Viking River Cruises Keep You Moving

By John Roberts

ABOARD VIKING MANI -- River cruises hold their own for us active types, what with their hop-on, hop-off accessibility to quaint and historic towns and flexible excursion options.

We've found a range of ways to plot out your daily port stops during our first few days on our Viking River Cruise. We've put a lot of mileage on our feet while enjoying the brand-new Viking Longship Mani just by sticking with the line's included excursion program.

We've toured Basel, Switzerland, Breisbach, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, so far, with three more towns to see before wrapping up in Amsterdam.

You can find several ways to keep amply active on river cruises, which correctly have the reputation for being a more relaxed and slower-paced way to vacation. But this doesn't mean you can't set your own pace.

I've noticed at least four ways a Viking River Cruise rates well for active travelers.  

Our ship, the Viking Mani, docks at a park in Kehl, Germany, where we see runners, bikers and rollerbladers enjoying a sunny day.

1. You Dock Where the Action Is -- Your vessel pulls tight up alongside scenic and historic areas. Along the Rhine, we sit alongside towns filled with restaurants, historic buildings and shopping that you can explore. Viking cruises include one daily excursion in your fare at each port stop. But if you choose to go it on your own for a day to avoid the masses, you can spend the day hiking, walking, running, biking, etc., on the gorgeous parks and paths that run parallel to the river. We spotted people floating in tubes, kayaking and even waterskiing in the Rhine this week. 

You can enjoy a tour that Viking has arranged -- or go on your own with the help of the line's program manager and concierge staff.

2. Design Your Own Excursion -- If you're interested in doing something in a town on your stop, just ask. Viking's program directors and concierge staff can call ahead and help you make arrangements for any adventure that you are interested in. Hiking in the Black Forest or maybe a balloon ride in France, perhaps? 

Still got energy after your morning excursion? Head out for an afternoon tour to complete your action-filled day.

3. Double Up -- Viking generally offers mix of afternoon excursions (added fee) in a port so you can really wear yourself out. You can do a city walk in the morning or a bus tour with stops at several historical sites. Then, come back to the ship for lunch and head out for another tour, like a vineyard tour and wine tasting or visit to a WWII museum or cathedrals. We've been so tuckered out from our morning tours and fighting off jet lag that we have had to forgo the afternoon options so far in favor of glorious naps.

A river cruise will bring right into everyday life in historic villages.

4. Ships Stay Late -- At many port stops, you get yet one more chance to wander out to explore the villages you dock alongside. Vessels sometimes stay as late as 11 p.m. in towns, so you an walk off that big dinner and enjoy the city lights on a stroll. With our comparatively tame participation, so far, in the wide range of activities we have at hand, we still tally six or seven miles a day on our feet.

Thanks for reading.
Travel happy! 
JR