Viking Rhine River Cruise Review

I’ve long been curious about taking a Rhine river cruise. To me a Rhine cruise has always been the one that springs to mind first when thinking about European river cruises. Castles and quaint villages lining the banks as I drift along soaking up stunning scenery, an appropriate vintage in hand. 

The thought of travelling at a slower pace, seeing multiple cities on one trip and enjoying a variety of excursions appeal too. And this year it finally happened as I embarked on a Viking Rhine River Cruise.

_{I was a guest of Viking on this press trip, but as always, the opinions, thoughts and experiences below are entirely my own.}

I joined a Viking Rhine Getaway eight-day sailing from Amsterdam to Basel. We passed storybook scenery, sweeping hillside vineyards, grand cathedrals and towering castles. I saw for myself what life on board was like, what you actually do each day, how much free time there is and how good the excursions are. And, of course, the wonderful food. 

Having previously sailed on a Viking Nile Cruise and a Viking Ocean Cruise this was my first European river cruise and was a completely different experience. And I loved every minute!

If you’ve ever wondered whether river cruises could be for you, you’ve probably got a few questions. Come along with me day by day to see what a Viking Rhine River Cruise is really like. Discover the city stops, the excursions, the food (spoiler – it was so good) and so many magical moments that showed me why people love a Rhine river cruise so much!

I’ll share the itinerary first and after that I’ll let you know all about the ship, my stateroom, dining and life on board to give you an idea of how a Viking river cruise works.

I hope this Viking Rhine Getaway review helps you decide if this type of cruise might be right for you but if you have any questions feel free to send me a message and ask away. I’m happy to help.

Viking Rhine River Cruise – Rhine Getaway Itinerary

The Viking Rhine Getaway cruise lasts for eight days and takes in four countries; The Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. It charts a route that takes in some of Europe’s most appealing towns and cities; Amsterdam, Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach ending in Basel. Many of them with UNESCO World Heritage status.

The itinerary balances historic cities with charming towns and scenic views giving guests a well-paced schedule with time to enjoy each location with a range of excursions or independently.

Note: Viking also offers the same cruise in reverse order, starting in Basel and ending in Amsterdam.

Day 1: Amsterdam

Embarkation process and first impressions

Boarding a Viking river cruise is a world away from the bustle of a big ocean port. We arrived at our ship, Viking Sigrun via a short transfer from Amsterdam airport. After arriving at the port we were onboard in minutes with a friendly welcome, speedy check-in and key card issued. It felt more like being welcomed into a boutique hotel.

My veranda stateroom was ready when I arrived and my luggage was delivered within ten minutes. After taking a few photos of my stateroom (while it was still tidy!) I unpacked and made my way to the lounge. More on my stateroom later.

There was no time to explore Amsterdam before dinner because our group had arranged to meet up for introductions. But Viking docks just behind Amsterdam’s Centraal train station which is just a 15-20 minute walk to Damrak and many of the city’s sights.

Depending on your arrival time you can either join an optional guided tour or head off and explore Amsterdam independently. Check out my Amsterdam posts from a previous visit if you’re looking for ideas on what to do in Amsterdam.

Evening onboard

In the evening we met in the lounge before dinner for a welcome cocktail, safety briefing and crew introductions. The Captain, Hotel Manager and Head Chef all said a few words welcoming everybody onboard before we sat down for our first Viking dinner.

Afterwards we went up to the top deck with a glass of wine to watch the sun set over Amsterdam and toast our sail away. A trio of musicians entertained guests in the lounge.

Day 2: Kinderdijk

We arrived in Rotterdam early in the morning and I saw the first iconic Dutch windmills loom into view from my stateroom as we sailed past.

Morning Excursion

The included excursion on this Viking river cruise is a 2-hour ‘Kinderdijk Windmills’ tour. However, we took an optional tour:  Kinderdijk Windmills and Dutch Cheesemaking (4hrs 30 minutes).

We set off from Rotterdam into the South Holland countryside by coach to visit a family-run cheese farm, Booij, who have been making Gouda and other Dutch cheeses for generations. 

We were shown around the farm, met the cows and learnt about the fascinating process and history of Dutch cheese making. And of course we got to sample some excellent kaas (Dutch for cheese).

Next we continued on to Kinderdijk’s 19 beautifully preserved 18th century windmills. It’s the largest group in The Netherlands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The windmills are a beautiful sight.

As we explored the site we learnt from our guide how the Dutch have managed their water levels for centuries using a system of dykes, canals and pumping stations aka windmills!

Some Dutch families still live in the windmills year-round. We went inside one of the preserved windmills, dodging the sails to get through the door. If you remember Windy Miller you’ll know exactly what I mean! 

By the time we’d finished exploring the windmills, Viking ship Sigrun had sailed to Kinderdijk and was moored up nearby so it was just a short walk back on board before we set sail. 

Afternoon

Lunch is held in the Restaurant or the Aquavit Terrace and as it was a gloomy day we ate in The Restaurant. Afternoon activities on board included a nautical talk in the lounge with the captain, which we could also watch on our stateroom TV. There was also an opportunity to step inside the captain’s wheelhouse to see what goes on behind the scenes.

I had a slow afternoon writing up my notes and watching the world drift by as we cruised south along the river. The pace is beautifully unhurried with plenty of time to enjoy the ship. 

Evening

After a toast from our Captain, Michiel and Hotel Manager Edmond accompanie by live music it’s time to find out about the next day’s excursions. Program Director Daniel is on hand to tell us what to expect and answer questions before dinner.

Day 3: Cologne, Germany

Today we woke in Zons, Germany and after a good breakfast to fuel our Cologne visit we set off by bus to explore the city. 

Cologne Walking Tour

The 2-hour tour is an included excursion and our German tour guide, Dirk, is hilarious. He treats the tour like a military operation ‘Allo, Allo’ style. We’re in fits of giggles as we avoid the ‘enemy’ aka the other tour groups and use shortcuts to ‘cut them off at the pass’ to get to the attractions before them. 

Dirk is a mine of information about the city and the cathedral and even showed us some Roman ruins. Although I’ve spent a weekend break in Cologne previously I learnt a whole lot more about it in a very entertaining way on this excursion.

After the tour I explored independently for an hour or two. If it’s your first visit to Cologne and you’d like to climb the twin-towered UNESCO gothic cathedral for views of the city, visit the many museums, shop or stay for lunch you’ll have the rest of the day to do this.

Viking Sigrun is moored on the opposite bank to the cathedral and it’s just a ten minute walk over the Hohenzollern Bridge to get back on board. It took me longer due to the countless photo opportunities which I found hard to pass up! I hope you enjoy the results.

I lunched on the Aquavit Terrace in the sunshine before spending the afternoon relaxing on board and soaking up views of the city from my stateroom balcony.

Cologne Evening Excursion

We stepped out into the city again in the evening on an optional excursion ‘Cologne’s Beer Culture and Dinner’ where Cologne’s lively brauhaus culture is on the cards. 

On this buzzy Friday evening we explored Cologne’s Old Town cobbled streets sampling Kölsch in three atmospheric brauhauses (brew houses) paired with a traditional brauhaus dinner that started with a platter of cold bites followed by bratwurst, potatoes and pork chop with a bean stew. All very tasty, very filling and served with ice cold Kölsch.

Kölsch is unique to Cologne and the light, crisp beer is served straight from the barrel into small glasses. The glasses are small enough that you finish the beer whilst it’s still cold and before it goes flat, which Kölsch does fairly quickly. 

We also learned that the waitress will automatically top up your beer glass. The only way to stop this is to place your beermat on top to show that you’re done.

We ended the evening in a brauhaus by the river and the banks were buzzing with people starting their weekend. A really great way to finish our day in Cologne.

Read my post Cathedrals, Kölsch & cool things to do in Cologne from a previous visit to the city to discover what to see and do in Cologne.

Day 4: Koblenz and the Middle Rhine, Germany

Saturday morning and the historic town of Koblenz is calling on the included excursion. However, Marksburg Castle loomed high on the hill above us and we swapped to this optional excursion to visit the imposing fortress instead. I only wish there’d been time to do the Koblenz walking tour as well. 

Marksburg Castle

Marksburg castle has sat on the hill guarding the small town of Braubach below for over 700 years and is the only castle on the Rhine never to have been destroyed.

The views from the castle ramparts across the River Rhine are stunning and our tour was packed with information about Marksburg, bringing it to life and taking us on a journey into its dark medieval past.

We explored the impressive kitchen, frescoed chapel and Knight’s Hall, visited the armoury and shuddered at the displays in the torture chamber. 

Afterwards we had time for a stroll around the village of Braubach which sits below the castle. The half-timbered buildings, leaded light windows and wonky rooftops look like they’ve come straight from pages of a fairytale. It wouldn’t have surprised me to see Cinderella turn the corner of a cobbled lane.

Cruising the Middle Rhine Valley

Back on board we cast off at midday for the most scenic part of our river cruise through the Middle Rhine. For me, this was one of the highlights of the cruise and the scenery is spectacular.

The Middle Rhine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site speckled with ancient castles, medieval towns and hillside vineyards. The 40-mile stretch of river between Koblenz and Bingen is overlooked by more than 28 castles, their turrets and towers punctuating the skyline.

Armed with a glass of wine we made for the top deck on a gloriously sunny day. Programme Director, Daniel, was on the PA system with a running commentary about each castle as we passed by and we also had maps detailing them all. The views were stunning along the Rhine Gorge, an incredibly scenic part of the river.

We rounded off the afternoon with afternoon tea and a Rüdesheim coffee demo in the lounge. Rüdesheim coffee is a decadent affair laced with Asbach, the local German brandy and topped with whipped cream.

Wine Tasting and Dinner at Eberbach Monastery

For dinner we joined an optional excursion to a former Cistercian monastery. A short drive took us to Kloster Eberbach, a Romanesque and early Gothic monastery church whose vineyards have been producing wine for centuries.

After touring the monastery we had a candlelit wine tasting of their best Rieslings in the atmospheric cellars.

Dinner was simple but tasty and prepared with the freshest ingredients from the Rhinegau. Potato and Riesling soup followed by chicken and vegetable ratatouille and a cheesecake dessert.

Although we’re moored up at Rüdesheim this evening the dinner over-ran so we only had time for a very quick, after-dark, visit to the town. In hindsight, I think I’d pass on the monastery excursion and spend the evening in lively Rüdesheim.

Day 5: Speyer

Sunday dawns and we spend a lazy morning sailing south. The day starts with an easy breakfast on the Aquavit Terrace and then time relaxing on the upper deck watching the world go by.

After an early lunch we moor up at 1pm and wander straight from the ship into one of Germany’s oldest towns, its roots going back to Roman times. Located next to the Rhine River, Speyer is pretty, compact, and incredibly walkable. Look out for the pedestrian crossings with pretzel holding, green walkie men!

Speyer is brimming with charm and history. On our included excursion we explore the six-towered, Romanesque cathedral, pastel painted, half-timbered buildings, statues, fountains, churches and monuments. Our excellent guide, Julien, shares all the interesting spots, some hidden gems and shows us where to get the best bratwurst.

Speyer is a pretty town with beer gardens, riverside parks and wild flowers. There’s a festival by the cathedral and the town is busy with locals enjoying the sunshine, entertainment and food stalls which we dip into too. There’s plenty of time to enjoy it all because Viking Sigrun doesn’t depart until 6pm. 

Day 6: Strasbourg, France

Today I skipped breakfast because we have a full-day walking food tour (optional tour) of Strasbourg on the menu – ‘The Flavours of Alsace’. I’ve learnt over the years that the best way to embark on a food tour is with an empty stomach!

This was my first visit to Strasbourg and it’s absolutely gorgeous and somewhere I’d like to return to. We mainly explored the central area of the city around the Grande Île sampling the delicacies of Alsace along with some of the city’s highlights.

The imposing gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, was the world’s tallest building until 1874. We ventured inside to see the astronomical clock strike the hour, incredible stained glass windows and our guide pointed out some hidden spots like the puppy in the pulpit and a strange brooding figure looking over a balcony near the clock. Next time I visit I’ll climb the tower for bird’s eye city views.

We strolled the pretty streets of La Petite France, Strasbourg’s historic heart, admired the ‘Strasbourg Covered Bridges’ which are no longer covered and checked out the remains of the 14th-century ramparts built to protect the city.

Some of the Alsace specialities we sampled included a slice Kougelhopf, which is a crown of brioche, and a coffee when we arrived. We tried mini bratwurst with various mustards and visited a cheese shop for tastings. I didn’t want to leave…

For lunch we had a traditional Strasbourg dish, tarte flambée, in one of the oldest restaurants in the city. We even had a go at making it ourselves which was fun and enjoyed it paired with a local beer. After lunch we had free time to explore independently before meeting up again to continue the tour.

As we made our way round the city we devoured chocolate, gingerbread and other tasty morsels. An hour’s wine tasting with a French Sommelier talking us through some excellent regional wines (and more cheese) was rounded off nicely with a pastry chosen from Patisserie Christian. At which point I couldn’t have eaten another bite! 

After cruising the Middle Rhine this was my next favourite day of our Viking Rhine river cruise.

Day 7: The Black Forest

Our final full day is another foodie day with a visit to Germany’s Black Forest region. We’re moored up in the small town of Breisach and head off on a coach transfer to the village of Hinterzartenon where we embark on a one-hour walking trail through the Black Forest. 

It feels good to spend some time in nature under the towering tree canopy with the sounds of birds and woodland streams accompanying us.

We arrive at a small enclave of buildings for a Black Forest culinary encounter and start with a tasting of local liqueurs. The cherry flavour was particularly good! The kitchen calls and we head to cooking stations where we learn how to make local dish Maultaschen aka Swabian ravioli – large, tasty, meat-filled dumplings.

It’s a lot of fun and not as easy as the chef makes it look but we manage to produce a pretty good lunch. And I have a certificate to prove it!

After a cuckoo clock demonstration we take a short hike through the forest to see the impressive Ravenna Viaduct and the impossibly cute St Oswald’s Chapel which dates back to 1148. The charnel house isn’t so cute…

Our culinary endeavours aren’t over yet and we return to the kitchen to learn how to make the region’s famous Black Forest cherry cake. It’s actually the most impressive looking cake I’ve ever made in my life and it tastes pretty good too.   

With very full bellies we head back to the ship and I wonder if it’d be rude to skip dinner. But it’s the last night so…  

Day 8: Basel, Switzerland

All too soon our Viking Rhine river cruise has come to an end. Our airport transfer is at 10am so we don’t have time to see Basel, although we could have extended and spent time in the city if we’d wished.

After a relaxed breakfast, and my final Eggs Benedict of the cruise, we said a sad goodbye to the crew, waved a fond farewell and set off for the airport. 

But there’s so much more to a Viking river cruise than the excursions and I’m sure you’ll want to know all about…

Dining

We ate breakfast in The Restaurant (main dining room) most mornings. There’s a choice of a continental buffet, juices, fruit and yoghurt, teas and coffee plus a menu of cooked dishes to order.

Eggs Benedict, pancakes, omelette or ‘egg of the day’ are offered along with other dishes plus vegetarian and gluten-free options. Breakfast can also be eaten on the Aquavit Terrace although it’s not a huge space and you’d need to get there early to bag a table.

Dinner is an event on a Viking cruise and all meals are waiter service. Menus are carefully curated offering three courses with a variety of choices, regional flavours and locally sourced ingredients.

There are three options on the menu. The daily classic with international favourites, a regional speciality menu with a range of destination focused foods and menu of the day. 

The great thing is you can mix and match your menus depending on what takes your fancy so a starter from the regional menu, a main from the classic offering and dessert from menu of the day. Whatever takes your fancy.

Lunch is enjoyed in the Restaurant or the Aquavit Terrace, again with waiter service. The lunch format is similar to dinner with three menu options for each course although these are less extensive for the lunch menu but just as good.

A coffee and tea station with pastries next to a seating area is available 24 hours every day.

The Ship

One of my favourite spots was the Aquavit Terrace at the bow of the ship. It’s a lovely outdoor space which is perfect for a casual breakfast or light lunch while watching the flows of the river. 

The main dining room is The Restaurant which has floor-to-ceiling windows ideal for taking in the panoramic views as you dine.

The lounge and bar is a nice spot for relaxing, afternoon teas or drinks. There’s small library area if you’re looking for a book to read and, of course, there’s your stateroom balcony which is ideal for relaxing.

The sun deck is another must for scenic cruising, with plenty of space to spread out, even when everyone came up to see the castles on the Middle Rhine day. It’s also a good spot for sundowners or quiet after dinner drinks when the weather’s good.

The sun deck is also home to mini golf and there’s a walking route around it so you can get your steps in.

If you’re passing through some locks definitely head to the top deck to watch the captain steer expertly into the tightest of spaces. At one point we only had a couple of inches between the lock wall and the ship on one side and another river cruise ship on the other. It’s an impressive manoeuvre. 

The public areas onboard are light and airy, calm and inviting and there’s always a quiet nook to be found if you’d like some down time.

Veranda Stateroom

I loved my Veranda stateroom, especially the balcony where I could sit and watch the ever-changing scenery glide by.

The queen-size Viking bed is supremely comfortable and inviting, made up with crisp high grade linens and pillows which make for a great night’s sleep.

Plenty of cupboards and drawers mean there’s ample storage and an efficient laundry service saw clothes laundered, pressed and returned within a few hours.

Viking Veranda Stateroom

I didn’t use the modern amenities like the flat-screen TV, live TV channels and complimentary movies-on-demand because I was too busy enjoying the ship.

The ensuite shower room comes with fluffy, white bath robes, plenty of towels and Viking’s signature Freyja toiletries. Housekeeping attended daily at convenient times while we were out exploring.

Crew and staff were genuinely friendly and attentive and even greeted me by name before the end of the first day. Nothing was ever too much for them. They’d often know what I needed before I did – that first cuppa at breakfast!

Sailing the Rhine on Viking Sigrun is like floating in a boutique hotel. It’s relaxing, elegant and there’s a new view around every turn of the river.

Onboard experience

How a day pans out on Viking Rhine Getaway Cruise

Days start with breakfast which is served 06:00-11:00 hrs with morning excursions setting off from around 08:00 hrs. 

Lunch is served from 12:30 hrs in the Restaurant of Aquavit Terrace followed by optional afternoon excursions, enrichment lectures and presentations.

In the evenings, before dinner, the Program Director hosts port talks and short briefings in the lounge to go through the next day’s schedule. You’ll local tips, with a fun fact or story and all the info you need for your next location.

If you’d prefer you can watch this from your stateroom TV. The Viking Daily is also delivered to your stateroom each day with details of your daily programme, itinerary, destination notes, excursion tickets and other information.

Dinner starts at 19:00 hrs in The Restaurant followed by entertainment like live music, a singer or an occasional quiz. Dress code is relaxed and not at all formal throughout.

What’s included on a Viking Rhine River Cruise?

One of the unique things about Viking river cruises is how much is actually bundled into the fare. It helps to keep everything plain sailing and you’ll also know that you haven’t run up a huge account to pay before disembarking. So what’s included on a Viking river cruise?

Excursions 

Each day there’s one included shore excursion, usually a walking tour (possibly with coach transfer) that gives you a good feel for the destination.

If you want to explore deeper, Viking offers optional excursions like wine tastings, food tours, cooking classes, museum visits or small-group experiences. Where I’ve mentioned an ‘optional excursion’ these incur an extra cost and aren’t included in the cruise cost. It’s best to book these in advance to secure your spot although there might be availability to book on board or a wait-list. Concierge will help you.

Transfers and flights 

Return airport transfers are included when you book flights through Viking but if you wish you can organise your own flights and transfers.

Onboard essentials

Wi‑Fi is included throughout the ship, so you can stay connected and share those castle‑dotted river views in real time. Up to two devices per stateroom. 

Two audio receivers and earpieces are provided for the excursions which you’ll charge up in your room each evening. 

Food

All meals are included as well as 24-hour specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water.

Drinks

Beer, wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. If you like a cocktail before dinner or a glass of fizz on the sun deck, there’s an optional “Silver Spirits” drinks package that covers almost everything from the bar all day long. Tempted?

Gratuities 

Standard onboard gratuities are included, which means you don’t have to think about tipping at every turn. That said, if someone on board goes above and beyond, you can always give them a personal thank-you before you disembark.

What are the other guests like

Most people on our river cruise were midlife or older, with a mix of couples and family/friend groups. The whole experience was refreshingly grown-up in the best kind of way.

Life on a Viking river cruise vs a Viking ocean cruise

If you’re used to ocean cruises, you’ll notice quite a few differences. River cruising is much more intimate with fewer passengers, quieter spaces and a much smaller ship. The Viking Longships used on European river cruises have 95 staterooms welcoming up to 190 guests with 53 crew.

There’s always something to see from your veranda balcony. The scenery is constantly changing because the riverbanks are always close by. Instead of days at sea, you dock on the riverbank close to historic cities and towns rather than in commercial ports where you get a bus into town. I loved that I could step off the ship and be in the middle of a medieval square after a short walk.

Read my review of Viking ocean ship Saturn to discover more about Viking ocean ships.

My final thoughts on Viking’s Rhine Getaway cruise

The Viking Rhine river cruise was everything I’d hoped for and so much more. Relaxed, scenic and full of special moments that I’ll long remember.

From the castles of Germany to the spires of Strasbourg cathedral and the windmills of Holland, every day brought a new experience and a myriad of flavours to discover.

The pace was perfect, the service excellent, and the ship felt like a calm, luxurious retreat after a day of exploring. A Viking Rhine Getaway cruise is every bit as magical as it looks.