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Viking River Cruises

Viking has an ever-increasing fleet of more than 70 river vessels that include their new Longships. The destination-focused nature of river cruising aboard a Viking ship will take you to the cosmopolitan and smaller ports along the rivers of Europe, Russia…

  • 91ships
  • 461cruises now
  • 1997founded

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A Viking river ship on a voyage in Europe. One popular itinerary is a 15-day river cruise from Paris through the Seine to historic beaches in Normandy and back.

At a glance

Viking River Cruises is a cruise line in the river category, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Los Angeles. Cruiseable lists 91 ships in its fleet; the largest is Viking Mississippi (386 guests) and the newest is Viking Sobek (2025). It has 461 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $2,399. Its itineraries most often call at ports listed under Germany (296), France (202) and Amsterdam (199). It is rated 4.5 out of 5 by Cruiseable and 4.5 out of 5 by Conde Nast.

Style
River
Headquarters
Los Angeles
Founded
1997
Fleet
91 ships
Cruiseable
4.5 / 5
Conde Nast
4.5 / 5

Our review

Viking River Cruises: Destination immersion in Europe, the US & beyond

The world's largest river cruise company, Viking River Cruises distinguishes itself by providing deluxe river cruises on innovative ships with itineraries spanning Europe, Egypt, Asia and the United States. To many, Viking is practically synonymous with river cruising, given its fleet of more than 80 ships and two dozen more on order. 

With a focus on destination immersion, Viking gives guests the chance to delve into the culture, history and distinctive aspects of each port visited. On board, passengers can expect quality service from an English-speaking staff, gourmet dining that highlights regional specialties and enriching cultural experiences. Cabins typically have hotel-style beds and large picture windows.

The Viking experience emphasizes cultural enrichment through excursions in each port, guided by experienced local experts. Optional excursions, such as visits with local families, artisan workshops and cooking lessons, are also available. Onboard enrichment programs include guest lectures on art, history and destination performances, along with language lessons and jewelry-making exhibitions. Passengers can also enjoy craft and cooking demonstrations, classical and regional musicians and destination insights through a special series of short films.

Viking Longships feature a Scandinavian design with spacious staterooms, full-size verandas, and indoor or al fresco dining at the Aquavit Terrace. Viking also offers ocean cruises with its stellar fleet of ocean-trotting vessels. 

Sailings on the Mississippi

In 2022, the company introduced Viking Mississippi, a modern riverboat specifically designed for the Mississippi River. It features a clean Scandinavian design and accommodates up to 386 guests. This ship offers a range of amenities, including spacious staterooms, regional entertainment and culinary experiences that highlight the history and culture of the areas it sails through.

Viking's itineraries on the Mississippi include various cruises that explore iconic cities and historical sites, such as New Orleans, Memphis, Tenn., and St. Paul, Minn. Each cruise offers enriching excursions in every port, allowing guests to immerse themselves in local culture and history. 

Who will like sailing on Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises appeal to travelers interested in in-depth cultural exploration and comfortable, no-hassle travel. The ships foster a relaxing vibe, with minimal onboard activities beyond those that enhance understanding of the destinations. Viking attracts seasoned travelers eager to learn about the history and culture of the regions they visit through guided tours and onboard lectures.

Where Viking River ships sail

Viking River Cruises sails to a variety of destinations including many popular rivers in Europe. These include the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône and Douro. Viking also sails the Nile River in Egypt, the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia and the Mississippi River. These itineraries provide opportunities to discover fascinating lands and their people from Vienna and Budapest to ancient temples and historic cities.

Find your perfect cruise on Viking River Cruises

What kind of cruise do you want? Use Cruiseable's Bliss Filters — and fine-tune your results — to see upcoming Viking River Cruises that are a perfect match for you!

 

FIND YOUR PERFECT VIKING RIVER CRUISE

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The fleet

91 Viking River Cruises ships

Sailing soon

Next Viking River Cruises departures

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  1. 10 Night Passage to Eastern Europe and Land Tour 10 nights · Viking Eldir · from Bucharest Next Sep 15, 2026 12 dates from $3,999
  2. 22 Night European Sojourn and Land Tour 22 nights · Viking Eldir · from Bucharest Next Sep 15, 2026 11 dates from $9,299
  3. 7 Night Danube Waltz 7 nights · Viking Ingvi · from Budapest Next Sep 15, 2026 45 dates from $2,399
  4. 7 Night Danube Waltz 7 nights · Viking Vilhjalm · from Passau Next Sep 15, 2026 45 dates from $2,399
  5. 7 Night Rhine Getaway 7 nights · Viking Rolf · from Amsterdam Next Sep 15, 2026 44 dates from $2,399
  6. 7 Night Rhine Getaway 7 nights · Viking Sigyn · from Basel Next Sep 15, 2026 44 dates from $2,399

Showing the 6 soonest of 461 cruises.

Where they sail

Destinations Viking River Cruises calls at

Number of current Viking River Cruises cruises calling at each.

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