8 Helpful Facts + Tips about Viking River Cruises

We LOVE Viking River cruises and we’re not alone! Viking was recently named one of the World’s Best River Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Viking offers excursions on the sea and river and features over 60 river cruises on their fleet.

 

Right now, take advantage of our Viking Discovery Sale. This sale features newly reduced cruise fares plus FREE international air and FREE Silver Spirits Beverage Package. This offer ends October 31, 2020.

Want to learn more? Read on for 8 helpful facts and tips about Viking River Cruises.

1. River cruising differs greatly from ocean cruising

For starters, ocean cruises feature a much larger ship with a variety of restaurants and entertainment, plus a larger crew. Viking River cruises, on the other hand, are much more intimate. Often you will dock overnight at the ports which allows you to explore your destinations in the evening.

 

2. There are very few extra costs with Viking River Cruises.

Once you pay for the cruise, you’re basically set. Included in our cruise cost is a tour each day, all meals, and unlimited beer and wine at lunch and dinner. If you want a drink at any other time, purchase the affordable “Silver Spirits” package. This includes unlimited top-shelf liquor as well as a specialty beer and wine, whenever you want. Once your cruise is booked, you’ll receive all the details you need about your trip and all tour options. You can either stick to the included tours or take a few optional tours.

3. Viking River cruises are relatively stress-free

Travel planning can be a task, especially in Europe. With Viking River cruises, everything is planned for you and the staff is extremely helpful with restaurant and sight recommendations at each port. In addition, with a river cruise, you have the luxury of keeping all your belongings in one place. If you were to visit 4-5 countries via train or car, you would have to lug everything from place to place.

 

4. The ships have WiFi, but it is limited

Although Viking advertises WiFi on their ships, it is not super fast and can be spotty. This is just something to keep in mind and shouldn’t interfere with your trip. You will be able to check your emails and social media, but you may not be able to upload videos to your Instagram stories, for instance.

5. It’s all about the destination

Of course, the cruise ship is incredible, comfortable and beautiful. But make sure you get off the boat at every port and as often as possible. When you dock at each port, Viking includes an activity each day. This is what sets Viking apart from other ships. They want you to get off the ship and explore.

 

6. The food is gourmet & delicious

The chefs on Viking cruises prepare the food fresh every day for guests. The menus offer specialty dishes from whichever region you are cruising and then it is all included. It starts with a breakfast buffet each day and you can also order a la carte for breakfast. There is also a buffet and a la carte menu for lunch. Dinner is always off the menu. During dinner you are encouraged to order an appetizer or starter, main dish, and dessert, so make sure to pack your appetite! The amazing food is truly worth the cost of the cruise alone!

7. The cruise is great for anyone 18 and older

Although children are not allowed on board, Viking River cruises are great for adults of any age. It is common to see a bit of an older crowd (think 50’s and 60’s), but younger cruises will definitely not feel out of place. Plus, they offer activities and tours which appeal to all ages.

 

8. You can expect exceptional service from start to finish

Viking River cruises specialize in personal touches. You can expect the staff to be fun, personable and helpful. They are not just there to cook, clean and serve, but they are also there to entertain you and make sure you are having a great time. One thing to note is that you should tip additionally per day, per person.

 

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A recent Viking Homelands cruise — a 15-day ocean journey from Stockholm to Bergen with Viking Cruises — offered a seamless blend of scenic sailing, cultural enrichment, and immersive guided tours across six countries.

Kem and Lori took this unforgettable voyage, which provided them the perfect combination of history, natural beauty, and authentic local experiences, all with Viking’s signature small-ship comfort and no-fuss travel style.

Viking Homelands Cruise: Stockholm to Bergen

Setting Sail from Stockholm, Sweden

Kem and Lori began their cruise in Stockholm, with time to explore the city’s historic center and cultural landmarks. Thanks to an overnight stay in port, they didn’t have to rush and could enjoy the ship’s amenities while still docked in this scenic city.

Next Stop: Tallinn, Estonia

The journey continued to Tallinn, a city known for its medieval charm and well-preserved Old Town. A guided tour gave Kem and Lori a deeper understanding of the city’s layered history and unique cultural identity.

A Day at Sea

A relaxing day at sea gave them the chance to slow down and enjoy everything the ship had to offer. They attended enrichment lectures, visited the spa, and indulged in Viking’s specialty dining — a perfect reset before the next adventure.

Gdańsk, Poland – History and Resilience

In Gdańsk, Kem and Lori explored the city’s historic center and learned about its layered past. Viking’s guided tour offered context into the city’s roots.

They also opted for a day trip to Malbork Castle, about an hour outside the city. Malbork is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest castles in the world, dating back to the 13th century. The guided tour took them through massive brick forts, Gothic-style halls, and museum exhibits detailing the castle’s religious, military, and political significance. Kem and Lori were especially struck by the scale of the fortress and the depth of history woven into its walls — a highlight of their time in Poland.

Peace and Quiet in Bornholm, Denmark

This quieter stop offered Kem and Lori a break from the busier ports. They enjoyed charming towns, visited historical landmarks, and soaked in the slower pace and natural landscape of this peaceful Danish island.

A Day Trip to Berlin, Germany

One of the most ambitious days on the itinerary included an overland excursion into Berlin. Kem and Lori opted to stay in Denmark rather than embarking on the day trip, but their friends did make the trip! Though it was a long day, their friends felt it was well worth it for the opportunity to see major historical landmarks and gain insight into Germany’s modern history.

Continuing Through Northern Europe

The cruise then brought Kem and Lori to a variety of destinations — from bustling capitals to smaller towns — each offering a mix of walking tours, local cuisine, and meaningful cultural encounters. Cities like Copenhagen, Ålborg, and Oslo showcased both Viking heritage and contemporary Nordic life.

 

Norwegian Fjords and Natural Wonders

As the cruise neared its end, the landscape grew increasingly dramatic. Ports like Stavanger and Eidfjord offered Kem and Lori breathtaking fjord views, outdoor excursions, and access to some of Norway’s most iconic natural features. Eidjford was a favorite for both of them! The natural beauty of Scandinavia is truly a sight to behold.

Ending in Bergen, Norway

The journey concluded in Bergen, a colorful and historic coastal city. Kem and Lori enjoyed sweeping views, explored the city’s rich maritime history, and soaked in one last dose of Scandinavian charm before heading home. They opted to stay overnight for a bit more time to explore (and rest!) before heading home. They checked into Ous XVI, an SLH Hotel for an evening which was absolutely gorgeous! Highly recommend if you need somewhere luxurious and comfortable to rest up in Bergen.

Why This Itinerary Stands Out

This Viking itinerary strikes a balance between educational travel and true relaxation. With inclusive excursions, cultural depth, and time to explore both major cities and hidden gems, it was the perfect mix. Viking’s adult-focused ships and destination-driven approach made for an enriching, crowd-free cruise experience through some of Northern Europe’s most captivating places.

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Call us today to speak to one of our travel specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291. In addition, you can get started here.

1. Are travel agents worth it?

Yes! A travel agent takes the stress out of planning by handling the details, finding the best packages, and giving you insider recommendations. Plus, they’re there to help if any issues come up during your trip, which is something you don’t get when booking online on your own.

2. Is it more expensive to use a travel agent?

No. Our travel agents are paid by the tour companies and resorts that we book through. We do not charge service fees. Our services are completely free to you!

3. What is the Vikings Homelands Cruise?

The Viking Homelands Cruise is a 15-day journey with Viking Ocean Cruises that sails from Stockholm, Sweden to Bergen, Norway, visiting 11 ports across Scandinavia, Germany, and the Baltic region.

4. What countries do you visit on the Viking Homelands Cruise?

This itinerary visits Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Norway, with stops in top cities like Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Copenhagen, and Bergen.

5. How long is the Viking Homelands Cruise?

The cruise lasts 15 days and includes both scenic cruising days and time to explore each destination on guided tours or independently.

6. What is included on the Viking Homelands Cruise?

The cruise includes your stateroom, all onboard meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, one free shore excursion in every port, Wi-Fi, and access to Viking’s spa, fitness center, and entertainment.

7. When is the best time to take the Viking Homelands Cruise?

The best time to sail is between May and September, when the weather is mild, the days are long, and you can enjoy outdoor sightseeing in Northern Europe.

8. Why should you take the Viking Homelands Cruise?

This cruise is perfect for travelers who want to experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of Northern Europe while enjoying the comfort of Viking’s award-winning ships.

9. Do you need a visa for the Viking Homelands Cruise?

Most U.S. travelers do not need a visa for short stays in the countries visited, but you should always check current entry requirements before departure.