Expert review of Viking River Cruises
Best For
Those who want to see Europe, Russia, Asia, or Egypt with some help and guidance, and relatively little effort.
Not For
People who like to explore on their own, or those who like to change their itineraries spontaneously.
We Love
- The bright, airy design is modern with plenty of windows that let in lots of light.
- Help yourself to a cappuccino — along with flavored Italian syrups and cookies — any time of day.
- Free guided tours use local guides with headsets who walk you through both history of and modern-day introductions to the destination, offering insight from the perspective of someone who lives there.
- In-cabin bath products include a full line of L’Occitane toiletries.
- Optional tours include some impressive experiences, such as the choice to blend your own cognac in Bordeaux.
- The outdoor grill restaurants offer a casual option (think hamburgers and Caesar salads) for when you don’t want to sit through multicourse lunches and dinners in the main dining room.
We Could Live Without
- Viking, along with the other river cruise lines, has crowded Europe’s most popular waterways to the extent that you now must expect to tie up alongside other vessels in popular ports.
- Wi-Fi is complimentary but often slow.
- Only Viking Emerald has a gym and a sauna, and only Mayfair and Omar el Khayam have a hot tub and spa, along with a sauna.
- The food doesn’t always celebrate the destination with as much dedication as we would like to see.
- The ship features local performers entertaining on some evenings, of varying degrees of talent.
