VIKING PRIDE Ship Review

Designed in 2001 for Viking River Cruises, Viking Pride, Viking Europe, Viking Neptune, and Viking Spirit raised the bar for river cruise ships when they were launched in 2001. They feature an uncommon amount of open deck space, including a sky deck high atop the ship and a lower forward-facing promenade deck. Featuring interiors designed by veteran maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten, Viking Pride comfortably carries 150 guests through some of the most famed waterways of Europe.

VIKING PRIDE Staterooms

Most staterooms feature windows that open. Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises

There are five stateroom categories aboard Viking Pride:

• Category E staterooms are 120 square feet and are located on Lower Deck. These twelve staterooms feature one Pullman bed and one sofa bed, as well as a half-height picture window that cannot be opened. They feature all the amenities of their larger counterparts, including a private bathroom with shower, full air conditioning, a television with English-language programming, and a wardrobe. While small, these staterooms represent an excellent value for those looking to save a bit of money.
• Categories A, B and C and D are larger at 154 square feet, and are located on Upper and Middle decks. All four categories feature full-sized picture windows that can open, though windows in Category A and B staterooms are slightly larger than those in Categories C and D. These staterooms have hotel-style beds which can be separated if needed, private bathroom with shower, television with English-language programming, and a wardrobe. Space is also available under beds for storing suitcases, and a full desk and vanity area is located opposite the bed.

VIKING PRIDE Public Areas

A beautiful mulit-story Lobby greets guests as they board for the first time. Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises.

An attractive, multi-level Reception area greets guests as they board Viking Pride. There is an onboard boutique and a 24-hour coffee station available here, in addition to hosting the onboard Program Director’s desk.

The ship’s Library lies just off this area, and features approximately 100 books in both English and other languages.

Forward of the Library is the Observation Lounge, offering sweeping 180-degree views of the beautiful scenery ahead. With comfortable seating and a full bar, it may be tempting to never leave – unless it’s in order to take a stroll along the open promenade deck that wraps around this lounge.

All the way aft on Upper Deck is the ship’s dining area. Capable of seating every passenger aboard in a single seating, fighting crowds is never a problem here. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here in a relaxed, open-seating environment that allows guests to dine with whomever they want. A popular breakfast buffet is also on offer during the morning.

Topside, the Sky Deck offers guests the opportunity to take in the sunshine and scenery while relaxing in comfortable loungers.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• There is no passenger elevator aboard Viking Pride.
• All staterooms aboard Viking Pride are fitted with 220 volt, European style two-prong plugs. North American cruisers should bring an adapter, such as the Samsonite Europe Non-Grounded adapter.