Viking Longships are built for travelers who want the river and the destinations to be the main event. They feel clean, calm, and thoughtfully laid out—not like a resort at sea. Most European Longships share the same core design, so this is a useful picture of the experience whether you sail the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, or another classic Viking route.
The Viking feel: clean, quiet, and scenic
The design is Scandinavian in the best sense: light wood, uncluttered spaces, soft colors and lots of glass. The Lounge & Bar becomes the natural gathering place, with floor-to-ceiling doors that keep the river in view. It is a comfortable ship to return to after a full day in port.
Room types: where the value changes
Longships offer Standard Staterooms, French Balcony Staterooms, Veranda Staterooms, Veranda Suites, and two Explorer Suites. Standard rooms are the value choice, while French Balcony rooms add a sliding glass door and railing. A Veranda Stateroom adds a true step-out balcony—an excellent choice for travelers who want outdoor space without moving into suite pricing.
The Veranda Suites have separate living and sleeping spaces, with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom. At the top, the 445-square-foot Explorer Suites include a separate sitting room and wraparound veranda with 270-degree views. All staterooms use a queen-size Viking Explorer Bed that can convert to twins, along with Wi-Fi and an infotainment TV system.
Aquavit Terrace: Viking’s signature space
The Aquavit Terrace & Lounge at the front of the ship is the feature people remember. It is an indoor/outdoor viewing and dining area with retractable glass doors, so it works in a range of weather. It is a relaxed place for breakfast or lunch, with the river scenery right in front of you.
Dining and drinks
The main Restaurant has panoramic windows and serves regionally inspired menus. The Aquavit Terrace offers a more casual alternative. Viking includes beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; specialty coffees, cocktails and drinks outside mealtimes are additional unless you choose a beverage package. It is a straightforward, easy-to-understand setup.
Evenings aboard
Viking’s evenings are intentionally low-key and cultural rather than showy. Expect a port talk or next-day briefing, destination-focused presentations, local performers on select sailings, and social time in the Lounge. The real energy of a river cruise is often the conversation after dinner and the anticipation of the next town—not a late-night production show.
Small touches that matter
The Sun Deck provides 360-degree views, shaded seating, a walking track, a putting green and an herb garden. There is also a library, onboard shop, laundry service, Wi-Fi and a TV system with live channels and movies on demand. One accessibility note: the elevator runs only from the Middle Deck to the Upper Deck, so guests needing elevator access should choose their stateroom carefully.
Who may enjoy a Viking Longship most
- Travelers who want an understated, grown-up ship environment
- First-time river cruisers who appreciate clear inclusions and simple choices
- Couples and friends who enjoy culture, history, food, and scenic sailing days
- Guests who value a true veranda or suite but do not need a large-ship experience
- Anyone who prefers destination-focused evenings over nightlife
Viking Longships work especially well for travelers who want a polished, reliable way to see Europe’s rivers without overthinking the onboard experience. The ship is comfortable, but the story is always the river, the towns, and the culture waiting ashore.
Longship features, stateroom layouts, onboard programming and inclusions can vary slightly by vessel and itinerary. We will confirm the exact details for your sailing.