Launched in 1997 when some former officials of the former Royal Viking Line got together, Viking River Cruises bought the venerable KD Rhine Line dating to 1827, and then set out to build the largest and newest European riverboat fleet.
Fleet
Viking divides its ships into two fleets, one catering toEuropeans and the other to the English-speaking world. Most vessels are prettymuch the same, built in the last half-dozen years with large picture windowedcabins, lounges and restaurants. Cabins not on the lowest deck have largewindows that slide open. A top deck, covered and uncovered, is for viewing thepassing scene.
Itineraries
Cruises operate between April and November along the Rhine, Main, Moselle, the full length of the Danube, Elbe, Rhone, Soane, Seine and theRussian rivers.
Dining and Decor
Food is dumbed down European cuisine that caters to Americantastes, i.e. minus a lot of sauces. The boats are simply and attractivelydecorated in a modern style with plenty of natural light coming into the publicrooms and cabins. Seating is open for all meals.
Programs
The enrichment program, unless the ship is chartered, variesfrom ship to ship. The shore excursions add the cultural enrichment.
Onboard Experience
Some cruises have more time daytime cruising than others,and because of the intimate surroundings, the English language and open seating,a river cruise can be quite social.
Competitors
There are a lot of riverboat operators in one of the fastestgrowing cruise markets, and Viking is in there with the best of them. One ofthe major differences, from Deilmann, is open seating dining where passengersmay sit with whom they choose. This procedure put then in line with otherriverboat operators than cater to North Americans, while adding British,Australians and anyone else who is comfortable speaking English. PeterDeilmann’s ships cater to mostly German and English speakers and have fixedtable assignments for all meals.
