viking river cruises september 2023

Viking River Cruises ® & Cruisetour Vacations

The world’s leading, river cruise line ©.

More than 20 years ago, Viking's groundbreaking approach to river cruising set the standard, and they continue to lead. Voted The Number One Leader of River Cruises in Europe. Travel + Leisure Magazine For 17 Years since 2004! Immerse yourself in the Old World as you sail Europe's most iconic rivers. Witness Budapest, one of Eastern Europe's most treasured cities, and explore charming villages on a Danube River cruise. Explore canal-laced Amsterdam and glide to German castles on a Rhine River cruise. Traverse the vineyard - lined Moselle and Main Rivers to quaint Western European towns. In France, savor specialty cuisine and fine wines along Normandy's Seine and Provence's Rhone River. Or behold the splendor of the Elbe, one of Central Europe's most unspoiled rivers. As the world's leading river cruise line, no one shows you Europe like Viking. Viking's intimate, inclusive cruise itineraries are designed to help you explore and engage with your destination through its food, culture, countryside and customs.

2023-2024 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR SAVINGS:

Special savings plus FREE international airfare valid on 2023-2024 departures of Grand European Tour and European Sojourn; 2023 departures of Capitals of Eastern Europe. Airfares vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. Limited time offers.

Never Let Your Memories Be Greater Than Your dreams!

Get to know the best of Europe, Asia, Russia, Egypt or even the Mississippi River for 2023-2024 on a Viking Ricer Cruise ® or Cruisetours Find travel deals, trip inspiration, insider tips, and more

Video: Discover the Rhine, Danube & Main Rivers

Join Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President at Viking, as she highlights the historic riches found along three of Europe’s most important rivers.

Europe's Most Popular River Cruise Destinations

▷▷ Rhine, Danube, and Seine Rivers Danube River Cruises Winding through ten countries past old-world cultures, emerald-greenhills and vibrant cities, the Danube has witnessed epic histories that have shaped all of Europe. Rhine River Cruises Steeped in legend, the scenic Rhine flows through six countries. Fairy-tale castles and soaring fortresses along its banks evoke the spirit of medieval Europe. Seine River Cruises The glorious Seine winds through elegant Paris into historic Normandy, passing bucolic villages and scenic landscapes and farm lands that inspired famed Impressionist artists

SPECIAL OFFERS

Admire a Romanesque cathedral in Speyer and the half-timbered homes of Strasbourg.

Rhine Getaway

8 DAYS | Amsterdam to Basel

Sail from Only $1,999* Plus, Reduced Airfare

Ride through Vienna on a horse-drawn carriage and sip local wine in the Wachau Valley.

Romantic Danube

8 DAYS | Budapest to Regensburg

Grand European Tour

Travel through the heart of Europe

Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the food and wine of Austria's Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest’s Café Gerbeaud. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. 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. Sail along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers on elegant, award-winning, Viking Longships ® .Experience the world's #1 river cruise line. Find ports, excursions, and attractions featured on this Viking cruise. Budapest to Amsterdam

From $3,999 | 15 Days | 12 Guided Tours |  4 Countries

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Help Is Just An Ask Away We know you may have questions or need help with planning your vacation. That's why we make it easier to get what you need online or over the phone, help from certified travel experts when you need it, and more importantly, that "Been There...Done That" experience and expertise you expect, because we want you to have the best vacation experience possible. Take advantage of our exclusive offers, plus get all current qualifying cruise line offers, plus use all of your past guest loyalty program benefits. Ask me how to get the best deals on your cruise today! Early Booking Advantage Great rates for those that book early. Thinking about a 2023-2024 -2023 river or ocean cruise? Take advantage of reduced cruise fares, reduced or free airfare, even special amenities packages! > Check it out .

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Find a Viking River Cruise

Find A Cruise | Viking ®  Mississippi River Cruises

2023-2024 Viking Mississippi Voyages include:

> America’s Great River (15 days; New Orleans to St. Paul) > America’s Heartland (8 days; St. Louis to St. Paul) > Heart of the Delta (8 days; New Orleans to Memphis) > New Orleans & Southern Charms (8 days; New Orleans to New Orleans) > Mississippi Holiday Season (8 days; Memphis to New Orleans) > View Sailing Dates, Rates and Accommodations for Cruises on Viking Mississippi

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. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, library and expansive sun deck. The ships feature al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, an elegant Scandinavian design and “green” features, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines for a remarkably smooth ride.

Viking Inclusive Value

Your cruise fare includes everything you need—and nothing you do not.

WE INCLUDE MORE FEATURES & SERVICES THAN OTHERS:

• Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
• Visits to UNESCO Sites
• Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
• Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
• 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
• Port taxes & fees
• Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

YOUR STATEROOM INCLUDES:

• River-view stateroom
• Hotel-style bed with optional twin-bed configuration; luxury linens & pillows
• 40" flat-screen LCD TV with complimentary Movies On Demand
• 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports
• Refrigerator; security safe; hair dryer
• Spacious glass-enclosed shower
• Heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror
• Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers
• Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping

COVID 19 Notice Cruise line boarding requirements may include mandatory health screenings, COVID-19 vaccination requirements, masking and proof of travel insurance. → Check COVID-19 requirements for your Viking River Cruise

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*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect a Special Cruise Fare.

Airfare Prices listed are available from select gateways: Atlanta, Boston, Miami, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Washington D.C.

Many additional gateways available, air fares may vary; call 800.365.1445 for details. These are limited-time offers and may no longer be available, depending when you contact us.

So, now is the time to plan your next Viking vacation.

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Viking River Cruise Review for Lyon & Provence on Viking Delling Long Ship

At first glance, including a Viking River Cruise review on a blog dedicated to RV travel might seem a bit unusual. We took a Viking River Cruise in France on the Lyon and Provence trip on the Rhone River. We were on the Viking Delling ship and thought we should share our experiences with others.

Yet, this cross-over introduces RVers to the charms of cruising Europe’s rivers, blending the thrill of discovery with the luxury of having every detail managed.

This Viking River Cruise review serves as a bridge between two distinct travel passions, illustrating how each offers unique adventures and insights. It’s a way to diversify travel experiences, appealing to those who love the open road but are curious about the serenity and cultural richness offered by a river cruise.

Why Review Our Viking Cruise?

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While our main focus is on the freedom and adventure of RVing across the United States, we truly love all travel, European river cruises included. (Although we did also post about our trip to Cuba and RV’ing options there!)

So, why are we dedicating a single one-time blog post to our review of a Viking River Cruise on the Viking Delling? Let us explain.

• Shared Wanderlust : At the core of it, both RV travel and river cruises share a common thread: wanderlust. Whether you’re cruising the open road in your RV or traveling the scenic waterways of Europe, the desire to explore new places, experience different cultures, and create unforgettable memories remains the same. Our blog is all about celebrating that shared spirit of adventure.
• Expanding Horizons : Travelers often have a wide range of interests. While we primarily cover RV travel, we recognize that our readers’ interests extend beyond the highways and campgrounds of the USA. By exploring European river cruises, we’re expanding the horizons of travel possibilities and catering to the diverse tastes of our audience.
• Seek New Inspiration : Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from venturing outside your comfort zone. We believe that by sharing our story of a European river cruise, we’re not just offering insights into a specific type of travel but also encouraging our readers to seek new inspirations and adventures that go beyond the open road.

In a nutshell, this one-off blog post about European river cruises is an extension of our passion for travel and exploration.

It’s a testament to our belief that travel is a diverse and enriching tapestry, with every mode of exploration offering its unique rewards.

Besides, we spotted numerous RVs throughout France!

While docked at our port in Viviers, we found ourselves next to a sizable campground filled with fellow RVers.

We provide many photos and a description below to give a sense of what it was like on the Viking Delling cruise.

We also encountered several RVs on the roads of France, including our visit to Lyon.

In late September 2023, I had the opportunity to connect with an old friend on a Viking River Cruise ship in France that traveled for a week up the Rhone River.

We were on Viking’s Lyon & Provence river cruise.

We had a great time, albeit a few complications, and since we’ve had so much interest from friends and family about what the trip was like on the Viking ship, I thought a blog post was in order.

Here I provide details on the positives and negatives of my experience with the Viking River Cruise, along with a summary of suggestions.

Travel from the USA to France and Return

Our Viking River Cruise review starts in the United States.

Viking gives you the option of having them book your travel, including all transfers to/from the airport.

I would not recommend this; instead, book your own tickets. Others I spoke with on the cruise said the same thing.

Here are a few reasons:

Viking is in charge of picking your flights.

They choose the least expensive flight options, meaning the flights were at the worst times – either very early morning (i.e., 6 AM’ish) or very late flights. We could not change these.

Initially they booked the wrong departure airport for me.

To change this, I had to call back and be on hold for a long time (i.e., 30+ minutes) to reach a customer service agent whose accent was difficult to understand.

Viking booked me on discount airlines with bad reputations.

You do not have a say in which airlines they book.

Any travel changes that you’d like to make have to go through their travel agents.

You cannot change your seat, upgrade, etc. Only the travel agent can do this for you.

This requires a long phone call.

My outgoing and return flights were both canceled, but no one told me, not the travel agency, airline, Viking, or anyone else.

I only found out from another Viking passenger on the way to the airport at 4:30 AM.

It was a nightmare to rebook them as I had to call the emergency contact for Viking travel and sit on hold for about an hour while they figured it out. (Which is one reason you want to be sure to have cell service for your trip.)

I ended up with middle seats for both long flights (including one 10 ½ hour flight) since I was rebooked on a different flight at the last minute and no other seats were available.

If I had control of my booking, this would have been a lot easier.

On the way to France, my luggage was lost. However, Viking did great with this issue and retrieved my bag for me when it was available at the airport.

The next step in our Viking River Cruise review is embarkment on the ship.

Passengers arrive at various times throughout the day, and the check-in procedure is straightforward.

However, meal times, specifically lunch and dinner, are scheduled.

If you arrive between these designated times, you may find yourself waiting for your next meal. This can be a bit challenging, especially after a long flight with limited opportunities to eat.

It would be beneficial if Viking River Cruises could consider offering a simple buffet during these transition periods to accommodate travelers who have had a long day or two of journeying.

We were traveling on the Viking Delling ship . It is a long river boat, with space for a little under 200 guests.

My initial impressions were that it was spotless, shiny, and very well kept. This remained the same throughout the trip. The staff kept the interior of the ship very clean and tidy.

When you first enter the door, you enter a lobby with a reception desk.

There are three floors.

An elevator is available if needed.

There is a small library on the third floor with seating and books.

One of my favorite things was the availability of a help yourself coffee station that made fabulous coffee, tea, espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, etc, at the push of a button.

The coffee was great and available 24 hours a day. For this aspect, I give this Viking River Cruise review an A+.

Review of the Staterooms on the Viking Delling

There are hallways on each floor, going in two directions from the main lobby area.

The hallways are wide and easy to walk down. The video below shows a quick walk down one of the hallways in the Viking Delling.

Our room was on the lower level, i.e., the cheap seats. We were in room 125.

In my opinion, paying for a higher grade stateroom on a Viking River Cruise is not really worth it.

In many of the room with windows and balconies, those features were not very useful as when we were docked, we were typically either right next to the dock wall or parked next to another Viking ship, blocking the view from the windows or balconies.

We had a little window that gave us natural light, which was fine.

When the ships were docked right next to each other, passengers from the far ship had to go through the lobby on the near ship to get to the dock.

Plus most of our traveling was done at night when we were sleeping, so the idea of sitting on your balcony and enjoying the sights didn’t really work out for those who paid extra for those rooms.

We found that we spent very little time in our stateroom anyway, as most of the time when we weren’t sleeping we were out doing something or sitting on the decks of the Viking Delling.

We had two single beds, each with a small side table.

The beds were very comfortable. There is room under each bed to store your suitcase.

The staff clean your room twice a day, including a turn down service. (Please excuse our mess!)

Our stateroom had a closet for hanging clothes, shelves, a safe, and a chest of drawers.

There was plenty of storage for everything for two people.

However, there weren’t really enough hangers for both of us to use for our clothes, so you may want to bring extras.

A full length mirror is available behind the door.

American type electrical outlets were available (but no USB outlets, so bring a USB plug so you can charge your phone, etc.).

We also had a mini refrigerator.

There are outlets by the dresser and also ones behind the pillows on each bed.

The bathroom was extremely nice for a cruise ship and much better than I expected. This part of the Viking River Cruise review gets high ratings.

The floor was heated and the shower pressure was great with lots of hot water. It was also much larger than you’d find on other cruise ships.

The bathroom was spotless and cleaned twice a day.

A hair dryer is provided, along with travel size toiletries (e.g., shampoo, lotion). Fresh towels were always available.

The video below shows a walk-through of our stateroom. It’s a little messy, so please ignore that! But it will give you a sense of the size of the bathroom and overall space.

Dining on the Viking River Cruise

Meals are served at set times on Viking River Cruises. We found the chef-prepared meals to be really delicious.

On the chef’s day off, they bring in a caterer, which offers a little variety.

There are two areas for dining: the formal dining room and also an outdoor patio area.

The weather during our trip was fantastic, so we tried to grab a table outside on the patio whenever we could.

This area was popular, so we had to get there early and usually shared our table with other travelers, which livened up the experience.

Sitting on the patio at the front of the ship was also very fun when we went through the many river locks along the way.

When you sign up for the cruise, it asks for your dietary preferences.

The meals were designed to accommodate vegetarians and gluten free diets, etc. along with the regular fare. This is another positive aspect of our Viking River Cruise review.

Every day we had a choice of two breakfasts: a continental breakfast on the patio or a full breakfast in the dining room.

We usually had the lighter continental breakfast, but it was the exact same food every day. Even the layout was exactly the same.

This got a little old as it seemed Viking could have come up with some different pastries or something each day.

Lunch is a choice of meals that are representative of the region that change every day as well as other options that stay the same and are available every day.

Dinner is different every day as well on Viking River Cruises. Again, an A+ for this review of Viking River Cruises.

It includes a choice of starters, main courses, and dessert. There is always one vegetarian option available.

The dinners were really delicious and enjoyable times to share our experiences with others and make new friends.

Bar and Lounge Area on the Viking Delling

The bar area includes a bar, lounge type tables and chairs, dance floor, and a piano which was usually played in the evening.

One evening was particularly entertaining as the cruise staff led people to dance to the YMCA song, do the chicken dance, make a conga line, and other wedding type dances. It was hilarious to watch as everyone was having a great time on this Viking River Cruise.

Viking River Cruises provides a choice of complimentary wines, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner.

There is also the option to purchase the Silver Spirits upgrade package, which includes premium wines, cocktails, etc. It cost $25 per day on our cruise. We purchased this and found it to be a good value.

Even though we are not heavy drinkers, it was nice to be able to upgrade our wine or enjoy a cocktail whenever we wanted.

The bartenders and servers will ask for your stateroom number, and will add the cost of alcohol upgrades to rooms without the Silver Spirits package.

Wi-fi service is available and worked well.

Along our route, we also had excellent cell service with our American telecom providers. Be sure to contact them prior to your travel to determine the ability to use your phone overseas. They usually offer a way to connect as normal.

There are also two computers with Internet access available for use on the third floor. We never saw anyone using them, however.

We didn’t think we’d need our cell phones, but ended up using them frequently to contact each other, even while on the ship.

We also dropped pins for the ship’s location when we arrived at a port and went off exploring on our own. That made it easy to find our way home.

We also went through several river locks on the Rhone River. Many of these were at night when we were asleep, but we were able to go through a lock from the front of the ship’s patio dining area which was fun.

See the Rhone lock video below.

The upstairs deck of the Delling was fabulous. Another A+ for the Viking River Cruise review.

There were only a few times that we spent on the deck while cruising, as most of the time when we were awake we were docked somewhere, so we got off the ship to explore.

There is a shuffle board and putting green, that many of the cruisers on our ship enjoyed.

Otherwise people read, enjoyed the sun, or enjoyed a glass of wine as we cruised down the Rhone river.

We passed beautiful sights along the way, but also passed a huge nuclear plant, which was interesting.

The video below is of us cruising up the Rhone River, while enjoying the sun on the upper deck of the Viking Delling.

Every evening you will find a daily newsletter for the next day’s activities.

It includes a calendar of activities and excursions, meal times, and where you will be each day. This is useful as you will usually wake up in a different place than where you were when you went to bed.

The newsletter also includes a short summary of the area we are exploring, with a short history lesson and highlights of the area.

Review of Viking Excursions

Viking includes some excursions for free at each port, while others are add-on expenses.

We did a few of each, including some walking tours, visits to wineries, a steam engine train ride, and tours of historic buildings.

The video below is of our steam engine train ride. (It is similar to the narrow gauge steam engine train ride between Durango and Silverton in Colorado, although that one is more scenic as it goes through the San Juan Mountains.)

The scenery was outstanding, which was also helped by us having sunny 80 degree weather every day, which is not usual for late September in France.

The Viking cruise line has its own tour buses that will take you from location to location.

Everyone gets a card with their name on it that they use to scan at the door when they arrive or depart so that the ship knows if they’re missing anyone.

You will be assigned to a specific group each time.

There’s usually about 3-4 separate groups for each tour. The group leader carries a “lollipop” on a stick so you can follow along.

Each passenger also gets a headset so they can hear whatever the tour guide is saying. This was useful in some places and not as useful in other areas.

It also made the tour group following the tour guide very quiet, which seemed to surprise people looking at the tour group walking down the street in silence. Everyone was listening to their headsets and not speaking to one another.

We found the excursions to be a little slow paced (likely due to the average age of the cruisers), and sometimes the tour guides were great, but other times they were not. So this gets mixed results for our Viking River Cruise review.

We ended up leaving one tour to explore Lyon on our own, which ended up being the better option.

I’d recommend exploring on your own at times, if you are comfortable, to really get a taste of the culture.

About 90% of the passengers on our ship were Americans. The others were usually British or Australian.

English is the language used for everything.

The average age on our cruise was easily over 70 years old, if not older.

We thought it was really great to see them out doing things and enjoying retirement, rather than sitting at home in the USA. Viking definitely caters to this demographic, so it seemed everyone felt comfortable.

Even though all of the passengers were incredibly nice, being younger than this, we found there to be a bit of a generational gap.

We wanted the tours to move faster, for example.

We ended up finding a group of younger people that we socialized with frequently and shared meals with, which turned out to be really nice.

However, it’s clear that Viking knows their target demographic, and that’s upper middle income older retirees from the USA.

Viking expects everyone to dress for dinner in “elegant casual” which you can interpret in any number of ways.

Most people on our cruise wore casual dresses or slacks with button down shirts for dinner. But by the end of our cruise, people were becoming more casual and showing up in jeans and shorts.

No one cared, or even noticed.

For all other times, you can wear whatever you want. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes for the amount of walking you will do.

Viking Staff

Most of the Viking staff were Eastern European on our ship. They were all (with the exception of one!) incredibly nice and friendly.

When you sit in the same place for lunch and dinner every day (although that’s not required, most people end up in the same place), you get to know your servers.

We had very friendly relationships with ours who were usually great at their job. They work very hard at ensuring everyone is happy.

However, we did notice that service began to slack off a bit towards the end of the cruise. Tables weren’t cleared as frequently, etc.

Additionally, they appear to be a bit understaffed and getting a glass of wine could take forever. We noticed some of the other cruisers becoming impatient.

We usually ended up going directly to the bar to get quicker service.

Viking bills each passenger a set tip amount per day to be shared with all the staff.

On our cruise, it was $20 per day, which came to $140 for the week.

Cruisers also have the option of choosing to increase or decrease this amount, and/or provide tips directly to the staff with whom they interacted the most. This makes the process easy but also flexible for each passenger’s preference.

For the excursion tour guides, we tipped them each individually.

Some were great; others complained about France’s tax system the entire time, which was humorous. This seemed to be a theme among the tour guides, according to other passengers we spoke with.

There are other cruise lines that travel up and down European rivers, similar to Viking.

We frequently saw Avalon Waterways on our journey, but a quick Google search will also show other options. We are not familiar with any of those, so cannot offer recommendations or reviews.

Viking advertises so heavily in the US that for some reason I hadn’t considered there to be other options.

These lines all have various features, typical passengers, etc., so do your homework on these lines as well.

• Book your own travel.
• Eat before you embark or bring food with you if you are hungry.
• Don’t upgrade your stateroom. Book the inexpensive option.
• You do not need electrical converters.
• Bring USB plugs.
• Bring extra hangers for your clothes.
• Buy the Silver Spirits alcohol package.
• Contact your mobile phone carrier to arrange for international service.
• Be willing to explore the towns on your own, if you’re comfortable not being a part of a tour.
• Bring comfortable shoes.
• Bring a small crossbody bag for securely carrying your items while on tours.
• Enjoy the top deck. Take in the sights while traveling during the day.
• Consider other European river cruise lines to see which is the best fit for you.

I was not prepared for the amount of mail and brochures that Viking would be sending through the mail to my home address once we got home. I receive at least two brochures a week. This is a negative for this review of Viking River Cruises.

These are multi-page well-designed booklets, so Viking is spending an insane amount of money on designing, printing, and mailing these to past and future passengers.

Overall, the cruise on Viking was enjoyable and I would consider taking another cruise. However, I’d make a few modifications to my plans, based on the tips outlined above.

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As more and more optimism for 2024 and 2025 grows, the pent-up demand for extraordinary cruise vacations has started to pick up the pace. There are brand new itineraries, bonus extras, enhanced health & safety protocols, unparalleled service and great prices, so you can save now and see more! Ready to get started? Read on...

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What Viking Is Not

Viking's focus is on delivering meaningful experiences to you, rather then trying to be all things to all people.

No casinos - No children under 18 -  No umbrella drinks - No photography sales -  No art auctions No charge for beer & wine with lunch & dinner - No charge for Wi-Fi - No inside staterooms - No smoking - No waiting in lines - No formal nights, butlers or white gloves - No nickel and diming

Journey into the heart of Europe, Russia, Asia, Egypt, the Upper and Lower Mississippi, and beyond on a culturally immersive scenic cruise Whether you yearn to see the castle-lined Rhine, romantic Danube, historic Seine or vineyard-laced Douro, your river cruise with Viking begins here.

Highlights of a Viking © River Cruise Traveling by river, beyond the reach of roadways, you will discover the true nature of fascinating lands and the people who call them home You will travel with ease, unpacking just once and enjoying the ever-changing scenery along the banks as you are gently carried on board an elegant, intimate ship to your next destination Here is just a small sample of where a Viking river cruise will take you:

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Europe → Danube   → Rhine   → France  

Douro (Portugal)   → Elbe (Germany)  

Russia   → Ukraine   → Asia   → Egypt  

Mississippi   → Holiday   → Oberammergau  

Tulip Season   → River & Ocean Voyages

Ocean Cruises   → Expeditions

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Book your trip as soon as possible! The sooner you book, the better your choice of accommodations, at the price that best fits your budget. Find River Cruise Special Offers, Promotions, Reduced or Free Air, Low Rates  Discounts Off Savings* per couple on select Viking River & Ocean Cruises now including combination river & ocean vacations!  Published Rates^ may include Instant Savings, Free or reduced Air or Shipboard Credit are limited-time-offers. Call us for details.800.365.1445

AARP members get Perks & Sea ® and a bonus savings of up to $100 per person on any ocean or river cruise booked with us.

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Did You Know? We are part of an exclusive group of travel planners who are recognized by Viking Cruises as Certified Viking Master River &Ocean Cruise Experts, earning that distinction for our unique qualifications and knowledge as planning professionals. No one knows Viking River & Ocean Cruising like we do. From planning to packing, discount rates to departure dates, where and what to see, everything you need to know about Viking's River & Ocean Cruises. Call us at 800.365.1445 for free help and planning advice. We are eager to share our own "been there, done that" River &Ocean Cruise travel experiences that we hope will inspire that thirst within you for discovery and a passion for the wonders of the Caribbean, Europe, Russia and China. And now Antarctica, the mighty Mississippi River, New England & Great Lakes, Canada and beyond!

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Book the trip of a lifetime, and save on 2024 and 2025 cruises.

From rivers to oceans to expedition experiences. New, purpose-built ships.

For 2024 & 2025, explore the Arctic, Antarctica, Niagara & The Great Lakes, New England & Nova Scotia,

up-close and in comfort with the world's #1 cruise line.

Viking River Cruises - 2024 - 2025 Mississippi River Cruises Stretching for 2,350 miles, from Minnesota's Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, these new cruises

 on the "Mighty Mississippi" offer a different type of cross-country journey for the curious explorer

-one that allows you to be immersed in American history and culture.  Learn More

Introducing Spotlight, the go-to destination guide for the latest news, insights, inspiration and featured must-see-sights and inspiring escapes from our portfolio of award-winning Viking Cruises.

Spotlight: Planning a Viking Cruise? View These Videos

The Viking Way:   (  Video  ) Go beyond the expected and experience The Viking Way. Engage in Local Life, learn about the Working World and enjoy Privileged Access to people and places otherwise difficult to visit. Viking Inclusive Value:  (  Video  )  With Viking, there are no hidden fees. One price covers most everything - port charges, Wi-Fi, meals, lectures, activities and shore excursions - plus hotel accommodations on cruisetours. Introducing Viking Mississippi:   (   Video )   Welcome to four destination-focused, culturally enriching journeys along the Mississippi River- designed for curious, experienced travelers seeking an in-depth look at the history and heritage of America's heartland and the soul of the South.

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2024 -2025 Ocean and River Cruises. Experience the Viking® Difference. Created for curious, experienced travelers. Explore The World In Comfort. Europe River Itineraries - Worldwide Ocean Cruise Itineraries

> Grand European Tour 2024 or 2025 - Viking River Cruises Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned for its … Kinderdijk, The Netherlands. The South Holland village community of Kinderdijk includes a set of 19 … Cologne, Germany. An intriguing mix of old and new, Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in the city … Koblenz, Germany. On a breathtaking stretch of the Rhine that leads from medieval Koblenz to … See full list of Ports-of-call For the 2024 or 2025 Grand European Tour

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"Hi Marty! When I originally started to research cruises and Travel Agents to help with the process, I was overwhelmed (Let's face it, sometimes the internet can be a good thing and sometimes it can be a bad thing)  I am so happy that I can across your website I sure didn't expect the response that I received from our family and friends when I started planning the cruise, and you were there every step of the way putting up with my cabin changes, adding new guests at the last moment, and removing guests in some cases, too! You were amazing and I know for a fact that you are responsible for our worry-free and amazing journey Everyone that joined us on the cruise was extremely impressed at how well the whole thing fell together with little trouble on their parts Again I can not thank you enough, and don't forget that we will be planning another one !"  More Reviews & Guest Comments

WORLD'S BEST RIVER & OCEAN CRUISES

Often, visiting Alaska has as much to do with what people may feel as with what they will see. There is a mystique that surrounds Alaska To some it represents a dream, a trip of a life time, a life altering event, a chance to reach out and touch something inside themselves that is wild and beautiful like they imagine Alaska to be Our job is to put that dream - or as much as possible of it - within reach of you Alaskan cruising is affordable, only the memories are priceless! When it comes to planning your trip, Alaskan Cruises & Land and Sea Vacations are more economical than you might think With a wide range of options and choice

s, there's a cruise or cruise tour to suit most any budget. Gather your family, grab your friends - start planning your Alaska cruise Learn More about what to expect from Alaska's weather as you watch for the region's "Big Five" animals, as well as the top 5 marine mammals of the Inside Passage. Choose from among Alaska's best shore excursions, experience the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour, or take time to explore Glacier Bay National Park or Denali National Park with its Triple Lakes Trail. Learn More

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Most Popular Rivers

The Rhine River

Explore one of Europe’s best-loved rivers, the Rhine. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and spectacular scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sip the region’s renowned white wines, the roots of its terraced vineyards reaching back to Roman times. Savor the various culinary traditions of Alsace. From Basel and Cologne to Amsterdam, this journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty and culture.

The Danube River

Soak up soothing steam at a Budapest thermal bath. Learn to waltz at a Viennese dance school. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest. Admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty. Explore lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau. Witness daily life in an abbey on an exclusive visit to Göttweig. This 8-day itinerary reveals the best of these places, while cruising leisurely through spectacular scenery.

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→   Viking River Cruises    Europe → Russia → Ukraine → Asia → Egypt → Mississippi

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Danube River Cruises

Coursing through Germany, Austria, Hungary and seven other countries all the way to the Black Sea, the Danube is the soul of Central Europe. Join us along these culture-rich banks, whose scenic vineyards, ancient monasteries and elegant cities have inspired travelers for centuries.

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Capitals of Eastern Europe

European Sojourn

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Christmas on the Danube

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Highlights of danube river cruises.

A Danube River cruise unveils Europe’s rich and dramatic history. Glittering cultural capitals, lush vineyards, magnificent monasteries and endless scenic splendor line the river’s banks. Here are some sample highlights you will see with Viking:

• Enchanting Passau, set where three rivers meet
• Lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley
• The baroque splendor of Melk Abbey
• Vienna’s elegant architecture
• The splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig
• Scenic beauty of the picturesque Danube Bend
• Budapest’s stunning Chain Bridge and Parliament Building
• Soaring cliffs of the scenic Iron Gate
• Romania’s rural culture and rich folklore
• Belgrade’s impressive Kalemegdan Fortress

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11 Best River Cruise Itineraries to Book in 2023 and 2024

By Paris Wilson

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best river cruises have always had a mystique to draw travelers in—even those who are new to cruising. For history buffs, they could be an excellent way to visit ancient sites or historical landmarks. For those that love the outdoors, river journeys are a way to experience the natural landscape of the dream destinations. This year, the river cruise market has been anticipating more travel, so consider booking these once-in-a-lifetime voyages as early as you can. 

Here, we’ve highlighted 11 of the most exciting river cruise itineraries to book for this year and next—from Amazonian expeditions to kid-friendly European voyages , these cruises have something for every kind of traveler.

Colombia's Magdalena River with Amawaterways

Amawaterways is now accepting reservations for its highly anticipated cruises on Colombia's Magdalena River departing from both Cartagena and Barranquilla in 2024. Both seven-day itineraries explore Colombia's rich musical and cultural history, along with a chance to experience the country's natural wonders and local cuisine. Amawaterways is the first major river cruise line to highlight Colombia’s beauty with these types of voyages. Ship amenities are plentiful, as both vessels feature staterooms with balconies, a main restaurant, a fitness center with three spa treatment rooms, and a sun deck with a relaxing whirlpool.

Family river cruises on the Danube and Rhine with Emerald

Emerald is opening up two of its Europe river itineraries to younger guests, with  kid-friendly menus and exciting onboard activities such as video games, movies, and tournaments. Children must be 10 years old or older to take part in Emerald’s kid-friendly voyages. Both itineraries have been modified and feature destinations the whole family can enjoy. The Danube Explorer includes stops in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary . While the Jewels of the Rhine explores the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland.

Mississippi River Cruises with Viking

Float down the mighty Mississippi with Viking's first U.S. voyages. Featuring five different itineraries with stops in New Orlean s, Memphis, and St. Paul, you’ll explore the French Quarter, enjoy authentic Memphis barbecue, and get an up-close look at America’s national bird, the bald eagle. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Viking is offering special fares, reduced airfare and a$25 deposit on select voyages.

Black history and culture in France with Amawaterways

During Amawaterways' Black History cruise, guests aboard the AmaKristina will sail through the South of France along the Rhone River. The journey from Arles to Lyon will include stops in Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, and Vienne. After arriving in Lyon, passengers will stay in Paris for an exclusive guided tour showcasing jazz, food, and wine, all while shining a light on Black heritage.

Amazon River voyages with Seabourn

Journeying through the Amazon's small channel of the Boca dos Botos, Seabourn's expedition team, will immerse you in the region's one-of-a-kind ecosystem. The three itineraries are broken up into regions: Flooded Forests and Blackwater Tributaries; The Frontier Amazon; and The Peruvian Amazon. Each major region exemplifies a new, unique environment that differs from the next. Take in the natural beauty of the flora and fauna as you share space with sloths, howler monkeys, and more. 

Christmas markets in Europe with Scenic

Scenic Cruises is amping up the holiday cheer with six itineraries this November and December. Each city will showcase a unique Christmas experience as you stop in Amsterdam , Munich, Paris, and Prague, just to name a few of the festive ports in store. It will be a holiday like no other as you dock at quaint riverside villages aglow in fairy lights. Walk over the cobblestones with mulled wine in hand while you browse handmade goods and enjoy festive treats and age-old traditions.

Viking's Nile River Cruises

Follow the footsteps of the ancient Egyptians with Viking's voyages down the Nile . Delve into the history of those that called Cairo home, built the Pyramids, and looked upon the great Sphinx. With stops in Luxor, Quena, and Esna before docking in Aswan—it’s a timeless voyage you won’t want to miss. As part of Viking’s anniversary sale, a $25 deposit is applicable for this booking. 

India’s Golden Triangle aboard Uniworld

Immerse yourself in India’s “Golden Triangle”—Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. The 10-day itinerary features visits to the Taj Mahal, Rajbari temple complex, and Mother Teresea’s home. While en route, you’ll enjoy meals created with fresh ingredients, take part in welcome and farewell gala dinners, and have complimentary house wine, local spirits and beer, soft drinks, and tea served throughout your voyage. 

Portugal's Douro River with Scenic 

Experience the past and present of Portugal as you travel through the Douro River Valley. The river flows from Spain to the Northern Portuguese countryside, which is known for its wine production. Five different tours are being offered with stops in Lisbon , Porto, Madrid, and Salamanca. Passengers will have the chance to explore charming villages, see the Palace Duques de Bragança, kayak along the Pinhão River, and sample delicacies of the region. Plus, every stateroom aboard Scenic's ship comes with private butler service to ensure the journey is truly stress free.

Aqua Expeditions Mekong River cruise

Along with visits to bustling cities like Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City , Aqua Expeditions' Mekong River cruises also visits serene ports in the countryside. Imagine kayaking to floating villages, watching silk weavers at work, and biking to village markets. Beyond the beautiful sights in Cambodia and Vietnam, the ship, Aqua Mekong , is a marvel in itself. The vessel has 20 suites that feature full-length windows and onboard amenities include a cinema, top deck plunge pool, and sun deck with lounge chairs and cabanas. If you book a river cruise between now and 2025, you can receive 30 percent off your voyage.

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Below please find a list of recent announcements and milestones from Viking. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected] .

April 22, 2024 Viking Announces Launch of Initial Public Offering

April 11, 2024 viking announces new mongolia extension for china voyages starting in 2024, april 5, 2024 viking files registration statement with sec for proposed initial public offering, march 21, 2024 viking marks float out of newest egypt ship, march 20, 2024 viking celebrates start of 2024 river season in europe, march 5, 2024 viking expedition team announces discovery of new penguin colony in antarctica, february 23, 2024 viking announces confidential submission of draft registration statement for a proposed initial public offering, january 24, 2024 viking opens 2026 ocean voyages and announces new extensions, january 12, 2024 viking announces first-of-their-kind china voyages, january 4, 2024 viking launches new “discover more” sale, december 11, 2023 viking announces opening of 2026 european river season, december 6, 2023 viking dominates with 2023 cruise critic editors' picks awards, december 5, 2023 viking announces 10 additional river ships in europe, november 30, 2023 viking marks float out of newest ocean ship, november 28, 2023 viking returns to antarctica for third season, november 14, 2023 viking announces new ship for the mekong river, november 2, 2023 viking earns top honors with six new awards, including u.s. news & world report's ranking as best luxury line, october 3, 2023 condé nast traveler readers name viking the #1 river, ocean and expedition line, september 12, 2023 viking announces additional nile river sailings through 2026, august 19, 2023 viking’s newest nile river ship named in aswan by acclaimed architect and designer richard riveire, july 11, 2023 viking named “world's best” ocean, river, and expedition lines by readers of travel + leisure, june 30, 2023 viking named #1 river and ocean line in luxury travel advisor’s 2023 awards of excellence, june 6, 2023 viking’s newest ocean ship named by metropolitan opera chairman ann ziff, june 1, 2023 viking announces additional sailings in egypt, may 25, 2023 viking announces new expedition voyages in the arctic, may 23, 2023 viking announces new treasures of the rhine itinerary, may 3, 2023 viking doubles capacity for second season in north america's great lakes region, april 26, 2023 viking takes delivery of newest ocean ship, april 18, 2023 food & wine names viking #1 in first-ever global tastemakers awards, april 11, 2023 viking marks float out of newest egypt ship, march 28, 2023 viking dominates cruise critic’s 2023 cruisers’ choice awards, march 21, 2023 viking launches new travel advisor training program, march 16, 2023 viking announces new river voyage for 2024: “paris & d-day 80 th anniversary”, february 15, 2023 viking expedition team publishes first scientific paper from inaugural antarctic season, february 1, 2023 viking announces additional seine river ship for 2025, january 12, 2023 viking announces new 2024-2025 world cruise itineraries, january 10, 2023 viking's newest ocean ship named in los angeles by nasa astronaut & aquanaut nicole stott, sign up to receive updates from viking.

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The 7 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2024

T he more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days

Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days

Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days

Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days

Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days

Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

FAQ Module : Travel - Top Mississippi River Cruises FAQs

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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Grand European Tour

• From $6,299
• 12 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing

Please call for availability. To find another option, begin your search here.

For current fares, please call a viking expert: 1-800-207-7286 or request a quote today., spring sale.

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers.

DEPARTURE GATEWAYS

Air fare offer applies to select gateways; air fare offer may vary across gateways and itineraries; call for details.

Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto. Many additional gateways available, air fares may vary; call for details.

Departure dates and room type filter

Viking Inclusive Value

More features, services and excursions included.

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Booking Terms & Conditions >

Booking Terms & Conditions

2024-2026 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from April 1-30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in CA dollars and for CA residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024: Pay in full by May 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025: Pay in full by July 31, 2024. 2026: Pay in full by February 15, 2025. Offers expires April 30, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to September 2024 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to November 2024 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS: Cruise fares listed are cruise only in CAD dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and for CA residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings made April 1, 2024 to April 30, 2024, are subject to availability; may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Credit and Viking Referral Rewards. Special cruise fares are based upon published full cruise fares; cruise fares do not include prepaid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full cruise fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to economy, roundtrip flights only from select Viking River Cruises CA gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. All fares include cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract  .

Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information on  Airline Luggage Restrictions  or to learn more about allowances and general airline information visit  Airline Information & Restrictions . AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $999 CAD per person or Business Class air from $4,499 CAD per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires April 30, 2024.

NOTE:  North American flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

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Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Passage to Eastern Europe

• From $3,799
• 8 Guided Tours
• 5 Countries
• Dates & Pricing

Please call for availability. To find another option, begin your search here.

For current fares, please call a viking expert: 1-800-304-9616 or request a quote today., spring sale.

*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare. Strikeout fares reflect our Standard Cruise Fare.

*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare.

DEPARTURE GATEWAYS

Air fare offer applies to select gateways; air fare offer may vary across gateways and itineraries; call for details.

Atlanta, Boston, Miami, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. Many additional gateways available, air fares may vary; call for details.

Departure dates and room type filter

Viking Inclusive Value

More features, services and excursions included.

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Booking Terms & Conditions >

Booking Terms & Conditions

2024-2026 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES: Offer applies to bookings made from April 1-30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour , Lyon Provence & the Rhineland , European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by May 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by July 31, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by February 15, 2025. Offers expires April 30, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to September 2024 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to November 2024 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details."

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $799 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:   Cruise fares listed are cruise only in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and for US residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings made April 1—April 30, 2024, are subject to availability; may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Credit and Viking Referral Rewards. Special cruise fares are based upon published full cruise fares; cruise fares do not include prepaid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full cruise fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to economy, roundtrip flights only from select Viking River Cruises US gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. All fares include cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract  .

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires April 30, 2024. Note: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises