Viking Embla

The 2012-built Longship Viking Embla cruises on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, visiting the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria, with departures from Budapest, Bucharest, and Amsterdam.

This Viking longship is named after Embla – in Norse mythology, the first woman and mother of humankind, who, together with the first man Askr, was created from two tree trunks by the brother-gods Odin, Vili, and Ve.

The vessel (ENI number 7001956) is currently Switzerland-flagged (MMSI 269057407) and registered in Basel.

Cabins

Viking Embla has a total of 95 cabins (including 9 Suites, 22 French Balcony cabins, and 25 cabins with non-opening windows) across 8 categories. The ship offers two Explorer Suites with 270-degree panoramic views and private wraparound verandas. The seven Veranda Suites feature two full rooms, with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom. Additional accommodations include 39 Veranda Staterooms, 25 Standard Staterooms, and 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

Viking “green” ships feature solar panels, hybrid energy-efficient engines, and an organic herb garden. Viking Embla accommodates 190 passengers and offers comfortable amenities such as 40-inch flat-screen TVs and in-room refrigerators. Guests can enjoy the putting green, walking track, or relax in the library. Additional facilities include a boutique shop, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

The Aquavit Terrace (indoor-outdoor lounge) is located at the bow and is an ideal spot for relaxation. The Sun Deck features a shaded seating area and offers 360-degree views. The Observation Lounge and bar provide panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Viking Embla 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 Embla 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.

River Cruise Itineraries

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

• “GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR” – 14-day river cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest (and reverse), visiting 5 countries and including 13 complimentary excursions. Departures from Budapest begin sailing on the evening of the second day and end in Amsterdam (with an optional 2-night Amsterdam hotel package). Disembarkation in Budapest offers an optional 3-night Prague hotel package (Czech Republic).
• “PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE” – 10-day Rhine-Main-Danube cruises from Budapest to Bucharest (and reverse), visiting 5 countries and including 7 complimentary excursions. Packages may include hotel stays in Budapest or Bucharest, with optional extensions to Prague or the Danube-Black Sea region.
• “EUROPEAN SOJOURN” – 23-day Black Sea itineraries from Amsterdam to Bucharest (and reverse), visiting 9 countries and including 19 complimentary excursions. Disembarkation options include hotel stays in Bucharest or Amsterdam, with optional extended programs.

Note: You can view CruiseMapper’s list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the “itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and their fleets are listed.

Transfers to/from Viking Embla and airport meet-and-greet services are included in the fares only when airfare is purchased through the Viking cruise line.

Viking Embla is part of the latest generation of Viking Cruises longships. This patented river cruise ship design allows for larger accommodations without reducing the size of public areas or compromising overall comfort. The ship represents the line’s Longship-class design, featuring energy-efficient hybrid engine technology, solar panels, and interior design by Yran & Storbraaten (Norway). The patented “longship” concept, developed by Rottet Studios (USA), enables significantly larger passenger accommodations with full-size balconies. The additional cabin space is achieved by shifting the deck corridor approximately 1 m (3.3 ft) off-center.

The riverboat’s godmother is Alexandra Lobkowicz, Chairman of the Lobkowicz Collections (a nonprofit organization in the Czech Republic overseeing artworks, restoration projects, educational programs, and festivals). She is also one of the owners of the private Lobkowicz Palace, a museum located within the Prague Castle complex. The ship’s christening ceremony was held in Amsterdam Holland, setting a Guinness World Record for “Most Ships Inaugurated in One Day by One Company.” On March 20, 2013, Embla was christened together with the Viking longships Aegir, Atla, Bragi, Forseti, Jarl, Rinda, Skadi, Tor, and Var. Four of these ships were present in Amsterdam, while the other six participated via live satellite link from the Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock Germany.

A notable fact is that the riverboat shares her name with the cruiseferry Stena Embla (2021), operated by STENA LINE.

Note: You can view CruiseMapper’s list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the “itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and their fleets are listed.