Experience River Cruising
Today’s river cruise experience is nothing like the historic tales of paddle wheel steamboats on the Mississippi, though you can now do an updated version of that! Modern river cruise ships traverse major waterways across the globe creating a boutique luxury cruise experience, a relaxed pace of travel, and access to authentic local culture. Unlike a large ocean cruise ship, most river cruises offer all exterior cabins, featuring large floor to ceiling windows or balconies. But it’s not just your room that’s different, river cruises include daily guided shore excursions as well as wine, beer and other drink options at lunch and dinner, and spend most of their time in port docking in the heart of historic cities and small villages along the river.
Selecting the right river cruise for your style comes down to four primary choices: the season, the river, the cruise line, and the cruise ship. That’s where it can get more complicated since there are hundreds of river cruise ships and dozens of itineraries to choose from that change each year. Which is where our experienced and well-traveled team can help.
Is This Your First Viking River
Cruise? What To Expect
Destination: Europe
Viking Hiln Rhine River
Cruise ( read this and more reviews )
By Raye & Marty Trencher
Rhine Getaway
We went exploring castles, cities and cathedrals
Our Cruise Review of the Viking IDI
river cruise ship and Rhine River Cruise.
Viking River Cruises, Rhine Getaway experience highlights
the legendary Rhine in just 8 days. In Germany, we sailed
past castles commanding the riverbanks, and toured both
Marksburg Castle and the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. We
toured Cologne, the jewel of the Rhine, with its
awe-inspiring Dom, and witnessed the lush landscape of the
Black Forest region. We had time to explore Amsterdam and
Holland’s famous windmills and waterworks, and encountered
multicultural Strasbourg in France. Cruise Traveler
Magazine is a cruise travel blog and online magazine
offering an unbiased cruise guide, latest cruise news,
cruise reviews, tips, feature cruise articles, and need to
know information about cruising. Featuring community member
contributed content. Cruise Reviews. Cruise Ship Ratings and
Cruise Line Rankings. Editorially independent of travel
providers or cruise lines.
View More Reviews
Viking River Cruises, Rhine Getaway experience highlights
the legendary Rhine in just 8 days. In Germany, we sailed
past castles commanding the riverbanks, and toured both
Marksburg Castle and the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. We
toured Cologne, the jewel of the Rhine, with its
awe-inspiring Dom, and witnessed the lush landscape of the
Black Forest region. We had time to explore Amsterdam and
Holland’s famous windmills and waterworks, and encountered
multicultural Strasbourg in France. Cruise Traveler Magazine
is a cruise travel blog and online magazine offering an
unbiased cruise guide, latest cruise news, cruise reviews,
tips, feature cruise articles, and need to know information
about cruising. Featuring community member contributed
content. Cruise Reviews. Cruise Ship Ratings and Cruise Line
Rankings. Editorially independent of travel providers or
cruise lines. View More Reviews
Small Ship Luxury Meets European History, Art & Cuisine
If you have sailed on super sized ocean cruise ships with as
many as 6,000 guests, you'll find Viking's Longships have
190 guests at max occupancy. There's no rock climbing walls,
swimming pools, waterparks, or hot tubs. There are no kids
either. The minimum age is 18 or above. Most guests are 40
years or older. There are no triple or quad occupancy
cabins.
No casinos
No children under 18
No umbrella drinks
No photography sales
No art auctions
No charge for beer & wine with lunch & dinner
No charge for Wi-Fi
No inside staterooms
No smoking
No waiting in lines
No formal nights, butlers or white gloves
No nickel and diming
Viking does not try to be all things to all people. Instead,
they focus on delivering meaningful experiences to you.
No Waves, No Rock 'n' Roll
It's almost impossible to run into rough waves on a European
river. Viking's Longships are extremely stable with
virtually no motion at all and you barely feel the vibration
of the engines. If you suffer from motion sickness issues,
but want to do a cruise - this is a great alternative for
you!
With their innovative patented design, al fresco Aquavit
Terrace and understated elegance, Viking Longships provide
the most rewarding way to explore Europe. These stylish
ships, were designed with understated elegance and comfort
in mind. Spacious staterooms, indoor and outdoor dining
venues and panoramic views enrich your travel experience.
Incredible Personal Service
You'll experience thoughtful attention, and warm hospitality
from Swiss-trained, English-speaking staff. At Viking, they
employ highly motivated individuals who strive todeliver
top-notch service, selecting the very best people to care
for you ensuring everyone feels at home on board.
Real Cities, Towns and Villages - No Outlet Malls or Big Box
Stores
When you get off your mega-sized ocean ship in the
Caribbean, you'll run right into the main street where
merchants are waiting to sell you all kinds of souvenirs.
That's not here. Instead, you visit real cities, towns and
villages. We went exploring castles, cities and cathedrals
You'll meet up close European history, art & cuisine.
Adults Only
There are no kids. Viking River Cruises offer a completely
adult experience.
Most guests are American
Average age is 55+ years old. Most guests are retired, well
educated and seasoned travelers. Viking cruises are very
popular and they have large cadre of past guests who sail
often with Viking. Some are river cruising for their first
time. With only up to 190 guests onboard, This diverse group
of people make for great conversations at dinner and in the
lounge. After the first night, we organized a small group (
6 couples ) for dinner nightly , where we all shared where
we've been that day and what we experienced.
Complimentary Shore Excursions
At least one sightseeing tour is included, with additional
tours that you can purchase. Be prepared for lots of
walking. Each morning you'll be up early for a walking tour
of the town and then after lunch taking that optional tour.
Comfortable shoes or sneakers ( no flip-flops) are a must as
you'll likely walk on cobblestone streets, climb small
hills, and tour multi-floor castles.
No Sea Days
Every day offers an active daily on-shore schedule, so
there's no sea days. On some itineraries there might be a
morning or afternoon of cruising by small towns, villages
and castles.
Great Food and Wine
The main dining venue, the Restaurant offers gracious
service, included complementary wine and beer during dining
hours, and streamlined Scandinavian design. The menu
includes regional cuisine and always available classics
enhanced with locally sourced ingredients, so you can
explore new cultures through food. Revolutionary in concept
and design, the Aquavit Terrace offers the most al fresco
dining on Europe’s rivers. Get to know new friends over
breakfast and lunch as you watch Europe’s picturesque
riverscapes unfold before you in this relaxing, inviting
space. The ship’s highly trained chefs are passionate about
food and committed to providing an enriching culinary
experience. With flavors accented from an onboard herb
garden and a wide selection of regional wines, you will find
that with Viking, dining is part of the journey.
end of article
source:Cruise Traveler Magazine
Travel
Direct Corporation is the website owner, Photo's courtesy of Viking Cruises and
the Viking Materials and Marks used are "owned by Viking River Cruises Inc. or
its affiliates" 
