Ultimate Guide to Viking Cruises: Ships, Dining, Destinations & What to Expect

• The Thinking Person’s Cruise: Viking focuses on cultural enrichment, history, and destination immersion rather than casinos and waterparks.

• River Cruising: Explore the heart of Europe, Egypt, and Asia on the award-winning Longships, docking right in the centre of historic cities.

• Ocean Cruising: Experience the world on all-veranda small ships that blend the intimacy of river cruising with the scope of ocean travel.

If you are dreaming of a holiday that prioritises the destination over the journey, where the ship is a sanctuary of calm rather than a hub of high-energy activity, then Viking should be at the top of your list.

Often referred to as "The Thinking Person's Cruise," Viking has revolutionised modern travel. Whether you are gliding through the heart of Europe on a river cruise or crossing oceans to distant shores, Viking offers a consistent, culturally enriching experience that is distinctively different from the rest.

But what is the difference between their River and Ocean voyages? And which one is right for you? This ultimate guide explores the two distinct sides of Viking.

Viking River Cruises

The Art of Exploring the Heart of the Continent

Viking is arguably the most famous name in river cruising, and for good reason.

Their fleet of Viking Longships changed the industry, offering a standardised, light-filled, and modern way to see the world's great waterways.

The Fleet: Viking Longships

Sailing the Rhine, Danube, Seine, and beyond, the Viking Longships are a masterclass in Scandinavian design. Unlike older river boats which can feel dark or cramped, Viking ships are airy and open.

• The Aquavit Terrace: This is the ship's standout feature. Located at the bow, this indoor-outdoor lounge allows you to dine al fresco or sip a coffee while the scenery drifts by. It brings the river right to your table.

• Innovative Layout: By squaring off the bow of the ship, Viking created more space for staterooms. This means you can book true two-room suites with full-size verandas - a rarity on river vessels.

• Eco-Friendly: The newest ships in the fleet run on hybrid technology, ensuring a quieter ride and a smaller footprint on the environments they visit.

The Experience: Docking in the Centre

The beauty of a Viking River cruise is the convenience. You unpack once, and your floating boutique hotel transports you from city to city.

Because river ships are long and narrow, they often dock right in the heart of the action - steps away from the Parliament building in Budapest or the Cathedral in Cologne.

Where Do They Sail?

• Europe: The classics include the Grand European Tour (Amsterdam to Budapest), the castle-lined Rhine, the romantic Seine (docking near the Eiffel Tower), and the Douro in Portugal.

• Egypt (The Nile): Viking operates specialised, ultra-modern ships like Viking Osiris on the Nile, offering the safest and most stylish way to see the Pharaohs.

• Asia (The Mekong): Purpose-built ships navigate the Mekong Delta, taking you deep into Vietnam and Cambodia.

• USA (The Mississippi): The new Viking Mississippi brings modern luxury to the American heartland.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Small Ship Sophistication on a Grand Scale

When Viking launched its ocean fleet in 2015, they took the principles of river cruising - intimacy, destination focus, and inclusive value - and applied them to the sea.

The result is a fleet of identical, award-winning ships (such as Viking Star, Viking Mars, and Viking Vela) that have swept the travel awards ever since.

The Ships: Small, Spacious, and Serene

Viking’s ocean ships carry just 930 guests. By modern cruise standards, this is tiny. This small size allows them to dock in ports that the "mega-ships" cannot reach, such as Greenwich (London), Kotor (Montenegro), or smaller Greek islands.

• All-Veranda Staterooms: This is the headline feature. There are no inside cabins on a Viking ocean ship. Whether you book the entry-level stateroom or the top suite, you are guaranteed a private balcony to watch the ocean go by.

• The Nordic Spa: On most cruise lines, the spa thermal suite costs extra. On Viking, it is free for everyone. It features a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and a Snow Grotto - a chilled room with real falling snowflakes to stimulate circulation.

• The Explorers' Lounge: A stunning two-deck observation lounge at the front of the ship, perfect for watching the Midnight Sun in Norway or enjoying a nightcap.

Dining at Sea: No Surcharges

Viking Ocean ships offer a variety of dining venues, and uniquely, none of them carry a surcharge.

• The Restaurant: The main dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows that can slide open completely to let in the sea breeze.

• Manfredi’s: Widely considered one of the best Italian restaurants at sea. The steak here is legendary, and the atmosphere is rustic and warm.

• The Chef’s Table: A culinary journey featuring a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings. The menu changes every few days to reflect the region.

• Mamsen’s: A hidden gem in the Explorers' Lounge serving Norwegian comfort food, including waffles with brown cheese and open-faced shrimp sandwiches.

Where Do They Sail?

Viking Ocean ships traverse the globe.

• Scandinavia & The Baltic: This is their home turf. The Viking Homelands itinerary is the gold standard for seeing Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

• The Mediterranean: Cultural deep-dives into Italy, Greece, Turkey, and the Holy Land.

• World Cruises: For the ultimate adventure, Viking offers epic 100+ day voyages that circumnavigate the globe.

The Viking Difference

Whether you choose to sail the river or the ocean, the "Viking DNA" remains consistent. The company stands out by offering a calm, adult-oriented environment that feels less like a hotel and more like a floating sanctuary.

Crucially, Viking is renowned for its "Viking Inclusive Value." Unlike many other lines where the bill adds up at the end of the trip, Viking ensures that the essentials are taken care of.

Your cruise fare covers virtually everything you need for a comfortable voyage: every meal in every restaurant (including speciality venues on ocean ships), unlimited Wi-Fi access for staying connected, and 24-hour speciality tea and coffee.

Perhaps most appreciated by guests is the inclusion of wine, beer, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner service, allowing you to relax over a meal without worrying about the bar tab.

By removing the need for formal nights, casinos, or children under 18, Viking has created a peaceful atmosphere tailored entirely to the interests of the mature, culturally curious traveller.

The Art of Exploration: Shore Excursions

At the heart of every Viking journey is the destination, and this is where the line truly shines. Viking is unique in the industry for including one shore excursion in every single port of call.

These included tours are generally "overview" excursions - panoramic coach tours or guided walking tours led by local experts - designed to help you get your bearings and see the major highlights of a new city.

This means you can travel from Amsterdam to Budapest without spending a penny extra on sightseeing if you choose.

Going Deeper: Optional Excursions

For those who want to delve deeper, Viking offers a curated menu of "Optional Excursions" (available for a fee) which fall into specific categories:

• The Local Life: Designed to give you an insider’s view, such as visiting a local market with a chef or having tea in a local family's home.

• The Working World: These tours offer a glimpse into local industries, such as visiting a car factory in Germany or a truffle farm in France.

• Privileged Access: These are exclusive experiences not available to the general public, such as an after-hours museum visit, a private choir performance in a cathedral, or a backstage tour of a famous ballet.

Whether you stick to the included tours or opt for a "Privileged Access" experience, the focus is always on learning and cultural immersion.

Who is Viking Best For?

Viking has a very specific demographic, and they cater to it perfectly.

• The "Thinking Person": If you want to learn about the history of the Hanseatic League or the art of the Renaissance rather than sit by a noisy pool, this is for you.

• Couples & Solo Travellers: The atmosphere is social but mature. The "Aquavit Terrace" and open-seating dining make it easy to meet like-minded friends.

• Those Seeking Calm: If you find the noise and crowds of mega-ships overwhelming, the serenity of a Viking ship will feel like a breath of fresh air.

From the quiet intimacy of the Danube to the grandeur of the Mediterranean, Viking offers a consistent, luxurious, and intellectually stimulating way to see the world.

Frequently Asked Questions: Viking

1. What is the dress code on Viking?

Viking has a relaxed dress code. Daywear is casual (jeans, shorts, comfortable shoes). Evening wear is "Elegant Casual" - trousers and a collared shirt for men, and a dress, skirt, or trousers for women. There are no "formal nights," so you can leave the tuxedo and ballgown at home.

2. Can I switch between River and Ocean easily?

Yes! Viking has designed their Ocean ships to feel like an extension of their River ships. The colour palette, the Scandinavian furniture, and even the crockery are similar. If you love Viking River, you will almost certainly love Viking Ocean.

3. Are the shore excursions compulsory?

No. While one excursion is included in every port (usually a panoramic coach tour or a guided city walk), you are free to explore on your own or book an "Optional Excursion" for a more specialised experience.

4. Do the Ocean ships have motion sickness issues?

Viking Ocean ships are fully stabilised. While they are smaller than mega-ships, they are modern vessels designed to handle ocean swells comfortably.

5. Is food and drink expensive onboard?

It is very affordable because so much is included. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are free with meals. If you wish to drink outside of meal times, the "Silver Spirits" beverage package is available and is competitively priced compared to other luxury lines.

6. Are children allowed on Viking?

No. Viking is an adults-only cruise line. All guests must be 18 years of age or older on both River and Ocean ships.

7. Is there a casino on board?

No. Viking ships do not have casinos. The space is instead used for lounges, libraries, and cultural enrichment areas.

8. Are gratuities included?

For guests booking in the UK, yes - onboard gratuities are included in your cruise fare. (Note: Policies can vary for guests booking from other regions like the US).

9. Can I bring my own alcohol on board?

Uniquely, yes. Viking allows guests to bring alcohol on board (such as wine purchased in port) to enjoy in their stateroom or even in the restaurants without a corkage fee.

10. Does Viking accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes. Viking chefs can cater to most dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-salt diets. It is best to inform the cruise line at the time of booking, and the maître d' will assist you with menu choices once onboard.

11. Is there entertainment in the evening?

Yes, but it is low-key. You won't find West End-style musical productions. Instead, expect classical trios, pianists, guest lecturers, local folkloric shows that reflect the region you are visiting, and "Munch Moments" (art appreciation) on the ocean ships.

12. Do the cabins have fridges?

Yes. All staterooms on Ocean ships and most staterooms on River ships have mini-fridges. In higher categories, the mini-bar is replenished daily with complimentary drinks and snacks.

13. Can I smoke on board?

All Viking interiors and stateroom verandas are strictly non-smoking. There is a designated outdoor smoking area on the sun deck (River) or a specific outdoor deck area (Ocean) for those who wish to smoke.