quite far from the city, so if you picked one of the Italy itineraries you might be subjected to long bus rides. But for the Rhine itinerary it’s not like that at all, and sometimes the ship can dock right in town and you walk off the boat and are in the city center! overall I *think* it would be ok in terms of your wife’s medicine. There are multiple bathrooms on board Viking, and in town there is always a cafe where you can get a cup of coffee and use the facilities.

There is typically a guided tour every day (usually in the morning) and Viking always has a slower paced group option. So you can join that group for the walking tour and it will be a more leisurely pace and route. Even for the regular groups, my mom didn’t find the pace to be rushed or strenuous, but pretty relaxing.

No, if anything there isn’t that much entertainment on the river cruise at night. Most people go to the lounge to socialize or get a drink, or relax in their room on the balcony.

Hm, I don’t know about the mask situation. You can probably ask Viking’s customer service for their policy on board. And you can check the country government health websites for each city on the itinerary. I would hope things would be even better in spring of next year, but you really never know!

Hope this helps x Sher

Were you aware that if you book two cruises back to back on Viking, butterfly cruises, that they won’t honor the promotions on either cruise? I booked two cruises that had free air promotions. Even though Viking was saving money by paying for one airfare instead of two, they would not agree to honor the promotions. Their solution was for me to cancel the second cruise. Strange that they would penalize me for giving them more business.

hm that is really strange! i’ve never tried back to back cruises, but good to know

Thank you for this wonderful article. I am wondering if it makes sense to save $$ and get a lower priced cabin without a balcony of any sort.

Sher, Thanks so much for this valuable information. It is much appreciated! We’ll be on the Rhine Getaway cruise this coming August. Do you know which stops where the ship docks you are able to walk off the ship right into a town or very close to it? Also, is there a way to find out how long the drive by bus is for each excursion? I read reviews on another site that particularly complained about the drive to the Black Forest and that there really wasn’t a lot of time to look around once there. It sounds like out of a 4 hour excursion, almost 3 hours are traveling by bus. Thanks for your help.

Hi Shelley, glad it was helpful! I remember Koblenz we docked right in town so you could walk off the ship and be in the middle of the historic area. That stop was overnight so you could explore all night if you wanted to!

Most of the other stops, the ship will be close to town but docked for only a couple hours. So it’s about enough time to do the tour + have some free time then time to leave.

I don’t remember any long bus rides other than Colmar, but it wasn’t bad.. maybe an hour. It could change by year though! I think Viking and all the cruise ships may change docks from season to season, as routes depend on water levels, weather conditions + town permits.

Hi, very interesting blog. We are from Canada and meeting up with friends from UK and have booked a Rhine cruise in September. I’ve been trying to find where Viking docks in Basel, can you help? Thanks in advance.

Hi Sue, I don’t know the exact name of the dock (and it may change from year to year) so best to ask Viking’s customer service!

Love your blog, Sher! Did you do the full-day Taste of Alsace tour in Strasbourg? I have signed up for it on my upcoming Rhine River tour despite its “Difficult” rating. While i can walk pretty well for longish distances (up to 2 miles at a time), I have trouble with steep inclines and with steps unless there is a rail to hold onto and I am hoping the rating is simply because it involves a full day of walking from place to place, rather than because of a lot of stairs and steep terrain, etc. Any insights you can give??? — Jackie, age 71

Ah, I didn’t do that tour sorry! Maybe viking’s customer service team can give you a more detailed breakdown of the tour.. I remember also that the staff on board are very accommodating! In general, Strasbourg is a nice big flat city – it’s not one of those tiny historic towns with uneven cobblestones. i don’t remember much stairs or steep terrain.

I want to thank you so much for this information. We are going on the Rhine cruise next week (concerned about water levels) and since we booked I’ve come across some Viking haters. This is a bucket list trip for us, so your information is much appreciated. I was wondering how much flexibility there is to get on and of the ships while at port. Can you just come and go? Thank you! And please pray for rain or do a rain dance.

yes, while the ship is docked you can come and go easily! it’s one of the things i like most about small ship cruises vs the massive cruise liners

Great article! We leave today for our 1st river cruise with Viking! A bit worried about water levels on the Rhine river. Disappointed to learn that Viking no longer offers the walking tour on the day of arrival in Basel. Was really looking forward to that!

I have been trying to get a Rhine itinerary with a more accurate detail of the time arrive and depart in each port…. even approximately would help.

I think their sailing schedules may shift so that’s likely why they don’t have detailed times published. You can try asking customer service

The best traveling experience we have ever had. Our Rhine River cruise was something we will never forget. From arrival in Amsterdam to our return after two additional nights in Lucerne, we enjoyed every minute. We are already booked on one of their ocean cruises (Mediterranean) next year.

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Viking cruise cabins and suites: A guide to everything you want to know

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Is a balcony something you can’t live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? If so, Viking could be your line.

Viking is one of the only cruise brands in the world that offers a balcony with every cabin on every ocean ship it operates — even the least expensive, smallest cabins. That’s something that even the most upscale of Viking’s ocean cruise rivals — including Oceania Cruises , Azamara , Seabourn , Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — can’t say.

Viking’s ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. If you’re looking for a room that is big and open on an ocean cruise (and are willing to pay extra for it), Viking has plenty of options.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Viking also offers many balcony cabins and suites on its river ships — something that isn’t always the case in the river cruise business, where space on vessels is at a premium. However, unlike its ocean ships, Viking’s river ships aren’t all-balcony-cabin vessels. Some can have as many as 25 cabins per ship that are below the waterline and have windows high in the walls.

Still, even on Viking’s river ships, most cabins are balcony cabins.

A Viking cabin primer

Cruising regulars know that most cruise ships offer cabins in four broad categories: windowless “inside” cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

As noted above, though, you’ll only find the latter two types of cabins on Viking ocean ships. Viking currently operates nine traditional ocean ships aimed at the English-speaking market and two oceangoing expedition ships. Every single passenger room on all 11 of the vessels is either a balcony cabin or a suite with a balcony. As previously mentioned, that’s highly unusual in the cruise business.

Viking is also known for a relatively simple-to-understand array of subcategories of rooms within its balcony-cabin and suite categories. Unlike some cruise brands such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, which offer as many as 36 different sub-types of cabins, Viking’s ocean ships offer just six.

The bottom line is that you’ll be much less flummoxed when trying to choose the perfect cabin for you on a Viking ocean ship than when trying to choose a cabin on most other vessels.

Related: The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

When it comes to size, even the smallest cabins on Viking’s ocean ships are large by cruise ship standards at 270 square feet, and the largest suites measure nearly 1,500 square feet.

Design-wise, Viking cabins and suites across all categories are modern and elegant in an understated sort of way, with Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and decor that tie to the Norwegian heritage of the company’s founder.

You’ll find beds topped with crisp, white duvets and Scandinavian throws, comfortable contemporary sofas and chairs in neutral tones, and light wood desks and side tables that combine to offer a residential feel in bedroom areas. Soothing, minimalist colors — think creams, grays and lighter blues — are the order of the day.

Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine marble-lined walls; Scandinavian-influenced, wood-veneered vanities; shiny white sinks; and chrome fixtures.

Viking is an upscale line — some might even call it a luxury line, though Viking doesn’t market itself that way — and Viking cabins and suites have a lot of thoughtful and elegant touches, from sumptuous bedding that envelops you to heated floors in bathrooms. The rooms aren’t overly flashy, though.

Instead, they are eminently functional, with storage in all the right places, lots of outlets for charging your devices and lighting right where you need it. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards of beds, which come in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. You won’t have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed.

Related: The best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise

Other little touches in Viking cabins that show the line’s attention to functionality include the large and clear lettering on the Freyja toiletries that you’ll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. The toiletries were specifically designed with bigger and clearer lettering than is common for toiletries so that the line’s older customers (Viking’s core market is in the 55- to the 75-year-old range) would have no trouble differentiating the body wash from the shampoo.

In a similar nod to functionality and ease of use, Viking had the remote controls for cabin televisions specially designed so they would only have a few buttons.

Balcony cabins on Viking cruise ships

Viking keeps it simple with the array of balcony cabins on its ocean ships. The line’s nine traditional ocean vessels aimed at the English-speaking market each have 418 balcony cabins that can be broken down into three categories:

• 42 Veranda Staterooms (10% of the total).
• 272 Deluxe Veranda Staterooms (65% of the total).
• 104 Penthouse Veranda Staterooms (25% of the total).

The first two categories, Veranda Staterooms and Deluxe Veranda Staterooms, are the same size at 270 square feet (a figure that includes balcony space). They basically look the same. However, the Deluxe Veranda Staterooms, which cost more, have better locations on the ships and come with more amenities and services. These extra amenities and services include:

• Earlier access to shore excursion reservations (67 days in advance of sailing versus 60 days).
• Priority access to spa treatment bookings (60 days in advance).
• One guaranteed priority reservation at every alternative restaurant on board, which can be made 60 days in advance of sailing.
• Binoculars in the room.
• Coffee machines with premium coffee and tea selections in the room.
• A traditional, super-soft Norwegian Marius-weave blanket for use in the room.

Passengers staying in Deluxe Veranda Staterooms can also access their rooms one hour earlier on embarkation day than those staying in Veranda Staterooms.

Both of the first two categories of balcony cabins come with minibars stocked with complimentary soft drinks, water and snacks. In the case of Deluxe Veranda Staterooms, staff replenishes these minibars once per day.

Penthouse Veranda Staterooms offer more space than the latter two categories, at 338 square feet, plus additional amenities and services, including:

• Priority shore excursion reservations that can be made 77 days in advance of sailing.
• Two guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant on board, which can be made 70 days in advance.
• Priority spa treatment bookings that can be made 70 days in advance.
• Minibars that include complimentary alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks, water and snacks (replenished once daily).
• Complimentary clothes pressing and shoeshine services.
• A welcome bottle of Champagne.
• Earlier access to cabins on embarkation day.

Viking’s two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, also have three categories of balcony cabins with a similar array of amenities and services. Named Nordic Balcony, Deluxe Nordic Balcony and Nordic Penthouse, the cabins of these three categories are slightly smaller than the cabins of the three balcony cabin categories on the traditional Viking ocean ships at 215, 215 and 269 square feet, respectively. They also have a different type of balcony that makes them feel more spacious than their square footage suggests.

Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris have what some in the cruise industry call an “infinite veranda” — a balcony-like space created by a window wall that opens from the top down. Viking calls them Nordic balconies.

Related: How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade

The majority of Viking river ships, known as Viking Longships, have 61 balcony cabins broken down into two categories: 205-square-foot Veranda Staterooms and 135-square-foot French Balcony Staterooms.

The latter has doors that open onto simple balustrades and not full balconies that you can step onto. This feature is known as a French balcony or Juliet balcony (a nod to the balcony of this type made famous in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”). Technically, these French balconies are balconies, even if they’re not quite as satisfying as a balcony with space to lounge.

Including the French balcony cabins, nearly 75% of the cabins on Viking’s Longships have balconies.

Viking also offers smaller versions of its Longships that have fewer balcony cabins, as well as a few different types of river ships with varying numbers of balcony cabins.

Suites on Viking cruise ships

The suite choices on Viking ships also are relatively easy to understand. On Viking’s traditional ocean ships, there are 47 suites broken down into three categories:

• 32 Penthouse Junior Suites.
• 14 Explorer Suites.
• One Owner’s Suite.

The Penthouse Junior Suites measure 405 square feet, including their balcony space, and come with such extra amenities and services as:

• Priority shore excursion reservations that can be made 87 days in advance of sailing.
• Three guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant, which can be booked 80 days in advance.
• Priority spa treatment bookings that can be made 80 days in advance.
• Minibars with complimentary alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water and snacks.
• Complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, pressing and shoeshine services.

In addition to a bed area, Penthouse Junior Suites have a large sitting area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs, and a separate television. The bathrooms are large, too.

Life starts really getting good in the 14 Explorer Suites on Viking’s traditional ocean ships. They range in size from 757 to 1,163 square feet, including balcony space, and bring even more enhanced amenities and services.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Each of the Explorer Suites is a two-room complex with a well-appointed living and dining area complete with a table that seats four people. Very large master bathrooms feature a double-sink vanity, a spacious glass-enclosed shower and a bathtub (something you won’t find in any of the lesser cabin categories on the vessels).

The Owner’s Suites, of which there is just one on each traditional Viking ocean vessel, are truly sprawling and impressive complexes that measure 1,448 square feet. They are true owner’s suites in that they are used by Viking founder and chairman Torstein Hagen when he sails on the ships, and they feature some of his personal mementos, including family pictures.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge on a suite for your next cruise

Each of the Owner’s Suites has a separate bedroom, living room, dining area that seats six people and master bathroom that includes a sauna with a glass wall facing the ocean.

In addition, each of the complexes has a boardroom with a long table that seats 12 people for meetings and catered dinner parties. There’s an adjacent pantry that can be used by staff serving room service or catering hosted events. Among other personal touches related to Hagen, the company founder, are book, wine and music collections that he curated for the rooms.

Viking’s two oceangoing expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, also have three categories of suites:

• Nordic Junior Suites (322 square feet).
• Explorer Suites (548 square feet).
• Owner’s Suites (1,238 square feet).

The typical Viking river ship has nine suites broken down into two categories — 275-square-foot Veranda Suites and 445-square-foot Explorers Suites.

Bottom line

Viking operates ships with a very easy-to-understand array of cabins, unlike some of its competitors.

Every passenger room on its ocean ships is a balcony cabin or a suite, something that is unusual in the cruise world, and these cabins break down into just a few subcategories. This makes the process of booking a room on a Viking vessel relatively simple compared to booking a room on many other ships.

Design-wise, Viking’s cabins are relatively upscale, with soothing, Scandinavian-influenced decor and lots of luxury touches like heated floors in bathrooms.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for a cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Viking Cruises

2023-2024 river brochure - version 3.

Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1481670

Contents of this Issue

Page 219 of 241

V I K I N G L O N G S H I P S Thoughtfully engineered to take you right into the heart of each destination, our award-winning, streamlined Viking Longships are as innovative as they are elegant. On board, discover serene Scandinavian-inspired spaces filled with natural light. Everywhere you look, you will find subtle nods to our Nordic heritage — from the slate, teak and limestone accents to the colourful rugs, tapestries and window treatments. Every stateroom is spacious, stylish and features a hotel-style bed topped with luxurious European linen. Relax and enjoy an al fresco glass of wine on your own private veranda or the Aquavit Terrace, lose yourself in a book from the carefully curated onboard library, or take in a live music performance in the Viking Lounge. • All staterooms have river views • Lounge and bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to an open-air Aquavit Terrace • Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views • Sun Deck with shaded sitting area, organic herb garden, solar panels and walking track • Library corner and onboard boutique • Elevator, Middle to Upper Deck only • Free Wi-Fi • Laundry service • Bottled water replenished daily • Voltage: 220V & 110V (U.S. outlet) in staterooms • Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride OFFERING YOU A CHOICE OF STATEROOMS • Explorer Suites are 445 sq. ft., have separate sleeping and sitting quarters, a wrap-around veranda with 270° views, a French balcony and two flat-panel TVs • Veranda Suites are 275 sq. ft., have separate sleeping and sitting quarters, a full veranda and French balcony and two flat-panel TVs • All staterooms and suites have hotel-style beds with optional twin-bed configuration • All Upper and Middle Deck staterooms have a full veranda or French balcony • Private bathroom with shower; premium bath products; bathrobe and slippers upon request • 40" or 42" flat-panel Sony TV with infotainment system featuring movies on demand plus CNBC, CNN, National Geographic and more • Telephone, safe, refrigerator, hairdryer and individual climate control • Corridor configuration designs European Community Design #1832106-0001 to 1832106-0011 V I K I N G LO N G S H I P, KO B L E N Z , G E R M A N Y 218 For more details and videos, visit viking.com

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• Viking Ocean

No Umbrella Drinks

By SuzyQ214 , March 4, 2021 in Viking Ocean

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I was reading an advertisement for Viking in Conde Naste Traveler magazine.  It bullet points all the things "Viking is Not."  Most of the items are things you would expect to be an advantageous differentiator, such as No Smoking, No Children Under 18, No Nickle & Diming, etc.  However, one of the points made me laugh -- No Umbrella Drinks.  Do people really have a large aversion to having an umbrella in their drink?  Would anyone really factor that in when deciding which cruise line to book?  

No umbrella drinks?  Well sign me up!   😁

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It will be interesting to read other opinions.

In our experience, Viking have most of the traditional tropical drinks normally associated with "umbrellas" - Pina Colada, Mai Tai, Daiquiri, etc. However, what they don't have is what I refer to as the "Culture" of a traditional Tiki Bar.

Peregrina651

No umbrellas in the drinks -- and none of the steel drums that seem to go along with the theme.

See the thread

This conversation came before the "Viking is not"  was added to their brochures etc. 

Clay Clayton

1 hour ago, Heidi13 said: It will be interesting to read other opinions.   In our experience, Viking have most of the traditional tropical drinks normally associated with "umbrellas" - Pina Colada, Mai Tai, Daiquiri, etc. However, what they don't have is what I refer to as the "Culture" of a traditional Tiki Bar.

They even have one I had never heard of before: the Rock Lobster. A younger couple on our first cruise had at least one everyday sitting by the infinity pool. It was very tasty and while no umbrella it sure tasted like an “umbrella drink”.   

i started ordering them on the rare occasion I try to grab some sun by the pool. 

Same here Clay, have lounged in the Infinity Pool a few times, sipping a Pina Colada. Also had one on a number of evenings when the final 8 of us met in the Living Room Bar for pre-dinner drinks.

2 minutes ago, Heidi13 said: Same here Clay, have lounged in the Infinity Pool a few times, sipping a Pina Colada. Also had one on a number of evenings when the final 8 of us met in the Living Room Bar for pre-dinner drinks.

But wait. A Pina Colada BEFORE dinner?  That would ruin my appetite-it would be like having dessert first (which is entirely acceptable but not sure about a sweet drink 😂 )

If you've ever had a real Mai Tai you know that Viking has no idea what a Mai Tai is. And ---- how do they square "no nickel & diming" with "prepaid gratuities?"

1 hour ago, Clay Clayton said: But wait. A Pina Colada BEFORE dinner?  That would ruin my appetite-it would be like having dessert first (which is entirely acceptable but not sure about a sweet drink 😂 )

We were a fairly sociable group, starting pre-dinner drinks about 16:30 and not eating until about 19:00, so lots of time. 😁

I surely loved some of their "umbrella" drinks sans umbrella.  All the fruit garnish, all the good fruity flavor and no pesky umbrella to discard.  Or save in your album if that is your thing.  I was amazed that they made Mojitos, lots of Mojitos, the hard way.  Most ships have some form of pre mix and throw a sprig of mint in.  At every bar, the whole muddling, mixing procedure.   They were great but mostly  I ordered something else to save them work.  Martinis are so much quicker.....  I meant easier....... 🍸

On WC 19 they did have pina coladas served in pineapples.  Sorry no umbrellas

TayanaLorna

2 hours ago, Peregrina651 said: No umbrellas in the drinks -- and none of the steel drums that seem to go along with the theme.   See the thread This conversation came before the "Viking is not"  was added to their brochures etc. 

Or the conga lines...

5 minutes ago, eylarson said: On WC 19 they did have pina coladas served in pineapples.  Sorry no umbrellas

I remember that.  They had hugely over-ordered pineapples and used them in any way they could think of!  LOL

1 hour ago, duquephart said:   If you've ever had a real Mai Tai you know that Viking has no idea what a Mai Tai is. And ---- how do they square "no nickel & diming" with "prepaid gratuities?"

Had lots of different Mai Tais in various places throughout the World, and lots were different, so no worries here. If I like it, I order more, if not, time to try something else.

Gratuities - have spent 100 days with Viking and the experience was fully inclusive, so I guess it is based on the cruise you choose. If gratuities are an issue, suggest booking cruises where they are included. We do.

25 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:   We were a fairly sociable group, starting pre-dinner drinks about 16:30 and not eating until about 19:00, so lots of time. 😁

So actually it was dessert from lunch.  That’s more than acceptable! 🍹

21 minutes ago, eylarson said: On WC 19 they did have pina coladas served in pineapples.  Sorry no umbrellas

Same on our Half Transatlantic!

1 hour ago, duquephart said: how do they square "no nickel & diming" with "prepaid gratuities?"

I think that the “no nickel & dime-ing” refers to the lack of additional charges for dining in the alternative restaurants, one included excursion in each port, and free-flowing wine and beer at meals. It is pretty clear that additional alcohol and the daily service charges are additional.  For us, it becomes included via the OBC our travel agent provides...someday I hope to be able to go on one of the WCs where they (and so much more) are included in the original price. Additionally, I also hope we can swing a fully inclusive cruise someday-Regent, Seaborne, etc.  but until then Viking works for us. 

Those umbrella drinks are available, just no umbrella.  We tried our hardest to get through the entire bar menu in the Explorers' Lounge but with the last cruise ending abruptly in Dubai, we weren't successful.  Oh well, next time.  And if you don't care for the standard way they make certain cocktails, they will customize it with a smile and remember the next time you imbibe.  Cheers!

CILCIANRQTS

I think they use “no umbrella drinks” as a placeholder for:

No daily drink specials for only $24.95, AND you get to keep the tacky plastic glass!! 

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