Viking Eir

The 2015-built Longship Viking Eir cruises on the Rhine River in Germany and the Netherlands. This Viking longship is named after Eir – in Norse mythology, the goddess of healing. Eir is also one of the Valkyries – female warrior deities who chose which soldiers would die on the battlefield.

The 8-day Viking Eir Rhine itinerary sails through Germany, passing charming castles along the riverbanks and the scenic landscapes of the Black Forest region. The voyage also includes opportunities to explore the Netherlands’ waterworks and windmills.

The vessel (ENI number 7002021) is currently Switzerland-flagged (MMSI 269057494) and registered in Basel.

Cabins

Viking Eir has a total of 95 staterooms (including 9 Suites, 22 French Balcony cabins, and 25 with non-opening windows) across 8 categories. The Longships feature two Explorer Suites – among the largest river cruise accommodations in Europe – as well as seven Veranda Suites (two-room layouts) with both a veranda and a French balcony. The 39 Veranda Staterooms offer full-size balconies, and there are also 22 French Balcony Staterooms.

Cabin types and categories (number, location), from highest to lowest:

• Suites – ES (x2, Deck 3), AA (x7, Deck 3)
• Balcony Staterooms – A (x20, Deck 3), B (x17, Deck 2)
• French Balcony Staterooms (with floor-to-ceiling door-windows) – C (x5, Deck 3), D (x15, Deck 2)
• RiverView Staterooms – E (x18, Deck 1), F (x7, Deck 1)

Shipboard facilities

In Norse mythology, Eir is described as “the best of all physicians.” Some sources portray her as a goddess of healing, while others depict her as a horse-riding Valkyrie who decides the fate of warriors in battle. She is considered a powerful figure, and some traditions associate her with Frigg, the foremost of the Norse goddesses. The Viking Eir incorporates the signature design elements of the Viking Longships, featuring deluxe accommodations, streamlined Scandinavian interiors, and advanced engineering. Notable features include the innovative all-weather Aquavit Terrace, which brings outdoor scenery indoors and allows guests to enjoy river views and al fresco dining year-round. All Viking Longships, including Viking Eir, feature organic herb gardens and onboard solar panels. Their hybrid engines are energy-efficient and reduce vibrations for a smoother ride.

Dining options onboard Viking Eir include the Eir Restaurant (main dining room) and the Aquavit Terrace (al fresco). Additional facilities include an Observation Lounge, Atrium (lobby), Library (with Internet access), Shop (gifts and souvenirs), and a top deck with a shaded relaxation area, Sky Bar, herbal garden, putting green, walking track, and shuffleboard. The Eir longship does not have a gym, pool, jacuzzi, or spa.

Viking Eir cruise fares include Internet (Wi-Fi), all tours and excursions, ground transfers, live evening entertainment, daily lectures, food and wine tastings, 24-hour coffee and tea, and daily replenished bottled water.

Viking Eir river cruise prices are per person and based on double occupancy. These rates are indicative and may vary depending on travel agency promotions, special offers, discounts, group bookings, or last-minute deals. On select itineraries and dates, Viking may offer discounted round-trip airfare from the USA (available for certain cabins or sailings).

River Cruise Itineraries

Below is a list of Viking Eir river cruise itineraries (by theme), as officially announced by Viking Cruises:

• “RHINE GETAWAY” – 7-day cruises (also offered as themed “German Christmas Markets” itineraries) from Amsterdam to Basel, and the reverse from Basel to Amsterdam. These itineraries visit 4 countries (the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland) and include 6 complimentary land tours and excursions. Disembarkation in Amsterdam offers an optional 2-night hotel package, while disembarkation in Basel includes an optional 2-night stay in Lucerne (on Lake Lucerne in the Swiss Alps).
• Featured port activities along the route include Kinderdijk (windmills network tour, Dutch cheese tasting, jenever tasting, and sjoelen/table shuffleboard), Koblenz (Marksburg Castle and museum tour), Rudesheim (Drosselgasse), Mannheim (bus tour to Heidelberg, with afternoon re-embarkation in Speyer), Kehl (tour to Strasbourg), and Breisach (Black Forest open-air museum, cuckoo clock workshop, and optional excursion to Colmar).