Viking Longship vs. Longship Plus: What's the Difference?

Viking's European River Fleet: Two Ship Classes

Viking operates the largest fleet of river cruise ships in Europe, and their flagship design — the Viking Longship — has been the gold standard since its debut in 2012. In recent years, Viking has introduced updated ships with enhanced features, sometimes referred to informally as 'Longship Plus' or next-generation Longships.

The differences between the original Longships and newer vessels are subtle but meaningful. Both share the same award-winning design DNA, but the newer ships incorporate feedback from over a decade of guest experiences, updated technology, and refined interior design.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Key differences between original and updated Longships.

Does the Ship Class Actually Matter?

Honest assessment of whether you should care.

• For most guests, the differences are negligible — you'd need to sail both back-to-back to notice. The core experience is identical
• The crew matters more than the ship — Viking's service quality varies more by individual crew than by ship class
• Newer ships have better USB charging and Wi-Fi infrastructure — relevant if you're tech-dependent
• Original Longships are well-maintained — Viking invests heavily in refurbishment, so older ships don't feel dated
• You typically can't choose your exact ship — Viking assigns ships to itineraries, and the specific vessel may change
• Itinerary and timing matter far more than ship class — don't let ship assignment drive your booking decision

How to Get the Best Ship Experience

Regardless of which ship you're on.

• Request a mid-ship cabin in any category — this gives you the smoothest ride and easiest access to all public spaces
• Ask your travel agent which specific ship is assigned to your sailing — they can check and let you know
• Read recent reviews for your specific ship — CruiseCritic and TripAdvisor reviews are ship-specific and reveal current condition
• Newer doesn't always mean better — some of the most experienced (and best) crews serve on the original Longships
• Focus on the itinerary, date, and cabin category — these impact your experience 10x more than which generation of Longship you're on

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a specific Viking ship?

You can request a specific ship through your travel agent, but Viking doesn't guarantee it. Ships are assigned to itineraries and can change due to maintenance, repositioning, or operational needs. Your agent can tell you which ship is currently assigned to your sailing date. If a specific ship is important to you (e.g., you want one of the newer vessels), book well in advance and communicate your preference clearly.

Are Viking's older ships outdated?

No. Viking maintains and refurbishes their fleet regularly. Even the original Longships (launched 2012-2014) receive ongoing updates to soft furnishings, technology, and public spaces. The fundamental design — cabin layout, restaurant, Aquavit Terrace, sun deck — is the same across all Longships. You won't feel like you're on an 'old' ship. The only noticeable differences are minor: newer USB port configurations, updated bathroom fixtures, and refreshed color schemes.