Viking River Cruises

Cruise Director
An experienced, English-speaking Programme Director is on board every departure. He/she is there to ensure your comfort and answer questions.

Daily Schedule
The on board daily newsletter, Viking Daily, features information about daily activities, shore excursions and tour departure times, plus interesting background about your destinations.

Click the Play button below for an 'Onboard a Longship' video

Electricity
Electricity on board is 220v. European and Russian ships have the German Schuko safety plug, which has two pins and side clips. In China the ships have a 3-pin blade safety plug with two slanted blades. In Vietnam and Cambodia the ships use a two pin Europlug. Each cabin will have one or two 115V razor plugs available, generally in the bathroom.

Fitness Equipment
Most Viking ships do not have fitness equipment. There is a gym and sauna aboard Viking Emerald in China. Guests enjoy the exercise during the shore excursions or power walking on the Sun Deck.

Hair dryers
Ships have hair dryers for guests' use. Most cabins are equipped with a hair dryer, or you can request one at reception. Cabin amenities include shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, shower cap and vanity kit.

Internet Access
In Europe, Russia and Ukraine there is complimentary WiFi accessibility plus a few computers for guest use. There is an Internet cafe onboard in China with free desktop stations. There is no onboard wireless network in China or Southeast Asia.

Laundry
Laundry services are available; price lists are in your cabin. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.

Meal Times
Meals are scheduled around the day’s programs and activities. There is an early riser’s breakfast and a full breakfast buffet between 6 and 9am. Lunch is served between 11:30am and 2pm, and dinner is served around 7 to 9pm. Meals are single seating with an open-seating format, so travellers can come in when they are ready and sit where they like.

Medical services
On European ships, medical care is readily available using local resources. There is a small clinic and a doctor on board ships in Russia and China - the physician may not speak fluent English and a staff member fluent in English will assist you. If you are feeling ill, inform Reception immediately.

Money and Credit Cards
Most countries you will visit in Europe use the Euro. China's currency is the Renminbi (RMB). Many locations accept major credit cards; however for incidentals or small vendors you will want local currency. ATM machines are located at most stops, except small towns.

On board language
Staff, crew and tour guides speak English and all lectures and announcements will be made in English.

Passengers with Disabilities
Challenges for disabled guests exist on board and during shore excursions. Some ships have lifts and some do not; some ships have split-level decks and/or significant thresholds that could make movement difficult. Shore excursions may require movement over cobblestones or up and down stairs, and therefore a physically challenged guest will require the services of a responsible adult since crew availability is severely limited in most circumstances. Motorized scooters cannot be accommodated.

Safes
Please keep all jewelry and valuables in your stateroom safe. Most safes will easily accommodate cash, jewelry, and small electronic devices but may not be large enough for all laptop computers. Interior safe dimensions on Viking Longships are 6.3” high by 18.5” wide by 15” deep; other ships’ safes may vary slightly.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted indoors on any ship; this policy also applies to e-cigarettes. Each ship has an outdoor smoking area, generally on the Sun Deck.

Special Diets
Every meal has vegetarian options on the menu, and our chefs are able to prepare low-salt or gluten-free cuisine. Guests requiring special diets such as diabetic or low-cholesterol meals must alert Viking Cruises one month prior to departure and inform the Maitre d’ when on board. The chefs will make reasonable efforts to accommodate these requests.

Telephones
Cabins have their own telephone (except Mekong). If you bring a mobile phone ensure that it will work in the countries visited - it may need enabling by your service provider.

Television
All cabins except those on the Mekong are equipped with a colour television. Longships have a TV with premium entertainment package including CNBC, National Geographic, movie channels and a “bow cam”. Depending upon satellite transmission, most ships receive CNN, BBC and other English-language programming.

Gratuities
Gratuities are included on board. Any additional tipping is at your discretion; should you choose to tip your local guides and drivers, we recommend tipping at the end of each tour in cash.

Your Shipboard Account
At the end of the holiday, you may pay your shipboard account in cash or by credit card. Ships cannot accept travellers cheques for payment.