Viking’s 10 Most Popular Cruise Voyages You Should Look at Now

I was thrilled to take a cruise that Viking now offers in China on the ship Viking Yi Dun. Our itinerary started in the vibrant city of Shanghai and ended in Hong Kong. (Photo by Colleen McDaniel)

Viking offers cruises that visit all seven continents on all styles of voyages. Within the line’s vast program of memorable adventures, you can choose from river, ocean and expedition cruises that visit 500 ports and 85 countries.

I’ve been on several Viking trips and have tried all the line’s different types of ships, from the 190-passenger river ships in Europe, the amazing Viking Osiris on the Nile River in Egypt and a few of the journeys available on the 930-passenger elegant ocean ships. Also, I’ve sailed in the Chilean Patagonian fjords on the innovative 378-passenger expedition ship Viking Octantis.

So, what are the best itineraries? Here’s my list of the best Viking cruises to help you get started.

1. Ancient Mediterranean Treasures (8 days; Istanbul to Athens)

Travelers can learn a bit about the origin of civilization while cruising the Aegean Sea. You’ll spend two days in majestic Istanbul, with its Byzantine treasures and intriguing blend of Eastern and Western influences. Travel to the ruins of Troy and the historic sites in Ephesus and at the islands of Rhodes and Crete. You also will have time to see the highlights of Athens during an overnight stay.

2. Viking Homelands (15 days; Stockholm to Bergen)

Cruisers love to sail the clear waters of Scandinavia and the Baltic on this 15-day journey that includes overnight stays in Stockholm, Oslo and Bergen. Discover the charming historic center of Tallinn, Estonia, and marvel at the Gothic brick cathedrals in Gdańsk, Poland. Norwegian culture is on display on the charming ports of Stavanger and Eidfjord, and travelers are treated to breathtaking scenery from the ship when it cruises through majestic fjords in the legendary homelands of the Vikings.

3. Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes (13 days; Bergen to Reykjavík)

This voyages reveals some of the mysteries of Viking history in the far north region of Norway. Experience the robust beauty of Geiranger and the contrasting urban setting of Ålesund. Meet the people who thrive on the water’s edge of the Faroe archipelago as you spot fascinating wildlife. The cruise ends in Iceland, where you’re surrounded by even more stunning natural vistas and offered the chance to take a dip in a thermal bath.

4. Coastal Jewels of China (15 days; Beijing to Hong Kong)

This one is a great way for travelers to see China for the first time. Viking’s fully guided 15-day voyage along China’s southeastern coast offers a fantastic introduction to Chinese culture. You can immerse yourself in this distinctive country’s cuisines and landscapes. Explore Shanghai’s Bund and seldom-visited ports for a rare glimpse into Chinese life, revealing a rich tapestry of traditions, flavors and natural beauty. 

I personally can attest that this is a wonderful experience, as I joined a sailing when these Viking cruises in China first were launched.

5. Danube Waltz (8 days; Budapest to Passau)

This is a classic itinerary on the epic Danube River. Travelers can try a host of memorable activities. Have an invigorating spa day 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 as your ship takes you along the gentle river bends and through some of the most stunning scenery in Europe.

6. Cities of Light (12 days; Paris to Prague)

Sail Europe’s most iconic rivers on this voyage. The Main River is lined with quaint villages; the castle-studded Rhine is like being in a fairytale; and the Moselle features stunning steep vineyards. Viking cruisers get special access to Prague’s Lobkowicz Palace. Delve into Nuremberg’s history with visits to the Imperial Castle and the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Taste legendary Moselle Riesling wines. Savor Czech, German and French cuisine. With bookends in Paris and Prague, this 12-day journey celebrates Europe’s most luminous ports.

7. Rhine & Main Explorer (11 days; Nuremberg to Basel)

This cruise takes travelers through southern Germany and into the neighboring regions in Switzerland and France. Visit Basel, which is considered the Swiss capital of culture with its charming old town steeped in tradition. Sample flavors of the Alsace region, explore Frankfurt, one of Europe’s high-powered business hubs and visit lesser-known historic towns in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Turreted castles and a fascinating medieval history is revealed at every turn of the river.

8. Pharaohs & Pyramids (12 days; Cairo roundtrip)

This is a fantastic voyage and perhaps the best way to sample the ancient wonder of Egypt while also getting to experience the warm embrace of the people. You’ll visit the pyramids and have the chance to ride a camel across the desert. Explore the Temple of Karnak’s 136 soaring pillars. Visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens. Skim the waters of the Nile in a traditional felucca boat. Enjoy the fragrances of Aswan’s spice market. This is a hassle-free highly curated tour led by expert Egyptologists. The 12-day trip in the cradle of civilization is enjoyed in comfort onboard Viking’s beautiful modern Nile ships.

9. America’s Great River (15 days; St. Paul to New Orleans)

History and culture unfold as you enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Mighty Mississippi River. Days of scenic sailing feature unparalleled bird-watching as the landscape changes between the bluffs of the North and the bayous of the South. Learn about the American civil rights movement and the Civil War. Along the way, tap your feet to the rhythm of American folk, soul and jazz music — and taste a delicious array of regional cuisine.

10. Antarctic Explorer (13 days; Buenos Aires and Ushuaia)

Viking’s expedition ships Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis offer adventure cruises to the ultimate faraway destination. And they do it with all the modern comforts and amenities to make this a truly epic voyage. This itinerary takes you to the Antarctic peninsula, where you will see towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, huge icebergs and an array of fascinating wildlife. This is a wonderful way to travel to the world’s last truly wild frontier. Each day brings new surprises and the opportunity to change plans to maximize wildlife sightings and adapt to ever-changing weather.