I recently had the opportunity to take a mini Danube River cruise round-trip from Vienna aboard the Viking Rinda. Although this was my second time cruising the Danube, it was my first experience with Viking River Cruises—and I was absolutely thrilled. Let me tell you why.
Pre-Cruise in Vienna
We flew into Vienna a day early and stayed at the Hilton Waterfront for one night. Pro tip: always fly in a day or two before your cruise, just in case of flight delays. Luckily, our Austrian Airlines flight from Boston was smooth and on time. I upgraded to business class and it was worth every penny—spacious seating, attentive service, and a surprisingly quick overnight flight (despite the lack of Wi-Fi).
Vienna International Airport is modern, clean, and very manageable. Within 60 minutes of landing, we were at our hotel and ready to explore. We headed straight to Schönbrunn Palace, a must-see in Vienna. Although we didn’t book a guided tour in advance (we weren’t sure of our arrival time), we easily bought tickets at the gate. We waited about an hour before entering at our assigned time and then enjoyed a self-guided audio tour through the stunning palace apartments and expansive grounds.
March meant fewer crowds, but I can only imagine how beautiful the gardens must be in full bloom during spring or summer. This is a great option for a half or full day tour while staying in Vienna.
All Aboard: Viking Rinda
The next day, it was time to board the Viking Rinda. We arrived around noon and were pleasantly surprised to find our cabin ready. After dropping our bags, we headed to lunch in the main restaurant, which offered a buffet of hot items and a fresh salad bar—perfect for a light midday meal.
That afternoon, we joined the included Vienna City Tour, a combination of motorcoach and walking tour. We explored the Hofburg Palace complex, the Spanish Riding School, the Opera House, and finished at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The guide provided a wonderful overview of the Habsburg dynasty and the architectural splendor of the city.
During free time, we relaxed at Café Demel and sampled the famous Kaiserschmarrn with stewed plums—delicious! Shopping in Vienna is a treat, with luxury brands and local boutiques lining the streets. But the real highlight is simply soaking in the incredible architecture everywhere you turn.
Back on board, we had time to unwind before dinner. One of Viking’s signature features is the pre-dinner gathering in the lounge, where the Cruise Director shares updates and excursion information. Dinner is a casual, open-seating, multi-course affair with regional specialties, à la carte selections, and complimentary beer, wine, or soft drinks.
Viking truly impressed me with their attention to detail. Two guests at our table had extensive food allergies, and the staff was not only accommodating—they were reassuring and proactive. After dinner, there was live music in the lounge, but after a full day, I called it an early night.
Krems & Wine Tasting
The next day brought us to Krems, where we visited Mörwald Erhard for a cellar tour and wine tasting. This was a fantastic experience, with wines exclusive to Viking River Cruises that were absolutely fabulous. It was a half-day excursion, giving us the rest of the afternoon free to explore on our own.
Salzburg via Linz: A Day to Remember
One of the major highlights of the cruise was our day trip to Salzburg. We docked in Linz, then embarked on a scenic two-hour drive through the Austrian countryside with a stop in Mondsee, known for filming locations from The Sound of Music.
In Salzburg, we explored historic sites like Mozart’s birthplace, sampled the original Mozartkugel chocolates, and toured the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium—Europe’s oldest restaurant—where we had lunch and a classical performance. The meal itself was average, and next time I might opt out, but it was still a worthwhile experience for first-time visitors.
Salzburg is incredibly charming, with winding alleyways, riverside views, and hidden gems like Hotel Sacher, which I toured for future travel inspiration. It’s a romantic, walkable city—perfect for a weekend getaway.
A Perfect Ending
That evening back onboard, we enjoyed an Austrian-themed dinner complete with pretzels and schnitzel, followed by a delightful waltz performance. It was the perfect cultural sendoff to end our cruise on a high note.
Final Thoughts: Is Viking Worth It?
Our mini Danube cruise with Viking may have been short, but it offered a fantastic introduction to the Viking experience. The ships are modern, light, and airy, with just 190 guests onboard, making for an intimate and relaxing environment.
What stood out most?
- Impeccable service
- Adult-only atmosphere
- Casual, unhurried vibe
- Excellent value for the price
If you’re considering a river cruise and would like expert guidance, reach out to me. Take a look at my Ultimate Guide to River Cruising to help you plan your perfect getaway.