  Viking ships sail along the major rivers of Europe, Russia, Ukraine and China, visiting a wide variety of destinations. Experience world cities like Budapest, Kiev, St. Petersburg and Shanghai, and immerse yourself in local culture in the smaller towns along the way. Because so many cities and towns developed along waterways, they were literally made to be accessible by river. River cruising offers you more off-the-beaten-path destinations than you could see any other way.
Viking ships are Scandinavian in design, with open, airy interiors by famed maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten. Each ship is designed to accommodate between 150 and 300 guests. With the intimate atmosphere onboard, it’s easy to make new friends, while the spaciousness enables you to enjoy some quiet time as well. Guests enjoy all the amenities they might expect in a fine hotel, plus expansive, panoramic views throughout. Enjoy breathtaking scenery from just about everywhere on the ship – in the bar, restaurant or lounge (all with panoramic views), on the sun deck with fresh air or from the privacy of your stateroom. And, river cruise vessels keep moving, so you see new vistas and explore new destinations throughout the day, every day. Viking ships often travel at night, so you can wake up in an exciting new place each morning, with no effort on your part.
AccommodationsYour Viking stateroom is a home away from home, and Viking goes to great lengths to make sure it feels that way. You will find quality amenities including slippers, wooden clothes hangers and a vanity set. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that Viking staterooms are comparable with those of ocean cruise ships. Every stateroom is an “outside” stateroom, with a river view through a picture window. Many windows open on all Viking ships, and some are full-sized sliding doors known as French balconies.
Deluxe StateroomMost staterooms are deluxe, which means they have hotel-style beds with European linens and duvets. There is plenty of closet space and a place to stow your bags once you have unpacked. All rooms have a private bath with shower, while most also have their own climate control system and telephone. Stateroom TVs offer CNN and other English-language programming, as well as region-specific movies and documentaries. Wireless on the WaterFor 2009, all Viking ships in Europe, Russia and Ukraine have ship-wide wireless internet access via newly installed satellite downlinks. Bring a laptop or rent a computer to check your email and stay in touch with friends and family. And in China you will find an internet café, equipped with computers for usage at a nominal charge. Hotel AccommodationsViking “cruisetour” packages include overnight stays in major cities. A variety of deluxe, first class and superior first class hotels are chosen for their location and their high quality standards.
Onboard Amenities and Activities EntertainmentOnboard activities and entertainment on the Viking ships include local talent in the evening, reading, playing games and cards, or relaxing in the observation lounge and watching the river scenery glide by. Local glassblowers, musicians, singers, and even wooden shoe makers come onboard the ship to demonstrate their skills. When the ship is cruising in the daytime, most passengers can be found in the observation lounge or on the top deck enjoying the sights. Many itineraries include a talent show put on by ship staff and crew. Enrichment ProgramsWith Viking, you explore the places you visit with expert Program Directors who provide background, context and a regional perspective. Demonstrations, lectures and workshops supplement your on-shore exploration. All this adds up to a personalized, in-depth experience wherever you travel with Viking. Fitness Facility & SpaThere is a gym with fitness equipment as well as a sauna only onboard the China ship. Other ships have promenade decks and morning exercise classes. Because Viking itineraries are destination focused with at least one shore excursion every day, most passengers find that their walking tours (and after-dinner strolls when docked) provide more than enough exercise. NightlifeViking River Cruises visits at least one port per day on every itinerary, making it possible for guests to explore a number of off-the-beaten-path destinations that are often inaccessible aboard larger ships. Docking in the heart of town, travelers have more time to see the cities in greater depth. When the ship remains in port overnight (or does not sail until the “wee hours”), guests are able to experience some of the local nightlife. A popular example is Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse, a pedestrian-only area featuring pubs, restaurants and wine shops. ShoppingEach ship has an onboard shop area offering film, Viking River Cruises logo items, souvenirs and select toiletries. In addition, Viking’s China ship offers a tailor who provides silk jackets, hats, neckties and other items custom made to order, usually ready later the same day.
But the best shopping is definitely in port, and there will be plenty of time ashore to explore all the shops. Below are just a few examples of the fabulous shopping you encounter on your Viking river cruise journey: - Vienna – Spend some time shopping along the Kärtnerstrasse or strolling the world-famous Holiday markets (last week of November–December 23).
- Prague – You have free time to stroll through Prague’s exquisite neighborhoods, stopping in charming shops along the way.
- Amsterdam – The city’s upscale shopping areas are a must. Guests will also want to visit the gift shops at the world-famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
- The Netherlands and Belgium – Every destination throughout these areas features its own distinctive merchandise, from tulip bulbs and wooden shoes to handmade lace and regional cheeses aged to perfection.
- Istanbul – Most guests will want to visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets, during their free afternoon.
- St. Petersburg – Enjoy strolling and shopping along Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main promenade, with its lively culture of street artists and performers.
- Moscow – Do not miss the Arbat, a pedestrian shopping street. Most guests enjoy browsing the many street vendors selling matryoshka nesting dolls and other distinctively Russian merchandise.
- Cologne – Enjoy free time in most German ports of call, where you can enjoy sampling local beers and wines or shop for local goods. In Cologne, for example, the modern plazas and covered shopping areas provide a variety of stores, lively bars and enticing restaurants.
Immersive Shore Excursions Imagine wandering the halls of the Hermitage Museum in Russia’s St. Petersburg, sampling the fine wines of French Burgundy in colorful Beaune, or strolling the courtyards of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Perhaps you will pull a print in Mainz, Germany from the exact same type of press that Johannes Gutenberg used when he created the original 42-line printed Bible, or marvel at the incredible dexterity of a Chinese artist crafting fine porcelain wares. When traveling with Viking, you enjoy at least one shore excursion every day. These guided tours bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations – and virtually all excursions are included in the cruise fare, providing great value and an incredibly rich experience. In most ports, you will also have some leisure time for shopping or whatever suits your fancy. And of course, if you would prefer not to join the organized shore excursion you’re always free to explore as you choose – independently. DiningBreakfast & LunchFor breakfast, choose from a delectable array of healthful and tasty options including a variety of cereals, European pastries, breakfast meats, fresh fruit and selected cheeses. On some ships you can choose a hot dish, such as an omelet made just the way you like it. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or choose an entrée and dessert from the day’s luncheon menu. DinnerFor dinner, a five-course gourmet menu awaits – with regional specialties like Viennese schnitzel or Barbary duck. During a China cruise tour, enjoy one of celebrity chef Martin Yan’s Chinese delights, as well as Western-style favorites like roast beef or poached salmon. And if none of these meet your preference, then grilled steak, chicken and Caesar salad are always available as dinner options – all prepared in Viking’s state-of-the-art onboard kitchens. Dining in PortIf an itinerary has included meals ashore, you will visit restaurants carefully selected by Viking’s in-country staff – where you can sample regional favorites, like Peking duck in Beijing or a traditional German lunch in Rothenburg. And wherever you sail, you’ll find enhancements reflecting your itinerary, from Dutch cheese sampling to Russian tea time, French wines and quiches, or a Chinese tea tasting. These culinary delights are a central part of experiencing the region’s cultural distinctions.
Cruising with Family Although families do sometimes travel together on Viking itineraries, a Viking river cruise is not a “family” vacation. Viking is unable to accommodate children under the age of 12 and there are no special facilities or activities for children of any age. Viking River Cruises is a great choice for adults looking for a relaxed way to explore Europe, Russia, Ukraine or China.
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