Expert answers about Viking River Cruises — the world’s leading river cruise line, celebrated for destination-focused itineraries, inclusive value, and Scandinavian design aboard intimate longships on rivers across Europe, Asia, Egypt, and the Mississippi.
Viking River Cruises is the world’s leading river cruise line, operating intimate longships purpose-built for river travel on the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Moselle, Main, Elbe, Seine, Rhône, Nile, Mekong, and the Mississippi. Key distinctions include:
All guests must be 18 years old on or before the day they are scheduled to embark on their cruise. Viking does not maintain facilities or services on board for younger individuals.
On occasion, Viking will make special solo traveler fares available. Please check back for pricing updates. With Viking Inclusive Value, Viking offers great value every day in a category that will fit all your travel needs. Ask your Pavlus advisor — we monitor Viking solo promotions closely and can alert you when reduced single supplements become available.
Yes. You can get to know your Viking ship by taking a virtual 360° tour of the ship’s public spaces and staterooms on Viking’s website. Detailed deck plans and stateroom layouts for the full fleet are available in the Ships section at vikingrivercruises.com. Please note: the 360° virtual tour is not yet available for the Viking Mississippi, but deck plans and stateroom layouts are fully available.
Viking’s river fleet is optimally designed for river cruising — small enough to maneuver nimbly yet large enough to offer extremely comfortable sailing. At every docking location, guests will have the opportunity to venture ashore to explore local destinations that offer a glimpse into the history, culture, music, and taste of each region — or relax comfortably on their own.
The Viking Mississippi features a range of spaces familiar from Viking ocean and river voyages, plus Mississippi-specific spaces that enhance both the onshore and onboard experience, including: the Explorers’ Lounge, The Restaurant, The Living Room, River Café, Sun Terrace with Infinity Plunge Pool, Aquavit Terrace, and The Bow. Deck plans and full details are available in the Ships section at vikingrivercruises.com.
You can make secure payments on the Booking Payments tab in the My Viking Journey portal under the Payments & Cart section. Viking accepts all major credit cards and also offers an additional discount on payments made with echeck, an electronic debit to your checking account.
Note: guests cannot make payments towards their booking balance on My Viking Journey for travel agency bookings.
The Guest Information Form (GIF) enables Viking to create your reservation, produce travel documents, and make any airline reservations. You must complete a GIF for each person traveling in your party as soon as possible. You can fill out the form online in the My Viking Journey portal under the Guest Documents section.
All ships sailing Vikings Europe, Egypt, and Mississippi itineraries offer free Wi-Fi. You may use your personal device or one of the ship’s computers. The connection relies on a cellular or satellite terminal — the best possible solution for river cruising. Due to the nature of data bandwidth and latency, as well as potential interruptions based on terrain and weather, you may experience slower connections than at home. Viking reserves the right to limit heavy-bandwidth applications and downloads to ensure fair usage for all guests. Please download your content prior to your cruise.
On the Mekong ship, you may use one of the public computers on board to access the internet; however, please be aware that internet access across Southeast Asia is very limited and Wi-Fi is not available.
Dining reservations are not needed on board your Viking river ship. Viking’s inclusive dining experience allows guests to dine when they wish without the need to pre-book tables.
Your My Viking Journey account gives you all the tools necessary to tailor and personalize your complete cruise experience, including full access to shore excursions. Guests will be notified via email when shore excursions are loaded for booking. There is no set timeline for when they will be available, as it can vary by region and season.
Disembarkation begins in the morning on the final day of the sailing itinerary. Times may vary depending on arrival in port. All staterooms must be vacated by 9:00 AM.
Embarkation on Mississippi itineraries begins at 11:00 AM for all categories.
Embarkation on Europe itineraries generally begins at 12:00 PM, when a light Welcome Buffet is served. Stateroom availability times on Europe itineraries:
Should you arrive before your stateroom is available and wish to explore your port of call, please drop off your luggage shoreside where Viking will look after it. Please keep in mind you will need to be back on board at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Your electronic documents will be emailed to you 14 days prior to embarkation. You may also access all documents by visiting your My Viking Journey account Booking Summary page. In addition, approximately 14 to 45 days prior to departure, you will receive a package by mail that includes your personalized embarkation tags and one red transfer sticker per guest if applicable.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar laws in destinations where Viking operates, service animals are permitted. Guests who request a service animal must provide appropriate documentation. Requests for pets or emotional support animals are denied per Viking’s policy. Only service animals with appropriate documentation for admittance into the countries on the itinerary are permitted on board.
Each stateroom is equipped with a refrigerator. Your stateroom category will determine whether your refrigerator is replenished daily with drinks and snacks. Purified water is provided in all staterooms and refilled daily. A full listing of amenities by stateroom category can be found on each ship’s page.
All stateroom bathrooms are equipped with premium bath toiletries. A hair dryer is also provided, and laundry and pressing services are available. Depending on your stateroom category, laundry and pressing may be complimentary. If your category does not include these services, they may be purchased for a modest fee. A full listing of amenities by stateroom category can be found on each ship’s page.
Viking vessels are generally nonsmoking. To accommodate guests who choose to smoke, there is a designated outdoor smoking area. All other areas of the ship — including your stateroom and veranda — are designated nonsmoking areas. Smoking restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes.
Several ships in Viking’s river fleet have pools, including those that sail the Douro River, the Nile River, and the Mekong River. These outdoor pools give you a sense of swimming in the heart of your destination.
Most staterooms have beds that can be set up separated or together. Please inform Viking of your bed configuration preference so your stateroom is set up properly when you arrive. Visit the Stateroom Preferences tab under the Onboard Experience section in your My Viking Journey account to update this online.
Approximately two weeks prior to departure, your travel documents will be emailed to you with this information. Viking also offers a selection of local extensions before and after your departure. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions are listed on each itinerary page or in the Extensions section of your My Viking Journey account.
Electrical outlets vary by itinerary:
Modern electronic devices can accommodate different currents, so you likely won’t need a current converter — just the appropriate plug adapter.
All staterooms have a color television with a selection of live TV channels — including news, sports, and finance channels — on-demand movies, and in-house programming. Because satellite coverage is dependent on weather conditions and location, there may be times when programming is temporarily unavailable. A full listing of amenities by stateroom category can be found on each ship’s page.
Each airline has its own luggage policy; please contact your airline directly for the most up-to-date information. On board, luggage must be stored in the guest’s stateroom.
Prohibited Items include: All firearms (working, nonfiring, replicas, imitations & air/pellet guns); all forms of ammunition; stun guns, Tasers, or any electroshock devices; cricket or archery bows & arrows; crossbows; darts; diver’s spearguns; catapults; any bats, hockey sticks, etc.; axes, ice picks, or cleavers; knives or scissors with blades longer than 3 inches (7.6 cm); scalpels; shaving knives or blades; wallpaper knives; martial arts or self-defense gear (pepper spray, knuckle-dusters, rice flails, clubs, nightsticks, batons, etc.); handcuffs; illegal drugs; hookahs; candles or incense; coffee makers; flammable liquid & all explosives (lighter fluid, fireworks, flares, etc.); hazardous chemicals (bleach, paint, etc.); extension cords (USB and laptop charging cables are exempt); ham radios; aerial drones operated from the ship; any electrical device with a surge protector; and electrical devices that produce heat (clothes irons including steam irons, hot plates, heating kettles, electrical air humidifiers & refreshers, and heating pads).
Allowable Items include: Cigar cutters; disposable razors; knitting needles; crochet hooks; knives or scissors with blades shorter than 3 inches; nail files & clippers; tweezers; syringes for medical use; umbrellas; curling irons.
The above list is subject to change without notice. Prohibited items must be surrendered to the Ship’s Security Officer at embarkation. If you are participating in an overland excursion or pre-/post-cruise extension, there may be additional luggage requirements, which will be forwarded prior to your departure date.
Transfers are included with Viking Air purchase and all extension packages. Intra-itinerary air does not need to be purchased separately.
Yes. If you have not made final payment and/or have not yet departed on your trip, you can insure the voucher you use to purchase your trip. Please contact Viking at 1-877-668-4546 if you wish to insure your voucher.
Requirements may vary and can change at any time. All guests should seek advice from their respective embassy, consulate, or travel agent to determine which documents are needed for their specific Viking voyage. Please review all required documents carefully prior to departure to avoid delays, denied boarding/entry, or additional cost.
General visa information is available on the Resources tab of each itinerary. To assist with visa services for US citizens, Viking has contracted with GenVisa. Guests who hold a passport for a country other than the US should contact their respective embassy, consulate, or travel agent.
While travel protection is not required, Viking strongly recommends it. Emergencies sometimes arise, and you want to protect your travel investment.
Viking offers United States guests the opportunity to purchase the Travel Protection Plan, administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. When purchased at or before final payment, you also receive the Viking Enhanced Cancellation Waiver Benefit, which allows you to cancel your Viking travel arrangements before departure for any reason and receive a Viking travel voucher for the cancellation penalty amount. The plan also covers flights purchased through Viking. If you have other insurance, please check with your provider for coverage details.
Yes. The Travel Protection Plan offered by Viking and administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, helps protect you from many unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, which could include necessary medical, quarantine, or repatriation expenses for any illness (including COVID-19).
You can send friends or loved ones off in style with a Bon Voyage gift delivered directly to their stateroom. Gifts can be ordered for delivery on board to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. Bon Voyage gift packages include delightful surprises such as champagne, wine, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and more. Gift package options are available for both Mississippi and all other river voyages — ask your Pavlus advisor for assistance.
You will need to customize your flights through Viking Air Plus. Call 1-877-523-0580 to speak with a Viking Air Expert, who will work with you to customize your flights so your group travels together. This requires a non-refundable Air Plus service fee of $150 USD per guest, plus applicable increases in airfare due to customization.
Viking has protocols in place to minimize the spread of communicable diseases. Guests may access medical services on board Mississippi ships, and through Viking’s partnerships with shoreside providers while on river ships. Any expenses incurred associated with the illness — medical, quarantine, or repatriation — are the guest’s responsibility.
My Viking Journey is a website designed exclusively for guests who have booked a voyage with Viking. If you have a Viking booking number, you can create an account anytime to customize and manage your upcoming journey. Browse and book shore excursions; access and print visa applications and travel itineraries; complete your Guest Information Form; view air services and flight details; manage your daily schedule in a personalized calendar; enhance your trip with the Silver Spirits beverage package; gain peace of mind with the Viking Travel Protection Plan; and make easy online payments.
Cancellation charges vary based on days prior to departure. Please refer to the Booking and Sale Terms & Conditions on Viking’s website for full details. Your Pavlus Travel advisor can also walk you through the cancellation schedule and help you evaluate travel protection options.
When your flight itinerary is available in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account, you can use the Upgrade Class or Change Flights features to upgrade your class of air service, change your airlines, change your itinerary, or add stopovers. Additional fees may apply and are clearly displayed when applicable.
Viking typically handles flight itineraries as a package; therefore, the choice of class usually applies for the entire flight itinerary. However, a single flight upgrade may be possible with a customized itinerary; please call 1-877-523-0580 to speak with a Viking Air Expert. Please note: Business Class and Premium Economy are guaranteed only for transoceanic flights.
Viking’s exclusive pricing is intended to provide the most value for flights that coordinate well with your voyage. When you purchase flights through Viking Air, you also receive complimentary roundtrip airport transfers. Importantly, Viking monitors your flights beginning 24 hours prior to departure; in the event of a flight delay, cancellation, or missed connection, Viking works closely with partner airlines to minimize or avoid missed sailing time. Please note: Complimentary transfers are provided when flight dates coordinate with your cruise itinerary; hotel transfers are provided when a hotel stay is included as part of your cruisetour itinerary or pre/post cruise extension purchased through Viking.
Viking looks at several factors, including travel time, number of stops, departure/arrival time, and price, to provide the best flight options that coordinate with your voyage. With Viking Air, you can evaluate the options available to determine if the pre-selected flight itinerary represents the best overall option for you.
You will need to customize your flights through Viking Air Plus. Call 1-877-523-0580 to speak with a Viking Air Expert, who will work with you to customize your flights so your group travels together. This requires a non-refundable Air Plus service fee of $150 USD per guest, plus applicable increases in airfare due to customization.
When your flight itinerary is available in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account, you may be eligible to use Viking Air features to upgrade your air class of service, change your seats, change your airlines, change your itinerary cities and dates, or add stopovers. Fare increases are clearly displayed when applicable. Your original flight itinerary is held until you finalize the change(s) and receive confirmation.
You will need to visit your airline’s website to check in for your flights. This service is typically available 24 hours before departure and can be accessed using your airline record locator number, available in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account. Please note: Not all airlines offer the ability to check in online.
Viking recommends contacting your airline directly via their website or phone at least 72 hours prior to departure to confirm current policies for check-in timing, carry-on, and luggage restrictions. Please note: Flight schedules, seat assignments, and luggage restrictions are subject to change by the airlines at any time.
Complimentary roundtrip airport transfers are included when you purchase flights through Viking Air. If you made your own flight arrangements that coordinate with your trip dates, you may purchase airport transfers from Viking up to 30 days prior to departure. Alternatively, you can make your own transfer arrangements; information on your ship’s docking location will be in your cruise documents. Please note: Hotel transfers are provided when a hotel stay is included as part of your cruisetour or pre/post cruise extension purchased through Viking.
Special meals, mobility assistance, and similar requests can be made in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account. You can also make requests directly with your airline by visiting their website or contacting them by phone.
Viking will automatically assign your seats with your flight itinerary, based on preferences provided in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account and what is available from the airline. When your flight itinerary is available, you can use the View/Change Seats feature to make changes as desired and as your airline allows. Please note: Seat assignments are managed by the airlines and may be changed due to aircraft changes or other operational needs. Some airlines assign seats at the airport rather than in advance for shorter connection flights outside of North America.
Flight itinerary search results are sorted based on overall quality: convenient connection time, price, optimal flight times to guarantee timely transfer to and from your ship, and any preferences you provided at the time of booking your voyage. You may use the sort features in the My Viking Journey portal to narrow your options.
Viking wants to give you as much time as possible to plan for your journey. You will receive an email notification if there are any significant changes to your flight itinerary. Once your flight itinerary is available in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account, it will be current and will reflect any schedule changes.
If you have a travel protection plan, please contact that provider first. If you do not have travel coverage and you purchased air from Viking, please contact 1-877-523-0580. If you arranged your own air and are traveling independently, contact the emergency number listed in your Cruise Documents.
Should your luggage get damaged or lost, file a report with your airline before you leave the airport baggage claim area. In the event that you are delayed leaving the baggage claim area, you may call the ship number listed in your Cruise Documents to adjust your airport transfer time.
Some guests arrange their flight itinerary so that it deviates from the dates and location of their cruise or cruise tour — arriving at a destination before their cruise, staying longer after, or changing their arrival or return destination city. Any of these adjustments is considered a flight deviation. Traveling to or from cities other than your voyage’s standard departure and arrival points may have restrictions based on airline availability and rules.
Also called a long layover, a stopover means you opt to stay a day or more in a layover city before proceeding to your final destination. Traveling to or from cities other than your voyage’s departure and arrival points may have restrictions based on airline availability or rules.
When you receive your flight itinerary, you will be given a 6-character record locator for each flight. This reference number is your Airline Booking number and can be used to view or confirm your flight details directly with the airline. In most cases, you will need this number to check in for your flight on the airline’s website.
Your flight itinerary is your flight schedule arranged by Viking. When you purchase flights through Viking, Viking will plan and book your flight itinerary using exclusive rates and incorporating your preferences. You will be able to view and manage your flight itinerary online three months prior to departure through the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account. Your itinerary will include departure and arrival airports, connecting airports (if any), dates and times, flight numbers, seat assignments, passenger name, and your confirmation number.
Viking Air is Viking’s enhanced air program. With Viking Air, you have two options for booking flights: Viking Inclusive Air or Viking Air Plus. You also have the ability to view and manage your flight itinerary online three months prior to departure through the My Viking Journey portal.
With Viking Air Plus, guests work with Viking Air Experts to customize flights 310 to 65 days prior to departure, with the ability to view the itinerary online up to 310 days prior. This requires a non-refundable Air Plus service fee of $150 USD per guest, plus applicable increases in airfare due to customization. Contact 1-877-523-0580 for more information.
Viking advises carrying on: valuables; medications in original, labeled containers; glasses/contacts; important papers (passport, insurance, medical records), Cruise Documents, and emergency contact information; and cameras, memory cards, and batteries.
Viking suggests packing comfortable walking shoes, dressier shoes, a collapsible umbrella/lightweight rain gear; items you can layer like lightweight jackets/sweaters; sunglasses, a sun hat/visor, sunscreen; and toiletries including a travel-size hand sanitizer. Depending on the season and destination, you may also want to add mosquito repellent or a warm coat, gloves, and water-resistant footwear. To visit religious sites, ensure you have modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, or you may be denied entry.
You will need to customize your flights to make this type of change; please call 1-877-523-0580 to speak with a Viking Air Expert.
Viking has exclusive partnerships with all major airlines from most primary and secondary airports in North America. If your preferred city is not offered, Viking may not have access to pricing, or it may require agent assistance with the purchase of the Viking Air Plus service. Call 1-877-523-0580 for help.
In some cases, airlines may restrict seat assignments to their own website, or they may only be available at the airport.
There are some flight itineraries where online customization is not possible — including group bookings, World Cruise bookings, United Kingdom bookings, Australia/New Zealand bookings, and bookings with multiple stopovers or mixed air cabin classes. Please call 1-877-523-0580 to speak with a Viking Air Expert if online customization is not available.
The Travel Protection Plan cost is calculated based on your total Trip Cost. When you search for alternate flights or upgrade to a higher class of service, the plan cost is recalculated on those new fares and may increase or decrease accordingly. Any changes to travel protection cost will be communicated and confirmed before you are charged.
Frequent flyer miles may not be earned on Viking flights because of the special fares. You can add your airline frequent flyer numbers to your reservation in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account or on the airline website to take advantage of any benefits offered by the airline in recognition of your membership status.
You should have a valid passport with an expiration date at least six months after your trip return date. It is very important that your full name on your air booking matches your passport exactly, or you may be denied boarding. Viking is not responsible for obtaining visas nor for advising guests of passport, visa, or other immigration requirements, so be sure to verify what is needed for your travels.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar laws in destinations where Viking operates, service animals are permitted. Guests who request a service animal must provide appropriate documentation. Requests for pets or emotional support animals are denied per Viking’s policy. Only service animals with appropriate documentation for admittance into the countries on the itinerary are permitted on board.
Guests may bring alcohol and beverages with them or purchase alcohol ashore at destinations that sell alcohol. Alcohol can be consumed in the guest’s stateroom or in public spaces, including dining venues. There is no corkage fee.
Yes. Viking offers complimentary house wines, beers, and soft drinks with onboard lunches and dinners, plus specialty coffees and assorted hot teas available 24 hours a day at coffee stations. For those who would like to upgrade, the Silver Spirits beverage package is available for a flat fee per guest and includes a variety of beer and upgraded select wines, spirits & whiskeys from around the world, select wines by the bottle, cocktails, aperitifs & house champagne by the glass, specialty coffee drinks, soft drinks and juices throughout the day, plus an open bar during operating hours. The package can be purchased prior to sailing on the My Viking Journey Dining & Beverage page, or once on board. Package not available on Egypt itineraries except as an included amenity for Explorer Suite staterooms. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. Both guests in a stateroom must purchase the package for the full length of the voyage.
Viking welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize there are inherent risks associated with cruise travel. Guests must be able to independently move around the ship in case of an emergency or rough seas. Shore excursions may require traversing cobblestones or going up and down stairs. Viking reserves the right to determine whether a guest is fit to travel and to deny boarding in the event a guest represents a risk to themselves or others.
When making your reservation, please advise Viking of any disability requiring special attention and provide a completed Fit to Travel Form along with a physician’s letter. Guests with a disability must travel with an able-bodied companion, as staff is not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs. Contact a Viking Expert at 1-877-668-4546 with additional questions and to obtain a copy of Viking’s policy statement.
In most cases, yes. Every meal has vegetarian options and the chefs will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special requests. Guests requiring special meals (low salt, diabetic, gluten-free, or low cholesterol) should alert Viking 90 days prior to departure by phone at 1-877-668-4546 or online on the Dietary Restrictions page in My Viking Journey. Guests should also inform the Maître d’ when on board. While Viking takes steps to minimize the risk of cross contamination, an allergen-free kitchen cannot be guaranteed.
Depending on your stateroom category, laundry services, including pressing, may be complimentary. If your category does not include these services, they may be purchased for a modest fee and arranged through your stateroom steward. Dry cleaning is not available on board. On ships sailing Mississippi itineraries, self-service launderettes with irons and ironing boards are available free of charge, with detergent provided at no additional cost.
Although most services are included in your cruise fare, discretionary purchases will be charged to your shipboard account. Shipboard currencies vary by itinerary:
Accounts may be settled in cash or with a major credit card before disembarking. Traveler’s checks are not accepted.
Viking vessels are generally nonsmoking. To accommodate guests who choose to smoke, there is a designated outdoor smoking area. All other areas of the ship — including your stateroom and veranda — are designated nonsmoking areas. Smoking restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes.
Viking’s modern river ships feature independent air handling units, meaning each stateroom has fresh external air that is not shared with other staterooms or public spaces. Viking has also implemented short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) lights and high-density filters to sanitize the air on its vessels. This solution ensures:
Guests with a disability must travel with an able-bodied companion, as staff is not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs. Guests need to provide their own wheelchairs, except in an emergency. Wheelchairs must not exceed 22” in width. To bring a wheelchair on board, guests must complete and return the Accessibility Form to Viking no later than 30 days prior to departure. Motorized scooters cannot be accommodated. Not all river ships have an elevator to all floors, and in some docking locations it may be necessary to double berth, which means crossing other ships to disembark. Contact a Viking Expert at 1-877-668-4546 with additional questions and to obtain the Accessibility Form.
During the day, dress is casual — shorts (in warm weather), slacks, or jeans and comfortable shoes. There are no “formal nights” on Viking; evening dress is “elegant casual” for all dining venues. For ladies: a dress, skirt, or slacks with a sweater or blouse. For gentlemen: trousers and a collared shirt; a tie and jacket are optional.
Some shore excursions visit religious sites requiring modest dress. To avoid being denied entry, men should wear long pants and avoid sleeveless shirts; women should cover their knees and wear tops that are not sleeveless or too revealing.
It is customary to give gratuities in recognition of the staff’s service. How much you tip is completely at your discretion. Viking offers two ways to manage gratuities: pre-purchase in your My Viking Journey account at the standard recommended rate, or Viking will automatically add a discretionary service charge to your shipboard account on the final invoice. Gratuities are shared among the onboard Program Director, waitstaff, stateroom stewards, galley staff, nautical staff, and others. To make changes, visit Guest Services on board.
Europe: $20 USD per person, per night if pre-purchased; or €20 EUR per person, per night added to your shipboard account. For land portions, shared with the Program Director. For local guides, Viking suggests €3 per person per day; for drivers, €2 per person per day. Tour Directors on pre-/post-cruise extensions are not included — suggest €3 per person per day. Most restaurants include service in their prices; round up generously for good service.
Egypt, India, and Mekong: $10 USD per person, per night for land portions; $25 USD per person, per night for days on board. For local Viking Hosts, suggest $2 USD per person per day; for motor coach drivers, $1 USD per person per day; for your Viking Tour Director, $10 USD per person per day (cash only at the destination).
Mississippi: $20 USD per person, per night. For local guides, suggest $5 USD per person per day; for drivers, $2 USD per person per day. Tour Directors on pre-/post-cruise extensions are not included — suggest $5 USD per person per day.
Should you be dissatisfied with Viking’s service upon first check-in — including food, personnel, or shore excursions — notify Viking within 24 hours of the start of your voyage (notify Guest Services if your first check-in is on board; at a hotel, contact your Viking Host). Viking then has 24 hours to correct the situation. In the unlikely event a solution is not possible, you can depart as soon as possible and receive a 100% refund of your cruise price. Return trip or alternate travel costs are your sole responsibility. This guarantee cannot be activated for acts of God, strikes, or other circumstances beyond Viking’s control as indicated in the Passenger Ticket Contract.
Viking can confirm that currently 100% of its contracted global sourcing of eggs (shell and liquid) is cage-free.
Viking suggests packing comfortable walking shoes, dressier shoes, a collapsible umbrella/lightweight rain gear; items you can layer like lightweight jackets/sweaters; sunglasses, a sun hat/visor, sunscreen; and toiletries including a travel-size hand sanitizer. Depending on the season and destination, you may also want to add mosquito repellent or a warm coat, gloves, and water-resistant footwear. To visit religious sites, ensure you have modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, or you may be denied entry.
Yes. All Viking itineraries feature daily briefings, enriching lectures, and entertaining presentations that highlight the history, culture, music, and uniqueness of each local region you will be visiting. This onboard cultural enrichment is a hallmark of the Viking experience.
Your My Viking Journey account gives you all the tools necessary to tailor and personalize your complete cruise experience, including full access to shore excursions. Guests will be notified via email when shore excursions are loaded for booking. There is no set timeline for when they will be available, as it can vary by region and season.
Dining reservations are not needed on board your Viking river ship. Viking’s inclusive dining experience allows guests to dine when they wish without the need to pre-book tables.
Yes. ATMs are a good source of cash domestically and overseas; however, they may not be conveniently located in every city and may be rare in smaller towns. Your itinerary may not always allow sufficient time to locate one — your Guest Services staff or tour guide may be able to assist. When available, ATMs dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards, and have a service fee. Confirm with your bank prior to departure that your ATM/credit card and PIN will work abroad. Please note that limited ATMs may be available on Arctic and Antarctic itineraries.
American Express, Diners, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa are accepted in major shops, restaurants, and hotels, as well as on board to settle your shipboard account. Smaller shops and those in rural areas may not accept credit card payments. Notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling abroad to avoid holds on your account. Many countries require a PIN for credit card transactions — set up your PIN and confirm activation prior to departure. Also note that credit cards with magnetic strips may not work in automated overseas ticketing machines, which require chip-and-PIN type cards. Please note: Diners and Discover are not accepted on Mississippi itineraries.
Viking does not have a foreign currency service available on board. For incidentals and small vendors, Viking recommends getting local currency. You may be able to change cash or traveler’s checks at some hotels, most banks, and exchange bureaus for a fee. Local currency can also be withdrawn from ATMs, which are widely available in most European cities. Confirm with your bank prior to departure that your ATM/credit card and PIN will work abroad, and inquire about possible foreign transaction fees. Also notify your credit card company that you will be traveling abroad to avoid unnecessary holds on your account.
Booking through Pavlus gives you a savings advantage over booking direct. Pavlus provides a discount, cash back, or onboard credit on top of all current Viking promotions — over and above, and combineable with, every Viking offer in the market. As a high-volume Viking partner, Pavlus also has access to exclusive group rates, added-value promotions, and solo traveler offers. Additional benefits include:
Yes. If you find a lower price for the same Viking River sailing, stateroom category, and promotional offer anywhere else, Pavlus will match it. Simply provide the details and your Pavlus planner will verify and honor the lower price. Because of Pavlus’s volume relationship with Viking, pricing is frequently equal to or better than booking direct — but if you ever find otherwise, Pavlus wants to know.
You can reach Pavlus Travel by phone at 1-800-528-9300, seven days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM EST. You can also visit the Meet Our Planners page to browse advisor bios and call or email a specific planner directly. If you’re not sure who to work with, the main line will connect you with the right person for your river cruise.
Mandy is Pavlus’s primary Viking river and ocean specialist, with extensive hands-on experience across Viking’s European and international river fleet. Rachael also specializes in Viking and brings particular depth on UK and British Isles sailings. Both can guide you through stateroom selection, itinerary comparisons, and the full booking process. Visit the Planners page to read their full bios and contact them directly.
Yes — and it pays real cash. When you refer a friend or family member who books and travels with Pavlus on a Viking River voyage, you receive a $250 check mailed directly to you. There are no points, no gimmicks, and no limit to the number of referrals you can make. Full terms and conditions are on the Referral Program page.
Pavlus Travel & Cruise, Inc. is a member of IATA, CLIA, and ASTA, and holds a Florida Seller of Travel registration. Our volume with Viking translates into deeper relationships, better access to promotions, and stronger advocacy for clients when issues arise.
Timing matters on Viking River, where popular itineraries and peak summer sailings regularly sell out far in advance:
Your Pavlus planner can advise exactly what is available on your preferred itinerary and departure window right now.
This is one of the most common questions Pavlus planners help clients work through. The short answer:
Because Pavlus is not tied to any single product, your planner will give you a candid comparison and point you toward whichever fits your priorities — even if that’s another line entirely.
Yes. Pavlus tracks Viking River’s solo traveler promotions, which are offered periodically on select European and Mississippi itineraries. When a reduced or waived single supplement becomes available on an itinerary that matches your interests, your Pavlus planner can alert you right away. Pavlus also maintains a dedicated Solo Travel Guide with tips on river cruising as a solo traveler, including stateroom selection and the best lines for solo-friendly policies.
Pavlus strongly recommends travel protection for all river cruise guests. While Viking’s Travel Protection Plan is a solid option, independent policies through Pavlus’s partner at etravelprotection.com/pavlus sometimes offer higher coverage limits, pre-existing condition waivers, or broader cancel-for-any-reason terms. Your Pavlus planner can walk you through the key differences so you can choose the right level of coverage for your trip and peace of mind.
The Viking Mississippi is Viking’s purpose-built paddlewheel riverboat sailing the Mississippi River in the American heartland. It is significantly larger than Viking’s European longships, carrying up to 386 guests across multiple decks, while retaining the same Scandinavian design philosophy, inclusive fares, and cultural programming that define the Viking brand.
The ship features the Explorers’ Lounge, The Restaurant, The Living Room, River Café, Aquavit Terrace, Sun Terrace with Infinity Plunge Pool, and The Bow observation deck — all with panoramic views of the river and its iconic landscapes.
The Viking Mississippi offers itineraries along the full length of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Popular routes include:
Ports of call typically include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, Hannibal (Mark Twain’s hometown), Dubuque, and St. Paul.
While both share Viking’s design DNA, there are meaningful differences:
As a domestic U.S. sailing, U.S. citizens do not legally require a passport to board the Viking Mississippi. A government-issued photo ID is sufficient for embarkation. However, Pavlus recommends carrying a valid passport any time you travel, even domestically, as it serves as the most universally accepted form of identification and is useful in unexpected medical or travel emergencies.
The Viking Mississippi is particularly well-suited for:
The Viking Mississippi offers several stateroom categories, including:
Your Pavlus advisor can compare pricing across categories and recommend the best value for your budget.
Low water on rivers like the Rhine and Danube is a genuine seasonal risk — most common in late summer and early autumn. When water levels drop too low for safe navigation:
Viking’s policy on low water compensation varies based on the extent of the disruption:
Yes — excessively high water levels, typically caused by spring snowmelt or heavy rainfall, can also prevent navigation under low bridges, particularly on the Rhine. High water events are less common than low water but can occur in spring (March–May). Viking applies the same contingency protocols — motorcoach transfers, ship swaps, or itinerary adjustments — to high water situations as it does to low water disruptions.
Water level risk varies by river and season. General guidance:
Yes. River navigation faces several environmental factors that ocean ships do not:
Minor delays are a normal part of river cruising and rarely affect the overall itinerary. Viking’s experienced captains and river pilots manage these factors routinely.
A Rhine cruise is one of the most classic European river itineraries, typically running between Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Basel (Switzerland), or vice versa. Highlights include:
A Danube cruise is often considered the most culturally rich European river itinerary, flowing through or near the capitals of four countries. Highlights include:
A Viking Seine cruise focuses entirely on France, combining Paris with the incomparable landscapes of Normandy. Highlights typically include:
The Douro in Portugal is one of the world’s most dramatically beautiful rivers, and Viking’s Douro itineraries are among the most scenic in their fleet. Highlights include:
Yes — Viking’s Christmas Markets itineraries on the Rhine and Danube are among the fastest-selling sailings in river cruising. Dates typically span late November and December, stopping at the most celebrated Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, and Central Europe.
These sailings routinely sell out 12–18 months before departure. If a Christmas Markets cruise is on your wish list, contact Pavlus at 800-528-9300 as early as possible — ideally in January or February for December sailings of the same year.
Viking’s Mekong itineraries explore the heart of Southeast Asia, traveling through Vietnam and Cambodia. Highlights include:
Viking’s Egypt itineraries are sailed aboard the Viking Osiris, Viking’s purpose-built Nile river ship, combining a Nile sailing with extensions to Cairo and other iconic sites. Highlights include:
Egypt has been a well-established tourist destination for decades, and Viking operates Nile sailings with an experienced local team. The major tourist sites — Luxor, Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings — are well-patrolled and routinely visited by international travelers.
As with any international destination, Pavlus recommends reviewing the U.S. State Department’s current travel advisory for Egypt before booking. Your Pavlus advisor can also discuss what to expect in terms of the on-the-ground experience and current operating conditions.
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