Viking is one of the world's best-known river cruise companies, with an extensive fleet sailing many of Europe's great rivers as well as the Nile in Egypt, the Mekong in Southeast Asia, the Mississippi in the United States and waterways in India.

The company has developed a distinctive style of river cruising centered on destinations, history and culture. Viking ships are known for their clean Scandinavian design, relaxed atmosphere and relatively consistent experience from one vessel to another.

But Viking is not necessarily the right river cruise line for everyone.

Understanding the ships, destinations, inclusions, excursions, accommodations and overall travel style can help you decide whether a Viking river cruise fits the way you want to travel.

Founded: 1997

Founder: Torstein Hagen

Cruise Style: Premium, destination-focused river cruising

Minimum Guest Age: 18

Best Known For: European river cruising and Viking Longships

Destinations: Europe, Egypt, Southeast Asia, India and the United States

Atmosphere: Relaxed, adult-oriented and culturally focused

Dress: Casual during the day and generally smart casual in the evening; no formal nights

Dining: Included onboard meals featuring regional specialties and familiar choices

Shore Excursions: One complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, with additional optional excursions available

Beverages: House beer, wine and soft drinks included with onboard lunch and dinner; coffee, tea and bottled water are also included

Wi-Fi: Included

Inside Cabins: None

Best For: Adults interested in history, culture, sightseeing and destination-focused travel

Viking was founded in 1997 by Norwegian businessman Torstein Hagen with four ships sailing the rivers of Russia.

Expansion came quickly.

Nine additional ships were added in Europe in 1998, and Viking acquired KD River Cruises in 2000, significantly expanding its presence on Europe's rivers.

The company moved into Asia in 2004 with cruise tours in China along the Yangtze River and continued expanding its European fleet.

One of the most important developments in Viking's history came in 2012 with the introduction of the Viking Longships.

These ships incorporated a distinctive square-bow design, Scandinavian-style interiors and the Aquavit Terrace, an indoor/outdoor dining and relaxation area near the front of the vessel.

The Longships became closely associated with the Viking brand and helped create something the company continues to emphasize today: consistency.

Travelers who have sailed aboard one Viking Longship will generally find a familiar layout and atmosphere when boarding another.

Viking eventually expanded beyond Europe's traditional rivers with purpose-built ships for Egypt's Nile, the Mississippi River in the United States and rivers in Asia.

Today, Viking also operates ocean and expedition cruises, but river cruising remains a central part of the company's identity.

One of the easiest ways to understand Viking is to look at what the company does not try to be.

Viking is not trying to turn its river ships into floating resorts.

There are no casinos, no formal nights, no art auctions and no passengers under age 18.

Instead, the experience revolves around the places being visited.

Days are generally spent exploring cities, historic sites and smaller communities. When passengers return to the ship, the atmosphere is comparatively relaxed.

Even onboard enrichment tends to connect with the destination through lectures, demonstrations and cultural programming.

For the right traveler, this is one of Viking's greatest strengths:

The ship supports the destination rather than competing with it.

Viking operates on an extensive collection of rivers and waterways around the world.

Danube River

The Danube is one of the world's classic river cruise destinations and an excellent choice for a first European river cruise.

Depending upon the itinerary, Viking passengers may visit cities including Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, Passau and Regensburg along with smaller communities throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

Best for: European history, architecture, classical music, Christmas markets and travelers who want to visit several countries during one vacation.

[Explore the Danube River]

Rhine River

The Rhine delivers much of the scenery people imagine when picturing a European river cruise: castles, vineyards, medieval towns and historic cities.

Viking itineraries can include Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg and Basel.

The castle-lined Middle Rhine provides some particularly memorable scenic cruising.

Best for: Castles, German culture, wine, medieval towns and first-time European river cruisers.

[Explore the Rhine River]

Main River

Germany's Main River helps connect the Rhine with the Danube through the Main-Danube Canal.

It forms part of several longer Viking journeys across Europe and provides access to historic German destinations such as Würzburg and Bamberg.

Best for: German history, smaller historic cities and longer journeys across central Europe.

[Explore the Main River]

Moselle River

The Moselle winds through one of Europe's most beautiful wine regions.

Vineyards climb steep hillsides above the river while castles and historic communities such as Cochem, Bernkastel and Trier provide a more intimate alternative to Europe's larger cities.

Best for: Wine, vineyards, castles, smaller towns and scenery.

[Explore the Moselle River]

Seine River

Viking's Seine itineraries combine Paris with Normandy.

Depending upon the cruise, travelers may experience Paris, Rouen, Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and locations associated with the Normandy D-Day landings.

Best for: Paris, French history, Impressionist art and World War II history.

[Explore the Seine River]

Rhône & Saône Rivers

The Rhône and Saône provide access to southern France and regions famous for food, wine and history.

Viking itineraries may visit Lyon, Avignon, Arles and communities throughout Burgundy, Beaujolais and Provence.

Best for: French food and wine, Provence, Roman history and art.

[Explore the Rhône River]

Bordeaux: Garonne, Dordogne & Gironde

Viking also explores the waterways of France's Bordeaux region.

Cruises in this area travel the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers and the Gironde Estuary, providing access to one of the world's most famous wine-producing regions.

Rather than passing through numerous countries, the experience explores one region in greater depth.

Best for: Wine, French cuisine, vineyards, châteaux and travelers who want a more regional French experience.

[Explore the Bordeaux River Region]

Douro River

The Douro travels through the dramatic landscapes of Portugal's wine country.

Steep vineyard-covered hillsides surround the river as ships travel through the Douro Valley.

Viking operates smaller vessels specifically designed for the river.

Best for: Portugal, port wine, vineyards, beautiful scenery and a more leisurely regional experience.

[Explore the Douro River]

Elbe River

The Elbe provides a less-traveled alternative to Europe's busiest waterways.

Viking uses smaller purpose-built ships on itineraries exploring portions of Germany and the Czech Republic.

Best for: German and Czech history, smaller destinations and travelers who have already experienced Europe's better-known rivers.

[Explore the Elbe River]

Nile River

Viking has developed an extensive fleet specifically for Egypt's Nile.

The experience is heavily focused on ancient Egyptian history, with opportunities to visit temples, tombs, archaeological sites and museums.

Viking's Nile programs combine river cruising with land touring, creating a more comprehensive Egypt experience.

Best for: Ancient civilizations, archaeology, Egyptology and history-intensive travel.

[Explore the Nile River]

Mekong River

Viking operates culturally intensive journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong.

These programs combine small-ship river cruising with extensive touring and are substantially different from a traditional European river cruise.

Best for: Southeast Asian culture, history, food and experienced international travelers.

[Explore the Mekong River]

India

Viking is expanding its Asian river program into India, including journeys associated with the Brahmaputra and Ganges.

These trips provide another option for experienced river cruisers interested in exploring destinations far beyond Europe's traditional waterways.

Best for: Indian history and culture, wildlife and travelers looking for a more unusual river cruise experience.

[Explore River Cruising in India]

Mississippi & Other U.S. Waterways

Viking entered the U.S. river cruise market with the purpose-built Viking Mississippi.

Itineraries explore America's Upper and Lower Mississippi and can incorporate connected waterways on longer journeys.

Destinations may include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, St. Louis and communities throughout America's heartland.

Best for: American history, Southern culture, music and travelers who want a river cruise without traveling overseas.

[Explore the Mississippi River]

There is no single typical price for a Viking river cruise.

Pricing varies according to:

• River and destination
• Length of cruise or cruisetour
• Departure date
• Season
• Stateroom category
• Availability
• Airfare
• Current Viking promotions
• Optional excursions
• Pre- and post-cruise extensions

As a broad planning guideline, many shorter European Viking river cruises can start in the neighborhood of $2,500 to $4,000 per person, while longer itineraries, premium travel dates and higher-category accommodations can cost considerably more.

More specialized destinations such as the Nile, Mekong and longer Mississippi itineraries can begin substantially higher.

Suites and longer journeys can easily push the total vacation price beyond $10,000 per person.

Viking also frequently offers promotional fares, reduced deposits and airfare promotions, which can significantly affect the final price.

For that reason, advertised starting prices should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent price.

Don't Compare River Cruises by Price Alone

When comparing Viking with another river cruise company, look at the entire vacation.

Consider:

Cruise fare + airfare + excursions + beverages + gratuities + transfers + pre/post hotels + other expected expenses.

A cruise with a lower advertised price is not necessarily the better value once everything is included.

Viking includes many of the major components of the river cruise experience.

Typical inclusions include:

• One complimentary shore excursion in each port of call
• All onboard meals
• House beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner
• Coffee, tea and bottled water
• Wi-Fi
• Port taxes and fees
• Destination-focused lectures and enrichment
• Onboard cultural programming

Additional optional excursions are available for travelers who want more specialized experiences.

Viking also offers an optional beverage package for passengers wanting a broader selection of drinks beyond the standard inclusions.

Specific inclusions and promotions can change, so always review the terms of the particular itinerary and departure being considered.

Dining aboard Viking is designed to complement the destinations being visited.

Menus frequently incorporate regional specialties alongside familiar alternatives.

That might mean French dishes while traveling through Provence, German or Austrian specialties along the Danube or local flavors while exploring Southeast Asia.

The main restaurant features panoramic windows that help keep passengers connected to the passing scenery.

Viking Longships also feature the Aquavit Terrace, an indoor/outdoor space where passengers can enjoy lighter meals and drinks in a more casual setting.

River ships are much smaller than ocean ships, so travelers should not expect dozens of specialty restaurants.

The emphasis is on good food, regional influences and an intimate dining environment rather than restaurant quantity.

Viking river ships do not have inside cabins.

Every accommodation provides some form of river view, although the exact design varies by ship and destination.

On a typical European Viking Longship, the primary choices include:

Standard Stateroom

Usually the most affordable option.

These cabins have a smaller river-level window rather than a balcony.

They can represent excellent value for travelers who expect to spend most of their daylight hours exploring destinations rather than sitting in their room.

French Balcony Stateroom

A French balcony provides floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to the river.

There is no exterior area to walk onto, but passengers receive a large view and fresh air without paying for a full veranda.

Veranda Stateroom

These accommodations include an actual private outdoor balcony.

A veranda can be particularly enjoyable during scenic portions of the Rhine, Danube, Douro and other rivers.

Veranda Suite

Veranda Suites provide additional space and generally include separate sleeping and living areas.

Explorer Suite

Explorer Suites are among Viking's largest river accommodations and provide substantially more living space and expansive river views.

Not necessarily.

This is one of the most important decisions when selecting a river cruise cabin.

River cruises are destination intensive. On many days passengers leave after breakfast and spend a large portion of the day ashore.

If you expect to participate in most excursions, you may find that a Standard or French Balcony stateroom gives you everything you need.

On the other hand, travelers who enjoy sitting privately outside with coffee in the morning or watching castles and vineyards pass may find a full veranda well worth the additional expense.

There is no universally correct choice.

Consider how you actually travel before spending the money to upgrade.

Exploration is central to Viking's river cruise experience.

Viking includes one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call.

These excursions generally provide an introduction to the destination through activities such as guided walking tours, motorcoach sightseeing and visits to historic or cultural attractions.

Additional optional excursions are available at extra cost and may focus on interests such as:

• Food
• Wine
• Music
• History
• Art
• Local culture
• Specialized attractions

When comparing Viking with another river cruise line, don't simply ask whether excursions are included.

Ask how many excursion choices are included and what the optional experiences will cost.

That can reveal meaningful differences between river cruise companies.

The atmosphere aboard Viking is generally quiet and relaxed.

Most passengers spend a substantial portion of the day ashore.

When onboard, activities may include lectures, demonstrations, cultural performances, live music, conversations in the lounge or simply watching the river scenery.

Evenings are considerably quieter than those aboard most large ocean cruise ships.

There are no casinos or large production shows.

For travelers who see the ship as a comfortable way to experience a destination, this can be ideal.

Viking operates one of the world's largest river fleets.

However, choosing a Viking cruise does not require comparing dozens of nearly identical ships.

The easiest way to understand the fleet is by looking at the major ship groups and the rivers for which they were designed.

The Viking Longship is the vessel most closely associated with Viking.

A typical Longship carries approximately 190 passengers in 95 outside staterooms.

The design includes:

• Scandinavian-style interiors
• Aquavit Terrace
• Main restaurant
• Lounge and bar
• Sun deck
• Panoramic windows
• Standard Staterooms
• French Balcony Staterooms
• Veranda Staterooms
• Veranda Suites
• Explorer Suites

Viking operates a large number of Longships with names drawn primarily from Norse mythology and history.

Although there can be differences in age and details, the ships are deliberately similar.

Our Advice

Do not choose a Rhine or Danube cruise simply because one Viking Longship is newer than another.

For most travelers, the itinerary, departure date, stateroom location and price will make a greater difference than the particular Longship.

Viking Ships on the Douro

The Douro requires vessels specifically designed for the river's dimensions, locks and navigation conditions.

Viking's Douro fleet includes:

Viking Gyda

A purpose-built Douro ship combining Viking's familiar Scandinavian design with the smaller dimensions required for Portugal's river.

Viking Helgrim

Designed specifically for the Douro with Viking's familiar emphasis on panoramic river views and understated interiors.

Viking Hemming

One of Viking's established Douro vessels, purpose-built to navigate the river and its lock system.

Viking Osfrid

A smaller Viking river ship designed specifically for Portugal and the Douro Valley.

Viking Sol

Purpose-built for the Douro, with accommodations and public spaces designed around scenic cruising through Portugal.

Viking Torgil

Another purpose-built Douro vessel providing the familiar Viking experience in dimensions appropriate for the river.

For most travelers, the differences among Viking's Douro ships are relatively minor.

Choose the itinerary and date first.

Viking Ships on the Elbe

Viking operates two smaller sister ships purpose-built for the Elbe.

Viking Astrild

Viking Astrild carries approximately 98 guests in 49 outside staterooms.

Its smaller dimensions allow it to navigate the Elbe while retaining many of the design features associated with Viking's larger European ships.

Viking Beyla

Viking Beyla is the sister ship to Viking Astrild and provides a nearly identical experience.

The smaller passenger count can make an Elbe cruise feel particularly intimate.

Viking Ships on the Seine

Viking operates a group of vessels specifically designed for cruising the Seine and docking in Paris.

These include:

Viking Fjolvar

A purpose-built Seine vessel incorporating Viking's Scandinavian design and destination-focused layout.

Viking Fjorgyn

Designed specifically for Paris and Normandy itineraries and offering many of the familiar features of a Viking Longship.

Viking Kari

A purpose-built Seine ship designed around easy access to the destinations of Paris and Normandy.

Viking Nerthus

Part of Viking's newer Seine fleet and based on the company's established Longship design philosophy.

Viking Radgrid

A purpose-built Seine ship featuring Scandinavian interiors, panoramic views and multiple stateroom categories.

Viking Skaga

Another sister ship in Viking's Seine fleet serving Paris and Normandy itineraries.

Again, itinerary and departure date should generally matter more than choosing between these sister ships.

Viking Ships on the Nile

Viking has invested significantly in developing its own Nile fleet.

Many of the newer ships carry only 82 guests in 41 outside staterooms, providing a considerably smaller experience than Viking's standard European Longships.

The fleet includes:

Viking Amun

A purpose-built Nile ship designed specifically for Viking's Egypt itineraries.

Viking Anubis

Part of Viking's newest generation of purpose-built Nile vessels.

Viking Aton

An intimate 82-guest vessel with just 41 outside staterooms.

Viking Geb

A modern Viking Nile ship designed specifically for exploring Egypt.

Viking Hathor

An 82-guest vessel featuring a pool and sun deck, Aquavit Terrace, restaurant and lounge.

Viking Osiris

A purpose-built Nile ship combining Viking's familiar Scandinavian design approach with the requirements of cruising Egypt.

Viking Ptah

One of the newer vessels in Viking's expanding Nile fleet.

Viking Ra

A smaller vessel designed specifically for Viking's Egypt program.

Viking Sekhmet

One of Viking's newest 82-guest Nile sister ships.

Viking Sobek

A purpose-built Nile vessel providing the intimate experience associated with Viking's newer Egypt ships.

Viking Thoth

Another member of Viking's modern generation of purpose-built Nile vessels.

MS Antares

MS Antares differs from Viking's newer series of purpose-built sister ships and provides another vessel within the company's Egypt program.

For Egypt, we would place greater importance on the itinerary and overall touring program than on choosing among the newer sister ships.

Viking Ships in Asia

Viking operates and is developing smaller ships designed specifically for Asian waterways.

Viking Saigon

Viking Saigon was designed specifically for the Mekong and carries only 80 guests.

Its small size allows travelers to explore Vietnam and Cambodia while retaining Viking's familiar Scandinavian-style interiors.

Viking Tonle

Viking Tonle is another purpose-built Mekong vessel carrying approximately 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms.

The ship includes French Balcony and Veranda accommodations, Explorer Suites, an upper-deck pool, Sky Bar, restaurant, lounge, spa and fitness area.

Viking Brahmaputra

Viking Brahmaputra is purpose-built for India's Brahmaputra River and carries only 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms.

Its small size is designed around exploring northeastern India.

Viking Ganges

Viking Ganges expands Viking's India program and provides another purpose-designed vessel for the company's growing Asian river cruise portfolio.

These Asian ships create a very different experience from a Rhine or Danube Longship.

The destinations are more unusual, the ships are smaller and the overall journeys frequently combine river cruising with extensive land exploration.

Viking Mississippi

Viking Mississippi is unlike any of Viking's European Longships.

Purpose-built for American waterways, the ship accommodates approximately 386 guests in 193 outside staterooms.

All accommodations have river views, and the ship incorporates Viking's Scandinavian aesthetic on a much larger scale.

Features include:

• Private veranda accommodations
• Explorer's Lounge
• Aquavit Terrace
• River Café
• Outdoor viewing areas
• 360-degree promenade
• Sun Terrace
• Infinity plunge pool
• Large panoramic windows
• Multiple suite categories

Best for: Travelers who like Viking's destination-focused philosophy but want to explore the United States.

For most Viking cruises, we recommend choosing in this order:

1. Choose the river.

Where do you actually want to travel?

A Danube cruise and Nile cruise are completely different vacations even though both have the Viking name.

2. Choose the itinerary.

Look carefully at the cities, smaller ports, overnight stays and excursions.

Two cruises on the same river can still provide very different vacations.

3. Choose the time of year.

Spring flowers, summer weather, autumn vineyards and Christmas markets create very different experiences.

4. Choose the stateroom.

Decide how much space you need and whether a French balcony, full veranda or suite is worth the additional cost.

5. Then look at the individual ship.

On Viking's major European rivers, the specific Longship is usually less important than the decisions above.

On the Nile, Mekong, Mississippi and other specialized waterways, the individual ship becomes more relevant.

Viking may be an excellent choice for travelers who:

• Are interested in history and culture
• Enjoy guided sightseeing
• Want an adults-only environment
• Prefer destinations to onboard attractions
• Appreciate contemporary Scandinavian design
• Prefer casual rather than formal evenings
• Like an organized vacation
• Want an included introductory excursion in each port
• Appreciate consistency between ships
• Want a large selection of itineraries
• Are considering their first European river cruise

Viking isn't automatically the right choice for everyone.

Travelers With Children

Viking does not accept passengers under age 18.

Families should consider river cruise companies with family-friendly departures and policies.

Very Active Travelers

If biking, hiking and having several activity levels available on excursions are especially important, compare Viking with AmaWaterways and other lines emphasizing active exploration.

Travelers Seeking Greater Luxury or Inclusiveness

Travelers looking for a more inclusive luxury experience should also compare Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld and Riverside.

Travelers Who Want Highly Individual Ships

Viking's consistency is a strength.

But travelers who love highly decorated, individually styled boutique ships may prefer a company such as Uniworld.

Travelers Looking for Nightlife

Viking is deliberately quiet in the evening.

If extensive entertainment is a major part of your ideal vacation, river cruising in general—and Viking in particular—may not be the best match.

Viking is one of several excellent river cruise companies.

The differences become clearer when you compare travel styles rather than simply prices.

Viking vs. AmaWaterways

Viking emphasizes consistency and destination-focused exploration. AmaWaterways deserves particular consideration from travelers interested in active excursions, cycling, hiking and multiple ways to explore a destination.

[Explore AmaWaterways]

Viking vs. Avalon Waterways

Avalon is particularly interesting for travelers who place a high priority on cabin design and views, especially its Panorama Suites.

[Explore Avalon Waterways]

Viking vs. Scenic

Scenic operates at a more inclusive luxury level and should be compared based on total inclusions rather than simply initial cruise fare.

[Explore Scenic]

Viking vs. Uniworld

Uniworld offers highly individual boutique-style ships and a more ornate luxury environment, while Viking emphasizes understated Scandinavian consistency.

[Explore Uniworld]

Viking vs. Tauck

Tauck combines river cruising with its long history of premium guided touring and generally includes more components within the overall vacation.

[Explore Tauck]

We would describe Viking primarily as a premium river cruise line rather than an ultra-luxury river cruise line.

Its ships are attractive, service is attentive and accommodations are thoughtfully designed.

However, companies such as Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld and Riverside generally compete at a higher level of luxury, inclusiveness or personalized service.

That does not automatically make those cruise lines better.

It makes them different.

Viking can be an excellent choice for a first-time river cruiser.

Its standardized European ships, large selection of itineraries, included introductory excursions and established approach make the product relatively easy to understand.

For someone taking a first European river cruise, we would particularly consider the Rhine and Danube.

Both provide a combination of famous cities, historic towns, cultural experiences and beautiful scenery.

Viking's greatest strength may be its ability to provide a consistent, comfortable framework for exploring destinations.

The ships are important, but they aren't intended to be the primary reason for taking the vacation.

You might spend the morning walking through Vienna, return to the ship for lunch, watch villages pass along the Danube during the afternoon and have dinner while traveling toward tomorrow's destination.

There are no formal nights to prepare for and no enormous entertainment schedule demanding your attention.

For travelers who value history, culture, sightseeing, organization, consistency and an adult environment, Viking can be an excellent fit.

Travelers who place greater importance on active excursions, ultra-luxury service, highly inclusive pricing, individually styled ships, family travel or extensive entertainment should compare Viking with other river cruise lines before making a decision.

There is no single river cruise line that is best for everyone.

The goal is finding the river, itinerary, cruise line and ship that are best for you.

Are Viking river cruises adults only?

Yes. Viking does not accept guests under age 18.

Are shore excursions included?

Viking includes one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call. Additional optional excursions are available for an extra charge.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

House beer and wine are included with onboard lunch and dinner. Soft drinks are also included with lunch and dinner, and coffee, tea and bottled water are complimentary.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuity policies and booking terms can vary by destination and offer. Check the specific itinerary and booking conditions rather than assuming gratuities are included.

Does Viking have formal nights?

No. Viking does not have formal nights.

Are there casinos aboard Viking river ships?

No.

Does Viking have inside cabins?

No. Viking river accommodations provide river views.

Does Viking allow children?

Guests must be at least 18 years old.

Are Viking river cruises good for travelers with mobility limitations?

This requires careful consideration.

Although many Viking vessels have elevators serving portions of the ship, accessibility varies by vessel. Sun decks may not be elevator accessible, and river ships sometimes dock alongside one another, requiring passengers to walk through or across another vessel.

Historic European cities can also involve cobblestones, stairs and substantial walking.

Travelers with mobility concerns should discuss the specific ship, itinerary and excursions before booking.

What is the best Viking river cruise?

There isn't one best itinerary.

For a first European river cruise, consider the Rhine or Danube.

For wine and scenery, consider the Douro or Moselle.

For France, consider the Seine, Rhône or Bordeaux region.

For ancient history, consider the Nile.

For Southeast Asian culture, consider the Mekong.

For a more unusual experience, consider India.

For travelers wanting to remain in the United States, consider the Mississippi.

Choosing Viking is only the beginning.

There are still decisions about the river, itinerary, departure date, ship and stateroom—and sometimes another river cruise company may actually be a better match.

All About Travel can help you compare Viking with AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic, Uniworld, Tauck, American Cruise Lines and other river cruise companies.

Instead of looking only at the advertised price, we can help you compare the things that can make the greatest difference to your vacation:

The river. The itinerary. The ship. The stateroom. The excursions. The inclusions. The overall price. And the way you like to travel.