Viking Cruises: You Have to Experience It to Believe It
- MMV
- Aug 14, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2024
When you think of Viking Cruises you may picture a small ship, hopping from port to port in a range of destinations, endlessly circling the globe. However, what we think about (and would love for you to picture) is LUXURY on water ...mixed with adventure, excitement, and the perfect dash of refinement.
Did you know that Viking was:
Voted to the top of its categories for oceans, rivers and expeditions in their annual World’s Best Awards, marking 20 years of recognition since 2004. Viking was also named both the # 1 Ocean Line and the # 1 Expedition Line by Travel + Leisure readers in 2023.
Rated the Best River Line in Cruise Critic’s Cruisers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive time. (2023 Awards)
Named “Best River Line” for 2023 by Women’s Health Magazine in their annual Travel Awards. Women’s Health Editors chose Viking for its intimate ship design and destination-focused sailings that dock in “the heart of town.” (2023 Awards)
Voted # 1 for Rivers, # 1 for Oceans and # 1 for Expeditions in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards. This marks the first time that Viking has won in three categories in the same year, as well as the third consecutive year that Viking has won both the river and ocean categories. (2023 Awards)
These awards are just the tip of the iceberg to showcase the quality of vacation you can experience on a Viking sailing. From award-winning service, unparalleled staterooms and suites, to destination focused dining, your Viking sailing allow you to see new and exciting destinations like never before.
Want to hear from someone with a firsthand experience? Check out our agent Amy's write up below. Her, along with her husband, recently enjoyed a romantic 8-day escape on the Rhine River. Check it out!
Think river cruising is just for your parents/grandparents…think again! With hiking and biking tours, tours that incorporate food, wine and connections with the locals, these trips appeal to guests of varying ages and activity levels. Plus, river cruises are an ideal way to see multiple places within one trip. You board your floating hotel, unpack once and wake up in a new city (sometimes even country) each day!
I recently had the opportunity to sail with Viking and an 8-day river cruise on the Rhine River with my husband and had so much fun, we didn’t want it to end. This was my second river cruise but my first sailing with Viking. Our trip was relaxed and comfortable, but it is amazing how much we packed in to 8 days.
Our trip began in Basel, Switzerland and journeyed through the Middle Rhine where we were treated to spectacular views along the Middle Rhine with over 20 castles dotted along the hillsides. We ventured into the Black Forest in southwest Germany and learned the secrets to making the perfect Black Forest cake. We visited charming storybook villages like the Medieval Village of Colmar and “Petit France” where we wandered along the romantic canals. We experienced local food and wine in Rudesheim, toured beautiful palaces in Cologne and had the opportunity to take a vintage boat where we saw the 19 windmills of Kinderdijk and got to go inside of one. The itinerary was a nice mix of beautiful scenery, local culture and history, shopping, and local food and wine/beer.
Onboard the ship, we were wowed by the outstanding service. The staff are truly dedicated to making sure you have the best vacation experience possible. We made new friends and enjoyed the evening entertainment including live local musicians for two nights of the sailing.
I’m hooked on river cruising! I LOVED every minute it!! It is the easiest way to travel Europe and be immersed from beginning to end. Having all your details taken care of in advance makes it a seamless and fabulous way to travel. I’d recommend the Rhine and the Danube itineraries for first time guests. There are also adventurous and unique itineraries available like the Douro in Portugal, the Nile in Egypt, the Mekong in Asia, the Chobe in Africa, and the Magdalena in Columbia. I’m already starting to think about where I will sail next!
So, if you're looking for an elevated way to experience the world, Viking Cruises may be the perfect fit for you! Contact your MMV agent today to start planning or request more information. Ready to start? Request a quote today.
