river Ship

Viking Astrild

by Viking River Cruises

About this ship

The Viking Astrild Ship

  • Built in

    2015

  • Capacity

    98

  • By

    Viking River Cruises

Viking Astrild is a purpose-built river vessel designed to navigate the serene Elbe River, delivering an intimate and enriching cruising experience through one of Europe’s lesser-traveled yet culturally rich waterways. Unlike Viking’s classic Longships, Viking Astrild belongs to a more compact, custom class tailored to the Elbe’s unique dimensions—allowing it to sail between Berlin and Prague with ease and grace.

Accommodating just 98 guests, Viking Astrild offers an exceptional guest-to-crew ratio and an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. Its smaller size enhances the sense of exclusivity and fosters a deeply personal level of service throughout the voyage. Despite its modest footprint, the ship delivers many of the luxuries and design elements Viking is known for, including stylish public spaces, fine dining, and modern Scandinavian interiors.

Each stateroom on Viking Astrild is river-facing, ensuring uninterrupted views of the picturesque Elbe countryside. Guests can choose from well-appointed Veranda Staterooms and French Balcony categories, each outfitted with hotel-style beds, ample storage, heated bathroom floors, and flat-screen infotainment systems. The décor is light and contemporary, creating a calming retreat at the end of each day’s excursions.

Public areas aboard Viking Astrild are warm, inviting, and designed to highlight the scenery. The Observation Lounge serves as a comfortable hub for relaxing with a cocktail, attending onboard lectures, or simply watching the ever-changing landscape through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Sun Deck offers a peaceful open-air setting with shaded seating, ideal for reading or taking in panoramic river views as the ship glides past castles, vineyards, and timber-framed villages.

Dining is an elegant affair on Viking Astrild. The ship’s main restaurant features open seating, allowing guests to dine when and with whom they wish. Menus are regionally inspired, with local ingredients highlighting the cuisine of Germany and the Czech Republic. Complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks are served at lunch and dinner, and casual fare is always available in the lounge for lighter appetites.

The ship’s Elbe River itineraries are culturally immersive and historically rich. From the Gothic spires of Meissen and the baroque splendor of Dresden to the architectural legacy of Berlin and the artistic charm of Prague, Viking Astrild brings guests to the heart of Central Europe with expertly guided tours and curated excursions. Onboard enrichment includes presentations on regional history, politics, music, and art—ensuring a journey that’s as intellectually rewarding as it is visually stunning.

Deckplan

Viking Astrild ship deck plan

Sailings on this ship

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Suites

Discover suites on this ship

French Balcony Stateroom (C)

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French Balcony Stateroom (D)

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Standard Stateroom (E)

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Veranda Stateroom (A)

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Veranda Stateroom (B)

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Veranda Suite (AA)

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Itineraries on this ship

Viking River Cruises logo

Why Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises is the largest river cruise line in the world, known for elegant ships, destination-led itineraries, and a strong cultural program. The voyages run along Europe's great rivers and reach the Nile, the Mekong, and the Mississippi, pairing comfort and enrichment with real time ashore. A modern fleet of purpose-built longships and a focus on thoughtful design set the tone for the whole experience.

The Viking River Experience: Purposeful Design, Meaningful Travel

Viking's river ships are built for comfort and discovery in equal measure, with a relaxed but refined feel on board. Each carries fewer than 200 guests, so the setting stays intimate, with generous public areas, all-outside staterooms, and attentive service from departure to return.

  • All-outside staterooms, many with full verandas or French balconies
  • Destination-led cuisine and wine pairings in both casual and formal dining venues
  • An included daily shore excursion with knowledgeable local guides
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour specialty coffees, and onboard cultural enrichment
  • An adults-only environment (guests must be 18 or older)
  • Carefully chosen programming, from lectures and tastings to concerts and hands-on workshops

Built for discovery, Viking's river cruises ask you to slow down and read each region more closely than a packed land tour allows.

Iconic Itineraries Across Europe and Beyond

Whether you sail the heart of Europe or reach farther afield, Viking's itineraries balance the must-see landmarks with the smaller places that travelers tend to miss. Longer port time, well-built excursions, and curated cultural access run through every voyage.

Signature Voyages Include:

  • Grand European Tour, cruising the Rhine, Main, and Danube between Amsterdam and Budapest, with historic cities, castles, and vineyards along the way.
  • Danube Waltz, taking in the Old World charm of Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia through grand capitals and storybook towns.
  • Rhine Getaway, visiting Cologne, Strasbourg, and the castles of the Middle Rhine on a scenic route through four countries.
  • Paris and the Heart of Normandy, running through the French countryside from Paris to the Normandy beaches, with real depth on history, art, and food.
  • Pharaohs and Pyramids, sailing the Nile aboard a Viking-owned vessel for a close look at ancient Egypt.
  • Magnificent Mekong, an enriching route through Vietnam and Cambodia aboard the 80-guest Viking Saigon.

Every itinerary reflects Viking's interest in history, culture, and authenticity, giving guests an educational way to see the world.

A Curated Selection by Small Ship Travel

We include Viking River Cruises in our collection for its consistent standards in design, service, and cultural engagement. Viking's commitment to immersive travel lines up with our own aim of building voyages that reward curiosity.

We work directly with Viking to help you choose the right itinerary, stateroom, and add-ons, so the trip fits your interests. Whether you are a first-time river cruiser or a returning guest after something new, we bring the insight and the follow-through to keep your voyage smooth.

Book with Confidence

Booking with Small Ship Travel gives you advisor-led planning, pre and post-cruise arrangements, and added value on your Viking river voyage. We handle the details from start to finish, so you can settle into the discovery, comfort, and cultural richness Viking is known for.

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