Exploring the rivers of Europe with Viking
Are you charmed by the idea of exploring Europe but do not want a traditional coach tour? You want to be right in the heart of the towns and villages but still want the comfort of having a guide? Then a river cruise sounds just about perfect for you! Immerse yourself in the Old World as you sail Europe’s most iconic rivers. Discover Danube gems like Vienna and Budapest. See storied Rhine castles. Trace French history along the Seine. From the Main to the Moselle, the Douro to the Dordogne, the Viking experience is unsurpassed.
Why Cruise the Rivers of Europe with Viking?
Viking takes you to the heart of Europe via its grand waterways, providing you with boundless insight into the continent’s cultural and historic treasures. Immerse yourself in the storybook villages, vibrant cultural centers and picturesque landscapes of The Netherlands, Austria, Germany, France, Hungary and Switzerland, and unlock a whole new world of discovery. Here is a sample of what you will see on one of their European river cruises:
- Culinary delights in Lyon, France
- Medieval Prague, “City of a Thousand Spires”
- The elegant boulevards and grand monuments of Paris
- Historic Wittenberg, home to Martin Luther
- Fairytale windmills of The Netherlands
- Wine tastings in the quintas of Portugal’s Douro Valley
- Budapest’s regal Parliament building and Chain Bridge
- Vienna’s inspirational legacy of classical music
- France’s famed wineries in Beaujolais, Bordeaux and beyond
The Viking Difference
Award-Winning Viking Longships – Viking’s Longships showcase innovative engineering, streamlined Scandinavian design with understated elegance, and provide you with unprecedented levels of comfort designed to connect you to your destination.
Unparallelled Staterooms & Suites – with their exclusive patented corridor configuration, Viking is able to offer a variety of stateroom choices that include spacious Veranda and French Balcony staterooms. As well as Veranda and Explorer Suites.
Destination Focused Dining – Menus include regional cuisine and always available classics enhanced with locally sourced ingredients, so you can explore new cultures through food.
Award-Winning Service – Viking has over 7,000 staff members worldwide devoted to making your stay on board as memorable as possible. And with 90% of their staff returning year after year, you can expect the same quality service, cruise after cruise.
Onboard Enrichment Programs – While sailing you’ll want to take advantage of Cultural enrichment programs to supplement your onshore experience such as Guest Lectures & Port Talks, Destination Performances, Craft and Cooking Demonstrations and Destination Insight films available right in your stateroom.
Onshore Experiences – You’ll enjoy an included guided excursion in every port, plus The Viking Way® of exploration.
THE RIVERS OF EUROPE
Danube River Cruises
Coursing through Germany, Austria, Hungary and seven other countries all the way to the Black Sea, the Danube is the soul of Central Europe. Join us along these culture-rich banks, whose scenic vineyards, ancient monasteries and elegant cities have inspired travelers for centuries.
Rhine River Cruises
Raise a glass of Riesling to our acclaimed Rhine River cruises through Switzerland, Germany and The Netherlands. See how the Rhine, Main and Moselle river systems unfold to create a spellbinding display of storybook villages, Dutch windmills, German vineyards and Gothic cities.
Elbe River Cruises
Sail the Elbe to reaches seldom seen in Germany and the Czech Republic. Insights greet you at every bend as you explore majestic Berlin and Prague, delve into Wittenberg’s religious history and contrast the delicacy of Meissen porcelain with the rocky brawn of Saxon Switzerland.
Main River Cruises
Winding between Mainz and Bamberg, the Main passes through 34 locks—16 more connect it to the Danube via the Main-Danube Canal. While this engineering feat enables river travel across the entire length of Europe, it also unlocks a trove of unspoiled landscapes and historic towns.
Seine River Cruises
The Seine meanders on a serpentine path through the Norman countryside, an historic region of great pastoral beauty. Drift along dreamy apple orchards and medieval ruins. Explore elegant Paris. See Monet’s Giverny home. And honor World War II heroes on Normandy beaches.
Moselle River Cruises
The romantic Moselle winds through an enchanting landscape of castles, picture-book villages and terraced slate hillsides that form one of the world’s richest wine regions. With a settled history that predates the Romans, it is yours to discover on one of our Moselle river cruises.
Saône River Cruises
Cruise the Saône with Viking, as gentle countryside and historic cities unfold before you. Savor Lyon, France’s traditional gastronomic capital. Taste ruby-red wines in the lush vineyards of Beaujolais and Burgundy. Join us to experience this rewarding corner of France, up close.
Rhône River Cruises
Enjoy the diverse pleasures of life along the Rhône with Viking. Savor Lyon, France’s gastronomic heart; the Beaujolais wine region; quaint Provençal villages; and historic Avignon and Arles. For those who love fine food, beauty and riveting history, Rhône cruises are pure bliss.
Douro River Cruises
Our Portugal cruises uncover one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned wine regions. Cruise the Douro River through ancient wine estates, passing barcos rabelos laden with casks en route to Porto and Lisbon. A sublimely scenic corner of Europe, with equally sublime food and wine.
And although not traditionally “Europe” river cruises through Russia and the Ukraine are not to be missed!
Russia River Cruises
The Viking fleet is the finest operating along Russia’s rivers today, delivering eye-opening experiences in historic Moscow and canal-laced St. Petersburg. Beyond, see the domed churches of Uglich and Yaroslavl, and witness the seldom seen rural tranquility of this enigmatic country.
Ukraine River Cruises
Uncover Europe’s best-kept secret as you sail Ukraine’s Dnieper River through a maze of whisper-thin tributaries and village-studded bays. Colorful folk traditions, hearty cuisine and rich culture lead the way from the Golden Gates of Kiev to the Odessa Steps of the Black Sea.
Destination focused. Culturally enriching. Carefully curated. Isn’t it time you discover what makes Viking the world’s leading small ship cruise line? Check out Vikings current offers here
Recipe: Krumkaker – A Christmas Favourite
This is the Hagen family’s traditional recipe for krumkaker—these crispy and light wafers are a Christmas favorite, typically made in a cylinder or a cone shape. For an extra rich treat, fill them with whipped cream. If you do not have a krumkaker iron, a pizzelle or other wafer iron can also be used.
Ingredients
4 lg eggs
¾ C + 1½ T (160 g) sugar
¾ C + 2 T (200 g) butter, melted and cooled
1½ C + 1½ T (200 g) flour
1 tsp (2 g) ground cardamom
Directions
Cream together eggs and sugar. Add butter, flour and cardamom; mix well. Let batter rest 1 hour; drop a large spoonful into the center of a krumkaker iron. Cook for 1 minute, then quickly roll wafer around a stick (about as thick as a finger) or wooden cone form to hold curled shape; remove from stick and set aside to cool.
Prep time: 1 hour & 10 minutes Cook time: 1 minutes Rest time: 1 hour Makes about 3 dozen
Viking River Cruises – a better way to explore
Nothing compares to a river. How else but on a river can you journey into the very heart of the world’s greatest cities and most charming towns, discovering the true nature of the land and its people?
Where else but on a river could you be gently carried along on an elegant, intimate ship, docking right in the heart of town, strolling off to begin your exploration?
How else but on a river would you travel with such ease, unpacking just once and enjoying the ever-changing scenery along the banks?
Comfortable and convenient, river cruising offers a greater variety of destinations than you can find any other way. Spend less time getting there, and more time being there. Small wonder so many people have fallen in love with this relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel.
Viking River Cruises—every detail matters
Inspiring destinations, hand-selected itineraries, expert tour guides, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value—our success is defined by all these things. But there’s something else, too: personal attention to every detail. It’s the way your bartender has your drink ready for you at just the right time. The gentle guidance from your tai chi master during your lesson in China, or the handwritten directions from your concierge to the best coffeehouse in Vienna.
By owning and operating our ships, no detail escapes our attention. It sets us apart from our competitors. Every aspect of your cruise, from expertly designed menus to carefully crafted enrichment programs and beautifully appointed ships is planned to bring you closer to experiencing the most from your destination.
At Viking, we never forget that looking after you well is how we became the world’s leading river cruise line. It’s why our guests return again and again. And why we consistently have been the most awarded river cruise line worldwide.
Enriching encounters every place, every day
Why did baroque chamber music develop? How do you say ‘thank you’ in Chinese? What were the Russian Czars’ accomplishments? We understand that you travel to explore, to experience, to understand—to gain more insight than can be obtained from simply passing through. And, when it comes to showing you the world, Viking has an unrivaled depth of knowledge and expertise.
DISCOVERING YOUR DESTINATION
Our carefully crafted itineraries and daily shore excursions include must-see highlights and delightful surprises. These expertly guided tours bring you closer to the art, architecture, history and people. We have hand-selected guides, born and raised locally to provide an in-depth+ understanding no other cruise line can match. We also choose entertainers to bring you closer too: from Shanghai Acrobats to Russia’s Mariinsky Theatre musicians Viennese orchastras.
GREATER INSIGHT & UNDERSTANDING
We have a comprehensive series of included shore excursions during every cruise, complemented by an enriching onboard program. Our Culture CurriculumSM brings history and culture to life. Watch a local German glassblower or learn about French Impressionism. Artists, performers and professors from eminent institutions all all provide you with deep insight into your destination. We even stock our ship’s library with books relevant to your cruise.
A SIDE SERVING OF CULTURE
Accompany your chef on a shopping trip to the local market. Meet local fine food and wine purveyors. With Viking, food is not just for sustenance, it’s a joy to be shared. Make apple strudel or whip up a fondant au chocolat — our tastings, cooking classes and hands-on demonstrations are the perfect way to expand your mind and satisfy your taste buds.
Recipe: Viking Cruises Pumpkin Soup
Since the first pumpkin seeds were brought to the Old World from the Americas, Europe has embraced squash-based cuisine. This easy recipe yields a full-bodied soup without using cream. The final flourish of candied walnuts, thyme and parmesan adds texture and complements the flavors exquisitely, and makes for a delightful seasonal fall starter or winter main course.
Ingredients
2 T (29 ml) olive oil
1 shallot, minced
1 med yellow onion, minced
2 29-oz (822-g) cans pumpkin purée
½ tsp (30 g) salt
¼ tsp (0.7 g) pepper
1 tsp (2½ g) ground cumin
6 C (1,420 ml) low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
¾ C (135 g) grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
½ C (60 g) sour cream
¼ C (30 g) candied walnuts
Small thyme sprigs
Parmesan shavings
Directions
Sauté shallots and onions in olive oil in a large saucepan on medium high until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in pumpkin, salt, pepper, cumin and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in parmesan. To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish.
Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Makes: 6 servings.
My first River Cruise to Europe
One of the things I liked the most about my recent Viking River Cruise is how easy it was. I have been on quite a few ocean cruises and those are fantastic but have a completely different feeling to them. I was worried that the river cruise would be too busy as there is a stop everyday but embarking and disembarking the ship was as easy as walking out of a hotel on land. The included shore excursions were great, giving us lots of destination information and showed off the highlights of the region. There was always ample free time to explore on our own.
The ship itself was beautiful, very elegant, with amazing staff. I really can’t say enough about the crew. One of our fellow traveller was gluten free and the dinning staff when out of their way to accommodate her needs. It was impressive. Every crew member we interacted with was warm, personable and happy to help. The evenings on board are quieter than on an ocean ship but that’s ok – we were so tired from exploring all day and full from our delicious meals we couldn’t have stayed up late even if we wanted to!
Viking Announces Enhanced Partnership with Highclere Castle
“Heroes at Highclere” Event Sponsorship and Exclusive Video Content Offer New Opportunities to Experience “The Real Downton Abbey”
Los Angeles (August 9, 2018) – Viking® (www.vikingcruises.com), widely known for its sponsorship of PBS’ celebrated series MASTERPIECE and the iconic television advertisements that aired during the Emmy® Award-winning series Downton Abbey, today announced it has extended its partnership with Highclere Castle, the country seat of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon that served as the setting for the show. As part of the relationship, Viking has signed on as headline sponsor of “Heroes at Highclere,” a weekend to raise money for those who serve and those who save, taking place at the Castle on September 8-9, 2018. Representatives from more than 20 countries will gather on the lawns for the event, which will honor the centennial anniversary of the end of World War I and will highlight the history of flight, as well as the creation of the Royal Air Force (RAF), culminating in a memorial service on Sunday. Adding to the partnership, Viking has also launched a series of online videos to complement the first-ever coffee table book about Highclere, At Home at Highclere, written by the Countess of Carnarvon.
The enhanced partnership with Highclere Castle builds on Viking’s long-standing commitment to promoting cultural enrichment, with current partners including NBCUniversal International Studios’ “Downton Abbey: The Exhibition,” PBS’ MASTERPIECE, National Geographic’s Genius, TED, The Metropolitan Opera, Greenwich Music Time, Opera Holland Park, BBC, LIBERA, Ballet Sun Valley, RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Oslo’s Munch Museum, Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum and St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, among others.
“Many of our guests were introduced to both Viking and Highclere Castle while watching Downton Abbey, so we are inextricably linked in a lot of minds,” said Karine Hagen, Senior Vice President of Viking. “But first and foremost, the relationship between Viking and Highclere is one of friendship and family. In our professional worlds, both Lady Carnarvon and I are much aligned in our determination to deliver enriching and meaningful experiences to our guests. Our respective platforms, Highclere Castle and Viking, allow us to connect different cultures in ways that can ultimately help make the world a more understanding place. Heroes at Highclere, which Viking is proud to sponsor, is one such example – and just one of the many of the worthwhile causes the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon organize and to which they lend their names.”
Heroes at Highclere
In addition to marking the RAF and World War I centennial, Heroes at Highclere will welcome several thousand visitors for a fundraising weekend for all involved in wars past and those continuing to serve today. Funds raised during the weekend will go support veterans’ charities including Combat Stress, Médicins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), The Royal British Legion, The UK Sepsis Trust and RAF100 Appeal, as well as one in the USA. Throughout the weekend, guests will be entertained with displays in the sky and on the ground to commemorate heroes. Historic aircraft, including the Red Arrows Display Team, P51 Mustang, a Typhoon Display, the Spitfire, the Tiger 9 Formation Team and the Great War Display Team will take part in the event – and Europe’s only airworthy B17 will fly over the Castle on both days. The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon will also dedicate a new memorial of an airman, carved from a 200-year-old cedar felled on the Highclere Estate. The event will also feature commemorative football games inspired by the only moment of peace during World War I, when armies from both sides famously played football on Christmas Day 1914. Musical entertainment will feature the popular Military Wives Choir, a Scottish Pipe Band and the 1920s band The Gatsby Girls. The Viking hospitality area is set on the famous lawns, where guests will enjoy a tea tent, a dance tent and a speakers’ tent with well-known literary names, including Robert Harris and former war correspondent Kate Adie, amongst others. For more information about the event, visit www.highclerecastle.co.uk.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Viking for Heroes at Highclere. This weekend is to raise money for those who serve and those who save, and we hope it will be a fascinating and meaningful event for all who attend,” said Lady Carnarvon. “This is also a particularly exciting time for us, as we prepare to welcome the cast and crew of Downton Abbey back to Highclere Castle for the filming of the highly anticipated movie, and I am delighted that Julian Fellowes who created and wrote Downton Abbey is joining us on Sunday as one of our speakers.”
Highclere Castle
Known to global audiences as the setting of Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle is a country house in the Jacobethan style by the architect Charles Barry, with a park designed by Capability Brown. The 5,000-acre estate is in Hampshire, England, about 5 miles south of Newbury, Berkshire. Long the Carnarvon family’s ancestral country seat, Highclere has welcomed royalty, statesmen and notables from the worlds of business, academia and the arts. Lady Carnarvon is the author of multiple bestselling books, including At Home at Highclere, Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey and Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey. Lady Carnarvon’s first book spent 60 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. Read Lady Carnarvon’s blog at www.ladycarnarvon.com.
Viking & Highclere
In addition to the Heroes at Highclere sponsorship and new videos, Viking offers a variety of ways for guests to experience life at “The Real Downton Abbey” in person and at home. Viking’s Oxford & Highclere Castle pre- or post-trip extension is available for guests on select river and ocean cruise itineraries. The Privileged Access extension was co-created by Karine Hagen, with the Carnarvon family. The extension provides guests with an exclusive three-day experience in the rolling hills of England’s countryside with a champagne welcome and tours of the estate. Also, Lady Carnarvon’s bestselling books are sold onboard Viking ships. Additionally, Karine Hagen’s “The World of Finse” children’s book series, which chronicles Finse’s adventures around the world and are sold onboard Viking ships, includes several titles written by Lady Carnarvon, including Finse of Dogton Abbey: Afternoon Tea and Finse of Dogton Abbey: Good Manners.
Recipe: French Gougères
Gougères are among the most popular hors d’oeuvres in France. A traditional specialty of the Burgundy region, gougères are often made with Gruyère cheese. You can also use other cheeses (such as parmesan) to add an extra depth. Enjoy these with a glass (or two) of good French wine.
Ingredients
1½ C water
½ C unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 tsp (5 g) salt, divided
1½ C flour
6 lg eggs
1 C (130 g) grated Gruyère cheese, packed
½ C (90 g) good quality parmesan cheese, packed
½ tsp (2 g) fresh ground pepper
½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
Directions
Place one oven rack in top third and a second rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 400°F (204°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with lightly greased parchment paper. In a 3- or 4-qt saucepan over medium heat, bring water, butter and half the salt to a simmer, stirring until butter melts. Add flour all at once, stirring rapidly with a wooden spoon until mixture forms a smooth, thick paste with no lumps. Remove pan from heat; allow mixture to cool until it feels just warm. Using a hand-held mixer, beat in one egg at a time until all are incorporated. Stir in cheese, pepper and remaining salt. Drop spoonfuls of dough 3 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake until dough is puffed and golden brown, about 30 minutes, swapping position of baking pans halfway through.
Prep time: 16 minutes.
Cook time: 30 minutes.
Makes 10 servings.
Travel + Leisure Again Names Viking “World’s Best” in 2018 Awards
Viking Has Been Voted a #1 Ocean Cruise Line Every Year Since its Launch
Los Angeles (July 10, 2018) –Travel + Leisure readers have again voted Viking® to the top of its categories in the 2018 World’s Best Awards, which were announced today by the publication. Viking was named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line for ships carrying 600–2,199 guests and one of the World’s Best River Cruise Lines. In the three years since the launch of Viking’s ocean cruises in 2015, the company has been named a #1 Ocean Cruise Line every consecutive year. Viking has also been voted a World’s Best River Cruise Line every year since the award’s inception in 2010.
Today’s milestone comes on the heels of last month’s launch of the company’s fifth ocean ship, Viking Orion®, and the announcement of the 245-day Viking Ultimate World Cruise, the longest-ever continuous world cruise itinerary. Travel + Leisure is the largest travel magazine brand in the U.S., and since 1995 its readers have been asked to cast their votes for the World’s Best in cruising with considerations in the following cruise features: cabins/facilities, food, service itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities and value. Viking will also be featured in the magazine’s World’s Best issue, which will be on newsstands on July 27; the full results of the awards can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.
“We have been offering ocean cruises for three years, and for all three years we have been voted the world’s #1 ocean cruise line. To receive such a positive reception so quickly and consistently is unprecedented and a great honor,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “From our beginning, we have set out to do things differently. We focus on the destination, providing what we believe to be a better value than any other cruise line. We want to thank our guests and the readers of Travel + Leisure for embracing the Viking way of travel and for again bestowing upon us two awards in a single year.”
Today’s announcement from Travel + Leisure adds to an impressive list of recent accolades for Viking. Earlier this year, the company’s first three 930-guest sister ships, Viking Star®, Viking Sea®, and Viking Sky® dominated the Cruise Critic® 8th Annual Cruisers’ Choice Awards, receiving 10 First Place honors. Viking’s fourth ship, Viking Sun®, which was still in its first months of service, also debuted on the Awards list. All four ships have also been awarded a top rating of five stars by Cruise Critic. In 2017, Viking was voted the Best River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards. Town & Country also named Viking’s ocean cruises “Best for Design” and “Best Overall, Contemporary Luxury” in the magazine’s Cruise Awards. It also named Viking’s river cruises “Best for Suites” and “Best for Design.” And in its 10th annual Editors’ Picks Awards in 2017, Cruise Critic honored Viking with five awards, more than any other river or ocean cruise line. Viking was recognized in the river and luxury ocean categories, with awards that point to key differentiating factors for the brand: Best for First-Timers, Best Enrichment, Best Shore Excursions, Best Spa and Best-Value-for-Money.
Quickly-expanding Viking plans to add seven new river vessels to its fleet in 2019, including six award-winning Viking Longships® and one additional vessel inspired by the Viking Longships and specifically designed for Portugal’s Douro River. Viking also is targeting February 2019 to welcome its sixth ocean ship, Viking Jupiter®.
The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. On board, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. With the most al fresco dining opportunities at sea, featuring regional cuisine and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences on shore and on board. And only The Viking Way® of exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access® experiences.
In addition, Viking offers the best value at sea, with each cruise fare including much more than what competitors offer—an included value of more than $200 per person per day for an average cruise. Every cruise fare includes an outside stateroom, a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; alternative restaurant dining; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.
Viking offers guests the opportunity to experience The Passion Play
Setting Sail in Spring 2020, Viking Will Offer New River Cruisetour Focused on Germany’s Famous Live Performance of The Passion Play in Oberammergau
Los Angeles, 2018-Jun-06 — /Travel PR News/ — Viking® ( www.vikingcruises.com) today (June 4, 2018) announced a new river cruisetour itinerary that will allow guests the rare opportunity to experience The Passion Play in Oberammergau, which is performed only every 10 years. Traveling between Munich and Budapest from May through October 2020, the Oberammergau, The Passion Play itinerary will focus on the 42nd installment of The Oberammergau Passion Play and will allow guests to explore destinations in Germany, Austria and Hungary.
“We are committed to providing our guests with opportunities that bring local culture and history to life both onboard our ships and onshore,” said Richard Marnell, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Viking. “To help our guests learn about a destination through ‘Working World,’ ‘Local Life,’ or ‘Privileged Access’ experiences, such as this historic performance, is what we call ‘The Viking Way’ of exploration.”
On the 10-day journey, guests will experience a performance of The Passion Play, a depiction of the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ performed by local citizens of Oberammergau once every decade since 1634. Sailing on Viking’s award-winning 190-guest Viking Longships , guests will be able to immerse themselves in the rich culture during each port of call along the Danube River.
In addition to The Oberammergau Passion Play performance, highlights from the new Oberammergau, The Passion Play itinerary include:
- Enjoy a Tour and Organ Concert in Passau: Explore the Italianate-style streets of Passau and stop in to view Europe’s largest pipe organ with more than 17,000 pipes at the magnificent 17th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
- Experience a Mozart & Strauss Concert in Vienna: In the city celebrated for its music, enjoy a special classical concert including the beautiful strains of Strauss waltzes and selections from Mozart’s The Magic Flute—music that has defined this magical city.
- Explore Nuremberg’s History: The dramatic stage on which the Third Reich rose and fell, get a glimpse into Nuremberg’s World War II history including Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice, the venue of the Nazi war trials.
- Soak in Budapest’s Thermal Baths: Experience firsthand the restorative benefits of bathing in the thermal waters that flow through Budapest, which was discovered by ancient Romans and still today, a regimen most residents cannot live without.
Connect with an ilovecruising.com Cruise Specialist today and reserve your cabin on this new opportunity to experience The Passion Play
The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. The Viking Difference is providing guests with extraordinarily well-designed cruises that bring them closer to the cultures of the world. Itineraries are designed for maximum time in port, often with late evenings or overnights, so guests can experience local culture at night or evening performances. And only The Viking Way of exploration brings guests itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.
Viking Odin
Viking Longships integrate a patented corridor design* and cutting-edge technology with comfortable amenities that reflect guest preferences and current travel trends. These new features include a revolutionary all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace that reinvents the onboard lounge experience by bringing the panoramic outdoor river scenery indoors with retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors, allowing guests to enjoy the views and dine al fresco. Accommodating 190 passengers in 95 staterooms, Viking Longships have a patented layout that allows for two Explorer Suites – the largest river cruise suites in Europe – as well as seven two-room Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom; 39 Veranda Staterooms with full-size verandas; and 22 French Balcony Staterooms. Additionally, all Longships have sustainability upgrades, such as onboard solar panels and organic herb gardens, and energy-efficient hybrid engines that also reduce vibrations for a remarkably smooth ride.