The chances are that, if you’ve been planning a cruise somewhere, the name Viking River Cruise has likely come up. This luxury boat tour company has a considerable reputation for its upscale multi-day river voyages, offering popular package trips on renowned rivers such as the Mississippi, Danube, and Nile, among others.

While these all-inclusive getaways sound very exciting, you’re likely wondering if Viking River Cruises are really worth it in 2025. Here’s where our expertise can help, as we’ll unpack the key details for you in this article, including what to expect on board, and more.

 

What’s So Special About Viking River Cruises?

The name Viking River Cruises is well known among travelers for its specialized voyages that immerse guests in the destinations they visit, while also making every moment on board worthwhile with activities like cooking classes, live music, and more. This approach has earned Viking a strong global reputation, along with multiple awards over the years, including the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Award.

Established in 1997, Viking has expanded into a fleet of over 90 ships sailing between destinations worldwide. Today, their package options are not only focused on river cruises, but they also now have expeditions on the ocean, giving travelers a wide variety of options.

Remarkable Itineraries Filled With Discovery

The Best Viking River Cruises in Europe

 

• • Romantic Danube: Sail your way down the majestic Danube River from the enchanting Hungarian capital of Budapest, through some of Europe’s most charming cities such as Vienna, before ending in Regensburg, Germany.

• • Rhine Getaway: Explore the depths of the River Rhine in search of enchanting castles and lush nature from the Swiss city of Basel to bustling Amsterdam.

• • Grand European Tour: Embark on a river adventure through the heart of Europe for 15 days with multiple stops in Hungary, Austria, and Germany.

The Best Viking River Cruises in the US

 

• • Heartland of America: Discover untouched parts of the north Mississippi River, experiencing the beautiful, pristine countryside, ideal for a last-minute getaway.

• • New Orleans & Southern Charms: Get lost in the history of the Lower Mississippi, uncovering the secrets of the Civil War while journeying through famed cities such as New Orleans.

• • New Orleans to Memphis: A whopping 15-day adventure, there’s no better introduction to the southern USA than a trip from New Orleans to Memphis.

Premium Onboard Experience

If there’s one thing Viking gets praised for, it’s the onboard experience. To start with, its vessels vary by region, but each one is exceptionally designed, from their sleek Viking Longships that sail through Europe to the stylish Egyptian vessels cruising the Nile, where luxury defines the journey.

The interiors of Viking’s ships embrace a refined Scandinavian style, with lush floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces that encourage al fresco dining. Guests can also enjoy elegant restaurants serving gourmet cuisine and plenty of open deck space, perfect for soaking up the sun on comfortable loungers.

What You Get On a Viking River Cruise

Rooms

Viking’s accommodation options are known as State Rooms, and here’s what comes with them.

 

• • Upscale lodging with pristine river views.

• • Queen-sized beds or twin bed options.

• • Private bathrooms with toilets and showers.

• • Deluxe toileteries.

• • Flat-screen TVs.

Land Experiences

The land experiences are one of Viking’s biggest draws, as they stop at some of the world’s most famous attractions. All of their packages include entry to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itinerary, performances in the chosen destination, and a selected activity at each stop.

Food & Beverages

Dining is a massive part of every holiday, and Viking pulls out all the stops with its food and beverage options. Here’s what you’ll receive:

 

• • All your meals with gastronomic highlights from the region, as well as signature plates that everyone loves.

• • Beverages with all meals, including beers, wines, and soft drinks.

• • Tea, coffee, and water whenever you like.

Pros and Cons of Viking River Cruises

A question we’re often asked at Bliss Honeymoons is, ‘What are the pros and cons of Viking River Cruises?’ Having collaborated with Viking in the past, we have some in-depth insight into their packages, and this is what we noticed.

Pros of Viking River Cruises

 

• • They’re ideal for couples who enjoy socializing with others, while still providing plenty of space for privacy when you need it.

• • All of Viking’s boats are world-class with high-end rooms and facilities.

• • The service onboard is phenomenal, made even better with some of the friendliest staff.

• • From gourmet bites to regional specialties, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to try.

• • There are no hidden costs, what you see is what you get, and it’s an amazing value when you consider how much is included.

Pros of Viking River Cruises

 

• • The price is high, especially for solo travelers, but it’s worth the splurge.

• • Because the program runs on a set timetable, you may not have the flexibility to spend extra time in the places that you liked.

• • The wifi can be hit or miss, which is tricky for people who need to log online to catch up on work emails.

So, What’s the Verdict? Are Viking River Cruises Worth It?

And just like that, we’ve made it to the end of our breakdown, and now the real question is, are Viking River Cruises worth it in 2025? Our answer is absolutely YES!

When you consider the concept as a whole, it’s very challenging to find a company that delivers on its promises like Viking. While there are many cruise companies out there on the market, Viking stands out for its river cruises, where you make a lot of stops and experience the destination to the fullest by connecting with the culture, whether it’s a European tour or an Asian getaway.

Of course, this comes with a higher price tag than what some other companies offer, but the reward you receive with your investment is worth the money. Plus, if you decide to book your trip with an agency like Bliss Honeymoons, which collaborates with Viking, you’re guaranteed to get some excellent deals that you can’t find anywhere else.