Best Viking River Cruise Cabin: Full Guide to Stateroom Types, Costs, and How to Choose the Right One
Choosing the best Viking River Cruise cabin is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before your trip. Viking longships are small, with about 95 staterooms and five cabin types: Standard, French Balcony, Veranda, Veranda Suite, and the Explorer Suite. Unlike ocean cruises, where endless categories and upgrades can feel overwhelming, Viking’s options are simpler, but each choice affects comfort, convenience, noise levels, views, and price more than most first-time river cruisers expect.
This guide breaks down the key factors, gives a clear look at each cabin type, compares space and amenities, and ends with our personal recommendation based on years of sailing with Viking.
Key Factors When Choosing a Viking River Cruise Cabin
Selecting a stateroom on a Viking longship is not the same as picking a cabin on a large ocean ship. The ships are compact, the itineraries are busy, and the difference between cabin types can shape your experience more than you might think.
Deck Access and Mobility
The elevator serves the middle and upper decks only. The Swan Deck (where Standard cabins are located) is stairs-only, which matters for travelers with mobility limitations.
Light, Fresh Air, and Views
French Balcony and Veranda cabins feel brighter because you can open a sliding door. Standard cabins have a fixed waterline window, which can feel darker to some travelers.
Locks, Docking, and Rafting
River cruises often pass through dozens of locks, especially itineraries like the Grand European Tour. Lower-deck cabins experience more noise and closer contact with lock walls. In port, ships may raft together, blocking views for any balcony cabin.
Space and Storage
Cabin sizes range from 150 square feet in a Standard stateroom to 445 square feet in the Explorer Suite. Standard cabins actually have strong storage because of the shelf under the window. French Balcony cabins lose this feature.
Season and Climate
Warm-weather cruises make balconies more appealing. On cooler itineraries—spring, fall, and Christmas Markets—most guests spend less time outdoors, which can make lower categories a better value.
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Viking Longship Cabin Types Explained
We’ve stayed in every stateroom type on Viking longships, and while the décor and overall layout stay consistent, space, light, and amenities vary.
Standard Stateroom (150 sq ft | No Balcony)
These are located on the Swan Deck with a waterline window. They offer great storage, including the extra shelf under the window, and the same bathroom layout as most non-suite cabins. Downsides include more noise in locks, darker lighting, and stair-only access to the deck.
French Balcony (135 sq ft | French Balcony Door)
Located on the middle and upper decks, these cabins feel brighter thanks to the sliding glass door and fresh air. You lose the window shelf and a bit of square footage. These cabins are quieter than the Standard cabins but do not offer outdoor seating.
Veranda Stateroom (205 sq ft | True Veranda)
A popular choice because of the extra space and outdoor seating. These cabins provide more natural light, more usable square footage, and are conveniently located on higher decks. Great for warm-weather itineraries.
Veranda Suite (275 sq ft | Veranda + French Balcony)
Only seven suites exist on each longship. You get two separate rooms, two balconies, and a significantly larger bathroom. Amenities include daily replenished wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus complimentary laundry. The wardrobe is smaller than expected, but the added space is a big benefit for travelers who like to spread out.
Explorer Suite (445 sq ft | Wraparound Veranda)
There are only two Explorer Suites on each ship, located aft on the upper deck. These feel like apartments, with a living room, large bedroom, and a spacious bathroom featuring smart privacy glass, a big shower, and generous storage. Amenities include:
Welcome champagne
Daily stocked mini-bar
Premium in-room coffee machine
Complimentary in-room breakfast service
Complimentary laundry
Silver Spirits beverage package
Private arrival and departure transfers
Viking Air Plus for US/Canada travelers
These offer the highest level of comfort on board.
Cabin Cost Comparison (Grand European Tour)
Prices vary, but this real-world comparison shows how cabin types differ.
Standard Stateroom: $5,299 pp – Baseline cost
French Balcony: $7,499 pp – About 1.4× Standard
Veranda Stateroom: $8,499 pp – About 1.6× Standard
Veranda Suite: $13,499 pp – About 2.6× Standard
Explorer Suite: $17,299 pp – About 3.3× Standard
Suites offer excellent perks, but the price jump is significant.
If you’re heading on a river cruise soon, you will find our Printable River Cruise Packing List helpful!
Our Recommendation: The Best All-Around Viking River Cruise Cabin
For most travelers, the Veranda Stateroom is the best balance of size, comfort, light, fresh air, and price. You get outdoor space when weather allows and enough room to feel comfortable without overspending.
Personally, we spend most of our time in the common areas or off the ship, so the Standard Stateroom works very well for cooler itineraries when the veranda won’t be used.
We only choose a French Balcony when traveling solo, as the space feels tight for two.
Suites are excellent for extra space and upgraded bathrooms, but we suggest saving those for celebrations or milestone trips.
✅ Conclusion
Viking River Cruise cabins may look similar at first glance, but differences in deck location, noise, light, space, and amenities can make one category a better fit than another. By understanding the five cabin types and how they compare in layout, price, and comfort, you can choose the stateroom that matches your travel style and budget. Whether you prefer stretching your cruise dollars with a Standard cabin or splurging on the privacy of a Veranda or Suite, the right choice makes your Viking river cruise even more enjoyable.
