Monday, April 1, 2024

River Cruising 101: Costs, Seasons & Tips for Booking

cost of a viking river cruise

American Cruise Lines' prices cover many excursions, all pre-cruise hotel accommodations, airport transfers, all meals and soft drinks, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, and complimentary evening cocktail receptions. Viking's U.S. river cruise prices on both the Mississippi and St. Lawrence include beer, wine and soda at lunch and dinner onboard, at least one shore excursion in each port, complimentary Wi-Fi and all port charges. Pre- and post-cruise hotel packages are available at an additional charge through Viking, as are air arrangements. When most people think of cruising, they think of ocean cruises on massive ships that traverse enormous spans of water.

Viking River Cruise Destinations

The sundeck also has an herb garden, a shuffleboard area and two putting greens (although these are very rarely used). Best-known of the river lines, Viking River provides solid cruises with a great variety of itinerary and cabin choices. Even if you usually come out unscathed from tight connections, now is really the time to exercise caution.

Viking River Cruise Ships: Everything You Need to Know About a Viking Longship

cost of a viking river cruise

It's also home to the ship's Explorers' Desk — the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships. Viking's bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. Passengers can grab a snack — with a Norwegian twist — at the forward-facing lounges atop the ships, which are home to a small food counter called Mamsen's. The number of restaurants and other dining options that you'll find on Viking ships will vary greatly depending on whether you are sailing on an ocean or a river ship. However, unlike nearly every other cruise brand, what you won't find are families with young kids.

Upcoming Viking River Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

Upcoming Viking River Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:31:13 GMT [source]

My Trip

Beer or wine is included with lunch and dinner, and you can get free coffee and tea 24 hours a day. European river cruise prices start around $250 per person, per night for budget river cruises. However, prices can soar up to $1,500 per person, per night, for an all-inclusive luxury experience or depending on your itinerary and the time of year you're cruising. Seven-night Rhine River or Danube River cruise prices are the most affordable, while France tends to have the most expensive river cruise prices in Europe. River cruise prices tend to be higher than mainstream ocean cruises, though the cost can vary widely around the world. There are also distinct differences in what your river cruise price will get you depending on where you're traveling.

Is everything free on Viking River cruises?

As noted above, Viking doesn't allow passengers under the age of 18 on its ships — a key differentiator for the brand as compared to other cruise lines. Viking's ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) It's also a big player in the Mediterranean. You'll find Viking's ocean ships in other key cruise destinations as well, such as Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia. As noted above, almost all of Viking's river ships are of the same basic design and are known as the Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages. Viking currently operates 11 ocean ships, nine of which are nearly identical.

How Much Do Viking River Cruises Cost?

Viking can be defined as much by what it isn't as what it is. It's not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. All of the line's vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins. There's also live music at night in the Explorers' Lounge, a two-deck-high observation lounge and bar area at the very top of the ship.

There are also bright red full-size Viking umbrellas to take along on excursions if it’s raining. I learned that I probably should have packed a small collapsable umbrella to stuff in my backpack; that way, I won’t be carrying the big Viking umbrella around after the rain has stopped while we’re still sightseeing. The Silver Spirits package is complimentary for guests in an Explorer Suite. You'll have to pay for gratuities, as well as transfers if you did not book your flight through Viking. Bring or exchange small amounts of local currency to tip local guides and bus drivers. For a more casual option, the Aquavit Terrace on the upper deck has light buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

If you want to see multiple cities and sites in Europe, a river cruise can be a cheaper alternative to train or air travel. River cruises can even be cheaper than driving through Europe. Originally a cruise line that focused solely on river cruises, Viking Cruises has now also conquered the ocean cruising market.

Cruises

There are also daily announcements with information on docking and reminders about impending excursion departures. Without a doubt, we give Viking chefs top marks for the presentation and flavor of the food they serve. We always enjoyed the variety of food from the local areas we were visiting. After all, we travel to experience new places, new food, and new people, so we like to eat local specialties whenever possible. Whichever side of the menu you order from, the meals for the entire table are served at the same time. Onboard you’ll have port talks to prepare you for each new day along with musical entertainment in the lounge.

Just behind the main pool area on each of the ocean ships is a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden that is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it's one of our favorite places on these vessels. There's no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. Each passenger is only allowed to make one to three reservations per cruise at the eateries, depending on which category of cabin they have booked. All of Viking's oceangoing ships, which are much bigger than its river ships, have at least four and usually more outlets serving food of some sort. If you're looking for a big open room on an ocean cruise (and are willing to pay for it), Viking offers you plenty of options.

Look to the spring (especially March and April) and fall (October through December). As outlined above, weather proves least difficult during the summers in many destinations, so demand is often higher in those months. But even if you're interested in perennial favorites that are popular year-round, you'll see many more airfare deals during the shoulder seasons.

Plus, on off-peak cruises, you might be able to switch to another empty room for less than the original rate if the noise does end up too much to bear. You also have the option of purchasing Viking River Cruises’ all-inclusive Silver Spirits drink package for $20 per passenger per day. Considering cocktails start at around $8.00, the Silver Spirits package might be a worthy addition to your ticket if you plan on drinking more than just beer or wine at dinner. On-board amenities vary by cruise ship but can include a library, pool, hot tub, observation deck, walking track, and even a putting green. You can experience some of the world’s most spectacular scenery from an entirely new perspective by taking a river cruise.

These day trips are usually more immersive and hands-on; think dance classes or wine tastings. If you want to spend a few extra days in Europe either at the beginning or after your cruise, you can purchase trip extension packages directly through Viking River Cruises. Trip extensions include ground transfer to the hotel, meals, and a dedicated host to streamline your check-in process. Occasionally, trip extensions will also include an excursion, or you can purchase an excursion if one is not offered. Prices vary depending on which city you’re visiting and how long you want to extend your trip. While river cruises don’t come with all the bells and whistles of ocean liners, your Viking river cruise ticket covers pretty much all the other expenses of your trip apart from spending money.

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