Viking Sol

The 2027-built Longship Viking Sol cruises on the Douro River in Portugal and Spain, with itineraries departing from Lisbon (including a 2-night hotel stay) and Oporto (7-day roundtrip embarkation/disembarkation). The sailing portion begins in Porto (Oporto).

Longship Sol is operated through a partnership between Viking River Cruises and Douro Azul (Portugal’s largest cruise tour company, a subsidiary of Mystic Cruises). Other Viking ships operating in Portugal include Hemming, Torgil, Osfrid, Helgrim, and Gyda.

Viking Douro cruise prices (per person, including flights from the UK) typically range from GBP 1,300 to GBP 2,300 (peak season rates). On select Douro itineraries, Viking also offers roundtrip USA airfare packages with discounted pricing on selected cabins, itineraries, or departure dates.

Viking Sol is a modified longship design (smaller, with reduced passenger capacity), built specifically for Douro River cruising. She features an innovative corridor configuration, modern engineering and technology, signature Scandinavian decor, premium stateroom amenities, themed onboard entertainment, and an expert-led enrichment program.

The vessel will be Portugal-flagged (MMSI number TBA) and registered in Lisbon.

The shipbuilder is WestSEA (shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal).

For the 2027 launch season, Viking River Cruises also scheduled the standard longships Fulla, Halogi, Hnoss, Laga, and Ran, as well as the India-based Brahmaputra.

Cabins

Viking Sol has a total of 53 staterooms (11 Suites, 24 Balcony cabins, 2 French Balcony cabins, and 16 with non-opening windows) across 8 categories.

All passenger cabins are comfortable and elegantly appointed, featuring amenities such as 40-inch HDTVs, hotel-style beds with premium mattresses, and luxury bath products. Veranda Suites include two separate rooms, with a step-out balcony in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom.

Cabin Types/Categories (number, location), from highest to lowest:

• Suites – AA (x6, Deck 3), AB (x5, Deck 2)
• Balcony Staterooms – A (x13, Deck 3), B (x12, Deck 2)
• French Balcony Staterooms (with floor-to-ceiling door-windows) – C (x1, Deck 3), D (x1, Deck 2)
• RiverView Staterooms – E (x12, Deck 1), F (x4, Deck 1)

Shipboard facilities

Viking Sol is a modified longship design with reduced passenger capacity, built exclusively for Douro River voyages. She features an innovative layout, modern engineering, Scandinavian-style interiors, premium accommodations, themed entertainment, and enrichment programs led by experts.

Onboard dining venues include Sol Restaurant (main dining room) and the Aquavit Terrace (al fresco). The Aquavit Terrace is located at the bow. The Sun Deck offers 360-degree panoramic views, al fresco dining, a swimming pool with sunbathing area, and shaded seating. Additional facilities include an Observation Lounge, Atrium (lobby), Library (Internet access), Shop (gifts and souvenirs), putting green/mini-golf, Sky Bar, deck games (including shuffleboard), and an organic herb garden.

The vessel is also equipped with solar panels that contribute power to her hybrid propulsion system.

The longship does not feature a gym, jacuzzi, or spa, but does offer a swimming pool on the top deck.

Viking Sol cruise fares are inclusive of 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 cruise prices are per person and based on double occupancy. These are indicative rates and may vary depending on travel agency promotions, special offers, group bookings, or last-minute deals.

Itineraries

The following Viking Sol Douro itineraries are officially announced by Viking River Cruises:

"PORTUGAL RIVER OF GOLD" is a 10-day cruisetour starting from Lisbon, including a 7-day roundtrip Douro River cruise from Oporto (initially sailing eastward). These itineraries include 8 complimentary guided tours across Portugal and Spain.

The Douro River route showcases scenic landscapes with terraced vineyards, picturesque villages, small towns, and historic castles and monasteries. Highlights include local food and wine tastings, particularly traditional Portuguese cuisine and port wines from the Douro Valley.

Typical itinerary highlights include: Lisbon (2-night luxury hotel stay), scenic transfer to Oporto (with lunch in Coimbra and embarkation at Vila Nova de Gaia), Foz (fishing village and wine facilities, with optional excursion to Guimarães, rejoining the ship at Bitetos), Alpendurada Monastery (including traditional dining and fado performances), Regua (Lamego tour to the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedy, visit to Quinta do Seixo winery, rejoining at Pinhao), passage through the Valeira and Pocinho locks, Barca d'Alva (excursion to Castelo Rodrigo), full-day tour to Salamanca (Spain, from Vega de Terron), overnight docking at Vega de Terron, Pinhao (excursion to Favaios and Quinta da Avessada winery with dinner and wine tasting), Regua (tour to Vila Real), Gaia (overnight), and Oporto (disembarkation).

An optional 2-night extension package is available for visits to Braga (Portugal’s third-largest city) and Santiago de Compostela (capital of Galicia, Spain).