On Wednesday May 19th, Viking River Cruises announced the return of river (and ocean) cruising starting this summer. The much-anticipated announcement follows the European Union’s decision to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated American travelers.
“The response to our initial Welcome Back ocean voyages has been overwhelmingly positive. It is clear that many people are eager to get back out into the world, and I would like to thank all of our destination partners for their support as we plan our return to service,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.
Viking River Cruises Says Welcome Back to the World!
“We are pleased to spotlight a collection of new river cruise and ocean cruise voyages for travelers who are ready to get back out into the world—and for loyal guests who are eager to return to the familiar comfort of our small ships. These Welcome Back voyages are exclusively available for vaccinated guests, in accordance with local entry rules in many of the destinations—and as a complement to the Viking Health & Safety Program, which was designed to protect guests and crew even while the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is still moving forward. Join us in exploring the world in comfort…once again.”
When do river cruises restart?
Viking River Cruises will restart with select European itineraries in July 2021. Those itineraries are the popular Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel), Portugal’s River of Gold (Lisbon to Porto), Paris & the Heart of Normandy (Paris to Paris), Lyon & Provence (Avignon to Lyon), and France’s Finest 15 day extended sailing (Paris to Avignon).
When do ocean cruises start?
Viking Ocean Cruises will restart slightly earlier, June 2021, with four select voyages: Malta & Adriatic Jewels (Valletta to Valetta), Bermuda Escape (Hamilton to Hamilton), Iceland’s Natural Beauty (Reykjavík to Reykjavík), and Malta & Greek Isles Discovery (Valletta to Valetta).
Are there any river cruise special offers?
Viking is offering double past guest discounts (up to $400 per person) to entice their most loyal travelers back to the rivers and ocean. Plus for select river itineraries, a complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package. The Rhine Getaway river cruise itinerary starts as low as $2,299 per person, with round trip airfare from many US gateways starting at $399 per person.
Do I need to be vaccinated to take a Viking cruise?
Yes – as part of Viking’s comprehensive Health & Safety Program, all guests on the 2021 sailings, both river and ocean, must have proof of vaccination to board.
Are there other itineraries available yet?
Viking stated it is actively working on developing additional Welcome Back itineraries in a variety of other destinations, with the goal of announcing further 2021 sailings as soon as possible.
What about my upcoming 2021 or 2022 river cruise I already have booked?
Plans are to open all itineraries as soon as possible; no further suspensions of service have been announced. We are hopeful all existing itineraries beyond the announced summer restart will stay intact as travel restrictions ease.
How can I book a Viking River Cruise?
Glad you asked – we’re here for you! To see more information on Viking River Cruises with itineraries and ship information, plus an easy request form, see our Viking River Cruise page.
