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Viking River Cruisers
How has cruising changed since the grand
cruises of yesteryear?
The cruise industry has grown increasingly
popular, and as more destinations open up
and the quality of ships get higher and higher.
What exactly is a river cruise and how does
it differ from one at sea?
River cruising offers ever-changing landscapes
and scenery with more offshore and on board
experiences. This allows for a walk-right off-
the-ship-into-town access to the history,
character and culture along the banks that
takes you into the heart of the destination.
Viking will be applying the same principles
behind our award-winning river cruises to the
Viking Ocean itineraries too, which are due
to launch in 2015, with more time in port and
less time at sea.
What makes Viking different to other cruise
companies?
Viking has an unrivalled understanding of our
guests’ passion for travelling experiences
that are authentic, culturally-enriching and
destination-focused, taking the guests on
curated, elegant voyages along some of
the most iconic rivers in Europe and the Far
East allowing a unique window on inspiring
destinations and rewarding experiences.
Featuring onboard cultural enrichment and
included shore excursions, Viking’s journeys
are competitively priced for genuine value.
Not only does Viking have 54 strong fleet of
ships, we also own the majority of our own
moorings, giving us the best docking points
in port – a real benefit to the Viking customer.
Messing about
on the river
Viking has consistently won customer-voted
and industry-recommended awards including
8 in the last twelve months alone including
Best River Cruise Line at the British Travel
Awards and Best River Cruises Company
by readers of The Sunday Times and The
Sunday Times Travel Magazine.
What type of person chooses one of your
cruises?
Our guests are curious and active, interested
in history, culture and music. They are
generally well travelled and they are looking
for immersive experiences that connect with
their interests.
How much time is spent on board ship?
Viking pride themselves on how much time is
spent ashore – the ship isn’t the destination.
Destination is key to the Viking experience
and getting our guests into the heart of the
destination quicker enables them to have
longer to explore however when our guests
are on board the ship, we want it to be a
‘home from home’
When I reach the destinations do I have a
guide?
Yes, all of Viking’s excursions include an
English-speaking, local guide to ensure they
get the most from every destination. Tours are
included in the overall price with no hidden
costs or surprises when guests check out.
We strive to provide guests with a unique
travel experience through a range of different
excursions, must-see attractions and
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
If you are an Oxfordshire resident, I am sure that you, like many of us, spend an
hour or so each week playing the “where’s that?” game. This game is played from
an armchair whilst watching the latest grizzly goings on in Midsomer.
Halfway through the game however, you cannot fail to see a beautifully clad
couple gazing wistfully from the deck of a cruise ship. Viking River Cruisers has
really hit the scheduling mark. This advertisement makes all of us long for that
feeling of freedom, of style and of luxury.
But surely cruising is aimed at those people that want to enjoy seven course
black tie dinners on-board oversized tower blocks and do very little... or is it?
Ox magazine asked Viking River Cruisers to tell us a little more about river cruising
Viking has a well-established partnership
with key organisations who deliver these
unique and memorable tours with our expert
guides. For example, we are able to offer
guests unrivalled access to attractions
such as the “Behind the scenes Hermitage
museum tour” and “Tea with a Babushka.”
Are there different types of cruises? For
example, can I specifically choose a
history cruise or a food cruise?
All of our cruises offer a culturally enriching
experience, that focus on getting the most
out of the destinations on the itinerary.
We know our guests enjoying history, food,
art and culture and so we weave elements of
all of them into each of our itineraries, whether
that is a food market tour with one of the on
board chefs or visiting Gallo-Roman ruins.
Are the cruises suitable for families?
To be honest the nature of our cruises largely
appeals to couples and groups of friends
and of course for those that are looking for a
relaxing and culturally enriching experience.
For additional information on
Viking’s River and Ocean offerings, contact
Viking Cruises 020 8780 7995 or visit the
company at
Viking takes us cruising
