Cruising is returning to Europe with the announcement last week that Viking will restart river voyages this summer.
Viking wasted little time scheduling its river operations after the European Union agreed to reopen its borders to vaccinated Americans and other travelers.
“The response to our initial Welcome Back ocean voyages has been overwhelmingly positive. It is clear that many people are eager to get back out into the world,” Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, said in a statement. “We have been delighted to greet our first guests back on board in England this week, and we are looking forward to welcoming travelers back on board some of our European vessels in July.” Viking is offering five different cruises, all starting in July:
Rhine Getaway
This eight-day cruise starts in Amsterdam and concludes in Basel, Switzerland. Along the way, you will explore portions of the Netherlands, Germany, and France.
Portugal’s River Of Gold
This 10-day trip begins in Lisbon and ends in Porto. You’ll cruise all over Portugal as well as through a small portion of Spain.
Paris And The Heart of Normandy
This eight-day journey begins and ends in Paris, taking you to French locations including the beaches of Normandy, Rouen, and Les Andelys.
Lyon And Provence
Starting in Avignon and ending in Lyon, this eight-day cruise takes you through wine country, including Viviers and Tournon.
France’s Finest
This 15-day cruise will show you all parts of France. Starting in Paris and ending in Avignon, this option combines the elements of Viking’s shorter French cruises.
Viking officials said additional itineraries and destinations for 2021 may be added in the near future.
Officials also stressed there will be strict safety protocols even though all travelers will have been vaccinated. All passengers will receive quick PCR tests and other health checks, and sanitization and physical distancing rules will be in effect.
The boats themselves all have full-scale laboratories on board, and new purification technology has also been installed.
“We have implemented the highest standards and precautions on board our ships,” Hagen said in a video message on the Viking website.
Want to take a river cruise? Get inspired with all our river cruise tips here, and see our Viking-specific content, too.