Viking

Viking began in 1997 with four river ships in Russia and now runs river, ocean and expedition voyages. The approach is consistent across all three: Scandinavian design, no casinos, no children, and an emphasis on the destination rather than onboard entertainment. Guests must be 18 or over.

On the rivers, Viking’s Longships sail the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Elbe and Rhône, along with the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi. Fares include one shore excursion in every port, meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and Wi-Fi.

Ocean ships carry around 930 guests, which is small by ocean cruising standards, and every stateroom has a veranda. Expedition voyages run to Antarctica and the Arctic aboard two purpose-built polar vessels.

What Viking leaves out is as deliberate as what it includes. There are no formal nights, no photographers, no art auctions and no upselling on board. Lectures, local performances and destination briefings take their place.

Viking suits travellers who want a quiet ship, a consistent product across destinations, and a clear idea of what the fare covers before they book. It is one of the easiest lines to recommend to first-time river cruisers for exactly that reason.