Our consultant, Jim, recently flew to Europe with Finnair to Helsinki. Then to Amsterdam for a European river cruise with Viking. The long-haul segments in Business Class offered a comfortable start and end to the holiday. Therefore easing Jim and his partner into the cruise experience.
Viking offers a range of European river cruises, alongside magnificent ocean voyages too. Make sure to view all our Viking offers, or get in touch with a Tour + Cruise Specialist to learn more. Jim was on the 8-day Rhine Getaway cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, one of the more popular European river cruise routes.
Learn all about the Viking Sigyn and Jim’s thoughts on this European river cruise.
Boarding and First Impressions
Upon arrival in Amsterdam, the initial task of locating the Viking Sigyn proved to be somewhat challenging. With four Viking longships docked in different locations across the city and little signage to guide passengers, it took some time and a couple of wrong turns before we found the right vessel. Once onboard, however, the check-in process was smooth and efficient. We were pleasantly surprised to find our stateroom ready by 10:30 in the morning, allowing us to drop off our luggage and enjoy a full day exploring Amsterdam before returning to embark on our European river cruise.
Cabin Comfort and Onboard Atmosphere
Our stateroom, located midship in Room 209, was part of the Veranda A/B category. It offered a functional and efficient layout, with space that felt in line with expectations for river cruising. The bedding was notably comfortable, and the choice of two different pillow sizes added a nice touch. A sliding balcony door allowed fresh air to flow into the room, creating a serene spot for morning coffee or evening relaxation.
I noticed that the television in the cabin had minimal functionality, lacking streaming capability or Chromecast, and was mainly useful for tuning in to the welcome briefing. The bathroom, though functional, was quite narrow and featured a low ceiling, which may pose a challenge for taller guests. I also would have appreciated a few more clothing hangers in the wardrobe.
One of the most memorable elements of this European river cruise was the sense of calm onboard. Whether relaxing in bed or dining in one of the ship’s elegant venues, watching the riverbanks drift by was an incredibly peaceful way to travel. The Viking Daily Planner, provided in print and through the app, was a thoughtful resource that made it easy to balance structured excursions with free time. With no need to repack between destinations, the cruise offered a seamless and stress-free rhythm.
Dining Experience
Dining aboard the Viking Sigyn was consistently high quality and varied. Meals were served à la carte, with regional specialties reflecting the areas we passed through, alongside a standard rotating menu. Beer and wine were included at lunch and dinner, and the optional Silver Drinks Package provided access to a broader selection of beverages throughout the day. For guests who enjoy two or more drinks daily, this package represented good value, especially considering standard drink prices began at around 13 Euros. One drink that stood out was the Fjord- a house favorite among many passengers.
There were two primary dining venues onboard. The main restaurant, located on Deck 2, featured a spacious layout with floor-to-ceiling windows. It provided both social and private seating, making it easy to join other travellers or enjoy a more personal meal. The Aquavit Terrace on Deck 3 offered a more intimate setting with stunning views from the front of the ship, making it a perfect spot for couples or small groups looking to dine in a quieter atmosphere.
Service and Facilities
The level of service throughout this European river cruise was exceptional. Staff were consistently friendly, attentive, and seemed to take genuine pride in getting to know guests by name. Meal preferences, allergies, and special requests were remembered and accommodated without issue. Although, a small drawback was the lack of barista-made coffee or milk alternatives at the onboard coffee stations. Although convenient, the self-serve machines did not accommodate specific preferences.
Housekeeping was efficient and discreet, providing turndown service twice daily to ensure our cabin was always in perfect condition. This level of attention extended across all departments on the ship, contributing to an overall atmosphere of warmth and professionalism. Laundry service was available, but costly, with no self-serve option. For a load of about 15 to 20 articles, we paid around $150 AUD, which seemed expensive.
While complimentary shore excursions were a valuable starting point in each destination, some of the paid excursions felt overpriced relative to the experiences offered, a sentiment shared by several fellow guests.
The absence of a spa or fitness center was noticeable, though understandable given the ship’s compact size and the demographic of its guests. A walking track and a few deck games were available, but onboard physical activities were otherwise limited.
Final Thoughts
This European river cruise aboard the Viking Sigyn delivered one of the most relaxing and well-organised travel experiences I’ve had. From the comfort of the stateroom and the quality of the dining to the ease of the itinerary and the attentiveness of the staff. The cruise was thoughtfully designed to prioritise comfort, convenience, and cultural immersion.
While there were a few areas that could be improved, such as clearer embarkation instructions and better in-room entertainment. The positives far outweighed these minor limitations. For travellers seeking a tranquil and enriching European river cruise, the Viking Sigyn is an excellent choice.
Make sure to view all our Viking voyages, or talk to a Tour + Cruise Specialist for more information on European river cruises.
