Viking River
The largest name in river cruising, with a fleet of near-identical Longships and clean Scandinavian design.
The line that scaled the rivers
Viking is the largest river cruise line in the world, and the one that reshaped the category. Founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen with just four ships, it made a defining bet in 2012: build a large fleet of near-identical Longships to a single specification, so guests know exactly what they are getting from one sailing to the next.
That fleet now runs to more than eighty river ships. The standard Longships carry 190 guests in calm, light-filled Scandinavian interiors, while smaller vessels handle narrower waterways like the Douro, the Elbe and the Seine. The look is understated and adult, with no casinos and no children aboard.
This is the Viking river line, distinct from the company's ocean and expedition ships. The style is destination-focused and all-inclusive of the essentials, aimed at curious, well-traveled guests who want culture over spectacle.
- Style
- Destination-focused
- Fleet
- 80+ river ships
- Guests
- Up to 190
- Fares
- Inclusive essentials
- Sails to
- Europe, Egypt, Asia
- Founded
- 1997
“Viking made river cruising predictable in the best sense, building a fleet where every Longship feels like home.”
The Longship, built the same way every time
The Longship is Viking's signature. Since 2012 the line has built dozens to a single design, each carrying 190 guests, so the layout, the light Scandinavian interiors and the onboard rhythm feel familiar from one ship to the next. Many staterooms feature a veranda, and the top suites are among the more spacious on the rivers.
Where waterways are too narrow or shallow for a full Longship, Viking deploys smaller purpose-built ships, for example on the Douro in Portugal, the Elbe and the Seine into the heart of Paris. The result is broad reach without sacrificing the line's consistent style.
Culture first, essentials included
Viking fares include a guided excursion in every port, meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, wifi and, on European sailings, the port charges. The emphasis is on the destination, with cultural enrichment, regional cuisine and local guiding built into each day.
The onboard experience is deliberately grown-up and uncluttered, with no casino, no photographers and no under-18 guests. It is a quiet, comfortable style that lets the places do the talking, and it has won the line a long list of awards.
Europe, the Nile and the Mekong
The core program is Europe, on the Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle, Rhone, Seine, Douro and Elbe, with the popular Grand European itinerary linking Amsterdam and Budapest. Festive Christmas market sailings are a seasonal favorite.
Beyond Europe, Viking sails a growing fleet on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan and offers the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia. We help you match the right river, ship and season to the trip you have in mind.
Why book through us
Exclusive Viking value
Group amenities and onboard credit on Viking River sailings that you will not find booking direct.
Combinable offers
Our exclusive value can usually be layered with Viking's current promotions, plus full loyalty credit.
River specialists
Advisors who know the Longships and the itineraries and match the right river, ship and season to you.
Seamless land and sea
Because we run our own tours ashore, we make it easy to add a CDV land tour where your river cruise begins or ends.
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Explore Scenic River CruisesFrequently asked questions
What is Viking River Cruises known for?
Are Viking River Cruises all-inclusive?
How many ships does Viking have on the rivers?
What is a Viking Longship?
Where does Viking River Cruises sail?
Are children allowed on Viking River Cruises?
What is the dress code on Viking River Cruises?
How much does a Viking River cruise cost?
Ready to sail with Viking River?
Complimentary quote, exclusive CDV value, and a specialist who plans it around you.