Which Viking River Cruise Ship is Right for You?

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Ship Decks Passenger Capacity
Viking Longship 4 150
Viking River Cruises 9 190
Viking Star 9 228
Viking Sea 9 245
Viking Sky 9 284
Viking Sun 9 378

Viking River Cruises is a popular choice for travelers who want to experience the beauty of Europe without having to deal with the hassles of air travel or long car rides. The company offers a variety of river cruises, each with its own unique itinerary and attractions. But which Viking river cruise ship is the best?

In this article, we will compare the different Viking river cruise ships based on a number of factors, including size, cabins, amenities, food, activities, and itineraries. We will then provide our recommendations for the best Viking river cruise ship for different types of travelers.

Criteria for evaluating Viking river cruise ships

When choosing a Viking river cruise ship, there are a number of factors to consider. These include:

  • Size: The size of the ship will affect the overall experience. Smaller ships tend to be more intimate and offer a more personal experience, while larger ships offer more amenities and activities.
  • Cabins: The cabins on Viking river cruise ships are spacious and comfortable. They all feature private balconies, and many also have ensuite bathrooms.
  • Amenities: Viking river cruise ships offer a variety of amenities, including restaurants, bars, lounges, spas, and fitness centers.
  • Food: The food on Viking river cruise ships is some of the best in the business. The menus feature a variety of international cuisines, and there are always plenty of options to choose from.
  • Activities: Viking river cruise ships offer a variety of activities, including lectures, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and shore excursions.
  • Itineraries: Viking river cruise ships offer a variety of itineraries, each with its own unique attractions. You can choose to cruise through the heart of Europe, or explore the more remote regions of the continent.

Comparison of Viking river cruise ships

Now that we have discussed the criteria for evaluating Viking river cruise ships, we can compare the different ships based on these factors.

  • Viking Longship: The Viking Longship is the smallest ship in the Viking fleet. It has a capacity of just 190 passengers, which makes for a very intimate and personal experience. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and they all feature private balconies. The ship also offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, lounge, spa, and fitness center. The food on the Viking Longship is some of the best in the business, and there are always plenty of options to choose from. The ship offers a variety of activities, including lectures, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and shore excursions. The itineraries on the Viking Longship are some of the most diverse in the fleet, and you can choose to cruise through the heart of Europe, or explore the more remote regions of the continent.
  • Viking Star: The Viking Star is a slightly larger ship than the Viking Longship. It has a capacity of 240 passengers, and it offers a more spacious and luxurious experience. The cabins are larger and more luxurious, and they all feature private balconies. The ship also offers a wider variety of amenities, including a larger restaurant, bar, lounge, spa, and fitness center. The food on the Viking Star is also some of the best in the business, and there are even more options to choose from. The ship offers a variety of activities, including lectures, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and shore excursions. The itineraries on the Viking Star are similar to those on the Viking Longship, but you can choose to cruise to a wider variety of destinations.
  • Viking Sea: The Viking Sea is the largest ship in the Viking fleet. It has a capacity of 930 passengers, and it offers a truly luxurious experience. The cabins are the largest and most luxurious in the fleet, and they all feature private balconies. The ship also offers a wide variety of amenities, including multiple restaurants, bars, lounges, spas, and fitness centers. The food on the Viking Sea is some of the best in the business, and there are even more options to choose from. The ship offers a variety of activities, including lectures, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and shore excursions. The itineraries on the Viking Sea are the most extensive in the fleet, and you can choose to cruise to a wide variety of destinations.
  • Viking Sun: The Viking Sun is a sister ship to the Viking Sea. It has the same capacity and amenities, but it offers a slightly different itinerary. The Viking Sun cruises to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, while the Viking Sea cruises to the Caribbean and South America.
  • Viking Sky: The Viking Sky is a sister ship to the Viking Star. It has the same capacity and amenities, but it offers a slightly different itinerary. The Viking Sky cruises to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, while the Viking Star cruises to the Caribbean and South America.
  • Viking Orion: The Viking Orion is the newest ship in the Viking

Which Viking River Cruise Ship Is The Best?

Viking River Cruises is a popular choice for travelers who want to experience the beauty of Europe from a river cruise. The company offers a variety of different ships, each with its own unique features and amenities.

So, which Viking river cruise ship is the best? The answer to that question depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here is a closer look at each of Viking’s ships so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Pros and cons of each Viking river cruise ship

Viking Longships

The Viking Longships are the company’s smallest ships, with a capacity of just 190 passengers. They are perfect for travelers who want a more intimate and personalized cruise experience. The Longships offer a variety of different stateroom categories, including some that have private balconies. They also have a number of dining options, including a main restaurant, a buffet restaurant, and a grill.

Pros:

  • Small size for a more intimate and personalized cruise experience
  • Variety of stateroom categories, including some with private balconies
  • A number of dining options

Cons:

  • Smaller ships may not have as many amenities as larger ships
  • Limited space for activities

Viking River Cruises

The Viking River Cruises are the company’s mid-sized ships, with a capacity of 380 passengers. They offer a good balance of amenities and intimacy, and they are perfect for travelers who want a more active cruise experience. The River Cruises have a number of different stateroom categories, including some that have private balconies. They also have a variety of dining options, including a main restaurant, a buffet restaurant, and a grill. In addition, the River Cruises have a number of activities on board, such as a fitness center, a spa, and a pool.

Pros:

  • Good balance of amenities and intimacy
  • A variety of stateroom categories, including some with private balconies
  • A number of dining options
  • A variety of activities on board

Cons:

  • Larger ships may not be as intimate as smaller ships
  • More expensive than smaller ships

Viking Ocean Cruises

The Viking Ocean Cruises are the company’s largest ships, with a capacity of 930 passengers. They offer a luxurious cruise experience with all the amenities you would expect from a big ship. The Ocean Cruises have a number of different stateroom categories, including some that have private balconies. They also have a variety of dining options, including a main restaurant, a buffet restaurant, and a grill. In addition, the Ocean Cruises have a number of activities on board, such as a fitness center, a spa, and a pool.

Pros:

  • Luxurious cruise experience with all the amenities you would expect from a big ship
  • A variety of stateroom categories, including some with private balconies
  • A number of dining options
  • A variety of activities on board

Cons:

  • Larger ships may not be as intimate as smaller ships
  • More expensive than smaller ships

Which Viking river cruise ship is the best for you?

The best Viking river cruise ship for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a small, intimate cruise experience, then the Viking Longships are a great option. If you want a more active cruise experience, then the Viking River Cruises are a good choice. And if you are looking for a luxurious cruise experience with all the amenities you would expect from a big ship, then the Viking Ocean Cruises are the perfect option for you.

Here is a table that summarizes the key features of each Viking river cruise ship:

| Ship | Size | Capacity | Amenities | Activities |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| Viking Longships | Small | 190 | Limited | Limited |
| Viking River Cruises | Mid-sized | 380 | Ample | Ample |
| Viking Ocean Cruises | Large | 930 | Luxurious | Luxurious |

To help you choose the best Viking river cruise ship for you, consider the following factors:

  • Your budget
  • The size of the ship you prefer
  • The type of activities you are interested in
  • Your desired level of luxury

Once you have considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. If you are still having trouble deciding, you can always contact Viking Cruises and speak to a cruise consultant. They can help you find the perfect ship for your next vacation.

Which Viking River Cruise Ship Is The Best?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best Viking River Cruise ship for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:

  • Your budget: Viking River Cruises offer a variety of ships, each with its own unique price point. The smallest ship, the Viking Longship, starts at around $2,000 per person for a week-long cruise, while the largest ship, the Viking Star, starts at around $6,000 per person.
  • Your interests: Viking River Cruises offer a variety of itineraries, from cultural tours to adventure cruises. If you’re interested in learning about history, art, or food, you might want to choose a ship that visits destinations that are rich in those things. If you’re looking for a more active vacation, you might want to choose a ship that offers more opportunities for hiking, biking, or swimming.
  • Your travel style: Viking River Cruises offer a variety of accommodations, from standard cabins to suites. If you’re looking for a lot of space and privacy, you might want to choose a suite. If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family, you might want to choose a cabin with multiple bedrooms.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. Here are a few of the best Viking River Cruise ships, based on different criteria:

  • Best for first-time cruisers: The Viking Longship is the smallest and most affordable Viking River Cruise ship, making it a great option for first-time cruisers. It offers a variety of amenities and activities, but it’s not as overwhelming as some of the larger ships.
  • Best for cultural tours: The Viking Astoria is a great option for cultural tours, as it visits a variety of destinations that are rich in history and art. The ship offers a variety of educational programs and excursions, so you can learn about the local culture in-depth.
  • Best for adventure cruises: The Viking Sun is a great option for adventure cruises, as it offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. The ship also has a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, so you can relax after a day of exploring.

Ultimately, the best Viking River Cruise ship for you is the one that best meets your individual needs and preferences. By considering your budget, interests, travel style, and other factors, you can find the perfect ship for your next vacation.

Additional Questions and Answers

  • What are the different types of Viking River Cruise ships?

Viking River Cruises offers a variety of ships, each with its own unique design and amenities. The ships range in size from the smallest, the Viking Longship, which has 98 cabins, to the largest, the Viking Star, which has 465 cabins. The ships also vary in terms of their onboard features, such as the number of restaurants, bars, and lounges.

  • What are the different itineraries offered by Viking River Cruises?

Viking River Cruises offers a variety of itineraries, from short, 7-day cruises to longer, 15-day cruises. The itineraries visit a wide variety of destinations, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.

  • What is the difference between a Viking River Cruise and a traditional cruise?

Viking River Cruises are a unique type of cruise that offer a more intimate and immersive experience than traditional cruises. The ships are smaller and more intimate, and they typically visit smaller ports of call. This allows passengers to get a more authentic experience of the local culture.

  • What are the pros and cons of taking a Viking River Cruise?

There are many pros and cons to taking a Viking River Cruise. Some of the pros include the intimate and immersive experience, the smaller ships, and the variety of itineraries offered. Some of the cons include the higher price tag, the lack of private balconies, and the limited number of activities offered on board.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to take a Viking River Cruise is a personal one. It depends on your budget, interests, and travel style. However, if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, a Viking River Cruise is definitely worth considering.

After reviewing the four Viking River Cruise ships, it is clear that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which is the best ship. The best ship for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a ship that is small and intimate, the Viking Longship is a great option. If you want a ship with more amenities and activities, the Viking Star or Viking Sea is a better choice. And if you are looking for a ship that offers the ultimate in luxury, the Viking Jupiter is the best option. Ultimately, the best way to decide which Viking River Cruise ship is right for you is to research the different ships and compare their features and amenities. You can also take a virtual tour of the ships or talk to a Viking River Cruises representative to get more information.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.