What Makes Viking Cruise Line Different?
Many cruisers are ready to take that river cruise but can’t figure out where to start with the planning. There are a handful of cruise lines that are known for their river cruises, but the ultimate in river cruises has consistently been Viking Cruise Line. What sets them apart from the other river cruise lines?
Torstein Hagen- founder of Viking River Cruises
Viking Cruises started up in 1997 as a cruise line consisting of 4 river cruise ships with the goal of dominating the river cruising industry. The company grew quickly and by 2007 the company operated 23 ships in Europe, Russia and China. The company continued to expand and in 2013, Viking added ocean cruising to their lineup. In 2021, Viking expanded to North America by adding the Mississippi River to their list of itineraries. They have been doing it right for so many years that the “long ship” design of Viking’s river cruise ships is what most other river cruise lines base their own design.
Viking’s history should not only show that they are very experienced when it especially comes to river cruises, but also that they have been very successful with it. Aside from the design of their ships, Viking is known for working carefully with the areas around each port from the very beginning, and they have always strived to ensure that the ships visiting each port provide a mutually beneficial experience to both passenger and the residents of each port. Viking has also led the way in ensuring that they use the cleanest technology with their ships so that any pollution is minimized.
While other cruise lines tend to “nickel and dime” the customer once they are on board, Viking has always provided a truly all-inclusive experience that is for adults-only (18+). Your Viking River Cruise fare will include gratuities and wifi. All meals and beer and wine as well as other non-alcoholic beverages at each meal are also included. One of the best inclusions, in my opinion, is the fact that there is an included excursion at every port. You can always choose to upgrade your excursion if you have something else in mind or you can book something on your own, but each port will have at least one excursion that is included for passengers.
While Viking is not known for the Entertainment that they provide on board, many passengers enjoy the more personalized and intimate experiences that are provided. You might find a cooking demonstration inspired by the areas that you will be visiting or other culturally enriching lectures or demonstrations. As far as the entertainment is concerned, you won’t find big broadway shows, but you will be able to enjoy musicians performing music from the regions that you are visiting.
Balcony Stateroom with a French Balcony
When choosing your stateroom for your Viking River Cruise, it might be helpful to know that all rooms on a Viking River Cruise have at least a window and most rooms have either a French Balcony, essentially a rail outside of a big window that opens, or a actual balcony that you can sit out on. All staterooms are equipped with luxury linens, heated bathroom floors, premium toiletries and an actual refrigerator (not a cooler, like some cruise ships are known for having). Regardless of which room type you choose, all passengers will have access to an expansive sundeck, in which they can enjoy the sights of the river, and other comfortable areas to lounge around and relax.
Probably the biggest con to Viking is that the cruises come with a higher end cost. With all the you are getting with your cruise fare and the quality of what you are receiving, however, the cost is justified and worth it to its passengers. Past customers have especially enjoyed the variety of itineraries that are available now. If you are looking to see the Christmas markets in Europe, experience Egypt while cruising down the Nile, or heading up and down the Mississippi, then Viking River Cruises is your best bet on an extravagantly awesome experience.
