A Viking river cruise ship named Tor docked along a calm riverbank under a clear blue sky, with multiple decks and rows of windows visible, and a wooden pier in the foreground.

Viking River Cruise Review: Pros, Cons & What You Should Know

ByMelissa Kruse Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

Are you considering a Viking River Cruise? With sleek longships, immersive excursions, and itineraries along the most scenic rivers in Europe (and beyond), Viking promises a luxury cruise experience that’s culturally rich and stress-free. But is it worth the hype — and the price tag?

I’m sharing my experience after sailing with Viking in Europe with my mom and a couple of her friends, including tips, pros and cons, and everything you need to know before booking.

I was a cruise skeptic before I went on a Viking River Cruise and now I can’t wait to go on another one! Here is my review so you can decide if Viking is the right cruise line for you.

Let Me Help You Plan

Want to know how Viking compares to other river cruise lines or which itinerary suits your interests best? I’m happy to help! I’m a certified travel advisor who can help you find the best cruise for your travel style. Reach out here.

Viking River Cruise Itinerary

I sailed on the Romantic Danube itinerary, an 8-day journey from Budapest to Regensburg through Hungary, Austria, and Germany. This is one of Viking’s most popular routes, featuring stops in picturesque towns like Vienna and Passau. Depending on your dates, the itinerary may run from Budapest to Regensburg or the opposite direction, Regensburg to Budapest.

Other popular Viking River Cruises in Europe include:

  • Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel)
    • Most popular Viking River cruise itinerary
    • 8 Days
    • Covers 4 countries: The Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland
  • Paris & the Heart of Normandy
    • 8 Days
    • Starts and ends in Paris
  • Grand European Tour (Amsterdam to Budapest)
    • Popular among first time river cruisers
    • 15 Days
    • Covers 4 countries: The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Hungary

When I sailed the Romantic Danube itinerary our ship started in Regensburg and ended in Budapest, which worked out quite well for me because I was able to attend the F1 Grand Prix at the Hungaroring the weekend after the cruise ended.

There are lots of other European itineraries for Viking as well as other destinations like Egypt and Vietnam. Get in touch if you want to explore more options for going on a Viking River Cruise. I am a travel advisor who can provide guidance and help you book your dream trip!

Onboard Experience: Ship, Cabins & Service

Viking’s longships are beautifully designed — modern, light-filled, and more intimate than traditional ocean liners.

What to Expect Onboard:

  • Passenger Capacity: Around 190 guests – small enough for personalized service
  • Room Types: From standard staterooms with picture windows to suites with full balconies
  • Room Amenities: Comfortable beds, heated bathroom floors, mini-fridge, and daily housekeeping
  • Wi-Fi: Complimentary, and worked reasonably well

My mom and I stayed in a water-level stateroom with two twin beds, a bathroom, a small closet, a few drawers, a mini fridge, and a tv. It did have a small window and I found it to be more than adequate. We did not spend much time in our room, only to sleep and to shower and change between outings. You can see a short video of my room here.

My mom’s friends who we were traveling with had a balcony room that they enjoyed. It was the same setup inside plus the balcony.

If you are budget conscious there is no need to pick a balcony room; just a short walk away you can enjoy the common space of the Sun Deck on the top of the ship with full 360 views to enjoy as you sail. However, if you’re worried about feeling claustrophobic then there are plenty of rooms with balconies and verandas. Check out a tour of Viking’s Longships on their site here.

Food & Dining on Viking River Cruises

Dining is a big part of the experience — and Viking delivers. You get a menu at every meal that you select your meal choices from and every meal is different. I can safely say I loved every meal on board and I am a picky foodie who is used to eating out a great restaurants in New York City, where I’ve lived most of my adult life.

What’s Included:

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Wine, beer, and soft drinks during meals
  • 24 hour specialty coffee & tea

Meals are locally inspired and made fresh. Think schnitzel in Austria, goulash in Hungary, and flaky pastries in Germany. There’s always a regional special alongside Western options.

You can get your dietary needs accommodated if you are vegetarian, gluten free, or have other food allergies.

I did NOT opt for the additional drinks package as you get a wine and beer selection with lunch and dinner and I found that to be plenty. You can also purchase cocktails at meals or at the bar as you want.

However, if you prefer cocktails to wine and beer, then it might be worth upgrading to the Silver Spirits beverage package. It allows you unlimited drinks in bars and lounges as well as with your meals.

Shore Excursions: Guided Tours & Free Time

Viking includes at least one excursion per port in the cruise fare — often a city walking tour or guided visit to a historical site. These excursions are well-organized, informative, tailored for small groups, and led by knowledgeable local guides.

You can also book optional excursions like concerts, wine tastings, history tours.

You can sign up for excursions in advance through your travel advisor or online in ‘My Viking Journey.’ Once on board, you can make changes to your excursions as long as there is still availability for the excursion you want. But you don’t get refunds for excursions you don’t end up going on.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the excursions at each stop. I often opted for the included excursion but sometimes paid for an optional one. I like that you can go on the cruise and not pay anything additional for excursions to enjoy each stop, if you choose.

On most excursions, you’ll get a headset to ensure you can hear the local guide as you move around. I find the headsets to be helpful as I often stop for pictures while the group may continue on and I didn’t miss anything as long as I didn’t wander too far. However, you definitely stand out as a tourist as you explore the quaint European cities.

Excursions: Day By Day

The night before each stop the staff hosts a port talk, where they talk briefly about the next city, key sights, and explain other helpful important information, such as times to be ready and back on the boat after free time.

Every evening after you return from dinner, you will have a Viking Daily waiting for you with information on your chosen excursion(s) for the next day.

Often times the included tour is in the morning and then you return to the ship for lunch. Then in the afternoon you can rest or opt to pay for another excursion.

Day 1: Arrival

I just settled in my room, attended the safety briefing, and enjoyed dinner on the Aquavit Terrace (the outdoor dining area attached the main restaurant, which is mostly indoors). There was no line to get check in and get my room assignment.

I was treated to a spectacular sunset from the Aquavit Terrace where we dined alfresco for our first meal aboard our ship, named Tor.

Day 2: Regensburg

I opted for the Regensburg Walking Tour which was an included excursion. We spent about an hour and a half on a guided walking tour with a local guide, then we had some free time to explore on our own. My mom and I had lunch at the world’s oldest sausage kitchen, Historische Wurestkuche, which we had learned about on our tour.

Day 3: Passau

I did the included Walking Tour in the morning and paid to do Bavaria by E-Bike in the afternoon.

I especially enjoyed the E-Bike tour; they make it easy enough for people of all ages since the e-bike does most of the work for you. It was cool because we biked along a river, crossed the Mariensteg bridge into Austria and back. The first time I’ve ever biked across a country border!

A girl wearing a tank top, bike shorts, and a black cap stands on the Mariensteg pedestrian suspension bridge, which spans the border between Germany and Austria. Behind them, a historic castle sits atop a forested hill, with a bright blue sky and scattered clouds overhead.
The bridge we biked over to stop for a drink in Austria before biking back to Germany

Day 4: Scenic Sailing in Wachau Valley & Krems, Austria

The morning was spent sailing through a particularly picturesque part of Austria. Then in the afternoon there was a stop in Krems. Here I did another included tour, a tour of Göttweig Abbey, which includes a couple wine samples at the end.

Day 5: Vienna, Austria

I spent the morning doing the included Panoramic Vienna tour and enjoyed sightseeing and learning more about the historical city. It is a combination of a coach bus tour and walking.

Then in the afternoon I added on an optional visit to Schönbrunn Palace, with the sprawling gardens being my favorite part. Unfortunately it started to rain so didn’t get to enjoy as much of gardens as I would have liked.

Day 6: Vienna, Austria

This day was interesting because we took the subway around Vienna ourselves and navigated sights we learned about the previous day. There are optional excursions you can sign up for but we opted to have this day as more of an ‘explore on our own’ day. We visited some markets, parks, and grabbed lunch off the boat.

Day 7: Scenic Sailing and Budapest

This day started with a scenic sailing which I quite like. I sat on the Sun Deck at the top of the boat and enjoyed the sights after a leisurely breakfast. The views as you come into Budapest are spectacular as the cityscape (particularly the Parliament Building) comes into view and you sail under the bridges connecting the two sides of the city.

I did the included Panoramic Budapest tour upon arrival and docking in Budapest. This tour was another mix of riding on coach bus and walking around.

After a nice lunch on the boat, I opted for the paid excursion to a Thermal Bath. A guide took us to Széchenyi Thermal Bath, which is one of the most popular and touristy baths in the city. Despite the crowds I had a lovely time soaking in pools of different temperatures, both indoors and outdoors.

A woman wearing sunglasses enjoys the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest, Hungary. The historic yellow Neo-Baroque building with ornate domes and architecture forms the backdrop. Other bathers can be seen in the pool, with a classical statue and fountain visible in the middle ground. The scene is set under a bright blue sky with some clouds.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Day 8: Budapest and Departure

There was no excursions or activities on the last day as it was time to disembark. I stayed on in Budapest with my own travel arrangements but, if you want, Viking does offer post cruise extensions for 2 days where you can continue the Viking led exploration of the city.

Otherwise, Viking will transfer you back to the airport and you can be on your way home!

View from a river cruise ship of Budapest's Danube River, featuring the Hungarian Parliament building on the left bank, with a bridge overhead and another cruise ship in the middle of the river.
View from the Sun Deck as we approached Budapest

What’s Included vs. What’s Extra

Viking is more inclusive than many cruise lines, but some extras will still cost you.

TIP: Viking often runs promotions that include free or discounted airfare, so check before booking!

Included:

  • Airport transfers (with Viking airfare)
  • Excursions (1 per port)
  • Meals and drinks at lunch/dinner
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bottled water in your room daily
  • Port taxes and fees

NOT Included:

  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions
  • Premium wines or cocktails outside meals
  • Laundry (self-service not available)
Outdoor dining area on a Viking river cruise ship with elegant wooden furniture, overlooking the Danube River and terraced vineyards of Austria's Wachau Valley under a clear blue sky.
View from dining terrace as we sailed on the Danube

Is A Viking River Cruise Worth It?

Viking River Cruises are very destination focused so if you are looking to see historical towns and cities while enjoying the ease of travel on a cruise then it’s definitely worth it.

Yes, if you want:

  • A luxury small-ship experience
  • Smooth logistics with minimal planning
  • Enriching cultural excursions
  • Comfortable cabins and fine dining
  • Quiet, scenic sailing through Europe

Might not be for you if:

  • You’re looking for nightlife or onboard entertainment
  • You want a more budget-friendly experience (look into AmaWaterways or Avalon Waterways for alternatives)
  • You prefer flexible, independent travel over guided tours
A Viking river cruise ship named Tor docked along a calm riverbank under a clear blue sky, with multiple decks and rows of windows visible, and a wooden pier in the foreground.

For me, my experience on the Romantic Danube Viking River Cruise was worth it! I rate it among my top trips and I have traveled to over 35 countries.

The top 3 things that made my Viking River Cruise an amazing vacation are:

  • Seamless Travel: Being able to unpack only once to see so many places was so nice! From airport transfers to guided excursions, everything was effortlessly handled, allowing me to simply relax and enjoy the journey.
  • The Viking Staff: The exceptional Viking staff took the experience to the next level—onboard service was warm and attentive, and the local guides were incredibly knowledgeable, bringing each destination to life with fascinating insights.
  • Meals: The food was a highlight in itself. Every meal onboard felt like a special occasion, with beautifully plated dishes, regional flavors, and an ever-changing menu that made dining something to look forward to every single day.
Three people dining on the deck of a river cruise ship, with elegant table settings featuring blue plates. The background shows Budapest's historic riverside buildings under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Our last dinner onboard on the Aquavit Terrace

Tips For Booking A Viking River Cruise

I’m a certified travel advisor so if you book through me you get my 1:1 services to help you navigate the booking process and any questions you have as you prepare for your travels.

✅ Book Early: Popular itineraries sell out fast, and prices rise.

✅ Watch for Airfare Deals: Viking often bundles airfare or offers $499 round-trip promotions.

✅ Travel in Shoulder Season: April-May or September-October offer mild weather and fewer crowds.

✅ Pack Layers: River cruising climates vary, and you’ll be walking a lot on cobblestones.

✅ Check out Viking’s Pre & Post Cruise Extensions: Viking offers extension packages you can add before or after your cruise. They are additional days you can add to your embarkation or disembarkation cities, or other nearby destinations.

Viking River Cruise FAQs

What is the dress code on Viking River Cruises?

There’s no formal dress code, but you’ll want to look neat and feel good. It’s causal and relaxed but everyone on my cruise looked put together without feeling too fancy.

Essentials to Pack:

  • Comfortable walking shoes (many excursions involve cobblestones or hills)
  • Smart casual outfits for dinner
  • Light jacket or layers (weather can shift quickly)
  • Travel adapter (European plugs onboard)
  • Day bag or backpack for excursions
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small umbrella or rain jacket

Are Viking River Cruises all-inclusive?

Almost everything is covered. Viking does not nickel and dime you with unexpected fees. All meals and all port taxes and fees are included. At least one activity/excursion is covered at each stop.

What you’ll need to pay extra for is the premium drinks package, additional optional excursions, and gratuities.

Are Viking River Cruises Adults-Only?

Yes. Viking River Cruises are for adults only (18+), and most passengers are 55+. You won’t find kids, casinos, or waterslides onboard — just a quiet, elegant environment perfect for cultural travelers.

I am in my mid-thirties and traveled with my mom and her friends, who are in their sixties. There were a lot of middle age couples and retirees on our cruise. There were also other multi-generational families with adult children on our trip.

What’s the Onboard Atmosphere Like?

Viking ships are small and serene, with about 190 guests onboard. The vibe is relaxed, social, and sophisticated — think of it as a floating boutique hotel. There are lectures, tastings, and cultural performances, but no glitzy shows or late-night parties.

TIP: If you enjoy a slower pace, cultural enrichment, and meeting fellow travelers over wine and regional food — you’ll love it on a Viking River Cruise.

Is It Worth Booking Through Viking or a Travel Agent?

Booking a Viking River Cruise costs you the same whether you book through Viking or through a travel agent/advisor. I highly recommend using a travel advisor for the 1:1 assistance in any questions; then there is no need to wait on hold and talk with a call center representative that probably hasn’t even been on the ship.

I’m a certified travel advisor and will be there to help you every step of the way through the booking process including but not limited to payment deadline reminders, reservation deadline reminds, packing guidance, personal expert experience to provide guidance, and am here to advocate should any problems arise.

Message me to get guidance on booking the best cruise for your travel style and needs!

Is the Silver Spirits package worth it on Viking?

If you prefer cocktails to wine and beer and/or drink more than 3-4 drinks per day it may be worth it.

Just ordering 2 cocktails per day will cost you more than the Silver Spirits package, but keep in mind the package is purchased for the full length of the trip. If you just want cocktails 1 or 2 nights, you may be better off paying for them individually.

Another important note is that both people in the room need to have the same beverage package – either you both upgrade or neither of you do.

I opted not to upgrade to the Silver Spirits package as I enjoy wine and beer and you get a selection included with lunch and dinner. They do offer you multiple drinks with your meals so I often would enjoy 1-2 glasses with dinner and then get a refill of wine at dessert that I would take with me to the lounge or sun deck to finish enjoying at my leisure.

The other good news is that you are allowed to bring alcohol on board so you can pick up a local bottle of wine or spirits at your stops and drink it in your room or with your meals. There is no corkage fee on Viking.

A hand holding a glass of sparkling wine on an outdoor dining deck of a Viking River Cruise ship, with a white tablecloth-covered table and wooden chairs in the background. Behind the deck, a row of elegant European buildings lines the waterfront under a partly cloudy blue sky.

TLDR: Viking River Cruise Review

Viking River Cruises truly live up to the hype — especially if you value ease, elegance, and immersion in local culture. From seamless excursions to cozy staterooms and wine-paired dinners, everything feels curated to give you a deeper, more relaxing experience of Europe.

It’s not the cheapest way to travel, but for many, it’s the most rewarding and effortless way to explore Europe.

Want to know how Viking compares to other river cruise lines or which itinerary suits your interests best? I’m happy to help! I’m a certified travel advisor who can help you find the best cruise for your travel style.