Viking, a major player in European river cruises, has unveiled the sales for its 2026 itineraries owing to robust demand, with many 2024 dates already fully booked and the 2025 season witnessing strong sales. The decision to open bookings for 2026 comes in response to heightened interest from North American travelers, showcasing the early popularity of Viking's iconic European river voyages.
With a fleet of 80 river ships and commanding over 50 percent of the market share for North American travelers, Viking is renowned for its captivating itineraries. Among the popular European journeys are the eight-day "Danube Waltz," taking travelers from Budapest to Vienna, Bratislava, and Passau. The "Rhine Getaway" spans eight days, with stops in Amsterdam, Cologne, and Basel. The "Paris and the Heart of Normandy" voyage unfolds over eight days, immersing travelers in the rich history, art, and culinary delights of France. Meanwhile, the "Lyon & Provence" itinerary along the Rhône covers destinations like Arles and Avignon. Additionally, the ten-day "Portugal’s River of Gold" embarks from Lisbon and includes a visit to Spain.
Responding to escalating demand, Viking has announced plans to introduce ten Viking Longships to its fleet by the close of 2026. Currently in the construction phase, eight of these vessels will navigate the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, while an additional two will join the fleet on the Seine River. To meet the surge in demand, five of the new ships are set for delivery in 2025, with the remaining five following in 2026.
Notably, Viking's latest set of strategic moves not only capitalizes on the current demand but also provides travelers with appealing incentives to secure their spots on these sought-after itineraries.
