River Cruise Manual 2024: Viking (Sponsored)

When Viking® was founded in 1997, we had a vision that travel could be more destination focused and culturally immersive. We wanted to offer experiences designed for The Thinking Person® — for curious travelers. Our mission then was the same as it is today: “Exploring the world in comfort.” 

Now, as we celebrate more than 27 years in business, our extensive river fleet sails on the iconic waterways of Europe — the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhone and Douro rivers — as well as the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi rivers. Viking also offers ocean and expedition voyages on all seven continents. It’s no wonder readers rated Viking No. 1 for rivers, No. 1 for oceans and No. 1 for expeditions in Condé Nast Traveler, and voted us at the top of our categories in Travel + Leisure. No other line has ever received these same honors from both publications at the same time. 

River vessels that bring your clients closer to their destination. At Viking, we build innovative ships that are the right size for the experience — with a signature Scandinavian design that never upstages the destination. Our intimate river vessels provide all the amenities of an elegant boutique hotel, including an unparalleled choice of all-outside staterooms, expansive views from floor-to-ceiling windows and alfresco dining. Our elegant ships use the available space in the most effective way — from the space-saving square bow to the patented asymmetrical corridor design, our revolutionary and award-winning Viking Longships have been designed to enhance the journey.

The thinking person’s travel experience. Itineraries are designed to help your clients explore and engage with their destination through its food, culture and customs. While we feature all the expected and iconic attractions in our included shore excursions and curated optional tours, we also offer Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access® experiences, opening doors to places that are otherwise difficult to visit, while offering behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set us apart from other travel companies.

Viking Inclusive Value. At Viking, we firmly believe that your clients should not have to incur an expense every time they want a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or an excursion onshore. Instead, our goal is to provide them with great value, so we have designed our voyages to give them more for their money. Fares include one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call; free Wi-Fi; complimentary soft drinks, beer and wine with onboard lunch and dinner; 24-hour specialty coffees, teas and bottled water; port taxes and fees; and much more.

Viking Is Your Best Business Partner:
- No NCFs: Viking is the first — and only — cruise line to always pay commission on every aspect of your clients’ bookings.
- A Level Playing Field: The same pricing is provided to everyone regardless of business channel.
- A Favorable Trade Takeover Policy: Travel advisors can take over any direct booking within 60 days, which we believe is the most lenient policy offered in the industry.
- Client Onboard Bookings Transfer to You: All client bookings made onboard Viking ships are automatically transferred back to the original agency or travel advisor with the same commission percentage that you always receive.
- Direct Marketing Includes the Travel Advisor: Viking’s direct mail and consumer website always prominently feature a travel advisor call to action.