Castles begin appearing almost casually along the Rhine. Some crown vineyard-covered hills while others overlook compact riverside towns, creating stretches where sightseeing requires little more than finding a comfortable seat and watching Europe pass by.
Alruna takes its name from a Valkyrie in Norse legend and carries just 190 guests. Scandinavian woods, contemporary furnishings and extensive glass create a calm interior that contrasts nicely with the medieval fortresses, Gothic cathedrals and old-world cities encountered ashore.
The Rhine is where this Longship shines. Sailings between Amsterdam and Basel can combine Dutch waterways with Cologne, Germany’s castle country, Strasbourg and Switzerland, producing considerable cultural variety within a relatively compact journey.
Instead of disappearing indoors at lunchtime, guests can use the Aquavit Terrace for casual dining with an open-air river view. The Sun Deck provides an even broader perspective when passing the vineyards and castles of the Middle Rhine.
Its 95 outside staterooms range from Standard and French Balcony accommodations to Veranda Staterooms, Veranda Suites and two Explorer Suites. The layout emphasizes views without giving the relatively small vessel a crowded feel.
Meals incorporate regional influences, while Viking’s destination-focused programming provides context for the places ahead. A complimentary excursion is typically included in many ports, with optional experiences adding deeper exploration of wine, history, food and local culture.
Alruna is particularly appealing to travelers whose image of European river cruising includes castles, vineyards and historic cities gathered close to the water. The ship wisely remains understated and allows the Rhine to provide most of the drama.
Viking Alruna
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