From the moment we arrived in Amsterdam, the convenience of Viking’s operations stood out.
Travelling on the Eurostar from London, we reached the ship’s mooring just a five-minute walk from the station. Boarding was effortless and the first sight of the sleek Viking Mani, with its flat roof, reflective windows and compact design, set the tone for the trip.
At 135 metres long and a tick over 11 metres wide, the Viking Mani is purpose-built for intimate river cruising. Two-thirds of the ship is dedicated to cabins, which are arranged over three levels.
Our French balcony stateroom on the top deck boasted a floor-to-ceiling window with sliding doors, perfect for taking in the passing scenery. Lower-deck cabins feature water-level windows, while cabins on the main deck include private balconies.
The ship’s communal areas include a spacious lounge with seating for all 190 guests, a bar and the Aquavit Terrace – a split indoor-outdoor space ideal for summer dining. On the sundeck, you’ll find a walking track, putting green and ample seating for relaxation. For quiet moments, a small library offers a peaceful retreat.
Meals are served in the main restaurant, featuring large communal tables that encourage social interaction. Whether dining or relaxing, Viking ensures every corner of the ship feels welcoming and comfortable…it really is a floating boutique hotel.
The lounge
Dining aboard the Viking Mani is a social affair, with meals designed to bring guests together. Breakfast features a buffet alongside à la carte options like eggs Benedict and French toast, while lunch and dinner offer multi-course menus.
Dinner includes a mix of classic dishes – think rib-eye steak and Norwegian salmon – and regional specialities inspired by the day’s destination.
There is food available from 6am daily with the main breakfast served over a two-hour period from 7 – 9.30am. Lunch and dinner have a single sitting.
Wine flows freely during meals and is included in the standard fare, with a premium drinks package available for those who want to indulge further. Around-the-clock tea and coffee stations are a thoughtful touch.
Sailing mostly at night, the longship provided a smooth and peaceful experience. Soundproofed staterooms ensured restful nights, with no engine noise or intrusive announcements.
The itinerary took us from Amsterdam to Basel, stopping at Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Braubach, Mannheim, Speyer, Kehl, Breisach and Basel.
Each day included a complimentary shore excursion, typically a walking tour led by knowledgeable guides who regaled us with interesting facts and stories. (Optional excursions were available at each location at any extra cost.)
Groups were capped at around 20 people and leisurely-paced options were available for those who preferred shorter walks.
Each passenger is given an audio receiver and earpiece enabling easy listening without crowding the guide. The flexibility to join or skip tours, along with the ability to explore independently, was a major plus.
Cologne
We enjoyed a mix of tours and exploring locations at our own pace. At Kinderdijk my brother and I slipped off the ship before the tour commenced and shared the eerie grey quiet of this UNESCO Heritage Site with just the odd dog walker.
In Cologne we travelled by coach to the city, enjoyed the tour and time to explore before returning to the ship which had caught up with us and was moored in the city centre.
The Viking Daily newsletter was delivered to our room each evening featuring weather forecasts, daylight times, full details of everything scheduled for the next day and information about the locations to be visited.
There was plenty of entertainment aboard including enrichment lectures, cooking demonstrations and a daily port talk. In the evening, after dinner entertainment varied from trivia nights (we came second!) to disco to classical music and dancing.
We didn’t get to enjoy the crisp air usually associated with November. Instead, the weather was cold, damp and rainy on several days, finishing with an impressive 10 centimetres of snow overnight as we arrived in Basel. Thankfully, everyone came well-prepared and the ship provided umbrellas for those who needed them.
A week aboard the Viking Mani provided the perfect balance between exploration, relaxation and socialising. From the seamless organisation and excellent dining to the mix of guided and independent excursions, Viking delivers a truly memorable river cruise.
Whether you are drawn by the historic sites, the luxurious onboard amenities, or the chance to meet fellow travellers, this Rhine adventure offers something for everyone.
Arrival in a snowy Basel
