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Ship comparison

Viking Baldur vs Viking Embla

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Viking Baldur is an intimate Viking River Cruises ship carrying 190 passengers, in service since 2013. Viking Embla is an intimate Viking River Cruises ship carrying 190 passengers, in service since 2012.

Choose Viking Embla if you want a lower starting fare: its cruises start from $1,999 (vs $2,999).

Viking Baldur does not lead by a clear margin on any measure we track, so pick it for its itinerary or its dates.

Side by side

Specifications

marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.

Viking BaldurViking Embla
Cruise line Viking River Cruises Viking River Cruises
Ship size Intimate Intimate
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2013 (better) 2012
Gross tonnage 5,000 5,000
Passengers 190 190
Crew 45 50
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 4.2 3.8 (better)
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 26.3 26.3
Decks 4 4
Length 443 ft 443 ft
Beam 37 ft 37 ft
Speed 17 mph 17 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 8 / 10 9 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 6 11
Upcoming sailings 23 92
Cruise lengths 7 to 14 nights 7 to 11 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $2,999 $1,999 (better)

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Viking Baldur leads on 0 of the ten, Viking Embla on 3, with 7 level.

  • Active Viking Baldur: 7.0 Viking Embla: 7.0
  • Adventure & nature Viking Baldur: 3.0 Viking Embla: 3.0
  • Cultural Viking Baldur: 7.0 Viking Embla: 7.7
  • Dining Viking Baldur: 7.0 Viking Embla: 7.7
  • Entertainment Viking Baldur: 6.0 Viking Embla: 6.0
  • Family friendly Viking Baldur: 2.0 Viking Embla: 2.0
  • Party Viking Baldur: 1.0 Viking Embla: 1.0
  • Romantic Viking Baldur: 6.0 Viking Embla: 6.0
  • Spa & fitness Viking Baldur: 2.0 Viking Embla: 2.0
  • Staterooms Viking Baldur: 7.0 Viking Embla: 7.7

Viking River Cruises

Viking Baldur

The 190-passenger Viking Baldur's mainstay is a two-week journey along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers during which guests take in scenic landscapes, medieval castles and charming riverside towns as well as the world-class metropolises of Vienna, Budapest and Amsterdam.

Highlights

  • Free shipwide wireless Internet service
  • Balcony cabins have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
  • Aquavit Terrace at the bow of the ship is great place to watch the river roll by
  • Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride

Sailing now

6 cruises on sale, from $2,999.

Viking River Cruises

Viking Embla

The 190-passenger Viking Embla sails along the Rhine River Gorge, exploring a scenic, historic region made for river cruising.

Highlights

  • Sun deck with 360-degree views and shaded sitting area; organic herb garden and solar panels; putting green, chess and walking track
  • Free shipwide wireless Internet service
  • Balcony cabins have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
  • Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride

Sailing now

11 cruises on sale, from $1,999.

Questions

Viking Baldur or Viking Embla?

Which is bigger, Viking Baldur or Viking Embla?

They are the same size, 5,000 gross tons each. Viking Baldur carries 190 passengers and Viking Embla carries 190.

Which ship is newer, Viking Baldur or Viking Embla?

Viking Baldur is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2013 against 2012 for Viking Embla.

Which has more space per passenger?

They are level at 26.3 gross tons per passenger.

Which has more crew per passenger?

Viking Embla, with one crew member for every 3.8 passengers against one for every 4.2 on Viking Baldur.

Which is better for families?

They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 2.0 out of 10.

Still deciding?

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