CroisiEurope vs Viking River Cruises:
When Australians start researching European river cruises, two names come up immediately: CroisiEurope and Viking. Both are major players in the European river cruise market. But they are genuinely different products at genuinely different price points and for most Australian travellers, the choice is clearer than the marketing makes it seem.
This is an honest, detailed comparison based on the facts.
Company Background
CroisiEurope: Founded 1976 in Strasbourg, France. Family-owned. Europe's oldest and largest river cruise operator. French heritage with French-quality cuisine at the core. 50 ships, 170 itineraries, 38 countries.
Viking River Cruises: Founded 1997 in Oslo, Norway. Listed company. Built its brand primarily through US and UK marketing. Known for a clean Scandinavian aesthetic and a heavy marketing spend. Approximately 70+ river ships.
Price
CroisiEurope: A 7-day Danube cruise from approximately €880 €1,200 per person twin share (2027 estimates). Includes meals, wine with meals, excursions, and port taxes.
Viking: A comparable 8-day Danube cruise typically starts at approximately USD$3,000 $4,500 per person twin share. Excursions are included but wine with meals is not (available as an add-on package).
The price gap is significant typically 2 3x for a comparable itinerary. For Australian travellers on a fixed holiday budget, this is the single most important differentiator.
What's Included
CroisiEurope
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Wine and beer with lunch and dinner included, every day
• Coffee, tea, and soft drinks throughout the day
• At least one shore excursion per port (included)
• Port taxes and navigation fees
• On-board entertainment and cultural activities
Viking
• All meals
• Beer and wine with lunch and dinner (included on most itineraries verify current policy)
• Shore excursions (bookable separately for European itineraries; included for Mekong, Africa & Amazon)
• Port taxes
• Wi-Fi (included this is a Viking advantage CroisiEurope doesn't always match)
Ship Design & Size
CroisiEurope: 100 180 passengers per ship. Traditional river ship design with a focus on the destination rather than the vessel. Warm, comfortable not minimalist.
Viking: 190 passengers per ship. Clean Scandinavian design neutral colours, uncluttered spaces, large windows and glass-panelled Aquavit Terrace. Designed to feel like a high-end Scandinavian hotel.
Viking's ships are more design-forward. CroisiEurope's ships are traditional and comfortable. Both are well-maintained.
Cuisine
CroisiEurope: French-owned, and it shows. Meals are prepared with French technique and regional specialties proper three-course dinners, not buffet catering. Wine is included because in France, wine is a meal component, not a luxury.
Viking: Good food, well-presented. Nordic-influenced in aesthetic. Comparable in quality but different in character.
For Australians who care about food and wine as part of the travel experience, CroisiEurope's French-kitchen philosophy is a genuine advantage.
Shore Excursions
CroisiEurope: At least one included guided excursion per port. Optional premium packages available at additional cost.
Viking: Shore excursions (bookable separately for European itineraries; included for Mekong, Africa & Amazon) plus optional 'optional excursions' at extra cost. Viking's 'Enrichment Lectures' on board are a noted advantage.
Booking from Australia
CroisiEurope: Exclusively represented in Australia by CroisiEurope Australia (Tweet World Travel, Adelaide) 1300 739 652. Book and pay in AUD, local time zone, no credit card surcharges.
Viking: No dedicated Australian office. Bookings handled through Viking's US/UK system or via Australian travel agents. May involve currency conversion and international calls.
The Verdict
CroisiEurope wins on: price (significantly), French cuisine and wine culture, local Australian support, and itinerary breadth (170 vs approximately 80 itineraries).
Viking wins on: design aesthetic, brand recognition (particularly if travelling with Americans), and Wi-Fi inclusion.
For Australian travellers who want the best European river cruising experience at a competitive price, with French-quality food and wine and local booking support CroisiEurope is the stronger choice.
Book Your 2027 River Cruise with CroisiEurope Australia
CroisiEurope Australia handles all bookings for Australian travellers local support, AUD pricing, no credit card surcharges on Visa or Mastercard.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au | Office: Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
2027 Early Booking is open now. Enquire today.
