Viking River Cruises has been founded in 1997 and since then has pretty much cornered the entire cruise market for English-language cruise trips on Chinese and European rivers.
The cruise line has been started by the consortium of Swiss and Dutch financiers, coordinated by a former Norwegian who has been instrumental in starting Royal Viking Cruise Line. In fact, for those certain people who remember Royal Viking cruise ships the resemblance in the design is unmistakable. This line is for travelers who are interested in seeing Europe without have to deal with buses or taxis. The prices are all inclusive, which will include shore trips as well as wine for dinner. The company will also be for those specific cruisers who have been to the Baltic or the Mediterranean already, but are interested in seeing more of Europe.
The Russian River ships are somehow a different bread, built in Russia in Soviet periods of time, they have all been modernized, but still include a rustic flavor, mostly in the “cheap seats,” the staterooms on the lowest deck. There are two public decks with a single seating dining area as well as public lounges upstairs.
The on board enrichment programs in Russia is considered as good than any other program on any other cruise ship. Since most of the tours will be included in the cruise price, the tour guides will travel with the guests and will be available for questions or insight during the entire cruise. Additionally, a professional in Russian history, economics and politics will travel as well the whole voyage offering lectures on a daily basis.
In China, cruise tours, which will mix river and land components, will feature visits to various places like Beijing, Shanghai, the Yangtze River cruise and the Terra Cotta Warriors, in which the cruise ships will travel to the Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam and Lesser Gorges. Most cruise tours will be fully escorted for airport by English-guides.
In China and Russia, all transportation and tours will be included from the time down the ground at the airport.
Fellow Passengers
Guests will be mostly well traveled, often comprised of various groups from distinct nationalities; half British, half United States citizens.
Shore Trips
Shore trips are included in the cruise fare. They are planned each and every day, usually morning and afternoon. Evening programs will be provided as optional at extra charges. In Russia, Kirov Ballet or Moscow Circus are such options.
Special Programs
Special “Dutch Tulip” sail in early April, while Christmas or New Years Holiday cruise trips will be offered as well.
Tipping
Gratuities will be at the guest`s discretion. No guidelines related to this specific issue are published.