Viking Heimdal

Viking Heimdal at a glance

Viking Heimdal is a river cruise ship built in 2014 and operated by Viking River Cruises, purpose-designed for European waterways. A few essentials worth knowing before you read on:

• Crew: 53
• Cabins: 95

Current sailings take her along the Rhône River, with departures from Lyon and Avignon in France. Because every sailing departs from France, Australian travellers will need to fly to join the ship — something Cruise1st handles as part of a Cruise1st Package, combining the cruise with flights, hotels either side and transfers into one booking.

Dining on Viking Heimdal

Viking Heimdal carries a generous spread of dining venues, from a fully inclusive main restaurant to speciality experiences that carry a separate charge.

The Restaurant is the ship's main dining room, included in your fare, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the passing riverbank while you work through a menu of regional specialities and classics. World Café on Deck 7 Aft takes a more relaxed approach: open kitchens, live cooking stations, international dishes, and premium sushi and seafood, all flowing out onto the Aquavit Terrace® for open-air meals directly above the water — a venue the ship is notably proud of for its outdoor dining space.

For something lighter, the Pool Grill on Deck 7 serves casual poolside bites including a salad bar, and the Wintergarden on Deck 7 Midship offers complimentary afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and classical music beside the main pool.

Speciality dining is also on hand for those who want it. Manfredi's Italian Restaurant® on Aft Deck 1 brings an Italian trattoria atmosphere with à la carte pricing and a private dining room option. The Chef's Table, also on Aft Deck 1, offers a sommelier-curated multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings — reservations required, à la carte charges apply. The Kitchen Table on Deck 1 Aft is an interactive culinary experience built around regional ingredients; confirm inclusion or charge at the time of booking. Norwegian comfort food lovers will find Mamsen's® in the Explorers' Lounge on Deck 7, serving Nordic specialities at no extra cost from breakfast through to dinner.

Bars, lounges and entertainment

Viking Heimdal's social spaces are designed to keep guests engaged without feeling pressured — most carry no cover charge, with beverages priced separately unless your package includes them.

The Living Room anchors the ship's social life, with generous seating, a calm atmosphere and live classical music from the Viking Resident Musicians. Alongside it, the Clinker Bar in the Living Room atrium leans into Nordic heritage with a longship-inspired design. Torshavn® sets a different tone — live music in a jazz lounge atmosphere evoking Hollywood's golden age, ideal for cocktails after dinner. The two-storey Explorers' Lounge wraps panoramic windows around a space designed for watching the world drift past, and the Atrium provides a bright, open meeting point for conversation over a drink.

For evening entertainment, The Theater screens lectures, films and TED Talks on a large screen — the space can also be configured as two HD cinemas — all included in your fare. By the pool, films play on a large poolside screen after dark.

Wellness and activities on board

The Nordic Spa is open as a complimentary wellness space, with a sauna and snow grotto; individual treatments and classes carry a separate charge. The Fitness Center is equally open to all at no cost, with treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise bikes and free-weight space — some fitness classes may be charged separately. Up on the Sports Deck, a running track sits alongside boccie, mini golf and shuffleboard, all included in your fare (guided classes such as yoga are charged separately). A Hair Salon rounds out the wellness offering with styling and the Royal Nordic Hair Ritual, priced separately.

The ship's Main Pool has a retractable roof for year-round swimming, and the Infinity Pool — one of the first of its kind — features floor-to-ceiling windows that dissolve the boundary between ship and river. Both are included in your fare.

Cabins on Viking Heimdal

Three cabin grades are available on Viking Heimdal, each sleeping two guests. Full deck plans and availability are on the Viking Heimdal cabins and deck plans page.

• Standard Stateroom E — 13.9 m², outside stateroom with a half-height picture window for direct river views and natural light.
• Veranda Stateroom A — 19.0 m², with a full-size private veranda giving direct river access and your own outdoor space for sunrise views or an evening drink.
• Explorer Suite ES — 41.3 m², the ship's premier accommodation with a wraparound veranda delivering 270-degree river views.

Not sure which grade suits your trip? Our Australian cruise experts are available seven days a week to talk through the options and match you to the right cabin and fare inclusions.

Why book Viking Heimdal with Cruise1st

Every Viking Heimdal sailing currently on sale departs from France, which means the cruise is the centrepiece of a longer journey from Australia. Cruise1st handles the whole thing — the cruise is the middle of a longer trip, and we book the flights, the hotel either side and the transfers as one holiday through our Cruise1st Package. You deal with one team, get one itinerary and pay one bill.

Our Best Price Guarantee means you book with confidence, and our Australian cruise experts, seven days a week are on hand to answer questions before you commit — whether that's about cabin grades, shore excursions or what to expect on the Rhône. Sailings from A$4,195pp* are available for departures from late 2026.

Other ships in the Viking fleet

If you're weighing up your options within the Viking fleet, Cruise1st also sells sailings on Viking Orion, Viking Venus, Viking Mississippi, Viking Vali, Viking Magni and Viking Neptune — each a different ship in the same fleet, and each worth considering depending on the itinerary that appeals. The Viking River Cruises page lists the full range of sailings across the fleet.

Common questions about Viking Heimdal

Which ports does Viking Heimdal sail from?

Current sailings depart from Avignon and Lyon, both in France. Because these are European river ports, Australian travellers will fly into France to join the ship. Cruise1st can arrange the flights and any pre- or post-cruise hotel nights as part of a single package booking.

What is included in the Viking Heimdal fare?

Your fare covers all meals in The Restaurant, World Café, Aquavit Terrace, Pool Grill, Wintergarden and Mamsen's, as well as use of the pools, fitness centre, Nordic Spa (access, not treatments), Sports Deck, Living Room, The Theater and Guest Services. Speciality dining at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table carries additional charges, as do beverages at most bars unless you have a beverage package, and individual spa treatments and some fitness classes.

How many guests does Viking Heimdal carry?

Viking Heimdal carries up to 190 passengers, served by a crew of 53. With 95 cabins across the ship, the guest-to-crew ratio is designed to keep the atmosphere personal and attentive.

Which cabin should I book on Viking Heimdal?

The Standard Stateroom E at 13.9 m² suits travellers who are happy to be inside most of the time and want the river view through a picture window. The Veranda Stateroom A at 19.0 m² adds a private outdoor space — worthwhile on a river cruise where the scenery moves past constantly. The Explorer Suite ES at 41.3 m² is the choice for travellers who want the run of a wraparound veranda with 270-degree river views and significantly more living space. Our team can walk you through which fits your travel style.

Do I need a visa to join Viking Heimdal in France?

Australian passport holders should check current Schengen entry requirements before travel, as France falls within the Schengen Area. Entry rules can change; confirm the position with the French consulate or your travel adviser before booking. Cruise1st's experts can point you toward the right resources when you call.