Where Viking Fits Among the Luxury Lines
Viking’s inclusive fare and suites set against the all-inclusive luxury lines.
Compare Luxury River Lines FreeViking is the largest river line most Americans know. Here is where it sits next to the luxury river cruise lines.
What Viking Includes
Viking’s own “inclusive value” page lists one complimentary shore excursion in every port, all onboard meals, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and free Wi-Fi. Viking sells a Silver Spirits Beverage Package for drinks beyond that; optional tours are sold separately.
| Feature | Viking | Uniworld / Scenic / Tauck |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks outside meals | Package available | Included |
| Gratuities | Not listed as included | Included |
| Excursions | One included in every port, optional extras | Included, often with choices or private guiding |
| Butler | Not advertised | Scenic every suite; Uniworld suite guests |
Viking’s Suites
On Viking’s Longships, the Explorer Suite has separate sleeping and sitting rooms and a wraparound veranda; on Viking Ve, Viking lists it at about 445 square feet, with the Silver Spirits package and a private transfer among its perks. The Veranda Suite pairs a full veranda in the sitting room with a French balcony in the bedroom. Our sister site Luxury Riverside Cruises looks at the suites in detail.
When Viking Is the Better Choice
- You want a big, consistent fleet and a wide choice of dates.
- You drink little outside meals, so an all-day bar matters less.
- You like to choose and pay for optional tours individually.
- You value an adults-focused atmosphere — Viking says it has no children on board and no casinos.
And when a luxury line is better: if you want gratuities and all drinks included, a butler, or private touring. We price both for you.
Adding Up the Difference
The fairest way to compare Viking with a luxury line is to price the whole trip. Start with Viking’s fare, then add what you would buy on board: drinks outside meals (or the Silver Spirits package), gratuities for the crew and guides, and any optional tours you want. Compare that total with an all-inclusive fare from Uniworld, Scenic or Tauck on similar dates. Sometimes Viking still wins on value; sometimes the gap is smaller than it looks. We do this calculation free with every quote.
Viking Questions
Is Viking a luxury river cruise line?
Viking is usually described as premium. Its fare includes a good deal — a shore excursion in every port, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and Wi-Fi — but drinks outside meals and gratuities are not in the base fare the way they are on Uniworld, Scenic or Tauck.
Does Viking have suites on its river ships?
Yes. Viking Longships have two-room Veranda Suites and Explorer Suites with a wraparound veranda, alongside Veranda and French Balcony staterooms.
Viking or a Luxury Line?
Tell us your dates. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will price Viking against Uniworld, Scenic or Tauck side by side, free.
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