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From iconic “must-sees” like Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest to quaint villages and towns waiting to be discovered, a river provides you easy access to savor the delights of both. Cities like Berlin, Lisbon, Prague, Vienna, Moscow, Cairo and Beijing are just a few that are accessible on a river cruise. In addition to the rivers listed above, cruises along lesser-known rivers like the Mekong in Southeast Asia and the Main in Germany are options. Unpack just once on an award-winning, state-of-the-art 190-guest Longship and journey into the very heart of iconic cities and charming towns. No matter the river that peaks your interest, be it the Danube, the Rhine or even the Nile, you'll get up close and personal with the places many people only experience in dreams.
FROM $3,799 with FREE Round Trip Airfare for select July, August 2024 sailings!
I went to China with Viking last year, and booked a year in advance. I agree that it was no fun to pay that far out, but having researched these trips, I concluded that Viking was the way to go to China. You'll find many other happy campers on the Viking China threads (Other Cruise Lines).
Paris to the Swiss Alps
I still like to book as soon as possible so I can start planning all the rest of the details for ports and pre and/or post cruise stays. Also, from what I hear, most of your time will be spent in the public areas, and the views are on both sides of the river, so don't splurge (unless you really want to) on a balcony unless you really want to. What might vary is special deals on airfare...sometimes. Viking River Cruises is offering a 2015 Early Booking Discount. Book your 2015 cruise before October 31, 2014 and get a 2-for-1 cruise, up to 2-for-1 airfare and save an additional $300 per couple.
Explore Europe with Viking’s Grand European Tour All-Inclusive River Cruise
Another point against Viking is that they are the only cruise line that requires payment in full at the time of booking to secure these so called "specials". Most of the other river cruise companies only require final payment 90 days before sailing. I wouldn't want to let a river cruise company sit on my money for an entire year in advance. What if the company goes under or has serious problems, if you've already paid, it would be very difficult to get your money back. River cruisers spend more time in the cities, towns and ports along the way. Included shore excursions consist of guided tours that help guests become well-acquainted with the culture, art and history of their destinations.
With calls in Amsterdam, Cologne and Basel, this journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty and culture. For those without sea legs, river cruises have the advantage of smooth trekking, shallow waters and the gift of land that’s always in sight. Lastly, most river cruises offer inclusive value, meaning your Wi-Fi, water, alcohol and included excursions are covered in the price. However, ocean cruises tend to offer more upscale amenities, like fitness centers, multiple dining options and a variety of live entertainment.
The Viking River Cruises staterooms are unrivaled by any competitors with award-winning service at your fingertips around the clock. Whether you're a first time river cruiser or a seasoned travel pro, you'll never forget your experience on these ships. Research and compare Viking River Cruise deals now and book the cruise of your dreams.
THE 25 BEST December 2025 Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST December 2025 Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:39:09 GMT [source]
Additionally, ships include restaurants, lounges and bars, as well as free Wi-Fi. Some ships even come equipped with libraries, boutiques, pools and/or sun decks. Sailing Europe’s storied rivers, the award-winning Viking Longships offer a variety of stateroom categories and true (two-room) suites with full-size verandas.

Furthermore, with a focus on cultural exploration of locations, river cruises are perfect for those with a curiosity about art and history, or a general interest in travel. Every river is unique and each tells a different story—not only of the countries through which it flows, but also of its locks, canals, scenery and bridges. Although river cruises and ocean cruises share a number of similarities, there are also various—and considerable—differences between the two. For one, ocean liners are bigger and offer more stateroom accommodations on average. Appropriately, they’re able to host significantly more guests.
No veranda and maybe a small window but everything else outside your room is the same as the best cabin passengers'.
I'm not familiar with Viking, and would like to know if their 2-for-1 is a real sale, or is it a marketing gimmick (kind of like Oceania's two for one pricing). See the Palace of Justice, Old Town and Market Square in this history-filled city. See the Town Hall in this UNESCO-listed medieval city; sample its distinctive rauchbier. Stroll along charming cobblestone streets and sample vintages from this wine-making region.
Our most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend. We invite you to explore the heart of Europe on board an award-winning Viking Longship in 2024. Recently, Viking was honored with seven awards—more than any other line—in the 2023 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, including Best River Line, Best for First-Timers and Best Service in the river category. The company also made history when it was voted #1 for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
To check this make a kind of list, if there is a particular place you do not want to miss. What is and is not included (alcohol, certain excursions) can make a difference in price, but what most likely - apart from air fare - will make a difference in your costs is the cabin. As has been pointed out by previous posters a balcony is not something you have to have as you spent so much time off the boat, in the lounge or on the sundeck.
Stateroom are most often river-facing, and come equipped with hotel-style beds, private bathrooms, individual climate control, refrigerators, safes and TVs. Higher stateroom categories may have French balconies, verandas, and separate sleeping and sitting quarters. Guests receive excellent and personalized service from on board staff.
Explore the scenic town of Regensburg, considered one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. An intriguing mix of old and new, Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in the city layout and ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town. Originally known as Lentia in its days as a 1st-century Roman castle-settlement, Linz is today’s provincial capital of Upper Austria.
While I can't speak about Viking (other than frequently seeing the 2 for 1 discount while I was researching my trip) or AMA, I can tell you what I've experienced with Avalon. We wanted a certain cabin lay out so I booked our trip the day the prices for 2018 came online. My TA suggested talking to Avalon about air ( but not anything definite), when we booked.
While onboard, you unpack just once in your deluxe river-view stateroom. Then sit back and take in the lovely countryside, dramatic hilltop castles and charming villages as they slowly drift by. Viking specializes in European river cruises, Rhine river cruises, Danube river cruises, Moselle river cruises, Russian river cruises, Nile river cruises, and China Yangtze river cruises. The Viking Rhine Getaway that philw1776 has mentioned is a tried and tested product, literally has been enjoyed by thousands in the past. You have probably noticed that many other cruise lines offer Basel to Amsterdam or vice versa as well and it is one of the most popular routes in Europe. If you enjoy castles (seeing not visiting, that is usually only one or two on that itinerary) this is the best route.
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