Viking Alruna Review

-- / 5.0
Editor Rating
217 reviews
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Jeannine Williamson
Contributor

The 443-foot, 190-passenger Alruna is the sister ship to Viking Egil, Kadlin, Rolf, Tialfi and Vilhjalm, which sail on the Rhine, Main, Danube and Seine Rivers. It is virtually identical to the other Longships that were first launched by the world's largest river cruise line in 2012 and -- through some clever design work -- introduced a large number of balcony cabins (previously a rarity on European river vessels, which are all restricted to a uniform size in order to navigate locks and low bridges).

The 95 cabins are located on three passenger decks and reflect Viking's trademark Scandinavian style. Light, airy and unfussy, color palettes are muted and there is extensive use of blond and pale wood effects in both furniture and paneling.

Unusually, the largest two-room Explorer Suites -- measuring 445 square feet and with a wraparound balcony -- are located above the engines at the aft of the vessel. However, the ship has "green" hybrid diesel-electric engines which burn less fuel and produce 20 percent fewer emissions, making Longships cleaner, quieter and with less vibrations than some of their competitors. Also situated with the two Explorer Suites on the upper deck are seven Veranda Suites, which measure 275 square feet and have a bedroom, living room, walkout balcony and French balcony. In addition, the ship has 20 Veranda Cabins on this deck, which measure 205 square feet including the balcony, and five French Balcony Cabins, all 135 square feet.

There are 19 Veranda and 17 French Balcony Cabins on the middle deck and 25 Standard Cabins on the lower deck, which measure 150 square feet and have a fixed window situated high in the wall.

There are some design changes in the Explorer Suites compared with the earlier Longships. There's a fixed wall, rather than a sliding one, between the bedroom and living area. The bathroom has also been tweaked with one sink instead of two, which has made way for a larger shower. For the uninhibited, the floor-to-ceiling shower window overlooking the river can be turned from opaque to clear glass at the flick of a switch! In common with all the fleet's Longships, L'Occitane toiletries have been replaced with the line's own-brand, Freyja products, introduced when Viking launched its first ocean ship in 2015.

Meals are served in the main restaurant on the middle deck. Breakfast and lunch feature a buffet with served items from the menu, and dinner is a served three-course meal with the option to add extra appetizer courses and a cheese plate. Expect regional dishes reflecting the cruise itinerary, plus familiar favorites, vegetarian dishes and an "always available" menu of simpler meals such as salmon, steak and Caesar salad. A lighter breakfast and lunch alternative is served in the Aquavit Terrace, the attractive indoor/outdoor seating area at the front of the ship on the upper deck. There is a complimentary tea and coffee station, available 24/7, with snacks such as cookies and muffins available during the day.

Other onboard facilities include a lounge bar with a dance floor, sun deck, laundry service, library with two computers and free Wi-Fi. An elevator connects the middle and upper deck.

Viking has an age limit of 18, so children are not permitted to cruise.

About

Passengers: 190
Crew: 50
Passenger to Crew: 3.8:1
Shore Excursions: 37

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More about Viking Alruna

Where does Viking Alruna sail from?

Viking Alruna departs from Basel and Amsterdam

Where does Viking Alruna sail to?

How much does it cost to go on Viking Alruna?

Cruises on Viking Alruna start from $1,999 per person.
Viking Alruna Cruiser Reviews

Amazing adventure

I absolutely loved my time on the Viking Alruna. This is the second Viking cruise I’ve been on and loved it just as much as the first one (first time with friends instead of family).Read More
AuD Crew

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 29s

Magnificent Stay on the Rhine

I had an excellent time aboard Viking Alruna. The staff was extremely friendly and personable.Read More
bntb0509

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 20s

River cruise was great. The flights were anything but.

The cruise was very relaxing and we were well taken care of by the crew of the Alruna. The food was great as advertised.Read More
Wayfare

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 68s

Smooth Sailing even through troubled waters with a skilled crew and staff!

Viking has an excellent reputation and it has lived up to all our expectations and we will look forward to more trips.Read More
Happy Cruiser 808

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 71s

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