Viking Ve

Sailing the Danube and Benelux aboard Viking Ve

Viking Ve carries 190 guests along some of Europe’s most storied waterways. Launched in 2015 and crewed by 53, she is a purpose-built river longship — 135 metres from bow to stern and six decks deep — designed to glide through the heart of central Europe and the low-country canals of the Benelux. Because the rivers dictate the journey, every sailing is shaped by what lies on the bank: medieval towns, vineyard slopes, UNESCO-listed city centres and working locks that the ship threads at close quarters.

The current programme on sale is built around the Danube, with departures from Budapest and Regensburg, and a Benelux sailing departing from Amsterdam. Itineraries run from 7 to 14 nights, with most sailings one-way along the river rather than looping back to the same port — meaning every day brings somewhere new to the gangway. Because all departures are in Hungary, the Netherlands or Germany, Cruise1st packages the flights, the hotel nights either side, and the airport transfers alongside the cruise as one complete holiday.

What the Viking River Fare includes

Every sailing aboard Viking Ve is sold under the Viking River Fare, a structured tariff that bundles a generous set of inclusions into the base price. At its core: a complimentary shore excursion at every port of call, full onboard dining with regional specialities, and beer, wine and soft drinks served at lunch and dinner. Coffee, tea and bottled water are available around the clock. The fare also covers free Wi-Fi throughout the ship and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites featured on the itinerary. It is not all-inclusive — some beverages and optional excursions carry a charge — but it covers the essentials that most river cruisers reach for every day.

On board Viking Ve

Viking Ve’s public spaces are few, deliberate and well-suited to the pace of river travel. The Aquavit Terrace® is the social heart of the ship — an al fresco dining space where breakfast and lunch are served while the river scenery scrolls past. Everything is included; there is no surcharge to sit here. The Lounge runs the width of the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the passing landscape; a bar serves drinks (charged individually unless a package is booked), and it is the natural place to compare notes after a day ashore.

The Sun Deck gives 360-degree open-air views and doubles as a walking space; a Walking Track runs its perimeter for anyone who wants to stay active without touching land. Note that the Sun Deck closes during canal passages and low-bridge transits for safety. The ship also carries a Library stocked with a curated collection — a quiet retreat for an afternoon of reading — and an Herb Garden, a working garden plot whose daily harvest goes directly to the galley, supplying the fresh herbs that flavour the regional dishes served on board.

Cabins and suites on Viking Ve

Across 95 cabins, Viking Ve offers eight grades arranged across three families. The two outside grades are river-view staterooms with half-height picture windows — natural light and a connection to the passing landscape without stepping on deck, each fitted with individual climate control, a safe, hair dryer and flat-screen TV. Two balcony grades step up to a fuller outdoor connection. The four suite grades offer 50 per cent more living space than a standard stateroom, with options ranging from a French balcony — which opens the cabin wall to let river air flow in — to a full private veranda with direct outdoor access. The Viking Ve cabins and deck plans page has every grade laid out with full detail.

Viking River Cruises’ wider European fleet

Viking River Cruises operates one of the largest river fleets in Europe, and Viking Ve is one of several ships the line keeps on the Danube. Others currently sailing that river include Viking Eldir, Viking Vali, Viking Lif, Viking Vidar, Viking Aegir, Viking Gullveig, Viking Baldur and Viking Embla.

The Rhine is served by a large group including Viking Gefjon, Viking Rota, Viking Gersemi, Viking Hervor, Viking Annar, Viking Honir, Viking Dagur, Viking Haki, Viking Sigrun, Viking Sigyn, Viking Herja, Viking Egdir, Viking Hild and Viking Hlin. The Moselle is covered by Viking Idi and Viking Alsvin, the Maas by Viking Mimir, and the Mississippi by Viking Mississippi. Viking also operates ocean and expedition ships — see the full Viking Cruises page for the wider range, including Viking Vali and others.

If you are exploring the Benelux region by river, Cruise1st can match you to whichever ship and sailing fits your dates.

Booking Viking Ve with Cruise1st

Cruise1st backs every booking with its Best Price Guarantee — if you find the same sailing cheaper elsewhere, we match it. All Viking Ve sailings depart from continental Europe, so the cruise sits naturally in the middle of a longer trip; we handle the flights from Australia, the hotel nights in Budapest or Amsterdam either side, and every transfer between airport, hotel and ship, all on one booking. That is what Cruise1st Packages does. Our Australian cruise experts are available seven days a week to help you choose the right itinerary, cabin grade and fare inclusions before you commit.

Questions about Viking Ve

Does Viking Ve have a lift between decks?

The facts we hold for Viking Ve do not confirm a lift, and we would not want to guess on something that matters to your planning. Our team can check with Viking River Cruises directly — call us seven days a week before you book.

What happens to sailings if the river level is too high or too low?

River levels on the Danube and Rhine can vary significantly with the seasons, and Viking River Cruises has contingency procedures — including coach transfers between sections of the river — when water is outside navigable range. This is an industry-wide reality on European rivers rather than something specific to Viking Ve, and Viking is well practised at managing it. Our experts can talk you through what to expect for the time of year you are considering.

Is Wi-Fi included on Viking Ve?

Yes. The Viking River Fare, which covers all sailings currently on sale aboard Viking Ve, includes free Wi-Fi across the ship. There is no extra charge to connect.

How do I get to the ship from Australia?

All current Viking Ve sailings board in Budapest, Amsterdam or Regensburg — cities you will fly into rather than sail to. Cruise1st treats this as an opportunity rather than a complication: we book the return flights from Australia, any hotel nights you want before or after the cruise, and the transfers between airport, hotel and ship, all on a single booking alongside the cruise fare. You confirm what you want; we put it together.

Can I travel solo on Viking Ve?

Viking Ve carries 190 guests across 95 cabins, which makes for a genuinely intimate atmosphere — you are unlikely to feel lost in the crowd. Viking River Cruises does offer solo cabin options on its river ships; our Australian experts can confirm current availability and any applicable single supplements for the sailing you have in mind.