Embarking on our inaugural river cruise adventure with Viking River Cruises, we had the distinct pleasure of sailing aboard the magnificent Viking Longship Vili. Our journey, part of the enchanting “Castles & Legends” itinerary, unfolded along the majestic Danube River, promising a week of unforgettable experiences. As first-time river cruisers, we were captivated by the seamless blend of comfort, culture, and scenic beauty that defines the Viking experience. Join us as we meticulously tour the Viking Vili, sharing every detail that made our voyage truly exceptional and why a Viking river cruise might just be your next dream vacation.
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Discovering the Elegance of the Viking Vili River Cruise Ship
The Viking Vili is a testament to Viking River Cruises’ commitment to providing an unparalleled experience. From the moment we stepped aboard, we were impressed by the ship’s thoughtful design, modern amenities, and the warm, inviting atmosphere that permeated every deck. This comprehensive tour delves into the various spaces and features that make sailing on the Viking Vili a truly memorable journey along the European waterways.
Our Home Away From Home: The Veranda Stateroom 317
Our accommodation on the Viking Vili was a cozy yet sophisticated Veranda Stateroom, specifically room 317, nestled comfortably on the third deck. Its central location offered convenient access to all key areas of the ship, making every stroll to the lounge or dining room a short and pleasant one. This particular stateroom class is renowned for its private outdoor space, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the unfolding riverine landscapes.
The heart of our room featured hotel-style beds, measuring a generous 79 inches by 63 inches, which can be configured as a single king-sized bed or separated into twin beds, catering to individual preferences. While initially provided with standard pillows, a quick request to reception yielded additional plush pillows, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The mattress itself offered a firm, supportive feel, ideal for rejuvenating after days filled with fascinating excursions.
One of the most cherished features of our stateroom was the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door, which opened directly onto our private veranda. This design floods the room with natural light and offers breathtaking, ever-changing views of the Danube River and its charming riverside towns. A crucial tip for future cruisers: always remember to draw your curtains before settling in for the night or preparing for the day. River cruises often involve docking beside other ships or close to town promenades, so privacy is key!
Our veranda itself was furnished with two compact chairs and a small table, providing a perfect spot for morning coffee or an evening aperitif. Although our November cruise brought cooler weather, limiting our time on the balcony, we can easily imagine its charm during warmer months, offering a tranquil sanctuary to watch the world drift by.
Stepping into the bathroom was a delightful surprise, primarily due to the luxurious heated floors. After a long day of exploring historic castles and bustling Christmas markets, the warmth underfoot was incredibly comforting – a small but significant detail that truly enhances the guest experience. The bathroom was thoughtfully designed, featuring a functional walk-in shower and toilet, complemented by ample mirror space and two convenient shelves for personal items.
While not excessively large, the shower proved highly functional, equipped with quality Freya brand shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. These generous-sized bottles were consistently refilled by our attentive stateroom steward whenever we depleted them, ensuring a continuous supply of premium toiletries.
Connectivity was never an issue, as our stateroom boasted both European and US power outlets strategically placed throughout the room. Despite this thoughtful provision, we found our international travel adapter incredibly useful, not only for shore excursions but also for accommodating multiple devices simultaneously in the cabin.
A crucial amenity for enhancing the immersive travel experience, the stateroom was also pre-equipped with quiet vox headsets. These devices are indispensable for participating in the various walking tours and excursions offered by Viking. Guests are responsible for charging them nightly and remembering to bring them for each tour, ensuring seamless listening to tour guides.
Upon check-in, we found two sets of earpieces on the desk. For those who prefer their own, personal earpieces can be easily connected to the quiet vox devices.
Adding to the convenience, our stateroom included a large glass bottle of fresh water, two elegant glasses, and an ice bucket, all ready for immediate use. The water bottle was replenished daily, a thoughtful touch. Discreetly integrated into the cabinetry beside the drawers was a small refrigerator, perfect for chilling beverages. A notable perk on Viking cruises is the flexibility to bring your own wine or beer from local ports back to your stateroom, adding a personal touch to your evenings.
Storage space was surprisingly ample, featuring six drawers (four smaller, two larger) along with generous counter space. The closet was smartly divided into two segments: one with hangers and open hanging space, and the second offering large shelves and a secure safe. This safe was spacious enough to accommodate a camera, iPad, and other valuables. While we didn’t test it with a full-sized laptop, a smaller model would likely fit comfortably.
Each side of the bed was flanked by a nightstand, complete with additional storage, overhead lamps, and individual reading lights, allowing for personalized illumination. We opted for the combined large bed configuration, maximizing comfort.
To lighten your packing load, a quality hairdryer was conveniently located in one of the drawers. For entertainment, the room featured a 40-inch flat-panel TV, offering a premium entertainment package including BBC News, CNBC, CNN, National Geographic, TNT Series, Sky Sports, on-demand videos, and the unique “View From the Bridge” channel, providing real-time views from the ship’s bow. We enjoyed a wide selection of movies and TV shows throughout our cruise, perfect for relaxing downtime.
Culinary Delights and Social Hubs: Dining & Lounge Areas
Dining on the Viking Vili is an experience in itself, with thoughtfully designed spaces that cater to various preferences, from casual bites to elegant multi-course meals. Each area provides a unique ambiance, inviting guests to savor delicious cuisine while enjoying the scenic backdrop of the river.
The Bright and Airy Aquavit Terrace
Positioned at the front of the ship on the third deck, the Aquavit Terrace is a beloved indoor/outdoor dining and viewing area. Its innovative design allows guests to enjoy panoramic vistas regardless of the weather. In the mornings, it serves a delightful continental breakfast, supplemented by a small Ă la carte menu. For lunch and dinner, the Aquavit offers a more casual alternative to the main dining room, featuring a curated selection of dishes that are often regionally inspired.
For guests with dietary restrictions, particularly vegetarians, it’s worth noting that dedicated vegetarian options may not always be explicitly listed on the Aquavit menu. However, we quickly learned that you can simply request vegetarian dishes from the main dining room menu, and they will be happily prepared and served to you in the Aquavit Terrace. While there was a slight initial misunderstanding at the start of our cruise, the crew promptly rectified it, demonstrating Viking’s commitment to guest satisfaction. Similarly, gluten-free menu items are readily available upon request, ensuring everyone can enjoy their meals without worry.
The Panoramic Observation Lounge
Also located on Deck Three, the Observation Lounge is the social heart of the Viking Vili. Its expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows provide unobstructed, sweeping views of the passing scenery – a truly mesmerizing experience as the ship glides along the river. This elegant space served as the primary gathering point for many of the ship’s evening entertainment programs and the essential daily briefings, where the program director would share insights into the next day’s itinerary before dinner.
Adding to the sophisticated ambiance, a talented pianist often played in the Observation Lounge, creating a serene backdrop for guests enjoying a leisurely cocktail or beverage of their choice. It’s the perfect spot to relax, read, or engage in conversation while soaking in the beauty of the European countryside.
The Convenient Coffee & Tea Station
Just outside the Observation Lounge, guests will discover a dedicated coffee and tea station – a true lifesaver for early risers and afternoon pick-me-ups. This self-service area features a versatile coffee machine capable of brewing a variety of coffee drinks, including espressos, cappuccinos, and even hot chocolate. Hot water is also readily available for tea lovers.
The station on the Viking Vili boasted an impressive assortment of tea varieties, catering to all tastes, alongside a supply of ceramic cups and convenient to-go cups. A delightful secret to discover here is the daily rotation of freshly baked cookies. Beyond the regular offerings of comforting oatmeal raisin and classic chocolate chip cookies, Viking often features regional specialties. We particularly enjoyed sampling Linzer cookies in Austria and traditional Hungarian cookies as we sailed towards Budapest – a sweet way to connect with the local culture.
For those with a strong coffee or tea habit, a personal tip: consider bringing your favorite tea bags from home, especially if you have a specific blend you love. Also, a larger travel mug is highly recommended, as the provided cups are standard coffee sizes and might not suffice for avid drinkers seeking a more substantial brew.
The Elegant Main Dining Area
Located on Deck Two, the main dining room offers a more formal and comprehensive dining experience. This spacious venue provides ample seating for all passengers, ensuring a comfortable and unhurried meal. While there is a set time for lunch and dinner seatings, guests are afforded a few minutes of flexibility, though punctual arrival helps maintain the smooth flow of service. The tables are arranged to seat 6 to 8 people, fostering a friendly, communal atmosphere that often leads to engaging conversations with fellow travelers. Seating options include both traditional chairs and banquettes, offering varying levels of comfort.
Our cruise featured a delightful culinary schedule in the main dining room:
- 7:00 am – 9:30 am: Breakfast – A lavish buffet spread was available, alongside a menu of dishes cooked to order, ensuring a fresh and personalized start to each day. Options ranged from classic American breakfast items to European pastries and local specialties.
- 12:00 pm: Lunch – Lunch presented a tempting combination of a diverse buffet, typically including a fresh salad bar and an array of appetizer choices, complemented by a selection of cooked-to-order entrees.
- 7:00 pm: Dinner – The highlight of the day was dinner, featuring an elegant main menu with multiple courses. On select evenings, buffet options were also available, often coinciding with themed nights that showcased local cuisine from the regions we were exploring. These theme nights were a fantastic way to deepen our cultural immersion through taste.
Stay Connected: Internet Area & Lounge Chairs
For those who wish to remain connected to the outside world, the Viking Vili provides a dedicated internet area on the third floor. Several computers with internet access are available for all passengers, with the cost of internet connectivity included in the cruise fare. While the service tends to be strongest when docked in cities, we experienced consistently reliable internet throughout our journey, without significant issues.
While streaming high-definition movies might be challenging, the internet speed was perfectly adequate for essential tasks such as sharing photos on social media, updating our travel blog, checking emails, and staying in touch with family and friends. This thoughtful amenity ensures guests can balance relaxation with the convenience of digital connectivity.
The Hub: Reception & Boutique
The main deck of the Viking Vili is home to a welcoming reception desk, serving as the central hub for all guest services. This is where your unforgettable cruise experience begins with check-in and where you’ll conveniently pick up your daily excursion cards. The attentive staff at reception are always on hand to assist with any queries or needs, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable voyage.
Adjacent to the reception area is a charming, compact boutique. This small store offers a curated selection of Viking River Cruise branded merchandise, including high-quality Helly Hansen jackets, elegant jewelry, adorable teddy bears, and a few thoughtfully chosen books. Though not expansive, the assortment provides lovely souvenirs and practical items, allowing guests to take a piece of their Viking adventure home.
Embracing the Outdoors: The Sun Deck
The Sun Deck is undoubtedly one of the most popular areas on the Viking Vili, especially when the weather is cooperative. It’s the quintessential spot to bask in the sun, enjoy the fresh air, and fully appreciate the stunning panoramas of the riverbanks. During our cruise, we experienced a variety of weather conditions, which meant we alternated between enjoying the open-air deck and the cozy comfort of the Observation Lounge or our stateroom.
An interesting and essential operational note for river cruising is that the sundeck may be temporarily closed when the ship navigates under low bridges or through locks. For some particularly low bridges, the entire sundeck’s canopy is lowered, along with the ship’s wheelhouse, to allow passage – a fascinating display of engineering prowess that guests often gather to witness.
The Viking Vili’s sundeck offers a range of amenities designed for relaxation and recreation. Guests can enjoy a gentle walking track, perfect for maintaining fitness, a putting green for golf enthusiasts, and a shuffleboard court for some friendly competition. Depending on the season, you might even discover an organic herb garden, providing fresh ingredients for the ship’s kitchen – a charming touch that highlights Viking’s attention to detail. Various seating options are available, from comfortable lounge chairs ideal for sunbathing to upright chairs around tables, perfect for reading, sketching, or even working outdoors.
We often heard fellow guests who had opted for the Silver beverage package mention how much they enjoyed sipping a bottle of wine on the sundeck during cruises in warmer months, underscoring its appeal as a social and scenic gathering point.
Additional Amenities and Services
Beyond the main public areas, the Viking Vili offers several practical amenities and services designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience.
Accessibility: For ease of movement between decks, an elevator is available, connecting the second and third floors of the ship. It’s important to note, however, that there is no elevator access to the first floor or the expansive sundeck.
Laundry Service: Guests requiring laundry services will find a cloth bag and a form in their stateroom closet. Simply fill out the form and place your items in the bag for your stateroom steward. While the service typically promises a return within 24 hours, our laundry was often returned on the very same day, showcasing the efficiency of the crew.
Daily News: To keep guests informed, daily printed papers featuring news highlights from the US and Canada are thoughtfully placed in the lounge areas. On other Viking ships, news from additional countries may be provided, tailored to the passenger demographic. These papers include essential updates on international news, sports, and global weather, allowing guests to stay abreast of current events even while cruising the European rivers.
The Heart of the Voyage: The Extraordinary Crew
While the ship itself is undeniably impressive, the true essence and unforgettable charm of the Viking Vili lies with its exceptional crew. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine warmth transformed our cruise into an truly amazing experience. From the moment we were greeted at the gangway with cheerful smiles, sweet treats, and traditional glĂĽhwein, we felt genuinely welcomed and cared for.
Throughout our entire Castles & Legends cruise, every single crew member, from the meticulous cleaning staff to the efficient hotel manager, consistently went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. They weren’t just performing their duties; they were actively engaging with guests, taking the time to learn names, share a laugh, and make personal connections that truly enriched our journey.
A special mention must go to Flor, our favorite waitress in the main dining room. Her infectious wit and joyful spirit had us giggling at every meal. Flor’s smaller stature was only eclipsed by her immense personality and ability to make every dining experience a highlight. Her friendly banter and efficient service truly personified the high standards of the Viking River Cruise experience. We sincerely hope our paths cross with hers again on a future voyage!
Unforgettable Shore Excursions on the Castles & Legends Cruise
The “Castles & Legends” itinerary lived up to its name, offering a captivating array of included shore excursions that brought the rich history and vibrant culture of the Danube region to life. Each meticulously planned tour allowed us to delve deep into the heart of Europe, exploring magnificent landmarks and experiencing local traditions. Here are some of the incredible excursions we enjoyed:
- A Charming Heurigen Evening in Vienna, Austria
- Discovering the Fairytale Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles in Germany
- An Enlightening Visit to Melk Abbey in Melk, Austria
- Our Personal Viking River Cruise Travel Diary
- Exploring the Festive Salzburg Christmas Market
For more detailed insights and planning your own river adventure, explore all of our dedicated Viking River Cruise Travel Guides.
A huge thank you to Viking River Cruises for hosting us on the Viking Vili. All opinions expressed are our own and reflect our genuine experiences.