Viking’s New 11-Day Rhine and Main Explorer

Viking’s new 11-day Rhine & Main Explorer itinerary is a top-notch cruise – from the itinerary and the ship itself (Viking Skirnir) to the onboard experience.

The cruise, which operates between Basel, Switzerland, and Nuremberg, Germany, includes a superb roster of destinations, including Breisach, Karlsruhe, Frankfurt, Wurzburg, Marktheidenfeld and Bamberg in Germany, and Strasbourg, France.

The rivers themselves provide stunning views of villages filled with half-timbered houses, castles and terraced vineyards. One favorite activity while sailing is simply relaxing on the generously sized veranda, listening to birdsong while taking in the ever-changing scenery.

Viking Longships

The 190-passenger Viking Longships sailing on European waterways are identical in terms of size, public areas, décor and accommodations. (Longships operating on Portugal’s Douro River and France’s Seine River are purpose-built for those destinations and carry 106 and 168 guests, respectively.)

Each ship houses an open-seating main restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; a bar and a lounge that adjoin the Aquavit Terrace, which offers a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner; a small library; a tiny shop adjacent to the reception area; and a sundeck with shaded sitting areas, a putting green and a walking track.

Accommodations

Longships are equipped with 95 outside accommodations, including 25 Standard Staterooms (150 square feet), 22 French Balcony Staterooms (135 square feet), 39 Veranda Staterooms (205 square feet), seven Veranda Suites (275 square feet) and two Explorer Suites (445 square feet). All accommodations boast floor-toceiling windows – with the exception of Standard Staterooms, which are situated on the lower deck with fixed windows – queen-size beds that convert to twins, bathrooms with anti-fog mirrors, large televisions, telephones, safes, mini-refrigerators, and robes and slippers upon request.

Dining Options

Most tables in the main dining room accommodate six to 10 guests. Menus on my sailing included dishes reflecting the destinations visited, with appetizers such as Schweizer wurstsalat (Swiss sausage salad) and marinated cucumbers with Emmental cheese, and main courses like krustenbraten – crispy roast pork served in a beer sauce with cabbage.

Guests may also opt for always-available dishes, such as Caesar salads, Angus rib eyes and poached Norwegian salmon (all three of which I recommend).

Passengers looking for more intimate dining experiences can dine in the indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace, which is equipped with smaller tables.

Excursions

Viking offers one complimentary shore excursion in each port, along with a slate of tours for a charge. My favorite excursions were a canal cruise coupled with a walking tour in Strasbourg; a tour focused on Nuremberg’s history; and a walking tour of Bamberg, which was one of the most charming cities I’ve ever visited. I also recommend the four-hour paid Medieval Village of Colmar tour, which is available from Strasbourg.

Superlative Service

The ship has an exceptionally friendly staff – from cabin stewards and bartenders to waitstaff. Cabin stewards pay particular attention to cleanliness.

What’s Included

In addition to the complimentary excursions in each port, rates include beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; ground transfers for guests who purchase air through Viking; Wi-Fi access; and round-the-clock specialty coffee, tea and bottled water. Guests can opt to buy the Silver Spirits beverage package for $27 per guest per night.

This article was adapted from a piece which originally appeared in Agent at Home Magazine and was posted on TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to book your Viking 11-Day Rhine and Main Explorer cruise.