Ocean Or River? Discover Which Viking Cruises Sailing Is Right For You
Not all cruises are created equal—and that's especially true when it comes to Viking Cruises. Known for its refined, adults-only approach to travel, Viking Cruises offers two distinct types of voyages: river cruises that wind through the heart of Europe, and ocean cruises that span multiple countries and coastlines. Both experiences are top-notch, but they deliver very different vibes.
So how do you decide which one fits your next vacation? It all comes down to what kind of traveler you are, how you like to explore, and whether you want the ship to be the destination—or the launchpad for it.
Here's what you need to know to pick the Viking cruise that suits you best.
Viking Sky in Geiranger, Norway Viking
Viking's ocean cruises are designed for travelers who want to visit a variety of destinations without sacrificing comfort or enrichment along the way. These ships cover more ground than river vessels, often sailing between multiple countries on a single itinerary.
Take, for example, the 15-day Into the Midnight Sun journey aboard Viking Jupiter, which sails from London to Bergen and includes stops in Scotland and the Norwegian fjords. You'll wake up in a new country every few days—but you'll return to the same spacious, all-veranda stateroom every night.
Unlike most large cruise ships, Viking Ocean vessels are intimate and uncrowded, carrying under 1,000 guests. That means no casinos, kids, or waterslides—just serene Scandinavian-inspired design, quiet lounges, and spaces to gather with fellow travelers over a board game or cocktail.
Guests have unlimited access to a full-service spa (including a thermal suite), a well-equipped fitness center, salon, library, self-service laundry and even a planetarium. Dining is a major highlight, with multiple restaurants offering everything from sushi to regional tasting menus. And between ports, you'll find a full slate of lectures, cooking demos, and cultural programming to keep you engaged.
The main trade-offs? You may dock in shipyards or further outside city centers, sometimes requiring a tender or shuttle into town. But for those who enjoy sea days and want variety, comfort, and onboard community, Viking Ocean delivers a sophisticated experience. River Cruises: Immersive, Up-Close Exploration
Viking longship on the Seine Viking
If Viking Ocean is about the journey, Viking River is about the destination. These sleek, narrow ships are built to navigate Europe's iconic rivers, docking in the heart of each city or village along the way. You won't need a shuttle or a map—just step off the ship and start exploring.
A great example is Viking's Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary, an 8-day cruise that sails roundtrip from Paris with stops in Giverny, Rouen, and the beaches of Normandy. You'll glide through pastoral French landscapes, dine on regional cuisine, and learn the history of each port from local guides.
Onboard, the experience is quiet, elegant, and low-key. With just 190 passengers, river cruises foster a strong sense of community. The ships feature two dining venues and staterooms that are comfortable, if compact. Entertainment is minimal, but you'll be so busy ashore it may not matter. And because river ships travel at a slower pace and on calm waters, there's no risk of seasickness.
The limited space does mean fewer onboard options—no spa or thermal suite here—and smaller closets, which can be a challenge on longer trips. But for travelers who want to maximize time in port and experience Europe like a local, river cruises offer unmatched intimacy and access. Who Will Love Each Cruise Type
The Infinity Pool on-board the Viking Star Viking Choose a Viking Ocean cruise if you: Want to visit multiple countries in one trip
Enjoy a variety of dining and activity options
Like a mix of sea days and port days
Appreciate onboard amenities like spas, lounges, and enrichment programs
Prefer more space, both in your stateroom and around the ship
Dining al fresco at Aquavit Viking Choose a Viking River cruise if you: Want to walk off the ship and be in the center of town
Prefer historical and cultural immersion over onboard entertainment
Are sensitive to motion and want a smoother ride
Value quiet, community-oriented travel experiences
Don't mind fewer frills in exchange for more time ashore
Whether you choose river or ocean, Viking Cruises offers an elegant, all-inclusive experience that prioritizes meaningful travel and destination immersion. It all comes down to your travel style: Do you want the ship to be part of the destination, or a comfortable home base for exploring what's beyond the dock? Either way, there's no wrong answer—just the one that suits your next adventure best.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-state-room-le-commandant-charcot-antarctica-PONANTATA0823-f5f168a873814196a744eeb58df28d22.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
2 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
The U.S. Just Issued a Travel Alert to a Popular Cruise Destination—Here's What It Means for Cruisers
The United States Department of State is warning Americans to be cautious when traveling to the Antarctic continent due to potential weather hazards. The updated travel advisory, which the State Department issued on July 28, classified the continent as a "Level 2," warning American travelers to "exercise increased caution" due to "environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather and limited emergency services." Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty with several research stations run by different countries scattered across the continent, but there are no consulates or embassies there. The closest U.S embassies and consulates are located in Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa. Antarctica is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts and explorers and has become a sought-after destination for cruise ships. Several cruise lines sail there, including Viking Cruises, Silversea, Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, and Norwegian Cruise Line. However, cruises are strictly governed by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to land, making them "cruise-only." Cruises to Antarctica typically operate from November through March during the southern hemisphere's warmer summer months. During the 2024/2025 season, more than 80,000 visitors landed in Antarctica while another 36,769 toured the continent as cruise-only travelers, according to IAATO. The continent was considered a top destination for adventure seekers in 2025. Cruises to Antarctica vary widely depending on the season and the type of ship, but travelers can generally expect to find incredible encounters with whales, penguins, seals, and more wildlife, as well as have the chance to hike and perhaps even ski. Many companies also offer opportunities for kayaking and camping overnight on the ice. The State Department recommends travelers heading to Antarctica go with a "professional guide or organization such as those that are a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, or, if organizing a private expedition, be self-sufficient and have emergency medical evacuation insurance." The agency also recommends travelers sign up for its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides critical updates for travelers abroad and helps the agency understand where American citizens are going. The Department of State regularly monitors and updates travel advisories for U.S. citizens. The agency classifies advisories by level with Level 1 recommending travelers "exercise normal precautions," Level 2 recommending travelers "exercise increased caution," Level 3 recommending travelers "reconsider travel," and Level 4 recommending travelers "do not travel" to the destination.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I slept on a $700 pillow and loved it — but I still prefer my $85 alternative
In the land of bedding, it is a known fact that the comfort and support offered by natural down is among the best on offer. As someone who tests bedding for a living, I 100% agree with this — especially after sleeping on the Norvegr Premium Collection White Goose Down Pillow. In simple terms, it's a dream. I'd describe it as an amalgamation of our eight best pillows we've tested in 2025. But this didn't stop me from missing my $85 memory foam and microfiber alternative. And yes, I feel a little guilty for saying that... The reason? I know that it's possible to recreate the same luxury comfort and support for one-tenth of the price. But before we decide the final verdict, let's dive into everything you need to know about this Norvegr pillow, my experience sleeping on it and the journey of creating a headrest meant for 'royalty'... Beyond a bedding brand, Norvegr is a family business spanning three generations, currently run by Nils Stene, the grandson of the founder. The roots of the brand are essentially Norse, tracing back to the Viking era when pure Eiderdown feathers were used to create the most luxuriously cozy bedding and Arctic clothing. The product in question is the Norvegr Premium Collection European White Goose 100% Down Pillow. Made from all natural down with a fill power of 830 coming in a soft-to-touch cotton case, this is a supremely plush headrest available in three firmness levels to suit your sleeping preferences (soft, medium and firm). Norvegr takes great pride in crafting duvets, pillows and other bedding meant to last decades. The brand recommends relying on its restoration service to refresh your down pillow every 5 years — which will help make it last up to 25 years with proper maintenance. This makes it stand out from the regular pillows in the market with a humble sleep trial and warranty of a maximum of five years (the best I've seen so far for a pillow). Norvegr is a brand which screams 'quiet luxury'. Its products embody the values of simplicity, modesty and superior quality. This is why their bedding is tailor-made to suit the client and their needs, rather than matching your sleep profile to existing options. Even though I've tested many pillows, getting a customized one based on my sleeping style was a new experience. The process involved a sleep consultation with the present Norvegr CEO Nils Stene, who enquired about my primary sleeping position, preferred pillow feel and height. Based on my details, Stene recommended the Premium Collection White Goose Down firm pillow. All I had to do after that was wait for my perfect pillow to arrive. Note that this process is not for those who are pressed on time. Each pillow is made to order, which can take up to three weeks. As the name suggests, the Premium Down Collection Pillow comes with a hefty price tag ranging anywhere between $320 to $1,020 (£241 to £769). When shopping on the site, you should first select your country (US, UK, Norway and Europe) which will show you the prices accordingly. Norvegr pillows begin at $180 for a Standard Collection model. This means the Premium Collection is its most expensive line-up with prices starting from $320 (£241). Unlike other brands, Norvegr don't offer seasonal bedding sales. Prices are decided solely based on your requirements which are not subject to change based on major sale events like Black Friday or Memorial Day. This once again points to the fact that the brand values 'intention' rather than spontaneous shopping sprees. Yes, Norvegr pillows do not come with a conventional sleep trial or warranty but they are made to last up to 25 years. But how is that possible? That's where their unique restoration service comes in. Every five years, you can send in your pillow to their specialized family-run facility in Norway, for a thorough clean-up and refresh. The brand employs harmless UV irradiation to sanitize the pillow and it's then filled to its original loft capacity, with freshly-cleaned down material. The idea is to effectively restore it so that your dream Norvegr pillow is good as new. Norvegr European White Goose Down Pillow: boudoir soft from $320 / £241 at NorvegrI'm currently testing a standard size firm Premium Collection pillow which costs $535 / £584 for a standard size or $655 / £769 for a queen/king. You can choose your pick from their three pillow collections, which differ in terms of down composition and fill power. The prices include any import duties, or VAT. Worldwide shipping is free for orders above $1,000. The brand lives by their luxury ethos in everything — right from the construction of the pillow down to its packaging. Your easy-to-open cardboard boxes and vacuum sealed packing can't be compared to the meticulous attention to detail on this pillow. Once I opened the DHL packaging, I was greeted by a fully black sack bag with glorious silver drawstrings, complete with the Norvegr logo on the front. The pillow was kept neatly folded inside without any plastic seals or tapes. Once out of the bag, it takes a while to fully unfurl. Being made from 100% organic materials, you need not worry about the slightest off-gassing when unpacking this pillow. Fluffing it up by hand can help speed up the expansion process, but I happened to sleep on mine after only a few hours. Have I been this excited about lying down on a pillow before? Probably not. And I was not disappointed. It was like laying my head among the clouds — the plushness and softness nestled my neck and shoulders and provided the ultimate cozy sleep experience. The Norvergr pillow felt luxuriously indulgent, comfortable and regal. Being a combination sleeper (side and back), the custom-made pillow worked wonders to support my neck, head and shoulders in both these positions. It is safe to say that I drifted off into a peaceful slumber as soon as my head touched the pillow on the first night of testing. During the one-week testing period, I slept like a baby throughout the night. The temperature-regulating properties of natural down proved to be an exceptional weapon against the erratic hot and humid nights. However, one drawback I spotted every morning once I woke up was how flat the pillow felt under the weight of my head. It requires regular fluffing to maintain the support and shape, much more than your adjustable foam pillows. Moreover, if you're someone used to the responsiveness of memory foam like I am, it might take a while to get used to extreme plushness of feathers. I found that my face and neck sank deeper into the pillow during the night, with the two sides bulging on either end. For me the Norvegr pillow was supremely comfortable and every bit effective in providing a goodnight's rest. It helped me sleep without any discomfort or overheating during a rapidly changing British summer. I do need more time to fully asses the performance of the pillow, especially in terms of support, as I noticed it tends to flatten quite easily, so stay tuned for my full review after a few more weeks sleeping on it. But, does every one really need a $700 pillow? In my opinion, you don't require an expensive down pillow if your priority is just 'quality sleep'. This is why I'd still prefer the Coop Original Adjustable which is priced at $85 for a standard size— with more or less the same benefits as the Norvegr pillow. Made from a hypoallergenic blend of contouring memory foam and cushioning microfiber, the Coop Original has a fully adjustable design— which means you can simply add or remove the fill to suit any sleeping position (side, back or front). During the Coop Original Adjustable review period, I found it to be a plush yet supportive pillow, offering the subtle responsiveness and pressure relief of the foam and fiber combination. It also sleeps at a very neutral temperature, but if you're a hot sleeper, I'd recommend investing in a dedicated cooling pillow instead. Coop Original Adjustable Pillow: from $85 at Coop Sleep GoodsA standard size Coop Original is priced at $85 while a king pillow will cost you $99. It is also available to buy in three different shapes: classic, crescent and cut-out. The pillow comes encased in a soft Lulltra (a blend of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon) cover which is both removable and machine washable. We have previously spotted the Coop Original up to 20% off during major sale events like Black Friday, Memorial Day and Prime Day, which drops the MSRP of a standard size to $68. However, a regal sleep experience is priceless and this is exactly what Norvegr delivers. This can only be best described by the brand's foundational vision: "to elevate the essential". The idea is to transform the most basic parts of our daily lives into "lifelong luxury", since the biggest investment you can ever make is on yourself. As a sleep writer who delves into the importance of rest for your physical and mental wellbeing, I understand that 'sleep' is indeed one aspect of our life which deserves attention, care and of course, luxury. If that sounds like how you want to elevate your sleep health, Norvegr is the right choice.
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business Wire
Viking Opens Bookings for 2027–2028 Ocean and Expedition Voyages
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Viking® ( (NYSE: VIK) today announced that its 2027–2028 ocean and expedition voyages are now open for booking. With destination-focused journeys on all seven continents, additional departures are now available across Viking's award-winning ocean and expedition fleet, including the company's most popular itineraries. The new sailing dates include voyages on Viking's newest ocean ship, the Viking Lyra®, which is scheduled to join the fleet in 2028 and will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. As part of today's announcement, Viking also unveiled a new expedition itinerary, Into the Antarctic Circle, which will offer travelers the rare opportunity to cross the 66°33′ line of latitude, which marks the Antarctic Circle, while exploring the 'White Continent' – an honored milestone among polar explorers. 'Our guests are curious travelers who like to connect with the destinations they visit in a meaningful way,' said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. 'We have always crafted journeys that are designed to bring our guests closer to history, culture and nature in each destination—and we are pleased to offer an even wider selection of itineraries and departure dates in the years to come.' With a fleet of small, all-veranda sister ships designed specifically for ocean voyages and state-of-the-art Polar Class expedition ships, Viking offers more than 100 itineraries across all five oceans and on all seven continents. The 2027–2028 deployment expands the company's offerings on its most popular and new voyages, including: NEW for 2027 Into the Antarctic Circle (15 days; Buenos Aires – Ushuaia) – Enter the pristine world of the 'White Continent' and sail across the 66°33′ line of latitude into the Antarctic Circle. Venture into this untouched polar region that teems with remarkable wildlife and is visited by only a rare few. Navigate narrow channels by Zodiac, kayak ice-laden waters and participate in meaningful science with resident experts from partner organizations such as the University of Cambridge's Scott Polar Research Institute and UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute. A voyage of discoveries and sheer wonder awaits on this extended itinerary that goes beyond mere sightseeing. South America & the Chilean Fjords (18 days; Buenos Aires – Santiago) – Soak in the eclectic mix of Latin and European influences in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango. Visit Port Stanley, home to more than one million penguins, and explore the scenic surroundings of Ushuaia, the city at the 'End of the World.' Sail through the Strait of Magellan, passing rugged mountain peaks and blue-tinted icebergs and experience Chile's vibrant capital city, Santiago. Viking Homelands (15 days; Stockholm – Bergen) – Sail the clear waters of Scandinavia and the Baltic on this 15-day voyage. Delve deeper with overnight stays in the refined capital of Stockholm, the culturally rich city of Oslo and the picturesque coastal city of Bergen. Discover the charming historic center of Tallinn and marvel at the Gothic brick cathedrals in Gdańsk. Immerse yourself in Norwegian culture in Stavanger and Eidfjord and view breathtaking scenery from your ship as she glides through majestic fjords in the legendary homelands of the Vikings. Australia & New Zealand (15 days; Sydney – Auckland) – Gain a deep understanding of the native and European influences that shape Australia and New Zealand. Learn about Australia's penal past from a descendant of its first settlers. Admire the Victorian treasures of Dunedin, the fragrant English gardens of Christchurch and the art deco glories of Napier. Enjoy the sounds of the didgeridoo from Indigenous Australians and watch the captivating dances of the Māori. With Viking, every moment is designed to immerse you in the rich heritage of these southern lands. British Isles Explorer (15 days; Bergen—London) – Journey through the storied landscapes of the British Isles and explore Norway's charming city of Bergen. Discover the legendary Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland and its capital, Edinburgh. Visit the Shetland and Orkney Islands and contrast modern Belfast with traditional Dublin. Experience Welsh culture in Snowdonia. In England, visit Liverpool, home of the legendary Beatles and the 'World Capital of Pop,' see historic Dover and its dramatic white chalk cliffs and overnight in Greenwich, a borough of London and home to several iconic maritime institutions. Great Lakes Collection (15 days; Toronto – Duluth) – Join Viking for a unique voyage across the historic waterways of all five of the majestic Great Lakes. Sail scenic shorelines, explore storied cities and admire the awesome power of the thundering Niagara Falls. Navigate the granite islands and sheltered inlets of Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks. Study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes as you journey and venture into the dense boreal forests that line the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Far Eastern Horizons (15 days; Hong Kong – Tokyo) – Unravel the mysteries of one of the most captivating corners of Asia. Browse the lively stalls at Hong Kong's renowned Stanley Market. Gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan through the perspective of a local guide. In Japan, hear firsthand accounts from residents of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Uncover the vibrant contrasts of Shimizu and Tokyo with insights from those who live there. With overnight stays in four ports, you will have the time to explore each destination in greater depth. Into the Northwest Passage (13 days; roundtrip Nuuk) – Discover the rugged landscapes and awe-inspiring nature of the Arctic Circle. Immerse yourself in Inuit customs and traditions while exploring towns dotted with colorful wooden houses. See the towering peaks of Greenland and the blue-tinged glaciers of the Canadian High Arctic, as you kayak pristine fjords, or partake in a Zodiac shore landing. Join Viking on a once-in-lifetime voyage to remote territories and stunning natural wonders. Alaska & the Inside Passage (11 days; Vancouver – Seward) – Immerse yourself in Tlingit culture and experience the outpost atmosphere that prevails in charming, mountain-ringed seaside towns. Sail a pristine wilderness of misty fjords, lush forests and gleaming walls of ice, pan for gold like prospectors of old and hear tales of a region where a Wild West spirit still feels very much alive. Classic Panama Canal Passage (11 days; Ft. Lauderdale – Panama City) – Immerse yourself in nature and discover the colonial gems of Central America. Set sail and relax in the serene surroundings of Cozumel on the east coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Discover the ancient Mayan civilization in Belize and explore the lush rainforests of Costa Rica. Embark on a crossing of Panama's famed canal, an engineering marvel, and witness centuries-old tribal life as you experience the traditions of the Emberá people. Empires of the Mediterranean (10 days; Venice – Athens) – Ten days. Nine magnificent destinations. One epic journey. Sail the Adriatic and Aegean, taking in all the riches of this fabled region. On an exploration bookended by iconic Venice and Athens, discover the ancient ruins of Olympia and the Acropolis. Explore the medieval warrens of Zadar and Dubrovnik and admire the famed whitewashed villages of Santorini. Delight in the beauty of Corfu and be captivated by Koper, the gateway to picturesque Slovenia. Iceland's Natural Beauty (8 days; roundtrip Reykjavik) – Discover Iceland's majestic shores as you explore this northern isle's coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and see cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjords. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid Norse explorer Leif Eriksson, widely regarded as the first European to set foot in North America. Or observe the remarkable diversity of wildlife, from puffins and Arctic foxes to seals and whales. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor. Iconic Western Mediterranean (8 days; Barcelona – Rome) – France's famed southern coast and Italy's Renaissance treasures take center stage on this eight-day Mediterranean sojourn. Immerse yourself in Catalonian and Tuscan art, architecture and history during overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany. In the South of France, call on historic Montpellier and picturesque Marseille and visit Monte Carlo, Monaco's glamorous city by the sea. Viking's Award-Winning Fleet Viking was rated #1 for Oceans, #1 for Rivers and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. Viking was also named a 'World's Best' for oceans, rivers and expeditions in Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors from both publications. In the 2025 World's Best Awards, Viking was once again named #1 for Expeditions, a position it has maintained since its first year of eligibility in that category. Viking was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Cruise Lines ranking for the fourth consecutive year. Viking's ocean ships have also been rated and 'Recommended' as part of the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands. Additionally, Cruise Critic honored Viking with seven awards across the Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition categories 2024 Best in Cruise Awards. One Viking Designed for curious travelers, Viking's river, ocean and expedition voyages bring guests to the heart of enriching destinations on all seven continents. From Europe's iconic waterways and the storied shores of the Mediterranean to the Canadian High Arctic and Antarctica, the Viking experience is singular. To learn more, visit Booking Details From now through August 31, 2025, Viking is offering North American travelers the Summer Sale, with reduced fares on all-inclusive voyages, with up to free international airfare and a $25 deposit. Call Viking toll free at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or contact a travel advisor for booking details. Media Assets For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact vikingpr@ About Viking Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a 'World's Best' for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit
