An Honest Review by High Park Travel
Viking Longships:
The Good & The Bad
Everything you need to know before booking a river cruise on one of Viking's award-winning longships — from certified river cruise specialists who've sailed them firsthand.
What Is a Viking Longship?
Viking's Longships are purpose-built river cruise vessels that redefined what it means to sail Europe's great waterways. Introduced in 2012, they feature a patented design with full-size verandas, an airy Aquavit Terrace, and Scandinavian-inspired interiors that feel more boutique hotel than cruise ship. With just 190 guests, they deliver an intimate, culturally immersive experience — but they're not for everyone.
443 ft
Length
190
Guests
95
Staterooms
50
Staff
4
Decks
2012–Present
Built
What We Love
The Good
Veranda Stateroom
Scandinavian simplicity meets comfort
The Restaurant
Regionally inspired menus, included wine & beer
Scandinavian Elegance
Every Longship is a masterclass in understated luxury. Light wood, clean lines, and floor-to-ceiling windows create spaces that feel open and refined. No gaudy casino carpets here — just quiet, sophisticated design.
Included Dining & Drinks
Beer, wine, and soft drinks are complimentary at lunch and dinner. The main restaurant offers regionally inspired menus, and the Aquavit Terrace serves al fresco with panoramic views. The Chef's Table is an optional fine dining experience worth every cent.
Included Excursions
Every port includes at least one guided excursion at no extra cost, led by local experts. You'll walk through medieval towns, visit UNESCO sites, and actually learn something — not just snap photos from a bus window.
Stateroom Quality
Even standard staterooms feel spacious with heated bathroom floors, hotel-quality bedding, and a real closet. The Veranda staterooms feature a full-size balcony with a sliding glass door — a rarity in river cruising at this price point.
No Kids, No Crowds
Viking is 18+ only. With just 190 guests, you'll never wait in line, never fight for a lounge chair, and never hear a cannonball splash. It's blissfully peaceful — exactly what most river cruise travelers want.
Free Wi-Fi & Perks
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship, free use of onboard bikes at select ports, and a self-service laundry — small touches that eliminate nickel-and-diming. Viking respects your wallet after you've already paid.
What to Know Before You Go
The Bad
We wouldn't be doing our jobs as your travel advisors if we only told you the good stuff. Here's the honest truth.
The Sun Deck
Beautiful for relaxing, but don't expect a pool. The walking track and herb garden are lovely — just manage your expectations.
No Pool or Hot Tub
If you need a pool to feel like you're on vacation, Viking isn't it. The sun deck has lounge chairs and a small splash pool, but nothing for swimming. River ships simply don't have the space. For some, this is a dealbreaker.
Limited Nightlife
After dinner, entertainment is modest — a local musician, a crew talent show, or a lecture. There are no Broadway-style shows, no comedy clubs, and no DJ. The bar closes when the last guest leaves, but most people turn in by 10 PM.
Tiny Fitness Center
The gym is the size of a large closet — a treadmill, a bike, and a few weights. Serious fitness enthusiasts will be disappointed. The walking track on the sun deck is a better option, weather permitting.
No Casino
There is absolutely no casino on any Viking ship. If table games and slot machines are part of your cruise ritual, you won't find them here. Viking's philosophy is that the destinations are the entertainment.
Balconies Are Small
Even "Veranda" staterooms have relatively compact outdoor space — enough for two chairs, but tight. French balconies (a floor-to-ceiling window that opens) are common in lower categories and don't offer any outdoor sitting space.
Early Mornings, Packed Days
Viking itineraries are port-intensive. You'll often dock at 7 AM with excursions starting by 8:30. It's enriching, but if you want lazy sea days with nowhere to be, an ocean cruise may suit you better.
Know Before You Book
Cabin Guide
Standard
$$- Size150 sq ft
- ViewHalf-height window
- Step-out Balcony
- LocationMain deck (lower)
"Great value. You still get the same dining, excursions, and service. Perfect if you're only in your room to sleep."
French Balcony
$$$- Size135 sq ft
- ViewFloor-to-ceiling glass
- Step-out Balcony Opens, no step-out
- LocationMiddle deck
"The glass door opens for fresh air and an unobstructed view. Most popular category for a reason."
Veranda
$$$$- Size205 sq ft
- ViewFull balcony + French balcony
- Step-out Balcony
- LocationUpper deck
"Viking's signature — a real step-out balcony plus a separate sitting area with French balcony. Worth the upgrade if budget allows."
Explorer Suite
$$$$$- Size445 sq ft
- ViewWraparound balcony
- Step-out Balcony
- LocationUpper deck
"Only 2 per ship. Separate living room, premium amenities, priority boarding. A genuine splurge for a special occasion."
Where Will You Sail?
Top Itineraries
Rhine River
Rhine Getaway
8 daysAmsterdam → Basel
Highlights: Kinderdijk windmills, Cologne Cathedral, Strasbourg, Black Forest
The classic first-timer itinerary. Incredibly scenic with diverse stops.
Danube River
Romantic Danube
8 daysBudapest → Nuremberg
Highlights: Vienna, Melk Abbey, Wachau Valley, Regensburg
Viking's best seller for good reason. History buffs and wine lovers will be in heaven.
Rhône River
Lyon & Provence
8 daysLyon → Avignon
Highlights: Arles, Viviers, Tournon, Beaujolais wine country
Food and wine take center stage. Smaller ports mean fewer crowds and more charm.
Douro River
Portugal's River of Gold
10 daysLisbon → Porto
Highlights: Peso da Régua, Pinhão, Salamanca (Spain), port wine estates
The most dramatic scenery of any Viking river route. Terraced vineyards for miles.
The Bottom Line
Is a Viking Longship For You?
It's For You If…
- You value culture, history, and destination over the ship itself
- You prefer a quieter, adult-only atmosphere
- You enjoy fine dining but hate being nickel-and-dimed
- You want included excursions so you can explore without planning
- You appreciate Scandinavian design and understated elegance
- This is your first river cruise and you want a reliable gold standard
Maybe Not If…
- You need a pool, waterslide, or hot tub to enjoy a cruise
- You love late-night entertainment, casinos, and nightclubs
- You're traveling with children under 18
- You want multiple dining venue options (buffet, specialty, room service 24/7)
- You prefer lazy sea days with no port obligations
- You want a mega-ship experience with rock climbing walls and go-karts
Ready to Explore?
Let's Find Your Perfect
Viking River Cruise
As certified Viking River Cruise specialists, Matt & Carol at High Park Travel will match you with the right itinerary, the right cabin, and the right sailing date. No pressure, no sales pitch — just honest guidance from people who've been there.