After the signal on May 19, 2021 that Europe will allow fully vaccinated travelers to enter EU countries without quarantine, Viking Cruises will restart five European river cruises from July.

Viking’s Longship Mani crosses the Middle Rhine.

Viking cruises

Five new Viking cruises “Welcome Back”

As of July 2021, five of VikingsThe most popular European river cruises are back. They are in addition to the first 2021 itineraries that Viking launched in Bermuda, Iceland, UK, and Malta. They are only for vaccinated passengers.

The newly launched European river cruises are:

  • 15 days France’s finest: Combination of the Paris & Heart of Normandy and Lyon & Provence cruises (see below).
  • Day 10 Portugal’s river of gold: Along the Douro River between Lisbon and Porto with several stops in Portugal and Salamanca, Spain.
  • Eight days Rhine vacation: Exploring the castles and cathedrals between Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland with stops in the Netherlands, Germany and France.
  • Eight days Lyon & Provence: Between Avignon and Lyon on the Rhône to visit Roman ruins in Arles, places that inspired Cézanne and Chagall, learn about cheese making and hunting for truffles, and enjoy food in the French gastronomic capital, Lyon try.
  • Eight days Paris and the heart of Normandy: Along the Seine, round-trip transport from Paris to the gardens that inspired Monet, the city of Rouen founded by the Romans, the beaches and military cemeteries of Normandy during WWII, and the best of Paris.

A white viking longship on a shallow blue river with a green hill in the background.

The Viking Torgil.

Viking cruises

On board Viking cruises

The Viking river cruises are on board Viking longships and have a maximum of 190 guests. They have an elegant Scandinavian design, spacious cabins with large verandas, and indoor and outdoor dining. The herb gardens on board add a fresh flavor to dishes inspired by the cities you pass by.

Known as the “Thinking Person’s Cruise,” Viking is aimed at travelers curious to explore new places and ideas. Itineraries are offered to highlight unique experiences preferred by well-known travelers, and a complimentary shore excursion is included at each port of call. Onboard, libraries, lectures, menus, and experiences also encourage you to immerse yourself in the cultures of the countries you visit.

Two putting greens next to two long rows of vegetable planters with a river bank in the background

The herb garden on board every Viking longship next to the putting green.

Viking cruises

The Viking Health & Safety Program These include frequent non-invasive PCR tests for passengers and crew members, new air purification technologies (in addition to the already independent ventilation devices for each cabin), as well as additional physical distancing measures, disinfection and health checks.

Part of a cruise cabin with a bed, counter and chairs overlooking the green bank of the river through a balcony and sliding glass doors

A cabin and porch of the Viking longship

Viking cruises

Europe’s Covid Requirements

Until the final approval, all travelers from outside the EU should soon be welcome in all 27 countries of the bloc – provided they are fully vaccinated with EU-approved vaccines. So far, these vaccines include Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson. The last dose of the vaccine must be received at least 14 days before arrival in Europe. Proof of vaccination is required.

Colorful buildings in Passau are reflected in the Danube

Panoramic view of the historic city of Passau, which is reflected in the famous Danube on a beautiful evening … [+] Light at sunset, Bavaria, Germany

getty

Unvaccinated travelers from selected low risk countries are also allowed to enter Europe. There are currently only seven countries on this list: Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and, subject to mutual confirmation, China, Hong Kong and Macau. Further information can be found on the EU travel during the coronavirus pandemic website.

While EU member states have agreed on a coordinated approach to reopening travel, each EU country has the power to set its own border entry rules. For example, Greece lifted quarantine requirements for travelers from the US, EU, UK, Israel and Serbia if they were vaccinated or had a negative Covid test, and Italy reopened on May 16 to fully vaccinated travelers from select countries.

Further goals follow

As vaccination accelerates in several countries and vaccination doses are increasingly available in most parts of the world, travel is reopening. Viking Cruises has more Welcome Back itineraries in the works that will be announced shortly.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR