Viking Ingvi
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Ever since the Ingvi made its maiden voyage in 2014, this 190-passenger river vessel has been ferrying passengers on weeklong trips up and down the Danube, stopping in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Krems, Linz, and Passau along the way. It’s one of around 55 similar ships in Viking’s ever-expanding fleet of signature Longships, most of which tend to have a similar (or near-identical) look and feel, with simple, functionally elegant décor in common areas and cabins.Read More
With a maximum capacity of fewer than 200 guests, the Ingvi feels much like a floating boutique hotel, and while there are only two dining areas (one restaurant and one lounge), an open-plan design, high ceilings, and the presence of large picture windows throughout the vessel mean that spaces rarely feel cramped.
Viking operates both river and ocean cruises with the North American (particularly U.S.) market in mind. While the bulk of their river cruises take place in Europe, they also offer voyages on the Nile, Mekong, and Mississippi Rivers.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
The Ingvi offers 95 staterooms and suites across five categories. The entry-level, 150-square-foot Standard Staterooms are located on the lowest level of the boat and have small water-level windows that let in some natural light. The next level up are the 135-square-foot French Balcony Staterooms. Most of these are situated on the middle level, but there are four on the upper level. These feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide open up to glass barriers, but don’t have actual balconies, unlike their 205-square-foot Veranda State Room counterparts (on the middle and upper levels), which add balconies with chairs. All rooms come with en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers and free Freya-brand toiletries, mini-fridges, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free bottled water. Rooms are equipped with 110-volt (plug type B) outlets, suitable for North American appliances, along with at least one European (type C) outlet. Guests can choose from two twin or queen bed configurations; hypoallergenic bedding, terrycloth bathrobes, and slippers are available on request. There are no single rooms, but discounted single-occupancy fares are sometimes available for solo travelers.
The Ingvi also has two types of suites: 275-square-foot Veranda Suites on the port side of the upper deck and 445-square-foot Explorer Suites, located at the tail end of the upper deck. Both suite types have separate living rooms and bedrooms and spacious bathrooms. Suites also come with free unlimited laundry, and complimentary minibars that are restocked daily with beer, wine, sparkling wine, and soft drinks. Explorer Suites have additional perks, including en-suite espresso machines, private transfers to and from the shop, and free Silver Spirits drink packages. This is also the only category that offers in-room dining, but only at breakfast.
The ship and its facilities are spread over three levels. An elevator and multiple staircases with hand railings connect the middle and upper decks of the ship. The rooftop terrace and the lowest level of the vessel level (where the Standard Staterooms are located) are only accessible by stairs. The restaurant and lounge are located on the middle and upper levels, respectively. Wheelchairs can be accommodated but must be no wider than 22 inches, and travelers with disabilities are requested to travel with an able-bodied companion to help assist them with their needs. Motorized scooters are not allowed onboard.
Food & Drink
All meals are included in the cost of the cruise. There are two dining areas onboard: the main restaurant on the middle level and the Aquavit Terrace & Lounge, located on the upper floor. Both offer service for all three meals, but options are more limited in Aquavit.
The Ingvi has standard lunch and dinner menus featuring appetizers, main courses, and desserts that are available throughout the duration of the sailing. There are also daily changing menus that generally feature dishes influenced by the culinary traditions of wherever the ship happens to be docked. There’s always at least one vegetarian main course available, and most other special diets can be accommodated. Guests can inform the kitchen of any allergies or special needs on the pre-departure form. The maître d’ also comes around to discuss dietary needs and preferences with guests on the first night of sailing and is available throughout the trip to help accommodate any needs.
The Aquavit Lounge doubles as a bar and social gathering space, offering light meals and a full bar. There are two 24-hour, self-serve tea-and-coffee stations just outside of the lounge that are free to all guests. Beer, house wine, and soft drinks are included during the lunch and dinner services, but cost extra outside of mealtimes. Cocktails and spirits cost extra. Guests can purchase beverages à la carte. Travelers planning to do a lot of imbibing might prefer to sign up for the Silver Spirits package, which includes all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (except champagne) that are priced up to $15 for one flat fee. The package is available for advance purchase, but if you change your mind once you board, don’t worry. Ingvi guests can upgrade through Guest Services.
Entertainment
On-board entertainment includes regular evening piano performances and guest performances from visiting musicians. Presentations are also held on topics ranging from life behind the Iron Curtain to the works of Mozart. During winter’s Christmas market-themed sailings, additional programming such as caroling and tree trimming add a festive flair.
Spa & Fitness
There’s no spa on the Ingvi, and fitness amenities are limited to a walking path on the ship’s rooftop terrace.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
All staterooms are cleaned and sanitized daily and go through deep cleaning/sanitization between guests. Guests are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least two weeks before their cruise. All staff members are vaccinated and are required to wear masks, but masking is optional for guests. Hand sanitizer is provided in rooms and hand sanitizer stations can be found throughout the ship, including at restaurant entrances.
Dress Code
Viking does not have a strict dress code, though shore excursions that include visits to religious sites may require guests to dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered. Viking suggests “elegant casual” attire for onboard dinners, but T-shirts and jeans are almost as common.
Junior Cruisers
Viking cruises are adults-only, and all guests must be 18 years old at the time of boarding.
Service
With a small guest-to-staff ratio, the service on Ingvi is attentive, professional, and courteous. Staff are on hand throughout common and dining areas and there’s usually someone around to help guests with any special requests or provide information about the ship and its destinations.
Tipping
Guests can pre-purchase gratuity packages ahead of their sailing, but if they don’t, Viking will automatically add a discretionary service charge of €18 per day, per guest to final invoices, which can be altered at check-out. Tips are pooled among onboard staff, but additional cash tips are recommended for in-destination guides and drivers.