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Viking River Cruises

Viking Freya

Intimate ship Bliss scored

Viking Freya (named for the Norse goddess of love) was designed for river cruising. Since entering the river cruise market, Viking River Cruises has received numerous awards for its itineraries and innovative ship designs and onboard programming.

  • 190guests
  • 5,000gross tons
  • 4cruises now

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Discover the beauty of Austria's historic town Melk on a river cruise aboard the Viking Freya cruise ship.

At a glance

Viking Freya is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Viking River Cruises, in service since 2013. It carries 190 guests and 45 crew (4.2 guests per crew member) at 5,000 gross tons. It ties with 54 other ships as the 2nd largest of 73 Viking River Cruises ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for active, cultural, dining and staterooms (7/10) and lowest for party (1/10). It has 4 cruises on sale.

Builder's plate

Specs

Guests
190
Crew
45
Gross tons
5,000
Decks
4
Length
443 ft
Beam
37 ft
Maiden voyage
2013
Launched
2012
Space ratio
4.2
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
4.2
Speed (mph)
17

Bliss scores

What Viking Freya is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

  1. Active 7.0
  2. Adventure and nature 3.0
  3. Cultural 7.0
  4. Dining 7.0
  5. Entertainment 6.0
  6. Family friendly 2.0
  7. Party 1.0
  8. Romantic 5.0
  9. Spa and fitness 2.0
  10. Staterooms 7.0

Our review

Viking Freya: Visit charming river towns on a Longship

The 190-passenger Viking Freya features picturesque sailings along scenic riverbanks from the Netherlands through Germany, France and Switzerland.

Some of the innovative spaces on Viking Freya include the indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace at the bow of the ship, an expansive Sun Deck and interiors that represent spacious public spaces, lots of natural light and light-blonde wood accents. Viking Freya is a "green" ship because of energy-efficient hybrid engines, solar panels and an organic herb garden.

Longships transport guests in comfortable, understated elegance, with hotel-style beds and amenities like 26-inch flat-panel TVs and in-room refrigerators. Over the years, Viking River Cruises has received numerous awards for its itineraries and innovative ship designs and onboard programming.

Who will like sailing on Viking Freya

If you have an interest in exploring art, culture or history, then sailing on Viking Freya will make an ideal vacation, especially with the onboard educational activities available.

Where Viking Freya sails

Viking Freya sails the following itineraries:

  • Rhine Getaway is a 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland (or the return itinerary), with stops in charming river towns that include Cologne, Koblenz and Speyer (Germany) and Strasbourg (France). 
  • Holland And Belgium is a 9-night cruise from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Belgium, passing by windmills and tulip fields and stopping at river towns along the way.

Read the full review

River cruising: It's about destination immersion

River cruising is about the destination probably more so than the ship. The ports of call shadow the onboard amenities; however, Viking helps guests learn about the local culture, history and highlights of the places that they visit. Don't be surprised to see local dishes on the menu or local entertainers sharing their music, dancing and stories.

Viking Freya includes daily tours with the cruise fare, which makes the hassle of figuring out logistics less challenging. Most tours are done around lunch and then you are free to do what you choose until the ship leaves port. You'll be given a nightly briefing in the evening before dinner to get updates on the next day’s call to discuss the upcoming day’s activities, tours and logistics. Plan to attend the session to discover highlights of the upcoming town's history, art, food, music and architecture.

Dining

Viking Freya has one restaurant called, fittingly, The Restaurant. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant. Dinner is at a set time, and you are welcome to sit with whomever you wish. When Freya is not scheduled to leave port until later in the evening, treat yourself to a night on the town and sample cuisine at a nearby restaurant (at your own expense, but a nice way to experience the local culture).

The cruise line’s website says this about dining options on board: “For breakfast, choose from a selection of pastries, cereals, breakfast meats, egg dishes, fresh fruit and selected cheeses. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or from a choice of entrées and dessert. And for dinner, expect a five-course menu with regional specialties. Wherever you sail, you will find enhancements reflecting the itinerary — it is all part of experiencing the local culture."

Don’t miss: Al fresco dining aboard Viking Freya. One of the unique features on Viking Freya is the Aquavit Terrace, which is an outdoor space for you to watch the river while enjoying a coffee, cocktail, pint or al fresco dining. The Aquavit Terrace is equipped with grills for outdoor cooking.

The Railway Bridge and the Cologne Cathedral at night during the holidays. At left is the floating Christmas market on the Rhine.
The Railway Bridge and the Cologne Cathedral at night during the holidays. At left is the floating Christmas market on the Rhine. Richard Barrett-Small / Creative Commons BY

Staterooms

There are 95 outside staterooms on Viking Freya (two Explorer Suites, seven Veranda Suites, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms and 25 Standard Staterooms). The top category on a Viking Longship is an Explorer Suite. These spacious cabins measure 445 square feet and offer 270-degree views from a wraparound veranda.

Overall cabins are average size for a river boat, but there is plenty of closet space and extra storage available under the bed. The bathroom has a pocket door, which is a nice feature because that design saves space.

Entertainment & activities

River cruising is very mellow. You won't find any large production shows or comedy clubs. What you will enjoy is some light piano music played by the house musician and local entertainers who are brought onto the ship to sing, dance or tell stories from the local perspective. After dinner, cruise passengers can hang out in the lounge and have an after-dinner drink, or they can walk back into town if the ship is not leaving port until later in the evening.

To complement your onshore excursions, take part in immersive learning and enhancement activities both on board and ashore. Classes in cooking specialties such as apple strudel and Alsatian flammkuchen; traditional performances of folk music and dance or waltzes by Strauss; and tastings of local cheeses, coffees, liqueurs and other delicacies are some examples of in-depth experiences that are included as an essential part of discovering more about the places through which you cruise.

Fun facts

  • Viking Longships are 443 feet long and 38 feet wide because those are the maximum dimensions possible for river ships navigating the locks on some of Europe's waterways. If they were even two inches longer or wider, they wouldn't fit in some locks. 
  • Viking names its ships after Norse mythology. As Wikipedia tells us: "Freya is a goddess associated with love, sexuality, beauty, fertility, gold, war and death."

Your take

Have you cruised on Viking Freya? What was it like? We'd love to hear about your own experience.

Help improve this article. See anything wrong? What did we overlook? Be a co-creator!

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on Viking Freya, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or by calling 1-877-322-3773.

 

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On board highlights

Dining

Where to eat on Viking Freya

  • The Restaurant
    The Restaurant Varied · Breakfast, lunch & dinner
    No additional cost
  • Aquavit Terrace
    Aquavit Terrace Varied · Al fresco dining
    No additional cost

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 7

  • Viking Freya sails through the Rhine Valley in Boppard, Germany.
    Viking Freya sails through the Rhine Valley in Boppard, Germany.
  • The Main Square of Linz an der Donau (Linz on the Danube) in Austria.
    The Main Square of Linz an der Donau (Linz on the Danube) in Austria.
  • The Passau Christmas Market, or Passau Christkindlmarkt, is set in the old historic town center of Passau.
    The Passau Christmas Market, or Passau Christkindlmarkt, is set in the old historic town center of Passau.
  • The scenic town of Passau, Germany. It's called the City of Three Rivers: the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz all pass through it.
    The scenic town of Passau, Germany. It's called the City of Three Rivers: the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz all pass through it.
  • Bundle up and get in the holiday spirit at the Christmas Market in Passau, Germany.
    Bundle up and get in the holiday spirit at the Christmas Market in Passau, Germany.
  • Beautiful Passau, Germany, features St. Stephen's Cathedral with its distinctive caps on the bell towers.
    Beautiful Passau, Germany, features St. Stephen's Cathedral with its distinctive caps on the bell towers.
  • Scenic Passau, Germany, is one of many picturesque towns you can visit on a Viking river cruise.
    Scenic Passau, Germany, is one of many picturesque towns you can visit on a Viking river cruise.

Dining 7

  • Dine inside or on deck in the tastefully appointed Aquavit Terrace while taking in passing landscapes during your cruise of Europe's waterways aboard your Viking Longship.
    Dine inside or on deck in the tastefully appointed Aquavit Terrace while taking in passing landscapes during your cruise of Europe's waterways aboard your Viking Longship.
  • Enjoy al fresco dining while taking in the passing show in the Aquavit Terrace aboard your Viking River cruise.
    Enjoy al fresco dining while taking in the passing show in the Aquavit Terrace aboard your Viking River cruise.
  • Dine with friends and drink in the breathtaking views of Europe's waterways as you cruise aboard a Viking Longship.
    Dine with friends and drink in the breathtaking views of Europe's waterways as you cruise aboard a Viking Longship.
  • Look for attentive service from the wait staff during your journey through Europe aboard a Viking Cruises river ship.
    Look for attentive service from the wait staff during your journey through Europe aboard a Viking Cruises river ship.
  • Indulge in good company and scenic views during meals in the Aquavit Terrace restaurant aboard your Viking River cruise.
    Indulge in good company and scenic views during meals in the Aquavit Terrace restaurant aboard your Viking River cruise.
  • Have lunch on the deck of your Viking Longship while taking in the impressive architecture of the Parliament building in Budapest and other storied cities along the Danube.
    Have lunch on the deck of your Viking Longship while taking in the impressive architecture of the Parliament building in Budapest and other storied cities along the Danube.
  • Enjoy casual dining in Aquavit Terrace while taking in the majestic scenery of Europe as you sail aboard your Viking Longship.
    Enjoy casual dining in Aquavit Terrace while taking in the majestic scenery of Europe as you sail aboard your Viking Longship.

On board 6

  • The contemporary foyer of Viking's fleet of European Longships.
    The contemporary foyer of Viking's fleet of European Longships.
  • You can practice your putting skills amid the lush herbs on the top deck of your Viking Longship.
    You can practice your putting skills amid the lush herbs on the top deck of your Viking Longship.
  • Unwind after a day of sightseeing and meet interesting new people in the Sky Bar of your Viking River Cruises ship.
    Unwind after a day of sightseeing and meet interesting new people in the Sky Bar of your Viking River Cruises ship.
  • Mingle with like-minded guests in the casual atmosphere of the main lounge of your Viking Longship as you explore Europe's rivers.
    Mingle with like-minded guests in the casual atmosphere of the main lounge of your Viking Longship as you explore Europe's rivers.
  • Meet new people and relax with a cocktail in the lounge of your Viking Longship during your European vacation.
    Meet new people and relax with a cocktail in the lounge of your Viking Longship during your European vacation.
  • Guests will gather in the spacious atrium before heading off on a daylong shore excursion during a typical Viking Cruises itinerary.
    Guests will gather in the spacious atrium before heading off on a daylong shore excursion during a typical Viking Cruises itinerary.

Staterooms 8

  • Relax in the comfort of an Explorer Suite aboard your Viking Longship river cruise and wake up each day with a new European port of call to explore.
    Relax in the comfort of an Explorer Suite aboard your Viking Longship river cruise and wake up each day with a new European port of call to explore.
  • Relax in the comfort of an Explorer Suite aboard your Viking Longship river cruise and wake up each day with a new European venue awaiting.
    Relax in the comfort of an Explorer Suite aboard your Viking Longship river cruise and wake up each day with a new European venue awaiting.
  • Inside the Explorer Suite of your Viking Longship as you sail in comfort down Europe's storied waterways.
    Inside the Explorer Suite of your Viking Longship as you sail in comfort down Europe's storied waterways.
  • Relax in a Deluxe Cabin aboard your Viking Longship river cruise and wake up each day with a new European destination awaiting.
    Relax in a Deluxe Cabin aboard your Viking Longship river cruise and wake up each day with a new European destination awaiting.
  • Open up your stateroom to a private balcony with uninterrupted views of your travels aboard your Viking River cruise of Europe.
    Open up your stateroom to a private balcony with uninterrupted views of your travels aboard your Viking River cruise of Europe.
  • Kick back with a glass of wine and Hollywood movie in the comfort of your own suite aboard your Viking Longship during your voyage along Europe's waterways.
    Kick back with a glass of wine and Hollywood movie in the comfort of your own suite aboard your Viking Longship during your voyage along Europe's waterways.
  • Capture and share precious moments during your European travels aboard a Viking Longship.
    Capture and share precious moments during your European travels aboard a Viking Longship.
  • Spend quality time with your partner in the private lounge of your stateroom during your Viking River cruise through Europe's waterways.
    Spend quality time with your partner in the private lounge of your stateroom during your Viking River cruise through Europe's waterways.

More photos 12

  • Discover the beauty of Austria's historic town Melk on a river cruise aboard the Viking Freya cruise ship.
    Discover the beauty of Austria's historic town Melk on a river cruise aboard the Viking Freya cruise ship.
  • Viking Freya cruises the Rhine past Cologne and under the Hohenzollern Bridge.
    Viking Freya cruises the Rhine past Cologne and under the Hohenzollern Bridge.
  • The Sinwell Tower in Nuremberg, Germany, was built in the late 13th century to help protect its castle complex.
    The Sinwell Tower in Nuremberg, Germany, was built in the late 13th century to help protect its castle complex.
  • Any seat in the Aquavit Terrace offers a front-row seat to spectacular views along Europe's waterways on your Viking River Cruise.
    Any seat in the Aquavit Terrace offers a front-row seat to spectacular views along Europe's waterways on your Viking River Cruise.
  • Each new port call means another tour included in the price of a Viking River Cruise. Passengers gather in the longship’s reception area for the tour, or they may hang out in the Internet/Library area upstairs to take advantage of the good port-side Internet connection (WiFi is free).
    Each new port call means another tour included in the price of a Viking River Cruise. Passengers gather in the longship’s reception area for the tour, or they may hang out in the Internet/Library area upstairs to take advantage of the good port-side Internet connection (WiFi is free).
  • You'll have an unforgettable vacation discovering Europe's scenic waterways and historic villages during your cruise on a Viking Longship.
    You'll have an unforgettable vacation discovering Europe's scenic waterways and historic villages during your cruise on a Viking Longship.
  • Viking Freya cruises down the Rhine past Cologne Cathedral.
    Viking Freya cruises down the Rhine past Cologne Cathedral.
  • Stroll across the The Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg) in Frankfurt, which is over 100 years old.
    Stroll across the The Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg) in Frankfurt, which is over 100 years old.
  • The historic city center of Bamberg, Germany, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    The historic city center of Bamberg, Germany, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Old City Hall in Bamberg, Germany, is located on the river Regnitz near its confluence with the River Main.
    Old City Hall in Bamberg, Germany, is located on the river Regnitz near its confluence with the River Main.
  • Take time to browse at the Nuremberg Christmas Market; this stall sells prune men, a traditional Nuremberg gift.
    Take time to browse at the Nuremberg Christmas Market; this stall sells prune men, a traditional Nuremberg gift.
  • Nuremberg is well known for its Christmas Market, with Christmas decorations and local delicacies.
    Nuremberg is well known for its Christmas Market, with Christmas decorations and local delicacies.

Sailing now

Cruises on Viking Freya

Plan my cruise
  1. 7 Night Rhine Getaway 7 nights · from Amsterdam Next Sep 15, 2026 6 dates Fare on request
  2. 7 Night Rhine Getaway 7 nights · from Basel Next Sep 22, 2026 5 dates Fare on request
  3. 7 Night Christmas on the Rhine 7 nights · from Basel Next Dec 1, 2026 2 dates Fare on request
  4. 7 Night Christmas on the Rhine 7 nights · from Amsterdam Next Dec 8, 2026 Fare on request

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Overheard

“This high-tech stylish vessel offers a well-organized cruise. An innovative layout with reasonably spacious cabins hosts bathrooms with heated flooring and high-tech shower walls that convert from clear to frosted.”

Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe

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