Viking Star

Viking Star is the ship that took Viking from rivers to oceans, entering service in 2015 as the first of a long series of near-identical sisters. She set the template the line still follows: fewer than a thousand guests, every stateroom with a private veranda, clean Scandinavian design and an adults-only, no-casino atmosphere. Days are built around the destination, with an included shore excursion in each port, enrichment lectures and a resident historian. Because the sister ships share the same layout and venues, choosing Viking Star is really about her itinerary, which has often focused on Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Mediterranean.

Best for: Curious, culturally minded adults who want a calm, elegant ship with the destination at the center of every day.

Viking is an adults-only (18+) cruise line for curious travelers, running river cruises in Europe, Egypt, Asia and the US alongside small, elegant ocean and expedition ships. Fares include a shore excursion in every port, wine and beer with meals, Wi-Fi and specialty dining, and there are no casinos, kids or upsell-heavy extras. It suits older, culturally minded travelers, less so anyone wanting nightlife or family fun.