Strong Demand Sees Viking Open 2026 European River Season

Image: Looking down on the Viking Fjorgyn from Richard the Lionheart's Chateau Gaillard. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Image: Looking down on the Viking Fjorgyn from Richard the Lionheart's Chateau Gaillard. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Bruce Parkinson
by Bruce Parkinson
Last updated: 7:30 AM ET, Tue December 12, 2023

Viking has announced that the 2026 season of its European river voyages is now open for reservations. The company says that with many 2024 dates already sold out and the 2025 season selling well, strong demand among North American travellers has led to an early opening of all 2026 departures for Viking’s iconic itineraries on the rivers of Europe. 

“Our guests are curious travellers who are interested in history, art and culture, which is why Europe remains our most popular destination,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.

Viking Tir Veranda Stateroom

A veranda stateroom on a Viking Longship. (Photo Credit: Viking River Cruises)

“The idea of a modern river voyage is still new to many, even to some of the most well-travelled individuals. But make no mistake; there is no better way of exploring the heart of Europe than sailing its historic waterways on an elegant Viking Longship. We look forward to welcoming more guests, both returning and new, on board our state-of-the-art vessels in the coming years.” 

Viking recently announced it will welcome an additional 10 Viking Longships to its river fleet by the end of 2026. Currently under construction, eight of the new vessels will sail Viking’s itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while two additional Viking Longships will join the fleet on the Seine River. To meet the strong demand, five of the new vessels will be delivered in 2025, with the remaining five to be delivered in 2026.

With a current fleet of 80 river ships and more than 50% of the market share for North American travelers, Viking is the industry’s leading river line.

From now through December 31, 2023, Viking is offering North American travellers the Holiday Sale, with up to FREE international airfare, special fares and a $25 deposit on all 2026 European river voyages -- as well as other river, ocean and expedition voyages.

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