river Ship

Viking Beyla

by Viking River Cruises

About this ship

The Viking Beyla Ship

  • Built in

    2015

  • Capacity

    98

  • Staterooms

    49

  • Crew

    33

  • Crew to guests

    1 : 3.0

  • Length

    110 m

  • US outlets

    Yes

  • By

    Viking River Cruises

Viking Beyla is a custom-built river ship designed specifically for the delicate waterways of the Elbe River in Germany. With a guest capacity of just 98 and a compact, shallow-draft design, Viking Beyla is tailored for intimate exploration, offering a highly personalized and immersive experience between the culturally rich cities of Berlin and Prague. Named after the Norse goddess associated with earth and agriculture, the ship reflects a deep connection to the landscapes and heritage of Central Europe.

Unlike Viking’s larger Longships, Viking Beyla is smaller in scale but equally refined. Its reduced size allows it to navigate the narrower and more variable depths of the Elbe, while still delivering the elegance and comfort Viking is known for. The ship’s interiors draw from Scandinavian design traditions—light wood finishes, natural textiles, and clean lines come together to create a serene onboard atmosphere that mirrors the tranquil river environment.

The ship features a selection of staterooms and suites that are exceptionally well-appointed for their size. Guests can choose between Standard Staterooms with half-height windows or French Balcony Staterooms that open up to river views. Each room includes hotel-style beds, private bathrooms with heated floors, flat-screen infotainment systems, premium bath products, and ample storage. Though compact, the accommodations are thoughtfully designed to feel both cozy and sophisticated.

Public spaces aboard Viking Beyla foster both relaxation and enrichment. The Lounge is a bright and airy space where guests can enjoy daily briefings, lectures, and social hours. The Aquavit Terrace offers both indoor and outdoor seating with glass walls that open fully, creating an al fresco environment perfect for dining or enjoying a glass of wine as the countryside drifts by. The Sun Deck, though modest in size, includes lounge chairs and an ideal vantage point for viewing castles, farmland, and river towns along the Elbe.

Dining on Viking Beyla is intimate, locally inspired, and always fresh. The main dining room serves regionally focused dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of Saxony and Bohemia, using ingredients sourced along the route. From hearty German stews to Czech pastries and local wines, every meal is an extension of the day’s cultural journey. Complimentary beer and wine accompany lunch and dinner, enhancing the communal and relaxed onboard dining atmosphere.

Shore excursions are the heart of the Viking Beyla experience. Expert-led tours in ports like Wittenberg, Meissen, and Dresden reveal a rich tapestry of history, art, and architecture. Guests can explore UNESCO-listed sites, centuries-old porcelain workshops, and baroque landmarks, with many excursions designed to provide insider access and authentic local interaction. Optional excursions further personalize the experience, offering chances to dive deeper into specific interests such as classical music, WWII history, or traditional crafts.

With its smaller guest count, personalized service, and ability to navigate a unique stretch of river, Viking Beyla offers a rare and enriching cruising experience. It is an ideal choice for culturally curious travelers seeking a quieter, more intimate voyage through the heart of Eastern Germany and the Czech Republic.

Deckplan

Viking Beyla ship deck plan
  • Main DeckStaterooms 100–117 · Buffet · Restaurant
  • Upper DeckStaterooms 200–237 · Lounge · Shop · Bar · Guest Services · Aquavit Terrace

Dining

Dining on board

The 98-guest Viking Beyla serves meals in two settings. Its main Restaurant features open seating and regional menus that follow the itinerary, while the Aquavit Terrace offers a relaxed, al fresco alternative for lighter fare and slow-paced breakfasts.

Aquavit Terrace

Restaurant

Sailings on this ship

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Suites

Discover suites on this ship

French Balcony Stateroom (C)

sq. feet

  • Stateroom size: 122 sq ft
  • River-view stateroom with French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door)
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • 110/220 volt outlets
  • Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

French Balcony Stateroom (D)

sq. feet

  • Stateroom size: 122 sq ft
  • River-view stateroom with French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door)
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • 110/220 volt outlets
  • Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Standard Stateroom (E)

sq. feet

  • Stateroom size: 140 sq ft
  • River-view stateroom with half-height picture window
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • 110/220 volt outlets
  • Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Veranda Stateroom (A)

sq. feet

  • Stateroom size: 180 sq ft (includes private veranda)
  • River-view stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to full-size veranda
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • 110/220 volt outlets
  • Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Veranda Stateroom (B)

sq. feet

  • Stateroom size: 180 sq ft (includes private veranda)
  • River-view stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to full-size veranda
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • 110/220 volt outlets
  • Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Veranda Suite (AA)

sq. feet

  • Stateroom size: 250 sq ft (includes private veranda)
  • River-view suite with full-size veranda off a spacious, separate sitting room, and French Balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door) in sleeping quarters
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • Additional flat-screen TV in sitting area
  • 110/220 volt outlets

On board

Life on board

Venues & entertainment

  • Lounge
  • Bar
  • Library
  • Sun Deck

Good to know

Before you sail

Is there Wi-Fi on Viking Beyla?

Wi-Fi is free on Viking's river ships across Europe, Egypt, and the Mississippi, and shared computers are available on board. The connection runs over cellular or satellite, so expect speeds to dip in locks, valleys, and remote stretches of river.

What is the dress code on Viking Beyla?

Daytime dress is casual: shorts in warm weather, slacks or jeans, and comfortable walking shoes. Evenings are elegant casual, with no formal nights; a jacket and tie are optional. Pack modest attire for shore excursions that visit religious sites.

Gratuities

Gratuities are always at your discretion. Viking publishes a recommended rate per guest, per night, which can be prepaid before sailing or settled on your shipboard account. We go over the details with you when you book.

Electrical outlets

Staterooms on Viking's European river ships carry both 110V US-style outlets and 220V outlets that take German Schuko two-pin plugs. If you need an adapter, any travel or electronics store will have one.

Are special dietary requirements catered for?

Vegetarian options appear at every meal, and the galley can prepare low-salt, diabetic, gluten-free, and low-cholesterol meals with advance notice. Tell us about dietary needs when you book, at least 90 days before departure, and remind the maitre d' once on board.

Is Viking Beyla accessible for guests with reduced mobility?

Guests who need mobility support travel with a companion who can assist, and wheelchairs must be no wider than 22 inches. Viking requires an accessibility form at least 30 days before departure; we take care of submitting it when you book with us.

What is the smoking policy on board?

The ships are nonsmoking throughout, including staterooms and verandas, with one designated outdoor smoking area. The policy covers e-cigarettes as well.

Is there a laundry service on board?

Laundry and pressing are complimentary in some stateroom categories and available for a modest fee in the rest, arranged through your stateroom steward. Dry cleaning is not offered on board. Ships on the Mississippi add free self-service launderettes.

Itineraries on this ship

All routes on Viking Beyla

Show all 2 routes 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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