Why Viking>Viking Advantages

Elegant, Comfortable Ships

Viking ships are Scandinavian in design, with open, airy interiors by famed Norwegian maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten. Guests enjoy all the amenities they might expect in a fine hotel, plus expansive, panoramic views throughout.

Spacious Accommodations

Every stateroom has an “outside” river view with a window or balcony for viewing scenery, and on every ship, most windows open to the fresh air. Experience the comfort of hotel-style beds with European linens and duvets, and satellite television with BBC, CNN and other programming.

Gourmet Cuisine

Enjoy sumptuous breakfasts and wonderful lunches and dinners with Viking. Created by European and celebrity chefs, our menus combine regional specialties with American fare to delight the most discriminating palate. While meals are casual, open-seating affairs, the atmosphere is always elegant.

Consistently Excellent Service

Wherever we sail, you enjoy the same standard of service—because we manage it all: nautical, technical, catering, sightseeing and guides. With headquarters in Switzerland and offices in both Russia and China, we oversee these regional shipboard operations.

Expert Planning & Execution

When you travel with Viking, you can relax knowing that all the details of your experience, both on board and ashore, will be fun and interesting. Our superb Program Directors—and indeed all Viking staff members—are completely devoted to ensuring that every trip you take with us exceeds your expectations.

Cultural Enrichment

On every Viking itinerary, expert Programme Directors provide background, context and regional perspective. Demonstrations, lectures and workshops supplement on-shore exploration. And now, we take you to a wider range of destinations than ever before—which means more cultural traditions, cuisines and wines, games, music and dances to experience and enjoy. This adds up to a personalized, in-depth experience wherever you travel with Viking.

Great Travel Value

A Viking holiday package includes accommodations (including hotel stays during “cruisetours”), meals, shore excursions and more. Plus, enjoy additional savings by reserving early, travelling with us more than once and referring your friends—you can even earn free travel by putting together a group.

The World of Viking

Because we travel along the major rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Egypt, Viking offers the widest possible variety of destinations. Experience world cities like Budapest, Paris, Kiev, St. Petersburg, Shanghai and Cairo, immersing yourself in local culture in the smaller towns along the way.

The World's Most Award-Winning River Cruise Line

We have consistently placed high on competitive rankings like Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, Reader’s Choice and Best Small Ships awards; and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best; we have also been honored by prestigious international organizations like the World Travel Awards. Meanwhile, travel agents have recognized us with awards including TravelAge West’s Best Line for River Cruising and Travel Weekly’s #1 River Cruise Line. And Viking is featured in National Geographic’s The 10 Best of Everything.

Europe’s Cutting Edge

The recently launched Viking Legend offers the ultimate in river cruising vessels, with all the latest amenities and efficient “green” propulsion technology. Viking Legend joined our award-winning European fleet, which also includes Viking Sun and Viking Helvetia—these three vessels are the very best ships sailing through Europe today, featuring deluxe staterooms, each boasting a French balcony or picture window. From Viking Primadonna with its private balconies to the intimate “purpose-built” Viking Fontane and (for 2011) Viking Schumann—both recently refurbished—to deluxe hotel-style staterooms in France, you will always enjoy the hospitality of the right ship in the right place.

Best River Ships in Russia

We have dramatically upgraded our Russian fleet—Viking Surkov, Viking Kirov and (for 2011) Viking Pakhomov have deluxe staterooms throughout, including suites and singles, and an expanded restaurant facility. These fully refurbished ships are by far the best river cruise ships in Russia.

A Brand-New Jewel on the Yangtze

For 2010, Viking Century Sun proudly plies the waters of China’s Yangtze River. Guests enjoy a balcony in every stateroom—so they never miss a view. This glorious vessel has a full Western-style kitchen for a variety of delectable cuisine, and Swiss hotel management brings the Viking standards of service, cleanliness and excellence to the Far East. Famed maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten, known for their work with several leading ocean cruise lines, designed this ship, awarded a 5-star rating by the China National Tourism Office, especially for Viking.

For 2011, Viking is proud to welcome the newest member of the fleet—the fabulous Viking Emerald. The newest and most elegant ship on the Yangtze River, Viking Emerald features a private balcony in every stateroom and the largest suites in river cruising, including 840-square-foot Presidential Suites with two flat-screen TVs, panoramic windows and a wrap-around balcony.

Built for the World’s Great Rivers

Viking ships are dedicated and “purpose-built” for the rivers they travel. Their size and shape fit perfectly when going through narrow passages or river locks, and the wheelhouses of our European ships descend to allow passage under bridges. And some Viking vessels that navigate the Main-Danube Canal have a promenade deck, allowing passengers the great benefit of being outdoors throughout the 106-mile passage.

Designed for Viewing

Wherever you travel with Viking, your cruise features ever-changing scenery, and our ships are designed to facilitate viewing. Every stateroom has a French balcony or picture window, most of which open to the fresh air should you desire it. Your ship’s observation lounge and restaurant surround you with panoramic windows. Many ships have promenade decks, and the sun deck always provides fantastic 360° views.

Browse our itineraries and regional fleet sections for additional information about ship and stateroom amenities, photos and deck plans.

Spacious Staterooms

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that Viking staterooms compare favorably with those of ocean cruise ships. Every stateroom is an “outside” stateroom—with a river view through a picture window or French balcony. Most windows open; suites and category A and B staterooms are located on upper decks for best views.

Most staterooms are deluxe, which means they have hotel-style beds with European linens and duvets. Many beds can be arranged in either a double or a twin configuration. There is plenty of closet space and a place to stow your bags once you have unpacked.

All rooms have a private bath with shower, while most also have their own climate control system and telephone. Stateroom TVs offer CNN and other English-language programming.

Little Things That Count

Your Viking stateroom is a home away from home, and we want to make sure it feels that way. You will find quality amenities including slippers, wooden clothes hangers, a vanity set and complimentary bottled water daily. We pay attention to the details so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Sail Aboard a Fine Hotel

Our ships have Scandinavian-influenced interiors designed to be sleek, comfortable and uncluttered in appearance. Furnishings are crafted of fine woods; fabrics and wools, cashmeres, cottons and linens in a neutral palette to provide the best possible backdrop for passing scenery. In addition to the décor and amenities in your stateroom, the ship’s public areas provide everything you may require as we cruise along. Borrow a book, magazine, jigsaw puzzle or deck of cards from the ship’s library. Have a soda or cocktail in the observation lounge, or get a complimentary coffee drink from the coffee station anytime of the day or night. Pick up a gift item or souvenir at the onboard boutique. Complimentary wireless internet access is provided via satellite downlink—bring your laptop or use one of the ship’s computers.

Best of all, our dedicated, English-speaking hotel staff is always ready to assist with everything from extra towels to information about upcoming destinations.

Variety to Suit Every Palate

For breakfast, choose from a delectable array of healthful and tasty options including a variety of cereals, European pastries, breakfast meats, fresh fruit and selected cheeses. Or you may prefer a hot dish, like pancakes or an omelet made just the way you like it. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or choose an entrée and dessert from the day’s luncheon menu.

For dinner, a five-course gourmet menu awaits—with regional specialties like Viennese schnitzel and Barbary duck. On our China cruisetours, enjoy one of celebrity chef Martin Yan’s Chinese delights, as well as Western-style favourites like roast beef or poached salmon. And if none of these meet your preference, then grilled steak, chicken and Caesar salad are always available as dinner options—all prepared in our state-of-the-art onboard kitchens.

Local Culinary Specialties

If an itinerary has included meals ashore, you will visit restaurants carefully selected by Viking’s in-country staff—where you can sample regional favourites, like Peking duck in Beijing or a traditional German lunch in Rothenburg. And wherever you sail, you’ll find enhancements reflecting your itinerary, from Dutch cheese sampling to Russian tea time, French wines and quiches, or a Chinese tea tasting. These culinary delights are a central part of experiencing the region’s cultural distinctions.

Casual Dining in Elegant Style

Our restaurants are designed for single-seating meals—and you can sit anywhere you like, which is a great way to meet new friends. But dining is always an elegant experience, with crisp tablecloth linens, sparkling china and crystal, contemporary cutlery and special touches like flowers and candles. Not to mention impeccable service!

Rigorous Staff Training

We have high standards for the English-speaking crews onboard our ships. We personally recruit all of our staff members, from your stateroom steward and waiter, to hotel managers and Program Directors. Proprietary training programs are implemented by our Swiss management team to ensure we always provide the level of service you would find in a fine hotel. All these things make Viking a highly desirable employer, with a strong retention rate among our staff.

Extensive Local Experience

Our senior staff brings deep experience to make sure your trip with Viking measures up. For instance, our management team in China has spent decades helping travellers see the region. And our guides there have an average of 10 to 20 years of experience showing people their country. The head of Viking land operations in Europe is a multilingual European native with nearly 20 years in the business, plus experience as a local guide, tour director, event coordinator and cruise manager. Overall, the Viking team brings you a level of expertise other companies cannot match.

Great Service, Guaranteed

As the only river cruise line to guarantee its award-winning service, we are committed to making your holiday the best ever. Should you be dissatisfied with our service upon first check-in (hotel or onboard ship) including food, personnel or shore excursions, please notify us within 24 hours of the start of your cruisetour. We then have 24 hours to correct the situation. In the unlikely event that a solution is not possible, you may depart as soon as is feasible and 100% of your cruise price will be refunded.

Immersive Shore Excursions

Imagine wandering the halls of the Hermitage Museum in Russia’s St. Petersburg, sampling the fine wines of French Burgundy in colorful Beaune, or strolling the courtyards of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Perhaps you will pull a print in Mainz, Germany from the exact same type of press that Johannes Gutenberg used when he created the original 42-line printed Bible, or marvel at the incredible dexterity of a Chinese artist crafting fine porcelain wares.

When travelling with Viking, you enjoy at least one shore excursion every day. These guided tours bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations—and virtually all excursions are included in the cruise fare, providing great value and an incredibly rich experience. In most ports, you will also have some leisure time for shopping or whatever suits your fancy. And of course, if you would prefer not to join the organized shore excursion you’re always free to explore as you choose—independently.

Never Miss a Word

With our Quietvox tour headphones, there are no worries about missing any of the interesting details on your shore excursions. This popular program provides personal headsets for all travellers. A lightweight portable receiver is easily clipped to your belt or slipped into a pocket, and a comfortable headset with individual volume control allows you to hear your guide’s comments no matter where you are standing. Individual volume controls make every place on your tour the ‘best seat in the house.’

Old World Highlights

Not only will you have an enriching experience ashore, but you also learn about your destinations during each cruise. Our Old World Highlights program is designed to complement Viking shore excursions with additional learning and enhancement: language lessons, hands-on cuckoo clock-making demonstrations, classes in cooking local specialties like our apple strudel workshop, seminars on Russian history and culture, or a Tai Chi lesson from a Chinese master—offered on deck as you cruise through the Yangtze morning mist. These in-depth experiences are included as an essential part of discovering more about the places through which you cruise, and each activity is planned specifically to illuminate each itinerary.

Culture Curriculum

Sometimes you want to dig a little deeper. We offer a series of onboard multimedia talks to shed light on the history and culture of the places you visit. Learn about the Dutch Masters or various painters in France’s Seine region while travelling through Europe, the fall of Communism in Russia, or the importance of China’s dynasties while sailing along the Yangtze River.

Expert Program Directors

Our Program Directors have been selected for their comprehensive knowledge of the regions where we sail. But, they also have uncanny people skills, tending to the needs of our guests from the first moment through the end of every Viking journey.

Travel Companion Books

We provide each guest with a complimentary Travel Companion book. Each one contains information about the region and destinations, local stories and legends, and a kilometre-by-kilometre guide listing locations and attractions along the river—with space for your own notes.

We Manage Everything

Best of all, there is no need to do research or make arrangements in advance. We take care of all the details—transportation, reservations, entry fees and more. You return home enriched with wonderful memories.

Dining Aboard & On Shore

Classic cuisine is yours on board our ships, with regional specialties as well as home-style favourites. Restaurants have been selected to represent local culinary delights for most meals on shore.

Shore Excursions

Many of the highlights of a Viking trip are found on our guided tours. You will be immersed in local culture on an excursion every day, and virtually all of these activities are included.

Performances & Demonstrations

Viking itineraries feature cultural events—such as a Chinese acrobatic performance or a Dutch wooden shoe carving demonstration. Nearly all of these enriching experiences are also included.

Onboard Lectures

Our Culture Curriculum lectures focus on the history of the regions through which we sail, with topics ranging from the painters of the Seine to the Russian czars. They are another facet of your Viking experience.

Hotel Accommodations

Viking “cruisetour” packages include overnight stays in major cities. We use deluxe, first class or superior first class hotels, chosen for their location and their high quality standards, everywhere we travel.

Personalise Your Cruise

If you want to enhance your cruise by going above and beyond the included excursions, we offer a selection of optional activities on each itinerary. Attend a classical concert in Vienna or a Tang Dynasty dinner show in Xian; take a wine-tasting tour or visit an art gallery. You can purchase these special-interest excursions separately on board to personalise your journey.

Explore More Pre- and Post-Cruise Extensions

Wherever your vacation takes you, we have exciting ways to extend your stay and see even more. With Viking, you can often add a hotel stay at either end of your cruise (and sometimes both) in fascinating places like Paris, Prague, Helsinki, Amsterdam and Hong Kong. And you will stay in hotels specially selected for their stellar locations and high levels of guest satisfaction.

Price Guarantee

Once you have paid in full for your trip, you will be unaffected by currency fluctuations, taxes, fees and oil prices. We guarantee it.

Group Leader Discount

Put together a group of nine others and you travel free! Call 1800 829 138 (Australia) 0800 447 913 (New Zealand) to learn more.