Viking is celebrating the beginning of spring with the start of something else exciting: its 2025 European river cruise season!

This season, Viking is introducing seven new sister ships, which all hold 190 guests or under and are designed specifically for European rivers. From March through December, the line is operating three new itineraries on the Rhine, Main, and Seine rivers — alongside many other popular and exciting itineraries.

New Itineraries

Rhine & Main Explorer — 11 days between Nuremberg and Basel

Discover the hidden gems of southern Germany, Switzerland, and France. Visit Basel, Switzerland’s capital of culture, explore Frankfurt’s vibrant cityscape, and admire the charming medieval towns of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Turreted castles, rolling vineyards, and a fascinating blend of old and new await.

Christmas on the Rhine & Main — 11 days between Nuremberg and Basel

Experience the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets along the Rhine and Main rivers. Browse festive stalls in Basel and Karlsruhe, discover Strasbourg’s Alsatian traditions, and wander through Nuremberg’s world-famous Christkindlesmarkt while savoring mulled wine and handcrafted holiday treats.

Christmastime in Paris & Normandy — 8 days roundtrip from Paris

Celebrate the holiday season in the “City of Light” before setting sail through the serene landscapes of Normandy. Visit the charming riverside town of Rouen, soak in the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets, and return to Paris to enjoy its world-famous holiday illuminations.

Returning Favorites

Rhine Getaway — 8 days between Basel and Amsterdam

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

Danube Waltz — 8 days between Budapest and Passau

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 monastic life on an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey. This eight-day itinerary reveals the best of these places while cruising leisurely through spectacular scenery.

Romantic Danube — 8 days between Budapest and Regensburg

Visit Budapest’s Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Visit historic Salzburg. Spend two days in Vienna and celebrate the city’s musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this eight-day journey on the “Blue Danube” is one you are sure to love.

Paris & the Heart of Normandy — 8 days roundtrip from Paris

Dock in the heart of Paris, admiring views of the Eiffel Tower and a replica of the Statue of Liberty from your ship. Experience history firsthand at the Normandy beaches and delight in Rouen’s Gothic architecture. Explore Giverny and the charming house and gardens where Claude Monet lived and worked, the setting inspiring many of his masterpieces. This voyage celebrates history, art, food and customs in France’s most alluring urban and pastoral settings.

Grand European Tour — 15 days between Amsterdam and Budapest

Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the culinary delights of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and delve into Nuremberg’s World War II history. Indulge your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe, tracing 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.

Portugal’s River of Gold — 10 days between Lisbon and Porto

Experience the renaissance of Lisbon, newly invigorated with trending galleries and restaurants. Explore two of Iberia’s oldest university towns: Coimbra, Portugal and Salamanca, Spain. Roam the port warehouses of Porto. Enjoy traditional cuisine, wine and fado singing. Cruise the Douro River Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO Site. Our 10-day cruisetour includes a hotel stay in Lisbon and the added bonus of a visit to Spain.

2026 European River Season

Looking ahead to the 2026 season in Europe, Viking will add four more sister ships to its Viking Longships fleet. Also starting next year, the line will add new pre and post-cruise extensions. The fully-guided three or four-night tours will feature Privileged Access to museums, local cuisine for lunches and dinners, vineyard visits, cooking classes, and exploration of the region by scenic train travel — as well as more time to personalize the journey with optional excursions.

The new extensions include:

Best of Holland

Discover Holland’s rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty and iconic sights. Explore Delft’s Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory and Gouda’s historic sites, and partake in a stroopwafel workshop. See The Hague’s landmarks and admire the masterpieces on display at the Mauritshuis Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Best of Belgium

Experience the rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture of Belgium during visits to three of its most captivating cities. Immerse yourself in the picturesque UNESCO-listed charms of Brussels and medieval Bruges, and explore bustling Antwerp, Europe’s renowned diamond capital.

Reims & Champagne

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Champagne region. Stroll through lush vineyards, savor a taste of champagne and exquisite cuisine, and visit the grave of Dom Pérignon. Admire the grandeur of Reims Cathedral and see the Châteaux de Vaux-le-Vicomte, an inspiration for Versailles.

St. Moritz, Lombardy & Alpine Train

Board the Bernina Express for a stunning rail journey along a UNESCO World Heritage Site route through the majestic Alps and Northern Italy. Explore the old town of Chur and admire striking views from atop Muottas Muragl in Saint Moritz. Experience Milan, the cultural center of Northern Italy.

Swiss Alps & Scenic Train

Journey through the Swiss Alps and visit picturesque alpine villages and towns, traveling by train on the scenic GoldenPass railway. Enjoy a stay amid scenic vistas by Lake Geneva’s shores, discover the serene beauty of Switzerland’s famed mountain range and explore the beautiful Jungfrau region.

Comments

Which of these Viking European river cruises would you most like to take? If you’ve been to Europe, what’s your favorite destination that you’ve visited there? Drop us an anchor below and share your thoughts!

Stay up to date with the latest cruise news and travel updates!

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Earlier this week, premium cruise line Viking announced that it has taken delivery of its newest European longship Viking Nerthus. The vessel was presented to the line at Meyer Werft shipyard in Rockstock-Warnemuende, Germany.

The 168-guest Viking Nerthus will join the line’s fleet of vessels on the Seine River, and will sail Viking’s popular eight-day itinerary Paris & the Heart of Normandy and the new eight-day Christmastime in Paris & Normandy itineraries.

“We are proud to welcome the Viking Nerthus to our growing fleet of award-winning Viking Longships,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “France continues to be a destination of great interest for our guests, and with the arrival of our newest ship on the Seine River, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the region’s rich history and cultural treasures in ‘the Viking way.’”

Viking Nerthus features 68 guest staterooms, featuring the line’s signature Scandinavian design that guests know and love. An identical sister ship to Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid, Viking Skaga, and Viking Fjorgyn, Viking Nerthus features familiar aspects such as a distinctive square bow, an Aquavit Terrace, and a variety of stateroom choices.

The vessels feature a hybrid propulsion system with batteries and exhaust gas aftertreatment, and they’re equipped for shore power to reduce fuel consumption while in port.

With two itineraries and sailings dates from March through December, Viking Nerthus will sail roundtrip from Paris, stopping in ports along the Seine. In Paris, Viking’s ships dock in an exclusive location at Port du Grenelle, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.

Paris & the Heart of Normandy

Guests dock in the heart of Paris, with the ability to easily view the Eiffel Tower and a replica of the Statue of Liberty from the ship. Visits to the Normandy beaches and the ability to admire Rouen’s Gothic architecture bring history alive. Passengers are also able to explore Giverny and the house and gardens where Claude Monet lived and worked — the setting inspiring many of his masterpieces. Viking says that this itinerary “celebrates history, art, food and customs in France’s most alluring urban and pastoral settings.”

Christmastime in Paris & Normandy

This new itinerary allows guests to celebrate the sights of Paris and sail through beautiful seasonal landscapes of Normandy. Passengers can admire scenes of fairytale-esque villages and call at Rouen, the region’s vibrant cultural capital. The voyage meanders along the Seine, passing elegant residences and charming riverside cafés, returning to Paris to explore its iconic treasures.

Based on Viking’s committed orderbook, it expects to take delivery of 25 more river ships by 2028 and nine more ocean ships by 2030. With these orders, Viking will have 109 river ships in 2028 and 21 ocean and expedition ships in 2030.

Comments

Have you ever taken a European river cruise? Which of these two itineraries on Viking Nerthus would you choose? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

Stay up to date with the latest cruise news and travel updates!

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Viking announced today its 2026-2027 World Cruise itineraries. There will be four itineraries to choose from.

Viking World Voyage III

Viking World Voyage III will journey around the world in 170 days, visiting 41 countries and offering overnight stays in 18 cities. Viking Sky will depart Fort Lauderdale on December 22, 2026, stopping at ports on six continents before arriving in Stockholm on June 10, 2027.

Viking World Voyage IV

Viking World Voyage IV will be a shorter 153-day portion of Viking World Voyage III, departing Los Angeles on January 8, 2027. It will include visits to 37 countries and end at the same time in Stockholm.

Viking World Cruise 2026-2027

Guests may also choose the 142-day world cruise itinerary, which is also a segment of the full voyage. It departs Fort Lauderdale on December 22nd and ends in London, with calls to 31 countries along the way.

Viking World Discoveries

The Viking World Discoveries segment is 125 days long, departing from Los Angeles and including stops in 27 countries before ending in London.

2026-2027 Viking World Cruise Highlights

Viking’s newest World Cruise itineraries visit dozens of the world’s most iconic cities, alongside lesser-known destinations, in one continuous journey. Overnight stays in iconic ports such as Sydney, Zanzibar, Cape Town, Casablanca, and many others allow guests to delve deeper. Viking will also visit Africa’s western coast, including Lagos in Nigeria, as well as Accra and Takoradi in Ghana. While on board, Viking offers cultural enrichment through onboard lectures and entertainment — such as the Viking Resident Historian program, which provides guests with a high-level historical and cultural education specific to their journey. Guests can immerse themselves in the world’s rich cultures during included excursions that provide unmatched insight into daily life, as well as Privileged Access visits to cultural institutions.

Destination highlights include:

Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii

Nawiliwili is the gateway to the oldest and greenest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai. The lush vegetation and wildflowers of this tropical paradise have earned it the nickname “The Garden Island.” This is the unspoiled Hawaii of which travelers dream: green valleys glimmering under a Pacific sun and waterfalls plunging into the sea over soaring cliffs. To many, this is the most authentic of the islands; town ordinances forbid buildings taller than coconut trees and the culture of ancient Hawaiians lives on in respect for the mana, or spiritual essence, of their land.

Cairns, Australia

Queensland’s seaside resort town, Cairns is the gateway to a rich array of natural beauty onshore and off. Catamarans take marine enthusiasts to the Great Barrier Reef; stretching for 1,400 miles, it is the largest continuous coral reef system on Earth. Inland, the wet tropics have given rise to Daintree and Kuranda National Parks, vast rainforest systems of extraordinary biodiversity and a profusion of birdlife. For all its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, Cairns’ thriving culture is a pleasure to absorb from the outdoor cafés or along the scenic waterfront promenade. 

Mombasa, Kenya

Kenya’s chief port and a coastal gem, Mombasa is a melting pot of traditions. Located on a coralline island and linked by a causeway to the African mainland, it boasts a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and African cultures, having been a key Indian Ocean port since the 14th century. The narrow streets of Mombasa’s old town are lined with ornately styled architecture and home to mosques, cathedrals and Hindu temples, while lateen-rigged dhows and small vessels anchor in its ancient port between trips to trade with the Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf and India.

Agadir, Morocco

Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is the capital of Amazigh culture—the Indigenous peoples of North Africa. Historians believe the Amazigh migrated to Morocco from the Middle East and are descendants of the pre-Arab population. Today, there is a resurgence to promote greater recognition of the Amazigh ethnic identity, with images and music infused in modern culture. Visitors can enjoy a warm welcome in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and remote villages, and gain insight into their customs and traditions.

Phuket, Thailand

The Thai island of Phuket offers more than picturesque beaches and sweeping vistas of sparkling azure waters. The island was long a major stop on trade routes between India and China, often mentioned in ship logs of European sailors. Around 1545, one Portuguese explorer called the island Junk Ceylon, and the name stuck for decades. Later, the French, Dutch and English competed for the island’s tin trade; the French East India Company won and played a role in local politics until 1688. Today, old Sino-Portuguese shop-houses and monuments to Buddha dot the island.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade, and today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fado spill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

London (Greenwich), England

Greenwich, a borough of London, is home to the Royal Observatory. From here, the world’s longitude is measured from the prime meridian, and Greenwich Mean Time sets the global time standard. At the port, the clipper ship Cutty Sark, one of Greenwich’s renowned historic landmarks, is preserved as a fascinating museum. Upriver, London is home to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. In addition, this major economic and cultural hub boasts a long tradition of arts and architectural innovation—from Shakespeare’s Globe Theater to West End musicals.

Stockholm, Sweden

Elegant Stockholm is nestled where Lake Mälaren’s cobalt waters meet the Baltic. This stunning cultural capital extends over 14 islands linked by 57 graceful bridges. Hailed as one of the world’s cleanest cities, it boasts numerous green parks. The well-preserved 13th-century Gamla Stan, or old town, boasts gabled merchant houses and an array of architectural styles, from the enormous baroque Stockholm Palace to the art nouveau Royal Dramatic Theater. Strandvägen is one of Europe’s loveliest waterfront esplanades and the ideal place to sample some traditional smoked salmon.

Booking Details

From now through March 31, 2025, Viking is offering North Americans special savings on 2026-2027 World Cruises with a total value of over $60,000 per couple, including:

• Free business class airfare and transfers
• $4,000 per couple in shore excursion credit
• $2,000 per couple in shipboard credit
• Complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package
• Even more!

Returning Viking guests also receive an additional $2,000 per couple in onboard credit. Plus, guests can enjoy a limited-time reduced deposit of 10 percent.

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With the excitement of a new year comes anticipation of brand-new cruise ships. As with most other years, there’s a slew of exciting new vessels coming in 2025. These include Celebrity’s final Edge-class ship Celebrity Xcel, Disney’s first purpose-built vessel for Asia, Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship, and more. To help with your vacation planning, here are our picks for the 11 most exciting new cruise ships debuting in 2025.

11 New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2025

Allura

Scheduled debut date: July 2025
Line / ship class: Oceania Cruises / Allura Class
Size: 67,000 gross tons / 1,200 guests

Allura is the second ship in Oceania Cruises’ Allura class, following the debut of Vista in 2023. Part of a culinary-focused cruise line, Allura will feature many of the same restaurants as Vista. These include Ember serving reimagined American classics, Terrace Cafe, the new Crêperie, and Aquamar Kitchen — which features a menu of healthier options. The vessel will also house an expansive Culinary Center, which will include the new Chef’s Studio where onboard chef instructors will share their expertise.

All 612 of the staterooms on Allura will feature balconies, including six brand-new Concierge Level Solo Veranda staterooms. A variety of suite categories will also be available on the ship, as well as both Veranda and French Veranda cabins.

Other features of Allura include the Artist Loft where guests can take art classes, the Aquamar Spa with a spa sundeck, the Vitality fitness center with complimentary exercise classes, and multiple bars and lounges.

Allura is scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean for her inaugural season. The ship will then head to the Caribbean for the winter 2025-2026 season.

Brilliant Lady

Scheduled debut date: September 2025
Line: Virgin Voyages
Size: 110,000 gross tons / 2,770 guests

The fourth ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet, Brilliant Lady has been patiently waiting for her debut since delivery earlier this year. While most aspects of Brilliant Lady will be similar to her predecessors, some will be different. Notably, she is the first Virgin ship built to be able to transit the Panama Canal. This is due to her width ( the ‘beam’ in maritime terms) and ability to move the lifeboats inward during transit. She will also be the first Virgin Voyages ship to sail in Alaska.

The ship will feature the cabins that guests have come to know and love, including interior (Insider), oceanview (Sea View), and balcony (Sea Terrace) staterooms that feature a hammock. However, new to Brilliant Lady will be a new Sea Terrace category that features two hammocks on the balcony. The suite categories RockStar Quarters and Mega RockStar Quarters will also be available.

Specific details on how similar (or different) dining on board Brilliant Lady will be compared to her sister ships has not yet been announced. The line has said that concepts from its Eat and Drink Festival will be found on board, which included an Asian Night Market and a cocktail treasure hunt across several bars on board. Otherwise, it’s safe to assume that the ship will feature the same restaurants including Razzle Dazzle, Gunbae Korean BBQ, The Galley fast-casual fare, The Wake steakhouse, and more.

Virgin Voyages has also said that it will be introducing new music, comedy, and entertainment options aboard Brilliant Lady. Other features of the vessel will include The Dock aft sundeck and bar complete with daybeds, as well as the adjacent indoor Dock House with comfy seating and a laid-back atmosphere. Virgin’s iconic Scarlet Night and Pajama Party will also be found on Brilliant Lady. Additionally, guests can enoy The Manor nightclub, Redemption Spa, and The Red Room — a transformational entertainment venue.

Brilliant Lady will debut in NYC, offering Canada/New England and Bermuda voyages before homeporting in Miami to operate Caribbean cruises through the winter. In spring 2026, the ship will sail to Mexico and California from Los Angeles before heading up to Seattle to offer Alaska cruises through the summer.

Celebrity Xcel

Scheduled debut date: November 2025
Line / ship class: Celebrity Cruises / Edge Class
Size: 141,420 gross tons / 3,260 guests

Celebrity Xcel will be the fifth and final ship in Celebrity’s Edge class. It will feature many of the same venues and experiences as the other Edge-class ships, with some slight changes. One such change will be a larger Rooftop Garden, including an expansion over the side of the ship. The Grand Plaza (atrium) has been redesigned to let in more natural light as well. Celebrity has also hinted that there will be more entertainment options and parties on Xcel.

Favorite spots on board will include the multi-level aft Sunset Bar, the Magic Carpet cantilevered platform, a spa with SEA Thermal Suite, and The Retreat ship-within-a-ship complex. Like the two latest Edge-class ships (Beyond and Ascent), it will feature a fine dining restaurant by Chef Daniel Boulud, in addition to all the other favorites. The plant and light-filled multi-purpose venue Eden, complete with a bar, restaurant, and lounge, will also be found on Xcel.

When she sets sail, Celebrity Xcel will cruise from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

Disney Adventure

Scheduled debut date: 2025 (month TBA)
Line / ship class: Disney Cruise Line / Global Class
Size: 208,000 gross tons / ~ 6,000 guests

Another one of the new cruise ships debuting in 2025, Disney Adventure will be the first mega ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. It’s also the line’s first purpose-built ship for the Asian market. The vessel will feature Disney Imagination Garden, a central open-air garden complete with Disney character topiaries, interior-facing balcony cabins, an Avengers-themed stage show, and a three-story storybook castle art piece. The space will also include two casual restaurants: Mowgli’s Eatery serving Indian cuisine and Gramma Tala’s Kitchen, offering up dishes inspired by the flavors of the Pacific and Asia.

The ship will also feature Disney Discovery Reef, San Fransokyo Street, and Wayfinder Bay where guests can shop, dine, and be entertained in areas inspired by their favorite Disney characters. Not to mention, there’s Marvel Landing with all-new super hero experiences and Toy Story Place with interactive play areas.

Disney Adventure will sail from Singapore, offering three and four-night cruises to nowhere. These voyages will spend the entire cruise at sea with no ports. As part of this collaboration between Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board, the ship will sail from Marina Bay Cruise Center for at least five years.

Disney Destiny

Scheduled debut date: November 2025
Line / ship class: Disney Cruise Line / Wish Class
Size: 144,000 gross tons / ~ 2,508 guests

Following the launch of Disney Treasure in late 2024, Disney Destiny will be the third vessel in the Triton class along with Disney Wish. These three new DCL ships will bring the total Disney Cruise Line fleet up to 8 vesels. The theme for many spaces on the ship will be heroes and villains, including classic Disney heroes and villains as well as characters from the Marvel Universe. It will feature a Black Panther-inspired Grand Hall (atrium) as well as an all-new lounge inspired by Doctor Strange.

Staterooms on the ship will include the exclusive Destiny Tower Suite — a one-of-a-kind accommodation in the funnel themed to Iron Man. Disney Destiny will also offer Hero Suites inspired by Hercules as well as Incredibles-themed IncrediSuites. Other staterooms will be similar to what Disney guests are used to, with most featuring Disney’s signature split-bathroom concept.

The three rotational main dining rooms on Destiny will feature two returning venues: Worlds of Marvel and 1923. The third restaurant will be the line’s first Lion King-themed dining room, Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King. As guests eat, they’ll enjoy a musical journey through the movie’s soundtrack. Disney Destiny’s confectionery will be themed to Edna Mode from Incredibles, and the ship will also feature two cafes inspired by Megara from Hercules and Merida from Brave.

Other features will include a Haunted Mansion bar and a Pirates of the Caribbean themed bar. The ship’s two upscale specialty restaurants will be Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté. The AquaMouse water attraction will be on board with a brand-new villains-themed storyline, and an immersive Oceaneer Club for kids with themes including Marvel Super Heroes, Star Wars, Disney Princesses, and more.

Disney Destiny will sail from Fort Lauderdale, offering an inaugural season of four and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and western Caribbean.

A Bit More on Disney Treasure

While technically launching in December 2024, most guests likely won’t get the chance to sail on Disney Treasure until 2025. This second ship in the Triton class is themed for adventure and exploration. Disney Treasure will tell stories of adventure not only from classic Disney movies but (for the first time ever) also from widely popular theme park attractions.

Disney Treasure showcases Captain Hook and Peter Pan at the stern. Aladdin and Jasmine on a magic carpet adorn the Grand Hall. The three main dining rooms will include Worlds of Marvel with a second show “Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix”, the all-new Plaza de Coco, and 1923. The Haunted Mansion Parlor will replace Hyperspace Lounge and the Skipper Society lounge themed after the Jungle Cruise attraction will replace The Bayou. This ship will also debut a brand-new Moana-inspired show called The Tale of Moana.

Disney Treasure will sail 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean out of Port Canaveral.

Luminara

Scheduled debut date: July 2025
Line: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Size: 46,750 gross tons / 452 guests

Luminara will be the third vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet, following Evrima and Ilma. Design for the all-suite, all-balcony cabins has been inspired by a private yacht. It will feature five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa. An expanded marina will provide guests direct access to the sea.

Among the upper-suite categories will be new accommodations called The Residential Suites. They feature a separate living and dining area, a double vanity bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower, and a walk-in closet. Other suite categories on the ship include the Terrace Suites (the lowest category with its own seating area), the Signature Suites with a small separate living and dining area and a soaking tub, and the large Concierge Suites with a separate living and dining area, double vanity bathroom with soaking tub, and a balcony with al fresco dining area, outdoor shower, and hot tub.

Luminara will spend summer 2025 operating mostly seven-night cruises in the Mediterranean. The ship will spend winter 2025-2026 sailing in Asia.

MSC World America

Scheduled debut date: April 2025
Line / ship class: MSC Cruises / World Class
Size: 215,863 gross tons / 5,200 guests

MSC World America will be the second World-class ship for MSC Cruises, following MSC World Europa. Like its name implies, MSC World America will homeport in the U.S., sailing seven-day cruises from Miami to the eastern and western Caribbean. This class of ships is a completey new design for the cruise line.

The mega ship will feature seven districts, including Family Aventura featuring The Harbour outdoor park with a ropes course, an 11-story slide, and a new swinging attraction called the Cliffhanger. Other districts are Aqua Deck with the ship’s two main pools and The Terraces featuring nine restaurants and bars and a comedy club, among others.

MSC World America will also feature a massive MSC Yacht Club. This luxurious ship-within-a-ship is dedicated to guests in Yacht Club accommodations and includes its own sundeck, lounge, and restaurant.

Restaurant and bar highlights on MSC World America will include The Gin Project, Italian restaurant Eataly, Paxos Greek restaurant, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, Emporium coffee bar, Hola! Tacos and Cantina, and the Jean-Phillipe Chocolate Shop and Café.

Accommodation options on MSC World America will be extensive, including the standard interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins; a number of non-Yacht Club suite categories (including one with a hot tub); and Yacht Club accommodations ranging from interiors to Owner’s Suites.

Norwegian Aqua

Scheduled debut date: April 2025
Line / ship class: Norwegian Cruise Line / Prima Plus Class
Size: 156,300 gross tons / 3,571 guests

Norwegian Aqua, the third in NCL’s Prima class, will be 10 percent larger than her predecessors — Norwegian Prima and Viva — and feature some slight differences. Notably, this ship will not feature a go-kart racetrack. Instead, it will include a new thrill ride, the Aqua Slidecoaster. This part hybrid roller coaster and waterslide wraps around the funnel and can reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

Aqua will also include the line’s first Thai restaurant, Sukhothai (which is replacing Food Republic from the sister ships). The vessel’s adults-only sundeck Vibe Beach Club, the main pool deck, and the Ocean Boulevard waterfront promenade will be much larger and offer even more outdoor space. The teppanyaki restaurant, Hasuki, and the Metropolitan cocktail bar are also enlarged, the latter of which will now feature a grand piano and entertainment space.

Other highlights of Norwegian Aqua will include The Drop dry slide, an expanded Stadium, and a new Glow Court. Additional dining options include the Indulge Food Hall with its various stations offering a variety of cuisine as well as favorites like Cagney’s and Le Bistro. The ship will also feature Syd Norman’s Pour House, Improv at Sea (with a larger space), and a new production show themed to Prince and his music.

Norwegian Aqua will also feature The Haven, a luxury ship-within-a-ship complex. Alongside the same suite categories on other ships in the NCL fleet, The Haven will also include a brand-new three-bedroom duplex suite. Also on the ship are NCL’s famous studio staterooms for solo travelers, complete with an exclusive lounge.

When she sets sail, Norwegian Aqua will offer 7-day itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida. From August through October of 2025, the ship will position to New York for 5- and 7-day voyages to Bermuda. Then, she will sail Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami through April 2026.

Star of the Seas

Scheduled debut date: August 2025
Line / ship class: Royal Caribbean International / Icon Class
Size: 250,800 gross tons / 5,610 guests

Royal Caribbean is continuing its Icon class with the debut of Star of the Seas. This ship will now be the largest cruise ship in the world upon its debut. Like Icon of the Seas, the vessel will feature eight neighborhoods. It will feature many of the same venues and amenities including Category 6 waterpark, Crown’s Edge thrill ride, Absolute Zero ice skating rink, the AquaDome with indoor AquaTheater, and The Hideaway adults-only deck with suspended infinity pool. Star will also feature the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood complete with The Lemon Post family bar and the plant-filled Central Park area.

Unlike Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas won’t feature a New York City-themed supper club. Instead, the Chicago-themed Lincoln Park Supper Club will replace the Empire Supper Club. Other returning dining spots will include Chops Grille, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, AquaDome Market food hall, and the casual Basecamp.

Further, the ship will have a huge variety of staterooms, including the Surfside Family Suites with a separate room for the kids. Both traditional and infinite balcony cabins will also be available. The massive three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse is complete with an in-suite slide and “backyard” with direct access to the Surfside neighborhood.

While there haven’t been any entertainment announcements yet, the Back to the Future Musical is rumored to be the new signature show.

Star of the Seas will offer seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Star Princess

Scheduled debut date: October 2025
Line / ship class: Princess Cruises / Sphere Class
Size: 178,000 gross tons / 4,300 guests

The second ship in Princess’ Sphere class, Star Princess will offer many of the same features aboard Sun Princess. It will include The Dome, a glass-paneled venue that serves as both a solarium and entertainment space. The ship’s piazza will also feature a glass spherical shape that is visible from the outside of the ship. What Princess calls the “most technically advanced theater at sea,” the Arena, will also be on Star Princess.

Restaurants found on board will include The Butcher’s Block steakhouse, Umai Teppanyaki, Makato Ocean, and returning favorites like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s. Spellbound by Magic Castle — a part-dining, part-entertainment experience is also part of the entertainment lineup on Star Princess.

Suites on the ship will include the new Cabana Mini-Suites with private cabanas for the first time in the Princess fleet, Sky Suites which feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a separate seating area, and more. All suites are part of the Sanctuary Collection, which includes access to an exclusive restaurant, lounge, and sundeck with pool. Other accommodations include multiple balcony categories — including one with access to The Sanctuary amenities — plus standard oceanview and interior cabins.

Star Princess will offer two Mediterranean voyages in October 2025 before setting sail for Fort Lauderdale. From Florida, the ship will operate seven and 14-night Caribbean voyages through the winter. It will then reposition to Seattle for a 2026 summer season of sailings to Alaska.

Viking Vesta

Scheduled debut date: July 2025
Line / ship class: Viking / Ocean ship
Size: 54,300 gross tons / 998 guests

Viking Vesta is a continuation of Viking’s now-large fleet of ocean ships. Though, it will be a bit larger than the others that are currently sailing. For reference, Viking’s current ocean ships are just under 48,000 gross tons and carry 930 guests each. Despite the slightly larger size, Viking Vesta will still be nearly identical to the other vessels on the guest-facing side. The larger size is to accommodate new hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Features will include The Nordic Spa with thermal suite and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant. Also on board are the Torshavn bar and music lounge and World Cafe buffet. The outdoor Aquavit Terrace features al fresco dining and an aft infinity pool. The light-filled Wintergarden near the main pool is the venue for daily afternoon tea. The cozy Explorer’s Lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows, and Mamsen’s serves waffles and split pea soup. Viking Vesta also includes a sports deck.

Like all Viking ocean ships, Viking Vesta will offer a nearly all-inclusive cruise experience. Besides accommodations, all dining and non-alcoholic beverages like water and specialty coffee are part of the cruise fare. Other drink inclusions are beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. A shore excursion in each port of call, basic WiFi, access to the thermal suite, and room service are also complimentary.

Viking Vesta will sail in the Mediterranean, offering a variety of mostly seven to 21-day voyages. She will sail from various homeports including Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Piraeus (Athens).

Note: Passenger capacity figures are based on double occupancy.

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Do you have plans to sail on any of these new cruise ships debuting in 2025? Which of these ships are you most excited to check out? Drop us an anchor below to share your cruise plans for the new year.

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We recently sailed on Viking Radgrid, one of Viking’s many river cruise ships. This Viking Seine River cruise was our first river cruise, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect. We stayed in a balcony room, which is our usual cabin preference on ocean ships. But, how did these river cruise accommodations compare? Well, we break down all the details with our Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom review.

Our Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom Review

When comparing ocean ships to river ships, there are much fewer cabin options. In fact, there are only 84 staterooms in total on Viking Radgrid. The options include 22 Standard Staterooms, 18 French Balcony Staterooms, 35 Veranda Staterooms, 7 Veranda Suites, and 2 Explorer Suites.

The Veranda Staterooms are broken down into Veranda A and Veranda B cabins based on location. For our sailing, we were assigned to cabin 219. This Veranda B stateroom is located on the starboard side of the Middle Deck, or deck 2 of this four-deck vessel.

Give the size of river ships, it was never a far walk anywhere. The Restaurant was on our deck and The Lounge and Aquavit Terrace were one deck above. Thus, there’s really not much difference among any of the veranda cabins.

Inside a Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom

Layout

This Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom is 205 square feet and includes a personal balcony.

Immediately upon entering the room, the bathroom was to the right and the closet was to the left. Continuing past the bathroom and closet, the long dresser/vanity area was to the left and the bed was to the right. The bed in our Viking veranda stateroom was on the aft wall facing forward.

Between the bed and the balcony, there was a small shelf-like desk which doubled as a nightstand along with an upright chair. The television was on the wall opposite from the bed above the dresser, and there was a small nightstand on the other side of the bed as well.

Finally, there is the balcony, which felt small when compared to balconies on ocean ships. The balcony was fairly long and narrow and had just enough room for two upright chairs and a small table.

Overall, the cabin was a bit cozier than we expected, but we were glad to have a full balcony.

The finishes and décor of the cabin were very on brand for Viking. They looked very similar to the cabins we stayed in during our Viking Ocean and Viking Expedition cruises in the past, except smaller.

Bathroom

The bathroom in this Viking Veranda Stateroom was a little small even by cruise ship bathroom standards. Yet, it still featured all the necessities and even some upgrades like heated floors.

Opening the bathroom door, the stand-up shower was to our left, the toilet immediately in front, and the sink/vanity area to the right. There are a few shelves for storage and adequate counterspace.

The shower was a rectangular set-up with a glass door. This innovative glass door is hinged in both directions, making it easier to get in and out. Further, all Viking ships provide premium Freyja bath products.

Closet

Across from the bathroom are the closets. The closet size seemed on par with other cruise lines. One side featured a full length clothes bar with hangers. The other side featured shelves along with the safe.

Given the weather was cooler during our sailing and we had packed several layers, we were thankful for the addtional dresser drawers. It would have been very difficult to fit all our clothes along with jackets otherwise.

Main Cabin

While the dresser/vanity area was very generously-sized, we did miss the traditional seating area with sofa found on most ocean ships in this Viking Veranda Stateroom.

The dresser portion housed the mini-fridge and six additional drawers for storage. The vanity area had a small stool and plenty of counterspace. Even though there was no shelving here, the area was plenty big for getting ready and storing many of our toiletries.

This area is where you will find the glass bottles of provided water, the ice bucket, and the QuietVox device charging station as well.

You will also find 1 US and 1 European power outlet near the vanity and 2 USB outlets and 1 additonal power outlet above the dresser portion.

In terms of the seating area, it was basically just one upright chair and a larger nightstand/desk. This became our charging station for laptops and cameras during the cruise. There is 1 US, 1 European, and 2 USB outlets near each nightstand.

The queen-sized Viking Explorer bed provided adequate comfort during our trip. We had no issues falling asleep after our long days ashore exploring new and exciting ports of call.

Balcony

Lastly, there is the balcony which always provides a great spot for taking in the scenery. Given that the weather during our trip was rather cool and rainy, we unfortunately did not get to use this balcony much. Though, it was nice to watch some of the scenic sailing.

It’s important to note that river cruises are known for tieing up next to each other while in port. So, you might not always have a view while docked even if you have a balcony. On our sailing, we were lucky that whenever this double docking occurred it was always on the other side of the vessel.

Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom Inclusions

Across the fleet, all Viking River Cruise Veranda Staterooms come standard with certain amenities. These include:

• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to veranda with river views
• 12 PM Embarkation
• Queen-sized Viking Explorer Bed
• Free Wi-Fi
• Television with live TV channels, complimentary movies, and in-house programming
• 110/220 volt outlets and USB ports
• Bathroom with glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror, and hair dryer
• Premium Freyja toiletries
• Plush robes and slippers (upon request)
• Telephone, safe, refrigerator
• Individual climate control
• Bottled water replenished daily
• Twice-daily housekeeping
• Under-bed suitcase storage space
• Wardrobe with wooden hangers

Recap of Our Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom Review

Our Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom offered all of the amenities you would expect to find in a standard cruise ship cabin. However, when compared to Viking Ocean and Expedition ships, the staterooms are smaller. To be fair, we’ve never sailed on any other river ships for comparative purposes.

We did make the accommodations work for our week-long cruise, but it would have been nice to have a bit more space in the closet and bathroom. It was also a tight squeeze to walk between the foot of the bed and the dresser. We missed having a sofa as well.

But, we did enjoy having a traditional balcony and some of the other upgrades like heated bathroom floors and twice daily stateroom service which is a thing of the past on most mainstream cruise lines.

Overall, river cruises are more about the destinations than the ship anyway. So, it’s always a benefit to have our accommodations, dining, and transportation taken care of for us. The ability to pack and unpack once while exploring multiple destinations is why we love cruising in all its forms–ocean, expedition, and river!

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Have you stayed in a Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom? What is your preferred cabin category when you cruise? Drop us an anchor below with your Viking stateroom reviews.

The post We Stayed in a Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom – Here’s What It Was Like appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Viking is synonymous with river cruises, with a fleet of over 70 ships sailing on 4 continents. Heidi and I have sailed on Viking Ocean and even one of the cruise line’s expedition ships. But, we recently took our first Viking River cruise on the Seine River. We are familiar with the cruise line’s ships on other bodies of water. Yet, there were several things that surprised us about Viking Radgrid. So, whether you are new to cruising in general or new to river cruising, we share our Viking river cruise tips to ensure your trip is smooth sailing.

VIKING RIVER CRUISE TIPS VIDEO

Viking River Cruise Tips For Your First Sailing

Onboard Announcements

Viking instituted a new no-announcement policy as of March 2024. The cruise line has reduced the number of ship-wide announcements by instituting this “silent ship policy”. Now, the cruise line will only make announcements for essential updates. It will no longer make in-cabin announcements for tour group meeting times, onboard activities, etc.

Now, when an announcement is made, everyone onboard knows it is essential. Thankfully, during our week-long cruise, there was only one announcement regarding a change to the cruise itinerary. Besides that, the ship’s PA was silent.

We are fans of this quieter approach. However, it does require a little more attention on your part to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. The cruise line provides tickets and tour information each evening in your cabin. There is also a print version of the daily program left in your stateroom, along with information provided in the Viking Voyager app.

Viking Voyager App

Now, given that there are no longer ship-wide announcements, using the Viking Voyager app and having a paper copy of the daily becomes even more critical.

Compared to other cruise lines, the Viking Voyager app is rather basic. But, it does contain the most pertinent information.

The app allows cruisers to see the daily schedule, the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus for the entire voyage, plus a list of your booked excursions and additional tours.

So, while it is relatively simple and easy to use, it also serves its purpose. Not to mention, there is still a daily magazine with all the activities and tours delivered to your stateroom each night.

So, be sure to download the app and add your Viking voyage info prior to boarding the ship.

What You Can Bring Onboard

Most ocean cruise ships have a list of prohibited items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. Many of these restrictions are also true on Viking, items like candles and irons are still prohibited. However, one significant departure from mainstream cruising is that Viking river cruises allows guests to bring on drinks and food.

Viking allows guests to bring unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with them on their sailing. This Viking river cruise tip works any time during the trip as well. Yes, guests can board with these items on embarkation day or pick them up at a port of call at any point during the sailing.

So, if you want a few bottles of wine from town or a six-pack of the local brew, that is not an issue. The same applies to food items from the local bakery or cheese shop.

There are also no corkage fees, and the onboard crew will be happy to serve any spirits or drinks you brought onboard during the trip at no additional cost.

A Streamlined Embarkation Process

With over 80 cruises under our belts, we have spent countless hours in line during cruise embarkation day.

So, it was a relief that the embarkation process on our Viking river cruise was quick and efficient. In total, it took 15 minutes. In fact, most of this process occurred right onboard the ship—no need for tons of documents or checkpoints.

After our Viking transfer from the airport to the embarkation point, we walked right onto the river ship. Guests Services checked our passports, handed over our key cards, and we were off to our stateroom. Our luggage was also delivered minutes later. Of note, you do want to make sure to complete the pre-cruise check-in process providing your preferences and necessary documentation.

Convenient and Seamless Travel

As part of the cruise line’s inclusions – which we will get to a little later – cruisers who book flights with the cruise line also get complimentary bus transfers to and from the airport. This is where the Viking service and seamless travel begins.

A Viking representative was at the airport waiting for us and approximately 25 other cruisers also with overnight flights. Arriving at the the ship, our program director, Mia, welcomed this batch of travelers onboard. Our luggage was taken from the bus to the ship, where we were quickly reunited with it in our stateroom.  

Similar to Viking Ocean, the first night of most river cruises is an overnight stay in the embarkation port. This gives cruisers all day to arrive and even some of the next day if there are flight delays. So, booking a pre-cruise hotel stay is unnecessary unless you want to extend your trip.

Casual Onboard Vibe

This Viking river cruise tip will help with your packing. We weren’t sure what to expect regarding the vibe onboard the ship. So, we were surprised to find the atmosphere was casual and relaxed. Most days consisted of tours and sightseeing, and the dress code on the ship fit that bill.

You will find plenty of travel wear from brands like Eddie Bauer, Columbia, and Patagonia. As New Englanders, we were also rocking some Vineyard Vines and LL Bean attire.

Most cruisers did change up for dinner, but the attire was mainly slacks and a button-down shirt for the men. Women were wearing similar attire as well. We did not see many sports coats or dresses this trip.

With some long days in port, the last thing most cruisers want to do is don their elegant attire.

How Tours Work

Like ocean cruise ships, Viking river cruise packages include one free tour at each port of call. For our seven-night cruise, there were six included shore excursions. These ranged from a comprehensive walking tour of downtown Rouen to a bus tour of Paris.

The quality of the tours did vary. We were disappointed that our time in Paris was primarily spent experiencing the city through a pane of glass. While we had plans to see more of the town on our own, the weather did not cooperate later in the week. Further, there was no privileged access to sites like Le Louvre or the Palace of Versailles, meaning our tour was amongst the mobs of other tourists.

But, we thoroughly enjoyed our walking tours in villages like Les Andelys and our self-guided exploration of the Chateau de La Roche-Guyon. We also had a very long but informative day re-tracing the path of Allied Forces during WWII and visiting the beaches of Normandy.

Cruisers are placed into groups for the included tours, and you are with most of these same guests for the duration of the trip. So, you get to know those people quite quickly. 

As a side note, anytime you see a Viking tour labeled “panoramic”, it is most likely a bus tour. So, if given the option, we would opt for something different if you’d prefer a more active day.

Quietvox Hack

As part of these tours, guests are each given a Quietvox. These small devices allow tour guides to provide you with narration and information in large groups without having to shout. Each guest on a Viking river ship receives a device and an earbud in their stateroom.

Most cruisers wear the Quietvox with a wired headset while roaming the streets or perusing a museum. However, one of our Viking river cruise tips is that you may use a Bluetooth connection for wireless headphones.

We use AirFly when connecting to in-flight entertainment or when we want to use our Airpods on devices with a 3.5 mm audio jack. This AirFly device can also attach to a Quietvox. Of course, cruisers can also use their personal headphones if they prefer. But you do want to remain mindful your surroundings. That is why the headphones provided with the Quietvox are only for one ear.

The Pace of the Tours

As forty-something cruisers, we admittedly are not in the most incredible shape. We barely survived the treks in Antarctica or hikes in the Caribbean. But the Viking River walking tours tend to be very slow-paced.

While some river cruise lines offer tours of various activity levels, Viking only provides one level for included tours. Of note, some tours do offer an accessible option for those with mobility issues.

Once we got into the groove, this pace wasn’t a big issue for us, as we would go ahead or stay behind the tour taking photos or exploring a bit more. With the earpiece and the constant narration, we knew we could catch up to the tour.

There was only one point in Rouen where the tour moved on, and the narration got a tad fuzzy. So, it was time to turn back and head towards the rest of the group.

So, if you are okay with a tour that takes time and doesn’t go far, you will fit right in. If not, almost all the stops are easily navigable with one of the provided maps or a smartphone app.

Don’t Leave Home Without a Card

Viking takes excellent care of its guests. In addition to the included tours, the cruise line knows guests want to explore at their leisure. That is why the cruise line offers maps at each port of call. During our cruise, guests could grab a map at Guest Services or from crew at the gangway.

Along with some points of interest, the maps also detail the ship’s location. No, the map doesn’t include the location of the nearest Diamonds International.

But the cruise line also wants to ensure guests return safely. This is perhaps one of the most important Viking river cruise tips for those not on a tour. With potentially spotty cell service, the cruise line offers guests small cards that fit in a lanyard or wallet at each port of call.

The card includes the local number for the ship and the address. So, if cruisers ever need assistance getting back from town, they can hand the card to a taxi driver or someone at a local tour office. We often took pictures of the cards to have on our phones, and we recommend you do the same.

Be Flexible

Similar to our Antarctica cruise with Atlas Ocean Voyages, our Viking river cruise encountered some unseasonal weather. At the end of the sailing, the river levels were too high, so we were not able to dock back in Paris.

Instead, the ship docked about 30 minutes away in Le Pecq. This did mean a change to our tour times for the day. Also, it impacted travelers looking to walk around Paris for the final day. While the cruise line did provide a shuttle, it wasn’t the same as spending the last night onboard with a view of the Eiffel Tower from our ship.

Also, given the time of year, one of the included tours to the Monet Gardens wasn’t running yet. The alternative tour was instead a stop in the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, the final home of another famous impressionist painter, Vincent Van Gough. While our tour guide was great, this swapped tour was perhaps my least favorite.

Either way, when on a river cruise, weather and river conditions can impact the trip. So, one of our Viking river cruise tips is to be flexible and roll with the current.  

Cabin Size

During our cruise, we stayed on Deck 2, the middle deck, in a veranda stateroom. It was nice to have the semi-private outdoor space, even if it barely fit the two chairs and table. The cabin (with veranda) has a total square footage of 205.

While it contains many features of a stateroom on an ocean ship, it did feel smaller in comparison. So, if you’re used to cruising on ocean ships, don’t be surprised by the cabin size on a river ship.

Nonetheless, there was plenty of storage space for our clothes. Immediately entering the room was a closet with one section of shelves and another with clothes hangers. While compact, the bathroom contained a nice glass-enclosed shower and the line’s signature heated tile floors.

While squeezing between the bed and the long desk and dresser took some maneuvering, it was still a comfortable home away from home during our Seine River cruise.

Thankfully, you can get creative to maximize your space with items like magnetic hooks, which always come in handy on any cruise. We used these to hang bags, jackets, hats, and other items.

No Onboard Laundry

As mentioned, we could unpack and store all our clothes and gear for this week-long trip without too much difficulty. But Viking does offer river cruises that span two weeks, not to mention pre- and post-cruise extensions that can add even more days to the trip.

So, we were surprised that the Viking longships do not have self-service laundry, especially since both ocean and expedition ships offer launderettes.

Of course, cruisers can pay to have their laundry done for them, but it is not cheap. The costs are on par with contemporary cruise lines, which charge between $5 and $8 for an article of clothing. Only guests in suites get complimentary laundry services, and longships have very few of these accommodations.  

Thus, cruisers should plan to pack enough clothes for the voyage.

 What to Pack

Speaking of packing, given the laundry situation and the fluctuation in temps and weather conditions, it’s important to pack layers.

Regardless of season, you should be prepared for various weather conditions. This means bringing lightweight, packable clothing to layer as well as items like suntan lotion and bug spray. Viking does provide umbrellas but they are pretty cumbersome to carry around, so packing your own rain gear is a good idea too.

What you wear on the ship will depend on your temperature regulation. While many fellow cruisers felt the ship was cold and wore sweaters, we thought it was warm and didn’t end up wearing many of the nighttime clothing items that we packed.

Do keep in mind that even in the summer, the mornings and evenings can get cool, especially on the upper deck or your balcony as the ship is sailing to the next port of call. So, plan accordingly.

All Meals are Open Seating

Dining on Viking river cruises was different than we expected. We have sailed on smaller ocean ships with open dining. But, even those experiences did not prepare us for how meals work on this voyage.

All meals are served as open seating in the Restaurant or the Aquavit Terrace. Given the weather, the terrace was not open much, so there were very few tables inside this more casual dining spot.  

This meant for most meals all cruisers dined in the Restaurant. Here, there are no tables for two, only larger tables of 6 or more guests. Thus, you’ll need to make some friends.

Throughout the cruise, guests did tend to gravitate to the same groups and tables for dinner. So, by the end of the week, cliques had formed in several sections of the main dining room.

For the most part, Viking river cruisers are friendly and talkative. But, it is hard to escape others during mealtimes. So, if you are shy or want a quiet dinner that may not be easy to do during the sailing.

Limited Dining Options

On Viking river ships, there are two restaurants that serve the same menu. The meals occur at predictable times, and everyone is on the same schedule. Breakfast is served at 7 AM, lunch at noon, and dinner at 7 PM.

Actually, we were surprised by the lack of dining options. On our previous Viking sailings, there was a buffet setup where we could grab a quick bite without the sit-down service. However that is not the case on Viking river ships. There is also no specialty dining and no room service.

Thus, if you have two tours in a day, it can feel hectic hustling back to get something to eat before returning to land for further exploration.

The Aquavit Terrace did have some bakery and continental items for breakfast. So, we appreciated the ability to grab some food here and coffee from the self-serve espresso machines in the AM.

But, there were no grab-and-go food selections for lunch or dinner. Basically, if you didn’t want to eat in the Restaurant at the set dining times, you didn’t have any other option…besides cookies at the coffee station.

Also, we did feel the Restaurant menus were a tad limited, with a few standard items that remained on the menu and a few daily specials. However, Heidi was able to order a piece of grilled chicken one afternoon even though it wasn’t on the menu.

You’ll Get to Know Everyone Onboard

As we mentioned, most cruisers partake in the organized tours and open seating at meals, so everyone onboard gets to know each other. With about 162 other cruisers, you will have seen everyone on board by the middle of the week…for better or worse.

Even if you haven’t officially met them, you will quickly recognize them when walking around the ship or ashore. For most, saying hi or striking up a conversation with another guest is a part of cruising. But unlike larger ships, there’s no blending into the crowd or escaping if you don’t feel like being social one night. The only place to truly do that is your stateroom.

Mobility Issues

Ocean cruising is one of the best forms of travel for those with mobility issues. On the other hand, river cruises are not the most accessible. Arguably, most of Europe and many of the landmarks and historic destinations in these countries are not wheelchair-friendly either.

Even for those with minor mobility issues, getting around many villages we visited, with hills and cobblestone walkways, could be challenging.

We did not see many walkers or wheelchairs on our Seine River cruise. However, Viking Radgrid does have a small elevator. It could only accommodate a couple of passengers at a time though.

So, even though the ship only has four decks, most passengers take the stairs. Still, if you have your heart set on going on a river cruise, it is certainly possible to get around the ship with an assistive device.

Who Is Onboard

Being in our 40s, we were among the ship’s youngest cruisers. While most ocean ships have a median passenger age of 50s, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say it was in the 70s on our Viking river cruise.

For the most part, they were still lively, engaging, and well-traveled folks. Given the long days ashore and later dinner, we retired for the night shortly after. So, Heidi and I fit right in with the crowd.

One thing we do like about Viking is that it is adults only. While some travelers did bring their “kids”, these were adult “kids” who were often older than us.

Getting On and Off the Ship

Along with the laid-back embarkation, getting on and off the ship is also very casual. Cruisers can come and go as they please at each port of call. There is often no crew member even manning the embarkation point. All cruisers need to do is swipe in and out at a kiosk with their room key card.

However, cruisers will often need their room key card to get back onboard, as the doors are locked. There are no long queues, metal detectors, or airport screeners to worry about when coming back from a day ashore.

Just keep in mind that sometimes Viking river ships will dock next to each other. So, it is possible you will need to walk through another ship to get to your vessel.

If this is the case, a team member is usually there to ensure you are on the right boat. Although, you’ll probably figure it out as your key card won’t work when you attempt to scan yourself back on the ship if you are in the wrong place.

What’s Included on the Cruise

Viking ensures guests are well taken care of on and off the ship. The cruise fare includes all dining on the ship, a range of nonalcoholic drinks, and specialty coffee and tea throughout the day. However, the coffee is at a self-service kiosk in the main atrium.

The cruise fare includes beer and wine at lunch and dinner as well. If you are looking for further alcoholic beverage options, there is also the cruise line’s inexpensive Silver Spirits package. So, it doesn’t take much to upgrade to a truly all-inclusive cruise.

Unlike most ocean cruises nowadays, there is still twice-daily room service. Like the old days of cruising, our room attendant was like a ninja, finding time to make up our room when we were out for short periods of time.

Along with everything else, all cruisers get unlimited WiFi for one device. The internet worked much better than on our last Viking sailing, and the onboard staff did confirm it was Starlink technology. I was able to easily switch from my phone to my laptop when I had some work emails to check.

While the speeds were acceptable, they were not fast enough for streaming videos. However, I was able to upload a video to YouTube over the span of about two days.

What’s Onboard

Given that all Viking longships are essentially interchangeable, cruisers are truly sailing for the destination with the ship as the backdrop. Still, Viking allows its guests to explore the world in comfort.

On Viking Radgrid, the service was friendly and attentive. Servers quickly learned individuals’ preferences and tastes. Given that there are only 160 cruisers and about 55 crew, it really is like one big family.

That being said, there are not many public spaces or amenities though. While the ships have a sun deck with loungers, a walking track, and some greenspace, they do not have pools, spas, or fitness centers onboard. Besides the two dining venues, the only other public area is the Lounge, which is also the main bar and entertainment space.

There were few organized activities during the day. Even in the evenings, we expected some enrichment sessions, but it was mostly just the daily port talk.

On three occasions, local performers performed after dinner in the lounge. Mia, the program director, hosted a version of majority rules one night as well which was a lot of fun. But, that was the extent of the entertainment.

Overall Impressions

Overall, while our first Viking river cruise was not exactly what we expected, we still had a fantastic time. The cruise line does a remarkable job of catering to its guests. With the relaxed pace, elegant Scandinavian design, and amicable onboard atmosphere, we certainly wouldn’t hesitate to take another river cruise.

While it is different than ocean cruising, there are still many similarities that made us feel right at home. We enjoyed getting to explore off-the-beaten path locales that we could never visit on larger ships. While there’s less offered onboard, there’s plenty to do and see ashore.

If you are considering your first river cruise, it’s important to remember that the journey is really about the destination, and Viking will help make sure it’s a memorable one with attention to every detail!

Comments

Have you taken a Viking river cruise yet? What are some things you wish you had known before the trip? Drop us an anchor below with your Viking river cruise tips.

The post What We Wish We Knew Before Taking Our First Viking River Cruise appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Boarding a river ship that only holds 168 guests was a bit different for us given we usually sail on the world’s largest cruise ships. But, to explore Paris and the banks of Northern France, we decided to step outside of our comfort zone and put our trust in the crew of Viking Radgrid. This vessel is one of four Viking longships specifically designed to cruise the Seine River.

While we have sailed with Viking on the brand’s ocean and expedition ships, this was our first river cruise. Now, we are back from our Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary and want to share what it was really like in our Viking Seine River cruise review.

What Its Really Like Onboard a Viking River Cruise

Viking Seine River Cruise Review

Exploring the World in Comfort

When cruising with Viking, regardless of whether it is an ocean, expedition, or river ship, there are many similarities. From modern Scandinavian design and warm hospitality to a level of inclusion not found on contemporary brands, Viking guests feel right at home. This level of consistency helped ease us into our first river cruise experience.

It also helps that Viking guests are taken care of from the moment they arrive at the airport. With Viking’s all-inclusive offering, flights booked with the cruise line include free transfers from the airport to the ship.

While we usually fly in a day before any cruise, this Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary includes an extra day at the embarkation point. Thus, there is no need for a pre-cruise hotel unless you want to extend your stay.

Luckily, we had a direct, overnight flight from Boston to Paris. Arriving around 9:30 AM, we were quickly greeted by a Viking representative in a bright red coat and were on a bus heading to the ship within 30 minutes of getting our luggage. Unfortunately, Viking can’t help the traffic though, as it was nearly a 2 hour drive from Charles de Gaulle airport to our docking location in Paris.

However, upon arrival at the ship, embarkation was a breeze. We were checked in, escorted to our stateroom with our luggage, and ready to get our adventure started.

Viking Inclusions

If you are new to cruising with Viking, you should know what’s included in your cruise fare and what’s not. Included on all Viking river cruises are:

• All meals
• Beer and wine at lunch and dinner
• One daily excursion
• WiFi
• Specialty coffee, tea, soda, and bottled water

Unfortunately, there is no room service on Viking river cruises. There is also no pool, fitness center, spa, or casino. Further, beyond beer and wine at meals, all other alcoholic beverages will cost extra. Viking does offer the Silver Spirits drink package, which is very reasonably priced at $25 per person, per day.

Dining

One of the staples on any cruise is dining and Viking river cruises are no different. On Viking Radgrid, there are two main dining areas, The Restaurant and the Aquavit Terrace.

The Restaurant on Deck 2 is a formal restaurant that resembles a typical main dining room. With panoramic windows lining both sides of the venue, there are constant scenic views. The Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a variety of options and local specialties. Though, you’ll need to make friends as there are mostly large tables and no tables just for two.

The Restaurant usually opens for breakfast around 7 AM and is a hybrid dining experience. It includes a small buffet of breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, and breakfast potatoes. Guests can also order off a menu with made-to-order items like pancakes and French toast.

Lunch is served promptly from noon to about 2 PM each day, which means all cruisers need to dine during these hours if they want lunch. The lunch menu consists of always available options like the signature salad and a hamburger. There are also a few rotational selections that vary daily like short ribs and an energy bowl.

Each evening, dinner followed that night’s port talk, usually starting at 7 PM. Again, cruisers can opt for always available selections or regional specialties with Chef Recommendations that included dishes like brie pane, poulet aux morilles, mille-feuille, and boeuf a la bourguignonne. One evening, Viking also features a signature regional buffet, which was the Taste of Normandy on our sailing.

While the menus are smaller than main dining rooms on most ocean ships, the quality and presentation were top notch.

The second dining offering is the Aquavit Terrace up on Deck 3. Offering tables for 2 and 4 and al fresco dining, this venue serves the same menu as The Restaurant for lunch and dinner. The only difference is the more casual setup and ambiance.

Unfortunately, the patio was closed for most of the cruise, given the mostly unfavorable weather conditions. So, each night, it became a competition to nab the handful of tables available inside the Aquavit Terrace.

In addition, cookies (continental items in the morning) and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas are available at two self-serve stations on Deck 3. Along with the selection of espresso beverages, they also offer syrups and skim milk. Thus, we had all the essential ingredients for Heidi’s twice-daily nonfat caramel latte.

What we did miss though were more casual, grab-and-go options. While the Aquavit Terrace did have continental breakfast selections, it did not offer the same setup for lunch or dinner. We would have liked the ability to grab a sandwich, a personal pizza, or salad to bring back to our room on some occasions, especially because there’s no room service. Thus, after a long day in port, the only option is a sit-down meal.

Onboard Amenities and Activities

In contrast to the larger ocean ships on which we typically sail, Viking Radgrid only has four decks and hence few public areas. Deck 2 is home to a small Guest Services desk and a small shop with Viking logo items and children’s books by Viking’s EVP Karine Hagen.

Deck 3 features a small library with books and games, an “internet cafe” with two computers, and the Lounge. The Lounge is the main bar and entertainment space on the ship.

Deck 4 is a full length sundeck with plenty of seating to enjoy the outdoors as the weather allows. It also features a small herb garden, a walking track, and the smoking area. One mile will take nearly 16 laps around the track.

Further, anyone interested can sign up at guest services for a visit to the wheelhouse. Unlike the bridge of a ship, this top-deck wheelhouse is hydraulic and lowers automatically when encountering low bridges.

Of note, there is one small elevator for those with mobility issues as well.

Nighttime Entertainment

With each new day consisting of at least one new port of call, there was little downtime during our Viking Seine River cruise. As one of the benefits of river cruising, guests get to explore off the beaten path destinations and quaint towns that can’t be accessed by larger cruise ships. There’s also more time in port, sometimes even two different ports in one day, and plenty of scenic cruising in between stops.

Subsequently, the Viking Daily’s list of onboard activities is more sparse when compared to ocean cruising. One morning, a local artist did come on board to offer a lecture on impressionism.

Then, once most cruisers are back on board in the evenings, there is usually some kind of activity taking place in the Lounge. Following dinner, we enjoyed live local musicians or a cultural activity, like opera singers and a string trio.

Additionally, the program director, Mia, hosted a port talk around 6:30 PM each day. This included an introduction to the next day’s ports, tour options, and any procedural information that we needed to know. During our sailing, Mia also hosted a French lesson and a game show that was a lot of fun. Having more game shows and group activities like this throughout the week would have been nice.  

Besides being a great host, Mia did an outstanding job coordinating the excursions. She always had a smile, was talkative, and was present throughout the ship at all hours of the day. Given that she was essentially the entire activities staff, she managed her many duties well.

Stateroom

We stayed in stateroom 219, a veranda (B) stateroom on Deck 2. All the cabins on the starboard side of this deck are balcony cabins, while those on the portside are French balcony cabins. Deck 1 consists of standard staterooms, which feature river views from a half-height picture window. Deck 3 consists of additional veranda and French balcony staterooms, along with a few suites.

While cruise ship cabins are small in general, this 205-square-foot cabin felt even cozier than the typical balcony staterooms found on ocean ships.

Immediately upon entering the room, the bathroom was on the aft wall. The tiled shower had just enough room, thanks to the double-sided glass doors. With two storage shelves and upgraded features like premium bath products and heated floors, the bathroom was comfortable and functional for the week.

Across from the bathroom is the closet. It featured deep shelves with the safe on one side and a clothes bar with hangers on the other side. The forward wall has a long table/desk, four drawers which we used for additional clothing storage, and a mini fridge. Here, you’ll also find carafes of water that are refilled daily and the Quietvox devices which are utilized on most shore excursions.

Further, the cruise line allows guests to bring local products back on the ship, like food or alcoholic beverages, that are able to be consumed during the voyage. So, this is a nice perk.

The queen-sized Viking Explorer bed is on the aft wall facing forward, across from the desk. Each side of the bed has a 110 V outlet, European outlet, and 2 USBs. There was also a nightstand on one side and a small table on the other along with one lone chair.

This seating area was a bit tight, but the nook became my workstation for the week. The table was large enough to house my computer and charge various devices.  

Getting from the door, past the bed, to the balcony is a tight squeeze. But, considering only 35 cabins on the ship have a veranda, we are not complaining. We appreciated having the balcony with two chairs and a table to enjoy the scenic cruising.

Viking Seine River Cruise Review – The Itinerary

Our Paris & the Heart of Normandy 8-day itinerary consisted of seven ports of call. Along with Paris and the Beaches of Normandy, the stops ranged from quaint villages to bustling cities. Each port along the way offered an opportunity to experience something new.

With 6 included tours, and two optional excursions, there wasn’t dull moment, as we wanted to make the most of our first visit to this region.

Springtime in Paris

We embarked Viking Radgrid in Paris where the ship remained through the following day. Given the rainy weather and jet lag, we did not get out to explore much during our first day in the city. So, we packed in as much as possible on the second day of our cruise.

The weather was slightly better on Day 2. It was cloudy, with a few periods of sun, but it was still rather chilly. In the morning, we set off on Viking’s included Panoramic Paris shore excursion.

This mix of a bus tour and walking tour hit several of the city’s highlights. It included a city center stop for a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower, a ride down the Champs-Élysées, and two circles around the Arc de Triomphe for photos. We did get off the bus for a short while near Notre Dame and the Latin quarter. The 3.5-hour tour was a good overview as we had never been to Paris. But, given the 2024 Olympics, many areas were under construction.

Back to the ship for a quick lunch, we headed out on one of the optional tours to the Palace of Versailles in the afternoon. This 4-hour tour included a transfer to the 17th-century palace. Now a museum, we had a standard tour that took several large groups through two wings of the massive building.

Our tour guide did a great job weaving through the crowds. She never stopped her narration of the history as we dodged other tourists. Unfortunately, we had limited time to explore the gardens independently afterwards as we got caught in a rainstorm.

We Had the Chateau to Ourselves

On Day 3, we awoke in the quaint village of La Roche-Guyon.

For the morning, we strolled the picturesque streets of this small community situated right along the banks of the Seine River. Various historic buildings exist throughout the village, but the 12th-century Château de La Roche-Guyon is the most iconic.

We opted for a self-guided tour with the Viking discount, which costs $7.50 per visitor. We spent about 90 minutes exploring this partially restored castle using the audio guide and overview map. If you can handle the 250 steps, a walk up to the castle’s bell tower is worth it for the panoramic views of the village.

With the ship departing for Vernon at 2 PM, we opted for one of the included tours to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise. This little known locale is the final home of the impressionist painter Vincent Van Gough. This tour included stops in the town associated with the 70 days the painter spent here before the tragic end of his life, including the famous church he painted.

Again, our tour guide was excellent. She provided a wealth of history and backstory about the town, the region, and this iconic artist. We also had some free time to pop into a local bakery for fresh pastries.

Of note, this tour was a substitute for the Monet Gardens given we were too early in the season.

Roaming the Streets of Rouen

Grey skies loomed overhead as our longship sailed along the Seine, approaching our most northern stop, Rouen, on Day 4. With small towns, factories, and pastures dotting the coastline, we had a lazy morning of work.

After lunch, we headed ashore for the 1:45 PM walking tour of the city. For about 90 minutes, our guide weaved in and out of a few blocks showcasing the 16th-century architecture. From the half-timbered buildings intertwined with modern-day shops and cafes, Roen was much different than any of the places we visited on this trip.

While not walking far, we did hit the highlights. Among the photo-ops were the Church of Saint Maclou, the Palace of Justice, the Church of St. Joan of Arc, the Town Clock and Belfry, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The tour ended at the Old Market Place, giving us free time to explore independently. While the museums in town are free, we opted for macarons and Starbucks coffee. That’s French enough, right?

Remembering The Past

Along with the embarkation city of Paris, the other highlight of this itinerary is a full-day excursion to the landing beaches of Normandy.  

On Day 5, we set off from Roen (where we were docked overnight) on this 11-hour tour. The briefing the night before set the emotional stage for the tour and reliving the historic events of June 6, 1944.

The day-long excursion included an approximately 2.5-hour drive to Caen. One of the major holdouts after the landing, this city is home to a thoughtfully laid-out and curated museum. Our stop included approximately two hours here with a partially guided tour. We then had some free time to explore the exhibits on our own.

From here, we made a short lunch stop before heading to the American National Cemetery, about 45 minutes away. We had about 90 minutes at the cemetery, which included a brief ceremony at the memorial and time to roam the grounds where over 9,400 American soldiers are buried.

The final stop was at Omaha Beach. The 30 minutes here let guests walk along the beach and reflect on the D-day landing. Back on the bus, it was close to three hours back to the ship.

A Sunny Day in Les Andelys

When we pulled into the charming village of Les Andelys on Day 6, it was quite grey. The early morning fog made us concerned it would be another gloomy day. Yet, by late morning, the skies cleared, and it was a bright and sunny midday—at least for now.

With our tour scheduled for 2 PM, we had free time to see some of the sights on our own. Thus, we took a quick stroll and made sure to grab some photos and videos of the ship before meeting our tour shoreside.

We spent the next two hours strolling the streets of this picturesque village with our energetic and enthusiastic tour guide. The most impressive site is the 12th-century Chateau Gaillard, built by Richard the Lion Heart. Technically, you can get better shots of the remains from the riverbank, but making the trek to the top is worth it. We were able to get amazing pictures of the town and the ship from here.

Along the way, we also learned about the town’s history and the chateau’s construction. Of note, it is a rather steep ascent. So, do keep your physical fitness levels in mind.

When we finished the tour, we took our guide’s advice to grab some sweets and a French baguette from a local pâtisserie. Thankfully, we just made it inside when the skies opened and there was some of the worst hail we’ve ever seen!

A Change of Plans

Ahead of the cruise, we received a warning that the ship might be unable to dock in Paris due to river water levels. While we could board the ship a short walk from the Eiffel Tower a week ago, that would not be the case for departing Viking Radgrid.

During the disembarkation day talk, the captain announced that the ship would be docking in Le Pecq for the last two days due to high river levels. This did not dramatically change our plans; although, it did mean that we wouldn’t get to walk around Paris at all.

For the last day of this cruise, we had two tours scheduled. The first was the included tour of Napoleon’s Chateau de Malmaison. 

After a short drive to the Chateau, we had about two hours to tour the early 19th-century seat of Napoleon’s government. While not as impressive as some other French castles we visited during this cruise, it was relatively empty which was a nice reprieve. This gave the Viking groups plenty of time and space to enjoy this hidden gem.  

Back on the ship by 12:30 PM, it was a mad dash to lunch before our next 1:30 PM tour. This optional excursion included a guided tour of the Louvre and a brassiere dinner. However, I don’t think we were ready for what a busy museum full of tour groups and priceless works of art really looked like.

To see all the Louvre offers would take two months of daily visits. So, we only got to see the highlights while dodging the crowds. But, from the original fortress foundations to Greek and Italian sculptures to the French crown jewels, the roughly 2.5 hours touched on some of the more noteworthy pieces.

Of course, no trip to this museum is complete without seeing the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo. While we did have to battle the crowds, we were able to snap a selfie with the slightly smiling lady.

After some free time to browse the gift shops, we went to a local brassiere for an “authentic” French dinner. Although, the Caprese salad and broiled lamb chop were not precisely what we envisioned. But, the massive profiterole for dessert was a perfect ending to our seven days in France.

Our Viking Seine River Cruise Review Recap

Over 7 days, we traveled back in time through several centuries. We explored historic chateaus, sampled French cuisine, and marveled at the heroism of Allied troops at the very beaches they stormed 80 years ago.

The 55 crew members of Viking Radgrid ensured we were well-fed and well-taken care of along the way. Those who have sailed on smaller cruise ships will feel right at home with the friendliness and quaint surroundings of this longship. With upscale dining, cozy accommodations, and twice-daily service, Viking wraps cruisers in comfort and handles every little detail of the trip.

The onboard atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and Viking Radgrid felt like a floating home away from home.

We must admit as mega-ship cruisers, we were worried that there wouldn’t be enough to do on such a small ship. Yet, that was never the case. In fact, we were often so tired from a day full of exploration ashore that we had to actively keep ourselves awake to enjoy the nighttime entertainment. A round of espresso martinis also helped.

On most of our trips, the ships themselves are the destination. While on a river cruise, the itinerary is the focus. With Viking Radgrid blending into the background, we were able to absorb the scenery, culture, and history. We can’t think of a better way to explore this region than by a river cruise ship.

Ocean cruises and river cruises are two very different options to “sea the world, one port at a time”. But if you enjoy the comforts of a cruise ship and want to explore new destinations, we encourage you too to step outside of your comfort zone and try a river cruise.

Viking offers various sailings throughout Europe, Asia, and even on the Mississippi and Nile rivers. So, we suspect you will find a region of the world worth exploring on your first river cruise.

Comments

Are you planning a Viking river cruise? Have you sailed the Seine River yet? Drop us an anchor below with your latest river cruise reviews.

The post We Just Returned From Our First Viking River Cruise And Here’s What It Was Really Like appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

The growth of the expedition cruising industry is reflected by the number of new ships being built to serve passengers anxious to explore a different side of cruising. During the COVID travel pause, some people banked their money that they saved by not traveling for several years. Those savings went toward bucket list cruising adventures like expedition cruising. Regular expedition cruisers did the same, but perhaps looked at exploring a new destination or sailing with a different expedition cruise company.

Closer examination of expedition cruises reveals a multitude of options in cruising styles and philosophies. This guide to expedition cruising will narrow down the options to help you choose an expedition cruising style that suits your needs.

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Complete Guide to Expedition Cruising

What is Expedition Cruising?

Defining an expedition cruise is no easy task. For some people, a cruise to a destination like Alaska, might be considered an expedition cruise for them. And there are absolutely some components of an Alaska cruise that are characteristic of a true expedition cruise. Aligning with nature. Seeking smaller ports. Focusing on the local culture. An Alaska cruise is an ideal gateway to the expedition cruising experience.

Although it’s difficult to generalize about expedition cruising, there are many common features that define most expedition cruises. First of all, the ship visits off-the-beaten path destinations.

For example, on a recent Lindblad Expeditions cruise through the Inside Passage, we explored parts of the Inside Passage that the large cruise ships could not safely navigate. Even then some of our destinations couldn’t even be reached by our small ship, NatGeo Venture. We often used zodiacs to explore the area or to get us to shores that required wet-landings.

These types of voyages span from Adventures by Disney expedition cruises to an adult-only Viking expedition cruise.

Size of an Expedition Ship

Size really does matter when it comes to expedition cruising. Smaller ships carry fewer passengers, thus limiting the effect of a mass of crowds descending upon a destination. In fact, many ports of call on expedition ship itineraries are inhabited by just a few people.

For example, on my Hurtigruten cruise to Greenland, we stopped at towns so small that there appeared to be no source for food or basic necessities. The locals, if even encountered in these tiniest of towns, shared their stories with us passengers. On one stop, one man claimed to have been looking for a wife forever. He nearly proposed to one of the younger members of our group. Such encounters make for lasting memories.

Ships must carry fewer than 500 passengers to visit the Antarctica region. Just a few people may land on a spot in Antarctica at a time. That could mean waiting to go ashore.

Physical Fitness Levels

Expedition cruising doesn’t necessarily mean intensive physical activity or require being an ultra athlete to participate. Many cruise lines define their excursions according to level of difficulty. This allows passengers the option of choosing which level of physical exertion they are comfortable with. 

Participation in most events is not mandatory. An expedition could be birdwatching, hiking, kayaking, or searching for bears and whales.

Due to the remoteness of places visited and lack of medical services, some expedition cruise companies require evacuation insurance for their passengers.

The Destinations

Most expedition cruises reach exotic destinations, but that is just one of the characteristics of expedition cruising. Besides an Alaska expedition cruise, many expedition cruises visit the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The spectacular beauty, the nature, and the ability to witness wildlife keeps passengers returning. If you are looking for tips for your first Arctic expedition cruise, we have you covered.

However, expedition cruising doesn’t require extreme conditions. While an expedition cruise to the Galápagos probably comes to find first, the Amazon, Australia’s Kimberly, Baja California, and Mekong are just a few other warmer weather destinations.

In fact, Atlas Ocean Voyages, which does visit the polar regions, is putting a twist on the definition of expedition. In addition to their regular cruises, they will offer culinary and cultural expedition cruising in 2024. That brings in another component of expedition cruising: immersion.

Immersion

Expedition cruising focuses on in-depth exploration of a particular topic or particular region. You may have heard of Celebrity Cruises’ newest ships like Celebrity Apex or Celebrity Beyond, but did you know that they have three expedition ships that sail The Galápagos?

Part of the expedition cruising experience involves a staff of experts in their fields. Naturalists, scientists, ornithologists, historians, and photographers are just a few of the different types of experts found on an expedition cruise.

Guests will explore the seas with these experts who lecture throughout the day, set up labs or share their research with guests. On Viking, citizen scientists participate in activities, such as identifying microplastics in the onboard labs. Viking cooperates with NOAA and launches weather balloons, a highlight of a Viking expedition cruise.

Professional photographers document the voyages and many cruise lines provide guests with a photographic or videographic memory of their cruise at the end of the sailing. During the sailing, photographers are on hand to share their expertise with guests. Lindblad even offers cameras and lenses for guests to try out.

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Accommodations and Dining

Expedition cruising doesn’t necessarily mean bare bones accommodations. It is possible to sail on a ship with more basic accommodations and dining options. UnCruise and others source local foods, giving their guests a true flavor of the area. Many expedition ships have few public areas, so guests are relegated to the only public area on the ship, which is often the lecture lounge. A small ship makes efficient use of its space, so there is no additional space for extra lounges or alternative dining rooms.

While good food is important, an expedition ship usually has fewer menu items and few, if any, alternative dining restaurants. At the other end of the spectrum, there are ultra-luxury cruise lines like Scenic, Seabourn, Silversea, and Atlas Ocean Voyages. Who doesn’t want to return to luxurious surroundings and upscale culinary experiences?

Scenic Cruises continually reconsiders what expedition cruising means to their guests and adjusts accordingly. They combined ultra-luxury with expedition in 2019. After kayaking, hiking, or other high energy exploration, who doesn’t want to return to a ship that offers creature comforts?

Expedition cruising includes intangibles. Hurtigruten Expeditions started way back in 1896. Along with their expeditions around the world, they have also addressed environmental concerns and sustainability, another common feature of expedition cruising.

They consider themselves the most sustainable adventure travel company in the world, pioneering the banning of single-use plastics and heavy fuel oil. They launched the first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship, MS Roald Amundsen. Its MS Fridtjof Nansen ranks as the safest and most sustainable cruise ship in the world.

Typical Guest an on Expedition Cruise

Expedition cruising guests primarily look for adventure and immersion into less-explored geographic regions. They are usually highly educated, have disposable income, and are mature. Attending lectures or becoming a citizen scientist comes naturally to them.

Expedition cruising guests often are very brand loyal. The majority have cruised many times. It’s unlikely that they are first-time cruisers. Though, Poseidon Expeditions notes a trend over the past few years of seeing more younger and solo guests.

How to Choose the Best Expedition Cruise for You – 10 Questions to Consider.

Just like ocean-going ships have distinct styles of sailing, so do expedition ships.

Be sure to do your research in advance. Celebrity Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, and Viking offer expedition products. If you enjoy their ocean cruising experience, you may want to give their expedition cruises a try.

Are you more focused on a destination or on an educational experience?

If you are considering The Galápagos or The Amazon, you can rule out several companies just for the fact that they don’t sail there.

If you are focused on learning about the flora and fauna of a particular destination, you may want to read the bios of the naturalists and other experts sailing on a particular itinerary.

Are you looking for lots of space to spread out or get away from other passengers?

Check the size of the ship. On one hand, a small ship can take you to exciting and remote places. On the other hand, smaller ships don’t have lots of places to get away to avoid the rest of your group. Remember that you will engage in activities with the same group of people on a daily basis.

Check to see if there is a larger group sailing. They sometimes become clique-ish. Tour operators like Road Scholar use expedition ships for their programs. They have their own activities planned including shore excursions exclusively for them.

Smaller ships unload more quickly and get guests to shore more efficiently. In landing spots where only so many guests from a ship are allowed on land at a time, this is definitely something worth consideration. Aqua Expeditions has ships ranging in capacity from 16 to 40 guests.

Are you able to spend days away from commercial ports of call?

Keep in mind that one highlight of expedition cruising involves discovering off-the-beaten path destinations. That means that expedition ships are unlikely to stop at more commercial ports. Some ships may stop at smaller communities and the occasional larger town.

For example, on my recent Lindblad Expeditions cruise, we stopped in Victoria, BC, on our way up through the Inside Passage to Alaska. Over the two weeks of cruising, we stopped in only two other small ports. If shopping is of prime importance to you, you might re-consider whether expedition cruising is a good choice.

Do you need mobility equipment for maneuvering?

Many expedition ships are unable to accommodate guests with mobility issues. While some do have semi-accessible or accessible cabins, most of the expedition experience involves physical activity. However, if you are satisfied with hearing the lectures and enjoying the scenery, you may be content to stay on the ship.

Boarding a ship might be challenging. Speak with a travel advisor familiar with the cruise line that you will be sailing or speak directly with the cruise line. Getting into zodiacs isn’t always the easiest process. On my cruise on Iceland ProCruises, the steep metal stairway to access the zodiacs took some extra care. Other ships have similar systems for boarding zodiacs.

Few expedition ships are equipped with elevators; however, some like Adventure Canada require only that you can negotiate stairs on your own. Others like Aqua Expeditions are small and do not have enough space to accommodate disabilities.

Some of the expedition cruise lines require anybody with physical disabilities to travel with a companion who can assist.

I was impressed by a group of women with walkers exploring one of the ports where the ship docked. I admired their spirits. The polar regions simply can’t accommodate those needing special assistance. This is a long winded way of saying that you need to know your limitations and objectives for choosing a particular destination or ship for your expedition cruise.

Are you traveling with your family?

Adventures by Disney might be top of mind for family expedition cruising. They cater to families. Companies like Lindblad allow children of any age, while others have minimum age requirements.

Some of the expedition cruise lines allow one age for sailing, but a higher age for going on expeditions.

Several of the expedition cruise lines have special activities for children and even special sailings catering to families. Many ships have a limited number of rooms that can accommodate more that two people. Connecting rooms are often limited as well.

Further, there are no kids clubs. Programming for children on most expedition cruise lines is only on specific ships or specific dates.

Are you traveling solo?

More and more people are traveling solo on expedition cruises. Some of the cruises offer a matching service to find you another solo travel to share a room with. That definitely helps the budget. If there is no matching service, ask your travel advisor about sailings that offer reduced rates for solo travelers.

Do you need to be entertained?

If you enjoy big production shows like magicians or other Broadway-caliber entertainment while cruising, an expedition ship probably isn’t for you. The entertainment on an expedition cruise is usually the surrounding nature, the lecturers, and occasionally your fellow passengers.

On some ships, local performers or other small acts provide more traditional entertainment. Some ships do not even have televisions in the staterooms.

Are you flexible?

Expedition cruising often follows a general schedule. With a focus on viewing charismatic mega fauna, the captain of the ship might stop or sail in a certain area for an extended length of time hoping to see a breeching whale, bears, or other wildlife. The same can happen on a zodiac tour.

While in Endicott Arm, hoping to get to Dawes Glacier at the end of the arm, NatGeo Venture in the name of safety, stopped when the ice became too treacherous. We hopped in the zodiacs and sure enough, spotted a whale close to shore. Just near to that spot, we stopped to watch a mother bear and her cubs enjoying the shoreline and entertaining us.

Our original plan had been to explore another area, but with all the activity happening right near us, we spent time there and abandoned the plan to explore another inlet.

Tides, weather, and other restrictions can affect the sailing schedule. So, going with the flow is important. If you need a rigid schedule, expedition cruising may not be your best choice.

Weather, sea conditions, or local laws may restrict the usage of the on-board toys as well.

Are you able to get comfortable with the weather?

If you absolutely hate the cold, the polar regions may not be your best choice for an expedition cruise. Even in the respective summer season, the weather may be unpredictable. Packing the proper gear greatly enhances the experience. Expedition cruise lines provide you with a list of items, including mandatory items like high-boots for wet landings.

Warmer areas like the Amazon or Baja California also might present a problem for those adverse to the heat. Choose your cruise dates wisely and follow the recommendations of the expedition cruise line. They have been doing this for a long time and know what works.

Is expedition cruising in your budget?

As you search for the perfect expedition cruise, you should expect a cruise of a comparable length of time to cost more than a cruise on a mainstream line. After all, there are fewer passengers and that means less revenue for the cruise line to pay crew and expert staff. Permits for visiting certain regions and other requirements add to the cost of the cruise.

Some expedition cruise lines offer an all-inclusive experience. When comparing and trying to decide among the many options, be sure to take added expenses into account. Will you have to pay for shore excursions, beverages, or equipment rentals?

In the end, your final selection of an expedition cruise comes down to your personal preferences, recommendations or reviews from others who have sailed, and cost.

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Best Expedition Cruise Lines

Here is a quick list of some popular expedition cruise lines, with a couple features for each one that might help with making your selection.

• Adventure Canada– Family-owned, multi-gen groups with kids under 4 paying only charter air.
• Adventures by Disney– Family focus. Some 3 and 4 night cruises offered.
• Aqua Expeditions– 90% local guides for authentic experience. River expeditions.
• Atlas Ocean Voyages– Private jet air on polar expeditions. All-inclusive.
• Celebrity Cruises– Solely explores The Galapagos. Glamping on Flora.
• Hurtigruten– All expedition ships except SantaCruz II are accessible for wheelchairs. High percentage of expedition team are permanent employees.
• Iceland ProCruises– Specialize in Iceland and Greenland. Most Iceland ports are developed.
• Lindblad Expeditions– Glass igloos on Resolution and Endurance for sleeping under the stars. Global Explorers program for kids on some ships.
• Poseidon Expeditions– Best Polar Expedition Operator 2023. 14 max pax.
• Scenic– Technology for quicker passages, more time on shore. Helicopter on board.
• Seabourn– UltraLuxury. Submarines onboard.
• Silversea– UltraLuxury. Polar bear sighting promise on certain cruises.
• UnCruise– All-inclusive. Family cruises with special kids programs in 2024.
• Viking– An adult-only scientific enrichment environment with weather balloon launch. Extensive library.

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I often get the question, “Which cruise line is the absolute best?” and I have to immediately follow it with, “For who?”. With so many cruise lines available to book, it might seem like we’re simply comparing anchors to anchors, but almost every cruise line at sea excels in different aspects of the cruise experience.

For example, the best cruise for a young couple and their kids will not be the same as the best sailing for a couple’s retreat or a vacation for retirees with a penchant for adventure travel.

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Take a look at your travel group, your destination, and your personal preferences. If your palate doesn’t extend beyond chicken parm, maybe don’t worry about finding a ship with an established culinary program. Likewise, nightlife might not matter much to you if you’re an early bird always on the first available excursion.

We’ve chosen some key cruising superlatives and weighed in on which cruise lines shine in each category. While it’s not a comprehensive list, it should point you in the right direction when choosing the best cruise line — for you and only you.

Which Cruise Line is the Best?

Best Cruise Line for Budget Travelers

Our pick: MSC Cruises

Runner-up: Carnival Cruise Line

Honorable Mention: Margaritaville at Sea

Carnival has long been associated with wallet-friendly pricing, and it still is one of the best value cruise lines out there. However, MSC Cruises has blazed onto the scene with consistently cheap deals that make it hard to resist booking that budget cruise vacation. Five of the European cruise line’s mega ships now depart from the U.S., and weeklong Caribbean vacations are on average $100 per person, per night or less. Consider too the fleet is relatively young, with most of the stateside ships debuting within the past few years. MSC World America will sail from Miami when it debuts in 2025.

MSC has ships deployed worldwide, from its home in the Med to South America, Dubai and the Red Sea. This allows for competitive pricing, like a weeklong Western Mediterranean sailing from $65 per person, per night.

Among the cheapest cruise lines, we’d be remiss not to mention Margaritaville at Sea (formerly Bahamas Paradise), which runs short sailings to and from West Palm Beach. The two-ship company is currently one of the absolute lowest fares out there, with feel-good two-night sprints to Grand Bahama Island for less than $200 (total for two people).

Best Cruise Line for Luxury Travelers

Our pick: Silversea Cruises

Runner-up: Seabourn Cruise Line

Butlers, suites and caviar, oh my! When credit card statements are less of a concern, turn to ultra-luxury cruise lines Silversea and Seabourn, which both offer stellar itineraries, fine dining and intuitive service in plush and swanky surrounds. Both cruise lines offer an all-inclusive product, which touches on everything from premium wines and spirits to laundry and included gratuities. Book either line if you don’t want to have to lift a finger during the entirety of your voyage.

While both cruise lines offer a wide range of itineraries and even expedition-style offerings, Silversea has such a substantial footprint, including a ship dedicated to the Galapagos, that it edges out the competition. Special events on world cruises are an unmatched effort of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and the Silversea fleet is about double the size of Seabourn’s seven ships.

Best Cruise Line for Adventurous Travelers

Our pick: Lindblad-National Geographic

Runner-up: HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

Crave more than the standard-issue walking tour? Expedition cruise lines answer the call of the wild with journeys that bring you into the heart of nature. Staffed with experts and naturalists, these companies bring guests up close to wildlife with hikes, Zodiac cruises, and kayaking.

Lindblad not only offers the far-flung and lesser-traveled destinations associated with expedition — like the Arctic or the Amazon — but even more offbeat voyages that extend into Scotland, Japan and the Pacific Northwest. In addition to experienced expedition staff, Lindblad also features a National Geographic photography expert onboard and its newest ships are sleek and engineered for ice.

There are so many standout cruise lines infusing adventure into their offerings, so we also must shoutout Norway-based cruise line Hurtigruten, which has expanded rapidly into North America. Hurtigruten is constantly pushing the boundaries of introducing new ports and sustainable practices. It also features Arctic excursions under the midnight sun or northern lights, as well as a cruise through West Africa.

Best Cruise Line for Families

Our pick: Disney Cruise Line

Runner-up: Carnival Cruise Line

In one of the toughest and most competitive cruise categories of them all, “family” cruise lines abound. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC also offer an absolutely mind-boggling amount to do with your kin, plus very solid kids clubs and partnerships like LEGO (MSC). However, the two cruise lines that always seem to have family at the very forefront are Disney and Carnival.

It’s hard to argue with a name like Disney when it comes to creating family vacation magic. From its thoughtfully outfitted cruise rooms to first-run films, state-of-the-art live productions of Disney favorites like “Frozen” and themed dining, the diversions never end. Its world-class kids clubs range from babies to teens and incorporate touches of Star Wars and Marvel in the mix, which is enough to make the adults jealous. Luckily, an adults-only array of bars and lounges cater to caretakers once the kids are in bed.

Carnival holds its own with its Seuss at Sea partnership, dedicated Family Harbor cabins and crowd-pleasing entertainment including “Hasbro, the Game Show.”

Best Cruise Line for Adults

Our pick: Viking Cruises

Runner-up: Virgin Voyages

Sometimes you just need a break from tiny humans, and you don’t want to be judged for it. While many cruise lines feature adults-only spaces such as lounges or sun decks, very few limit their passenger base to the over-18 crowd. Luckily, if that’s just what you’re looking for, there are options.

Look to the Vs for adult-only sailings, offered by both Viking and Virgin. Viking offers a comfortable, Scandinavian aesthetic onboard with high-quality cuisine (its buffet is one of the best at sea) and a chic thermal suite that is open to all. High marks also go to service and enrichment onboard a Viking cruise, which lacks a casino, though its guests don’t seem to mind.

If you are looking to get away from your beloved children and let looser, Virgin invites a fun-for-all atmosphere with tons of (included) restaurants, fitness classes, and edgy entertainment options. Plus, a private beach club on Bimini in the Bahamas is a port day experience clearly designed by Branson himself.

Best Cruise Line for Couples

Our pick: Celebrity Cruises

Runner-up: Princess Cruises

Thoughtful, contemporary décor sets the tone for what feels like an upscale resort onboard any of Celebrity’s ships. It’s this atmosphere, with engaging art, flying martini flights, and alfresco terraces where couples can canoodle. Spend the day in the stunning spa or thermal suite; eat your way through the ship or soak up the sun hand in hand. Celebrity offers both relaxing retreats and engaging performances to keep lovers occupied, especially on its ultra-modern Edge Class.

Couples of all ages can find some romance on the original Love Boats, which Princess continues to proudly advertise. Booked in a balcony room? Splurge on a full, course-by-course breakfast before beginning the day with your sweetheart. Later, be sure to attend the wine and chocolate pairing or surprise them with one of Princess’ many romance packages for an extra flourish of amor.

Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers

Our pick: Norwegian Cruise Line

Runner-up: Virgin Voyages

Cruising alone is by no means lonely. Travelers taking to the seas solo can appreciate the considerate amenities of cruise lines who organize meetups or even dedicated lounges for singles. Norwegian Cruise Line made a statement about solo cruisers with the introduction of its studio cabin complex, featuring moderately priced rooms for one that also have access to a lounge where solo cruisers can meet up with others traveling independently. Studios can now be found across at least eight of Norwegian’s ships.

Another cruise line now supporting the solo cruiser is Virgin, which has waived the pesky solo supplements, or additional fee for being just one to a room. Though relatively new to the industry, Virgin is courting solo travelers with a whopping 46 single cabins onboard each ship, with six lucky guests snagging forward-facing ocean views. Virgin’s inclusive and welcoming atmosphere breaks the ice a bit better than most cruise lines when it comes to making new sailing friends.

Best Cruise Line for Entertainment

Our pick: Royal Caribbean

Runner-up: Norwegian Cruise Line

There are many times you’re likely to say “wow” on a Royal Caribbean ship, whether it’s at professional ice-skating flips, aquatic high-diving twists, or a roaming piano player who might fit those keys inside an elevator. Remember, this is all while you’re at sea! The variety and caliber of Royal Caribbean’s onboard talent is vast, but there is plenty more to do other than the shows, parades, and live music. You can also book an escape room, play laser tag, climb a rock wall, try surfing or fly down the top-deck waterslides, just to name a few.

Norwegian is hot on the tail of Royal Caribbean when it comes to on-deck attractions, from an impressive waterpark and ropes course to its scenic speedway go-kart track. However, when it comes to the stage, Norwegian has an absolute knack for landing Broadway- and West End-worthy talent…straight from the theaters of Broadway and the West End. These productions, ranging from “Jersey Boys” to “Beetlejuice,” bring all the pizzazz of the world’s best stages to cruise ship audiences — entirely free of charge.

Best Cruise Line for Enrichment

Our pick: Cunard Line

Runner-up: Holland America Line

If the thought of learning something on vacation attracts rather than repels you, consider these cruise lines for their guest lectures, their library collections and onboard facilities like Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 planetarium or Holland America’s Explorations Central (EXC) zones.

Cunard is a historic cruise company, with a legacy of onboard enrichment that stretches back for decades. Theme cruises — referred to by Cunard as “event voyages” — delve into topics more deeply, including insight from actual veterans as far back as WWII on their “Greatest Generation” sailings; the musical talents of a national symphony orchestra; or festivals at sea from food and wine to literature. Ballroom dancing classes, language lessons, and the dedicated Cunard Insights enrichment program all round out the academic offerings and are available on just about every sailing.

Holland America Line has updated its shelves with modern libraries as well as trending enrichment like free pickleball instruction. A partnership with BBC Earth results in a spectacular live orchestral performance set to footage of nature called “Earth in Concert.”

Best Cruise Line for Foodies

Our pick: Oceania Cruises

Runner-up: Silversea Cruises

Be sure to stretch your stomach before boarding an Oceania cruise, where the culinary arts have long been a focus and remain a top priority across the fleet. Dishes are continually being refined in every dining venue, including the Grand Dining Room, with recent additions like poke bowls in Waves Grill or an expanded Sunday Brunch as part of the line’s OceaniaNEXT improvements. Jacques Pepin is the cruise line’s longtime executive culinary advisor, and his onboard venues are a testament to French gastronomic excellence.

Beyond meals, Oceania guests can take part in culinary-themed excursions or book a cooking class at the Culinary Center. Mixology is included in this high-standard F&B mix, with the latest techniques — including zero-proof cocktails — incorporated into onboard bar menus.

Silversea is a luxury cruise line with a cornucopia of quality dining options, but its S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program takes the epicurean experience and turns it up to 11. Stretching from onboard kitchens, dining rooms and a themed bar to immersive shore tours, S.A.L.T. is a finely tuned culinary program that draws most of its inspiration from your itinerary and local products and customs. The full experience is currently available on select ships, including Silver Moon, Silver Dawn and Silver Nova.

Best Cruise Line for Nightlife

Our pick: Virgin Voyages

Runner-up: Carnival Cruise Line

No sleep till debarkation! Everyone has their own cruise style, and nothing is wrong with active days and relaxing evenings. However, for some, being able to dance past dawn and hit the town (er, decks) is all part of being on holiday. If that’s the plan, we recommend Virgin Voyages, who excel at tripping the light fantastic for their guests.

A Scarlet themed night with festival-style pop-up acts complements a nightly roster of stage performances including sexy takes on classic scripts, cabaret-style shows, a thumping nightclub and plenty of cool bars to hop from. It’s a ship that stays up, even if you are winding down, with a 24/7 diner and pizza shop and leisurely brunch options for the Morning After.

Carnival has long been known as a fleet of party ships, and while that reputation has faded over the years with more family offerings and longer sailings, the Fun Ships still know how to boogie down. Carnival makes it easy for anyone to have a good time with an incredible drink from Alchemy Bar or a home-brewed beer from the Key West-inspired RedFrog Pub, complete with live music.

Piano bars, sports bars and pool bars all have different vibes and promise to keep the good times rolling for as long as you can roll. Adult-only comedy shows and other after-hours entertainment add to the many reasons you should make every effort to enjoy Carnival’s nightlife.

Best Cruise Line for the Caribbean

Our pick: Royal Caribbean

Runner-up: Windstar Cruises

With cruising and the Caribbean going hand in hand, it’s hard to pick just one cruise line who excels there. But with “Caribbean” in the name, it’s hard to argue with Royal Caribbean and its fleet of almost 30 ships, including the world’s largest. Offering various ship classes, sizes and price points, Royal overwhelms with its Caribbean options. Sail short, weekend cruises from Port Canaveral or 11-night Southern Caribbean voyages from Cape Liberty, NJ.

Pair idyllic Caribbean ports like St. Maarten with Bermuda, or opt for a Bahamas cruise, which includes private island Perfect Day at CocoCay. Plus, homeports include Baltimore, New Orleans, Galveston and Jersey in addition to the various ports of Florida.

Taking a totally different tack, Windstar’s yachts and sailing ships offer an intimate way to visit the Caribbean. Unlike the bustling touristic areas where mega-ships dock, Windstar’s small vessels can anchor in tucked-away harbors on lesser-visited islands. It’s a completely different and revelatory way to see the many islands of the Caribbean beyond the marquee ports.

Best Cruise Line for Alaska

Our pick: Princess Cruises, Holland America (tie)

Runner-up: UnCruise Adventures

The Great State of Alaska — it’s another cruise destination frequented by many but mastered by the following lines. For a comprehensive, ocean cruising experience through the Last Frontier, you can’t go wrong with either Princess or Holland America.

Both cruise lines offer incredible lodges and land programs (with the Alaska Railroad) for extended Alaska cruise tours; both dedicate a multitude of ships to the region each season, with varying itineraries; and both offer cohesive onboard programming that highlights the cuisine, culture, and incredible wildlife of Alaska. If you’re looking for a difference, Holland America ventures up into the Yukon. For families, we recommend the North to Alaska programming from Princess.

If choosing between those two Alaska cruise heavyweights isn’t enough, we introduce a third option, and that is a small-ship expedition sailing that is a world apart from mainstream cruising. UnCruise is partially based in Juneau, with authentic ties to the state. Extensions in Juneau or to Denali are possible, but it’s all about the unique sailing and exploration opportunities onboard, which include dates typically outside the average cruise season.

Active pursuits like hiking and kayaking are all included, plus all meals and gear. Want to truly get away from it all? UnCruise does not offer onboard Wi-Fi, allowing you and your loved ones to be present in this magnificent destination.

Best Cruise Line for the Mediterranean

Our pick: Azamara Cruises

Runner-up: Viking Cruises

Rounding out the top cruise destinations, the Med is on the bucket list of nearly every traveler — and for good reason. Encompassing some of the world’s most popular vacation plans, you’ll find Italy, Greece, France, Spain and other European delights throughout the Mediterranean, drenched in stunning scenery and even better food and wine.

Serving this all up on a silver platter is Azamara, who is our pick for their immersive, country-intensive itinerary options. Rather than simply offering a sampler of one piece of the Med, home in on one country, spending 10 or 11 days in Italy or island-hopping Greece. The line’s AzAmazing evenings in port along with their signature all-white deck party add flair to any itinerary.

Another wonderful pick for the Med is Viking, whose ultra-comfortable ships ply a wide range of sailings here, from Istanbul to Athens and Barcelona to Venice, as well as Rome to Lisbon or a voyage with extended time in Malta, Morocco and Spain. Onboard, gorgeous outdoor spaces like the Aquavit Terrace and infinity pool are the perfect place to watch the sunset with a spritz. Italian dining doesn’t get much better than Manfredi’s.      

Best Cruise Line for Hawaii

Our pick: UnCruise Adventures

Runner-up: Norwegian Cruise Line

Perhaps a controversial pick, but if you’re looking for the ultimate Hawaiian experience on a cruise ship, consider expedition company UnCruise. Once again, we are nominating them for their intimate, onboard experience and the innate flexibility to sail where the weather and the waves are just right for a dip off the watersports platform.

Flagged in the U.S, UnCruise is one of the very few cruise lines approved to sail solely within Hawaii, embarking guests in Molokai and leaving them in Kona. Special experiences include night snorkeling with Pacific rays and plenty of time interacting with locals at events like a pa’ina feast and jam session.

Another option suited to larger groups and families is Norwegian’s Pride of America, the only other cruise ship approved to sail the Hawaiian Islands without a long stretch of sea days. Sail round trip on a weeklong cruise right from Waikiki in Honolulu, which makes pre- or post-cruise stays on the Big Island a breeze. Visit three other islands including Maui, Hawaii and Kauai, with pre-arranged land extensions as an option through Norwegian.

Best Cruise Line Private Island

Our pick: Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity)

Runner-up: Castaway Cay (Disney)

Honorable Mention: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (MSC Cruises)

A land-based extension of some cruise lines is their carefully crafted private island experiences. Many of these islands are located in the Bahamas (including every mention here). The difference of where you might call depends on which cruise line or company you are sailing (for example, Celebrity is owned by the same parent company as Royal Caribbean and will join Royal’s calls at Perfect Day).

What we love most about the appropriately named Perfect Day at CocoCay is that it has been finely tuned to provide the ideal vacation day for nearly every passenger on any budget. Spend nothing more than time by the turquoise shores on a beach lounger or splurge on the impressive Thrill waterpark.

The island is aptly divided into “thrills” and “chills” directing guests to a poolside oasis or a 135-foot drop from Daredevil’s Peak. As with nearly any cruise line private island your onboard drink and Wi-Fi packages extend to shore.

Another immaculately crafted island experience comes from none other than Disney and its Castaway Cay with its always family-friendly attention to detail. Enjoy gentle swimming coves, bike rentals, plenty of grub and maybe even an appearance from your favorite characters — in their swim trunks.

High marks go to relatively new private island Ocean Cay, from MSC Cruises, which has focused a lot on rehabilitation of the island and its surrounding coral and marine life. Fun in the sun is still the focus, with great swimming spots, bars with a view and even fish-shaped ice cream cones. A differentiator? By night, stick around for a traditional Junkanoo parade followed by a laser lights show and dance party.

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Whether you’re happily child-free or want to have some time away from your (and other people’s) littles, an adults-only cruise is a great option for a relaxing and fun vacation. In the cruising world, there are surprisingly few lines that ban kids completely, but they do exist.

So what cruise lines offer an adults-only experience? Well, we take a look at cruise lines that are just for adults, as well as other brands that have designated at least one ship as child-free. We also go over lines that allow older kids or teenagers, but keep the younger children to a minimum.

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Best Adults Only Cruises

1. Viking

Which cruise ships are adults only? All of Viking’s ships are adults-only.

Since their debuts, Viking’s ocean and expedition cruise fleets have been reserved for the 18 and older crowd. The brand’s river cruise division previously allowed tweens and teens 12 and older, but moved to align with the ocean vessels by implementing the 18+ adults-only rule in 2018.

By cruise ship standards, the line’s ocean vessels are small, coming in at just under 50,000 gross tons and holding 930 passengers each. The expedition ships are even smaller at just over 30,000 gross tons and carrying 378 passengers. Most of the line’s “Viking Longships,” or river vessels, are between 350 and 450 feet long, carrying under 200 guests.

The vibe onboard all of Viking’s vessels is upscale and laid-back. They feature cozy Scandinavian interior design that shines through in venues such as the ocean ships’ light and wood-filled Wintergarden space, the pool decks, the Explorers’ Lounge with a faux fireplace, and The Living Room central atrium. As an added bonus, all of the staterooms on the ocean and expedition ships include balconies.

Included in the cruise fare on Viking is one excursion in each port. The fare also includes wifi; beer, wine, and soda at lunch and dinner; specialty coffees; bottled water; and port taxes and fees. The ocean and expedition ships also include the use of self-service laundry facilities; all onboard dining; use of the spa’s thermal suite; and 24-hour room service.

As this is an adults-only cruise line, Viking has a focus on relaxation and its destinations rather than on thrills. Because of that, you won’t find energetic top-deck attractions such as water slides and ropes courses. Instead, guests enjoy things like performances from onboard and local musicians, cooking and mixology classes, pools and hot tubs (note: most river ships don’t have a pool), the spa’s thermal suite, and afternoon tea.

2. Virgin Voyages

Adults-only ships: All of them

Virgin Voyages is the latest adults-only cruise line to splash onto the scene. It made waves with its first official sailing in 2021. A venture of Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, Virgin Voyages currently operates three nearly identical 110,000 gross-ton, 2,770-guest ships in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

What are adults-only cruises like on Virgin Voyages? From the start, the brand said that it would be doing things differently, “reinventing the cruise ship experience” on “adult-by-design” vessels. The line’s target demographic is millennials up to those in their early 60’s with a special focus on non-cruisers. It’s been quite successful with convincing many of them to give cruising a try through its unique approach to what a cruise experience can be.

Interior design is modern and trendy. Venues include the boho beach club-inspired Dock House, old ship-themed bar The Loose Cannon, and The Red Room entertainment space. It also features one of the best nightclubs at sea — The Manor — complete with a mirror-clad “infinity room” hallway entrance. Virgin Voyages also debuted the cruise industry’s first on board tattoo parlor, aptly called Squid Ink.

Virgin turned traditional cruise dining upside-down, as ships have no traditional buffet or main dining room. For a casual option, they instead feature The Galley with differently themed food stations that you can order via a server.

In place of main dining rooms and extra-fee specialty restaurants at dinnertime, Virgin has differently-themed restaurants (which would be specialty on most other cruise lines) that are included in the cruise fare. Guests can choose from The Wake steakhouse, modern Mexican venue Pink Agave, veggie-forward Razzle Dazzle, Korean BBQ restaurant Gunbae, and more for dinner each evening.

Entertainment is another area where Virgin Voyages has set itself apart in the cruise industry. Shows include Duel Reality, a retelling of Romeo and Juliet with a circus twist, and It’s a Ship Show where an old-school variety hour meets a late-night talk show.

The ships are also filled with some of the best parties at sea, including an energetic pajama party and the not-to-be-missed Scarlet Night. This ship-wide activation includes interactive games, circus performances, live music, and an epic dance party in and around the main pool.

Virgin’s base cruise fare inclusions are somewhere between Viking and mainstream cruise lines. The cost of the cruise doesn’t include shore excursions, specialty coffees, or any alcohol. However, it does include wifi, gratuities, and fitness classes.

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3. Saga Cruises

Adults-only ships: All of them

Not only is boutique British line Saga Cruises adults only, but it goes above and beyond the usual 18+ age minimum… to 50. That’s right, you can’t cruise on a Saga ocean or river vessel without being at least 50 years old.

Saga has two ocean ships and two of its own river ships. Plus, there’s several additional river vessels that it charters from other companies. The cruise fare includes all onboard restaurants, wifi, fitness classes, gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, and house spirits, draft beer, mocktails, and soda.

The ocean ships are just over 58,000 gross tons, carrying 999 passengers each and feature all-balcony cabins. There’s also a fitness center, spa with thermal suite, a wraparound promenade, and a lido deck with swimming pool.

Restaurants and bars vary between both ships. Options include the 1950s-inspired supper club restaurant The Club by Jools, Coast to Coast seafood restaurant, Nepalese venue Khukuri House, and Amalfi Italian restaurant. There’s also a main dining room and The Grill. The Grill offers casual options at breakfast and lunch and doubles as another main dining room in the evenings.

Saga’s river vessels feature a panoramic lounge and bar, fitness area, and a shaded sundeck with a splash pool. All cabins feature either a window or a French balcony, and excursions are included in the river cruise fare.

4. P&O Cruises

Adults-only ships: Arcadia and Aurora

P&O Cruises is a popular choice for many British families. Though, the line also sees value in having an adults-only cruises. Five vessels in the fleet are open to both kids and adults, while the remaining two are reserved just for the 18+ crowd. These two ships are Aurora and Arcadia.

Arcadia is slightly larger than Aurora, but both are considered small by modern ocean ship standards, coming in at under 85,000 gross tons. Aurora carries 1,878 passengers, while Arcadia holds 1,952 at double occupancy.

Like the other cruise lines on this list, you won’t find top-deck thrills and adrenaline-inducing activities around every corner on these ships. Instead, they offer a relaxing, distinctly British experience. They include things like afternoon tea, a spa with thermal areas, a pub, swimming pools, cabaret shows, and a nightclub.

Both ships feature the standard buffet and main dining room, along with a complimentary poolside grill. You’ll also find specialty restaurant Sindhu on both vessels, which serves up Indian fare with a British twist. Arcadia also boasts The Ocean Grill steak and seafood restaurant. Aurora features The Glass House by TV presenter and wine expert Olly Smith.

P&O’s adults-only itineraries are primarily in northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Though, you’ll also find cruises to the Caribbean, Canary Islands, and Canada/New England. In select destinations, passengers can stay out late to experience the nightlife during late-night and overnight port calls.

5. Marella Cruises

Adults-only ship: Marella Explorer 2

Another British cruise line, Marella, has taken a page from P&O’s book by allotting one ship as adults-only (Marella Explorer 2). The rest of the fleet remains family-friendly. The 1,814-guest vessel, which began sailing with Marella in 2019, offers a semi-inclusive cruising experience. It wraps gratuities and a selection of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages into the cruise fare.

Amenities on Marella Explorer 2 include a spa with thermal suite, a nightclub, a golf simulator and bar with themed cocktails, modern British pub Squid and Anchor, outdoor movies at night, multiple sundecks, a pool, and hot tubs.

The ship features nine restaurants, five of which are included in the cruise fare. The Dining Club is a high-end specialty venue that also offers The Great Musical Afternoon Tea. Dishes are inspired by famous musicals, and teas and a cocktail are included in the event fee. Other dining highlights include Kora La pan-Asian restaurant, Surf & Turf Steakhouse, Beach Cove with a barbecue-inspired menu, and Nonna’s where you can create your own pizzas and pastas.

Marella Explorer 2 sails mostly in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Other Cruise Lines With Age Minimums

In addition to the lines mentioned above, there are other cruise brands that don’t allow young kids or discourage them. Small ship luxury line Windstar Cruises doesn’t allow guests under eight years old. While Scenic has a minimum of 12 years old except on its Christmastime voyages.

River cruises are another option where you won’t find many or any younger children. This is due to the fact that river cruises aren’t usually as kid-friendly, along with age minimums that some lines have in place.

Uniworld and AmaWaterways have an age minimum of four years old, but encourage that guests be at least eight years old to sail. Avalon Waterways has a minimum of eight. Emerald and Grand Circle require that guests are at least 12 and 13, respectively.

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What are your picks for best adults only cruises? Do you prefer cruise lines that are kid free? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences sailing on 18+ cruise lines.

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