River Cruising
Viking’s European ships have an average capacity of approximately 168 passengers; its Russia ships hold an average of just over 200 and the China ship holds up to 256. The cruises are marketed as being unique from other tours in that they provide vacationers views and access to areas that they otherwise could only visit by driving on their own or by taking a bus tour. Suggested advantage of the river tour is the chance to see the best of the big cities and villages, in a relaxing, affordable and scenic mode of travel. Travelers unpack just once and enjoy scenic cruising on wide, smooth rivers instead of enduring extensive bus rides or long days at sea without scenery.
Viking vacations range from seven to 23 days along Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Saône, Rhône, and Elbe Rivers; Russia’s Volga and Svir; Ukraine’s Dnieper; China’s Yangtze; Egypt’s Nile and Lake Nasser; Vietnam’s Mekong and Burma’s Irrawaddy. Many voyages, including those in China, Southeast Asia, Egypt and some in Europe, are "cruisetours," which include both hotel stays and river cruising. All itineraries include at least one shore excursion per day.
Viking River Cruises vacation packages are typically all-inclusive, meaning that the cruise price includes accommodations, onboard meals, most shore excursions and cultural activities. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are usually not included but special offers sometimes include wine with onboard lunches and dinners. All ships have nonsmoking interiors with a smoking area available on the sun deck. Since the focus is on the river and the ports of call, onboard activities are minimal. Air travel, which includes transfers, can be purchased through Viking, but is not included in cruise prices (except in the UK, where airfare or rail costs are included).
Viking provides English-speaking staff on its ships and fully escorted tours in China and Russia. Many of the tours are guided city walks that showcase history, culture, art and architecture of the visited cities.
Read more about this topic: Viking River Cruises
Famous quotes containing the words river and/or cruising:
“The Xanthus or Scamander is not a mere dry channel and bed of a mountain torrent, but fed by the ever-flowing springs of fame ... and I trust that I may be allowed to associate our muddy but much abused Concord River with the most famous in history.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“I’ve given parties that have made Indian rajahs green with envy. I’ve had prima donnas break $10,000 engagements to come to my smallest dinners. When you were still playing button back in Ohio, I entertained on a cruising trip that was so much fun that I had to sink my yacht to make my guests go home.”
—F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940)