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Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises is the river division of Viking, the company Torstein Hagen started in St. Petersburg in 1997 with four river ships bought from Russian owners. Buying KD River Cruises of Europe in 2000 gave it 26 ships, then the largest river cruise fleet in the world, and from 2012 Viking rebuilt that fleet around the Viking Longship, a 190-guest design whose square bow and offset corridor leave room for an indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace and true two-room suites. The parent company, Viking Holdings Ltd, has traded on the New York Stock Exchange since 2024, and operations are run from Basel, Switzerland.

Fleet editorial score

3.8/ 5

86 rated ships in service

Page updated

Official site
Viking Aegir on the Danube, 2014

About Viking River Cruises

More than 80 river ships now sail under the Viking name. Dozens of near-identical Longships work the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube, while shorter versions sail the Seine, the Douro and the Elbe and a handful of Longships link Lyon and Avignon on the Rhone. A fast-growing fleet of 82-guest ships cruises the Nile, two ships sail the Mekong, and the 386-guest Viking Mississippi runs between New Orleans and the upper river. More Longships and Nile ships are due through 2027, and two ships for India's Brahmaputra are scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

Most Viking river itineraries last 8 to 15 days and run one way between cities such as Basel and Amsterdam or Budapest and Passau; trips in Egypt, Portugal and Southeast Asia add hotel nights before or after the cruise. Fares include one guided excursion in each port, all onboard meals, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and Wi-Fi, and evenings center on lectures, port talks and local performances. There are no children and no casinos on board.

What Viking River Cruises is known for

Viking says it operates more ships than any other cruise line, and readers of Condé Nast Traveler have voted it the top river line in their Readers' Choice Awards for six straight years through 2026. Travelers tend to praise the predictability that comes from sailing near-identical ships, the inclusive fares with a guided tour in every port, and a program built around history and culture rather than onboard entertainment. The flip side of that uniformity is that one Longship feels much like another, so the choice comes down to itinerary rather than ship. The 190-guest Longships list no pool or gym, and their standard cabins (categories E and F) are about 150 square feet with half-height windows and no elevator access. Drinks beyond those served with lunch and dinner cost extra unless guests add the Silver Spirits package, and the tranquil atmosphere and older clientele Viking has courted since it began marketing to English speakers over 55 will feel sedate to some.

Who it's for

River · riverboats through towns and cities, a port most days

  • Couples
  • History and culture
  • Adults only
  • First-time cruisers

Viking suits adults, often couples and retirees, who want a well-organized, culture-focused trip with most decisions made for them: a guided tour in every port, lectures on board and the same comfortable cabin layout from ship to ship. First-time river cruisers will find the long-running classics such as the Rhine Getaway and the Danube Waltz an easy introduction, and the Nile, Douro, Mekong and Mississippi programs extend the same formula further afield. Families with children should look elsewhere, since there are no children on board, as should travelers who want nightlife, casinos, production shows or a pool and gym on a European river cruise. Guests with limited mobility should check stateroom categories carefully, because the Longships' elevator does not reach the standard-cabin categories.

How it rates

Compare lines · Every ship
Cabins
4.3/5
Dining
4/5
Entertainment
3/5
Service
5/5
Pools & decks
2.2/5
Value
4/5

The fleet's average on each metric, across 86 rated ships in service. Each ship is scored 1 to 5 by Cruise Frog's editors; these are not reader reviews.

Rankings and comparisons

Best cruise lines

Where Viking River Cruises sails

Ships in service

Ships

87 in service

Best rated

#14.0 ★Viking Amun2025 · 82 guests · NileViking Amun is an 82-guest Nile ship of the Osiris class, built, owned and operated by Viking, and it entered service in 2025. It is named for Amun, king of the gods in ancient…#24.0 ★Viking Annar2026 · 190 guests · RhineViking Annar, a 190-guest Longship that joined the fleet in 2026, belongs to the large class of sister ships Viking introduced in 2012. Annar, its namesake, is a Norse earth…#34.0 ★Viking Aton2023 · 82 guests · NileViking Aton is an 82-guest Nile ship of the Osiris class, built, owned and operated by Viking, and it entered service in 2023. It is named for an ancient Egyptian sun god. For…

Every ship, by class

Find Viking River Cruises deck plans & cabin guides

Longship class

62 ships · 2012–2026 · 3,138 GT · avg 3.7 ★

  1. Viking Annar2026 · 190 guests4.0/5
  2. Viking Dagur2026 · 190 guests4.0/5
  3. Viking Eldir2026 · 190 guests4.0/5
  4. Viking Rota2026 · 190 guestsNot yet rated
  5. Viking Honir2025 · 190 guests4.0/5
  6. Viking Egdir2022 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.8/5
  7. Viking Gymir2022 · 190 guests4.0/5
  8. Viking Gersemi2020 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.8/5
  9. Viking Hervor2020 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.8/5
  10. Viking Einar2019 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  11. Viking Sigrun2019 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  12. Viking Sigyn2019 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  13. Viking Tir2019 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  14. Viking Ullur2019 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  15. Viking Vali2019 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  16. Viking Herja2017 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  17. Viking Hild2017 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  18. Viking Alruna2016 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  19. Viking Egil2016 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  20. Viking Kadlin2016 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  21. Viking Rolf2016 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  22. Viking Tialfi2016 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  23. Viking Vilhjalm2016 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  24. Viking Eir2015 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  25. Viking Gefjon2015 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  26. Viking Lofn2015 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  27. Viking Mimir2015 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  28. Viking Modi2015 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  29. Viking Skirnir2015 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  30. Viking Ve2015 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  31. Viking Vidar2015 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  32. Viking Vili2015 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  33. Viking Alsvin2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  34. Viking Bestla2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  35. Viking Buri2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  36. Viking Delling2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  37. Viking Eistla2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  38. Viking Gullveig2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  39. Viking Heimdal2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  40. Viking Hermod2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  41. Viking Hlin2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  42. Viking Idi2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  43. Viking Ingvi2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  44. Viking Kara2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  45. Viking Kvasir2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  46. Viking Lif2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  47. Viking Mani2014 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  48. Viking Atla2013 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  49. Viking Baldur2013 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  50. Viking Bragi2013 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  51. Viking Forseti2013 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  52. Viking Jarl2013 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  53. Viking Magni2013 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  54. Viking Rinda2013 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  55. Viking Skadi2013 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  56. Viking Tor2013 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  57. Viking Var2013 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  58. Viking Aegir2012 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  59. Viking Embla2012 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  60. Viking Freya2012 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  61. Viking Idun2012 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5
  62. Viking Odin2012 · 3,138 GT · 190 guests3.7/5

Osiris class

7 ships · 2022–2026 · avg 4.0 ★

  1. Viking Ptah2026 · 82 guests4.0/5
  2. Viking Amun2025 · 82 guests4.0/5
  3. Viking Thoth2025 · 82 guests4.0/5
  4. Viking Hathor2024 · 82 guests4.0/5
  5. Viking Sobek2024 · 82 guests4.0/5
  6. Viking Aton2023 · 82 guests4.0/5
  7. Viking Osiris2022 · 82 guests4.0/5

Seine Longship class

6 ships · 2020–2026 · 2,800 GT · avg 3.9 ★

  1. Viking Fjolvar2026 · 168 guests4.0/5
  2. Viking Nerthus2025 · 168 guests4.0/5
  3. Viking Fjorgyn2020 · 2,800 GT · 168 guests3.8/5
  4. Viking Kari2020 · 2,800 GT · 168 guests3.8/5
  5. Viking Radgrid2020 · 2,800 GT · 168 guests3.8/5
  6. Viking Skaga2020 · 2,800 GT · 168 guests3.8/5

Douro Longship class

5 ships · 2014–2025 · 2,021–2,212 GT · avg 3.8 ★

  1. Viking Gyda2025 · 106 guests4.0/5
  2. Viking Helgrim2019 · 2,212 GT · 106 guests3.7/5
  3. Viking Osfrid2016 · 2,021 GT · 106 guests3.7/5
  4. Viking Hemming2014 · 2,212 GT · 106 guests3.7/5
  5. Viking Torgil2014 · 2,212 GT · 106 guests3.7/5

Saigon class

2 ships · 2022–2025 · avg 4.0 ★

  1. Viking Tonle2025 · 80 guests4.0/5
  2. Viking Saigon2022 · 80 guests4.0/5

Elbe Longship class

2 ships · 2015 · avg 3.8 ★

  1. Viking Astrild2015 · 98 guests3.8/5
  2. Viking Beyla2015 · 98 guests3.8/5

Other ships

3 ships · 2022 · 12,621 GT · avg 3.8 ★

  1. Viking Mississippi2022 · 12,621 GT · 386 guests3.8/5
  2. MS Antares62 guests3.8/5
  3. Viking Ra52 guests3.8/5

Coming soon

Every new ship
Debuts Nov 2026Viking Haki2026 · 190 guests · Rhine · DanubeViking Haki is an upcoming 190-guest Viking Longship, a sister of the 135-meter ships that dominate Viking's European fleet. Haki, the namesake, is a legendary king who won the…Debuts Mar 2027Viking Halogi2027 · 190 guests · RhineViking Halogi is an upcoming 190-guest Viking Longship, a sister of the 135-meter ships that dominate Viking's European fleet. Halogi, or Logi, is a fire giant of Norse myth…Debuts Mar 2027Viking Sjofn2027 · 190 guests · RhineViking Sjofn is an upcoming 190-guest Viking Longship, a sister of the 135-meter ships that dominate Viking's European fleet. Sjofn, its namesake, is a Norse goddess of love and…Debuts Apr 2027Viking Fulla2027 · 190 guests · RhineViking Fulla is an upcoming 190-guest Viking Longship, a sister of the 135-meter ships that dominate Viking's European fleet. Fulla, its namesake, is the handmaiden of the…Debuts Apr 2027Viking Laga2027 · 190 guests · RhineViking Laga is an upcoming 190-guest Viking Longship, a sister of the 135-meter ships that dominate Viking's European fleet. Laga, the namesake, is a Norse goddess of wells and…Debuts Jun 2027Viking Hnoss2027 · 190 guests · RhineViking Hnoss is an upcoming 190-guest Viking Longship, a sister of the 135-meter ships that dominate Viking's European fleet. Hnoss, the namesake, is a daughter of Freyja whose…Debuts Jun 2027Viking Ran2027 · 190 guests · RhineViking Ran is an upcoming 190-guest Viking Longship, a sister of the 135-meter ships that dominate Viking's European fleet. Ran, its namesake, is the sea goddess, wife of Aegir…Debuts Sep 2027Viking Anubis2027 · 82 guests · NileViking Anubis is an upcoming 82-guest Nile ship of the Osiris class, which Viking builds, owns and operates in Egypt. Anubis, its namesake, is the jackal-headed Egyptian god of…Debuts Oct 2027Viking Brahmaputra2027 · 80 guests · AsiaViking Brahmaputra is an upcoming 80-guest ship built for the Brahmaputra River in northeastern India, Viking's first river ship there. Its name joins the Sanskrit words for…Debuts Oct 2027Viking Sol2027 · 106 guests · DouroViking Sol is an upcoming 106-guest ship for Portugal's Douro, a sister of the Viking Gyda and the other Douro Longships. Sol, its namesake, is the Norse sun goddess, forever…Debuts Nov 2027Viking Geb2027 · 82 guests · NileViking Geb is an upcoming 82-guest Nile ship of the Osiris class, which Viking builds, owns and operates in Egypt. Geb, the namesake, is the Egyptian earth god whose laughter was…Debuts 2027Viking Sekhmet2027 · 82 guests · NileViking Sekhmet is an upcoming 82-guest Nile ship of the Osiris class, which Viking builds, owns and operates in Egypt. Sekhmet, its namesake, is an ancient Egyptian goddess of…Debuts Oct 2028Viking Ganges2028 · 80 guests · AsiaViking Ganges is an upcoming 80-guest ship built for the Brahmaputra River in northeastern India, the second Viking ship there after the Viking Brahmaputra. Its name comes from…

Where to fly in

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Quick answers

What is Viking River Cruises known for?

Viking says it operates more ships than any other cruise line, and readers of Condé Nast Traveler have voted it the top river line in their Readers' Choice Awards for six straight years through 2026. Travelers tend to praise the predictability that comes from sailing near-identical ships, the inclusive fares with a guided tour in every port, and a program built around history and culture rather than onboard entertainment. The flip side of that uniformity is that one Longship feels much like another, so the choice comes down to itinerary rather than ship. The 190-guest Longships list no pool or gym, and their standard cabins (categories E and F) are about 150 square feet with half-height windows and no elevator access. Drinks beyond those served with lunch and dinner cost extra unless guests add the Silver Spirits package, and the tranquil atmosphere and older clientele Viking has courted since it began marketing to English speakers over 55 will feel sedate to some.

Who is Viking River Cruises best for?

Viking suits adults, often couples and retirees, who want a well-organized, culture-focused trip with most decisions made for them: a guided tour in every port, lectures on board and the same comfortable cabin layout from ship to ship. First-time river cruisers will find the long-running classics such as the Rhine Getaway and the Danube Waltz an easy introduction, and the Nile, Douro, Mekong and Mississippi programs extend the same formula further afield. Families with children should look elsewhere, since there are no children on board, as should travelers who want nightlife, casinos, production shows or a pool and gym on a European river cruise. Guests with limited mobility should check stateroom categories carefully, because the Longships' elevator does not reach the standard-cabin categories.

Where does Viking River Cruises sail?

Viking River Cruises's ships in service sail Rhine (38 ships), Danube (30 ships), Nile (9 ships), Seine (6 ships), Rhône (5 ships), Douro (5 ships), Mekong (2 ships) and Mississippi (1 ship).

How is Viking River Cruises rated?

Viking River Cruises's fleet averages 3.8 out of 5 on Cruise Frog, across 86 rated ships. Its best-rated ship is Viking Amun at 4.0.

Does Viking River Cruises have new ships coming?

Yes: Viking River Cruises has 13 new ships on the way: Viking Haki (debuts November 29, 2026), Viking Halogi (debuts March 8, 2027), Viking Sjofn (debuts March 8, 2027), Viking Fulla (debuts April 4, 2027), Viking Laga (debuts April 4, 2027) and Viking Hnoss (debuts June 12, 2027), and 7 more.

How many ships does Viking River Cruises have?

Viking River Cruises has 87 ships in service on Cruise Frog: MS Antares, Viking Aegir, Viking Alruna, Viking Alsvin, Viking Amun, Viking Annar, Viking Astrild and Viking Atla, and 79 more.

What ship classes does Viking River Cruises sail?

Viking River Cruises sails 6 classes of ship in service: Longship class (62 ships), Osiris class (7 ships), Seine Longship class (6 ships), Douro Longship class (5 ships), Saigon class (2 ships) and Elbe Longship class (2 ships), plus 3 ships not in a named class.

Who owns Viking River Cruises?

Viking River Cruises is part of Viking Holdings Ltd.

Where is Viking River Cruises based?

Viking River Cruises is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. It has operated since 1997.

What is Viking River Cruises's loyalty program called?

Viking River Cruises's past-guest loyalty program is Viking Explorer Society.

What is the largest Viking River Cruises ship?

Viking Mississippi is Viking River Cruises's largest ship at 12,621 gross tons, carrying 386 guests.

Cruising with children

Viking River does not offer a river-cruise option for a family with children under eighteen. Older descriptions of family travel should be checked against the current booking rules.

Read the Viking River Cruises family guide →

Is a drinks package worth it?

How it works

Thinking about a drinks package on Viking River Cruises? Enter the price the line quotes and what you'd pay for a drink on board. If your fare already includes drinks, you can skip this one.

Viking River Cruises includes house wine with lunch and dinner. Viking ↗

The price is

Per person, a day, as the line quotes it.

A typical drink you'd buy on board.

Optional. Count coffees and sodas if the package covers them.

The days the package is charged for.

To make the drinks package pay for itself

6drinks a day

A $75-a-day package costs the same as 5.8 drinks at $13. Over 7 days that's $525, or 41 drinks for the cruise.

You expect 5 drinks a day; the package breaks even at 5.8.

Pay as you go

At 5 drinks a day, buying drinks one at a time costs about $70 less than the package.

Drinks package, 7 days
$525
Drink by drink, 5 drinks a day
$455

Break-even is a target for your wallet, not a dare for your liver.

Traveller reviews

What people who've been say. One review each; you can update yours.

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Related news about Viking River Cruises and its ships

All cruise news
  1. Viking named 7 new river ships, and every godparent comes from the travel trade, including its No. 1 seller

    At a linked ceremony in Amsterdam, France, Germany and Egypt on Oct. 15, Viking named seven river ships for the Rhine, Main, Danube, Nile and Seine, with travel advisors as godparents.

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  2. The 5 best adults-only cruise lines, ranked: 2026

    Only a handful of cruise lines keep children off every sailing. We rank the five that do, from Virgin Voyages' party ships to Saga's over-50s fleet, and explain which lines only have adults-only ships.

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  3. 5 things Viking River Cruises does well—and 1 it doesn’t

    Five strengths of Viking River Cruises, one clear drawback, and the travelers most likely to enjoy its cruise style.

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  4. 5 things Viking Ocean Cruises does well—and 1 it doesn’t

    Five strengths of Viking Ocean Cruises, one clear drawback, and the travelers most likely to enjoy its cruise style.

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  5. Viking’s October $25 deposit offer: read the full-payment date too

    The current US offer has departure-date and itinerary limits. A small deposit does not mean the remaining fare can wait until shortly before sailing.

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  6. Viking takes delivery of Viking Rota as its river fleet heads toward 114 ships by 2028

    The 190-guest Longship joins Viking's Rhine, Main and Danube program, with 18 more river ships, 11 ocean ships and two expedition ships still on order.

    Ships

  1. Viking named 7 new river ships, and every godparent comes from the travel trade, including its No. 1 seller

    Cruise Frog

  2. Viking Takes Delivery of Newest River Ship in Europe

    VikingViking Rota