The joys of a river cruise are plenty. Whether you are dreaming of sailing down the romantic Danube, historic Seine or vineyard-laced Douro, this exceptional way to travel combines a unique blend of relaxation, culture, and exploration.
What makes Viking river cruises great is their intimate and sociable ambiance. River cruise ships are smaller than ocean ships, which means that you can connect more easily with fellow travellers and enjoy attentive service throughout your journey.
Scenic beauty is unparalleled, too, as you peacefully glide along picturesque rivers, passing through charming towns, taking in the awe-inspiring landscapes.
Plus, once onboard a Viking river cruise you get to unwind in modern, comfortable staterooms with stunning views from your room.
A river cruise journey offers a relaxed, hassle-free way to explore diverse destinations, making it an exceptional travel choice for those seeking a balance of leisure, culture, and captivating views.
Thinking of booking a river cruise? Let’s get into four key reasons why it is such an exceptional travel experience.
1. Ease of travel
One of the great joys of river cruising is that you can visit multiple countries or destinations with ease. There’s no need to navigate foreign roads, train stations or airports, no packing and unpacking and checking in and out of hotels every day. Simply unpack once and wake up in a new destination every day, refreshed and ready to explore.
“As far as ease of travel goes, river trips can’t be beaten. Not having the hassle of constantly having to pack and unpack like you do on long road trips or guided coach tours is a marvellous feeling,” confirms our Australian Women’s Weekly travel editor, Bernard O’Shea.
2. Everything is included
The all-inclusive nature of a river cruise simplifies your travel experience and makes it one of the most cost-effective ways to travel, too.
On Viking, your cruise fare includes transportation between destinations, a river view stateroom, all meals on board with wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, unlimited Wi-Fi, a guided excursion in every port, and more.
Port excursions are led by Viking’s knowledgeable local guides who are passionate about their unique region. From the iconic to the obscure, soak up the culture, art, history and architecture of your destination while gaining an insight into the local way of life. They will often share stories and traditions passed down through their family generations, all insights that you’ll never read in a guidebook.
Food is one of the best ways to experience a destination. On board a Viking cruise, expect world-class chefs who use locally sourced ingredients to prepare meals, regional specialities and everyday classics that are bursting with fresh, local flavours.
On Viking, enjoy personalised service in The Restaurant, or dine al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace – the only outdoor á la carte restaurant on the rivers of Europe.
3. Experience a new destination every day
Sit back, relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery on board the elegant Viking Longships as they gently carry you into a new destination every day. Because of their size, river ships can dock in the heart of some of the world’s biggest cities as well as the smallest towns, so you are just a short walk from opportunities of discovery.
River cruises prioritise cultural enrichment, providing guided excursions to historical sites and local experiences that deepen your understanding of the regions you visit.
4. Explore your own way
You can choose to do as much or as little as you like on a Viking cruise. Join a range of included and optional excursions, hike a mountain, cycle a valley, explore on your own, or enjoy an afternoon of quiet solitude, the choice is yours.
Discover more about the people, culture, history and cuisine of every destination. On a Viking river cruise you will spend longer in each place and enjoy entertaining talks, cookery demonstrations and lively performances to bring each destination to life back on board.
Laid-back, easy-going, and sociable, that’s the Viking way. There’s no butlers, formal nights or fancy dress, just a relaxed and casual ambience on board a Viking river ship, very much like the kind of guest they attract. Visit Viking to find out more about river cruises.
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Viking offers premium ocean, river and expedition voyages. State-of-the-art ships, with no kids, no casinos, and everything you need included, complement destination-focused itineraries delivering culturally immersive experiences across all seven continents.
