Built in
2012
Capacity
190
Staterooms
95
Crew
53
Crew to guests
1 : 3.6
Length
135 m
US outlets
Yes
By
Viking River Cruises
Viking Embla is a modern Longship named after the first woman in Norse mythology—created, according to legend, from an elm tree by the gods themselves. True to its name, Viking Embla embodies beginnings, elegance, and natural grace, offering guests a thoughtful and immersive river cruise experience through the heart of Europe.
Purpose-built to navigate the Danube, Rhine, and Main rivers, Viking Embla carries just 190 guests in a serene, boutique hotel-style setting. Its sleek design features Viking’s signature square bow and an innovative off-center corridor, which allows for greater efficiency of space while still accommodating generous staterooms and inviting public areas. The ship’s dimensions ensure seamless travel through narrow locks and under low bridges, giving guests access to iconic cities and hidden gems alike.
The staterooms aboard Viking Embla are all outward-facing, offering continuous visual connection to the landscapes that unfold along the journey. Standard Staterooms feature large picture windows, while French Balcony and Veranda Staterooms offer expansive glass doors for fresh air and unobstructed views. Veranda Suites and Explorer Suites provide spacious accommodations with separate sleeping and living quarters, double verandas, and full-size bathrooms with heated floors. Each room is equipped with modern comforts, including hotel-style beds, premium linens, a mini-fridge, interactive TV, and ample storage space.
Aboard Viking Embla, the ambiance is unmistakably Scandinavian—clean lines, natural light, warm woods, and understated elegance define every interior. The Lounge serves as the ship’s central gathering space, offering panoramic views, plush seating, and a venue for enrichment lectures, music, and social events. Adjacent to the Lounge, the Aquavit Terrace provides a versatile indoor-outdoor area ideal for casual meals or simply enjoying a glass of wine while watching the riverbanks glide by. On the Sun Deck, guests can stroll the walking track, relax under shaded canopies, or admire the ever-changing scenery from loungers.
Dining aboard Viking Embla reflects the regions through which it sails. The main restaurant offers destination-focused menus that rotate daily, showcasing dishes like Viennese schnitzel, Hungarian paprika chicken, or Black Forest cake, paired with local wines and beers—all included with meals. The Aquavit Terrace delivers a more relaxed dining experience with lighter fare and fresh-air views, especially pleasant during breakfast or lunch on sunny days.
Cultural enrichment is a cornerstone of the Viking experience. On Viking Embla, guests enjoy a daily included shore excursion in each port, often led by expert local guides. Walking tours, museum visits, and culinary tastings are just the beginning—optional excursions dive deeper into history, art, and tradition, with experiences such as a private classical concert in Vienna or wine tasting in Wachau Valley. Onboard, guest lectures and themed events extend the learning and discovery well beyond the shore.
Dining
Meals aboard the Viking Embla are served in the main Restaurant, where open seating and regional menus follow the regions the ship visits. For a more relaxed setting, the Aquavit Terrace offers al fresco seating and lighter fare from breakfast through the afternoon.
Sailings on this ship
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On board
Good to know
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
The ships are nonsmoking throughout, including staterooms and verandas, with one designated outdoor smoking area. The policy covers e-cigarettes as well.
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.
Read what our guests have to say about their unforgettable experiences with us.
All reviews are verified and approved by Small Ship Travel. Reviews may be edited for grammar and clarity. Review Policy
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.
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.
Built for discovery, Viking's river cruises ask you to slow down and read each region more closely than a packed land tour allows.
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:
Every itinerary reflects Viking's interest in history, culture, and authenticity, giving guests an educational way to see the world.
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.
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.
consultation
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.