I Went On a Viking River Cruise at 32—Here’s Why I’d Do It Again

When I told people I was going on a Viking River Cruise with my mom through the south of France, I got more than a few surprised looks. Viking has a bit of a reputation as a cruise line for retirees—and to be fair, I was definitely the youngest person on the ship by about 30 years. But honestly? I had an incredible time, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Our 8-day journey took us along the Rhône River, from the charming town of Avignon to the foodie capital of Lyon, with stops in beautiful places like Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Viviers, and Vienne. Add on three dreamy days in Nice before we boarded the ship, and this trip ended up being one of my favorite travel memories to date!

So if you're in your 30s (or just younger than the average Viking cruiser) and wondering whether a river cruise is for you—here’s why I’m officially a convert.

Everything Is Taken Care Of (And I Mean Everything)

After a long 20 hours of travel to France, there’s nothing better than being greeted at the airport by a Viking representative and whisked away in a private car to your hotel in Nice. We booked our flights and hotel through Viking, and the whole experience felt incredibly luxurious—especially while jet lagged.

Those three days in Nice were part of a pre-cruise extension, and I’m so glad we added them. Not only did we fall in love with the French Riviera, but it gave us time to adjust to the nine-hour time difference before boarding the ship. Without that buffer, I think we would’ve missed out on some of the early excursions simply because of exhaustion.

You Can Customize Your Experience (Even If You Need a Nap)

Viking offers a packed itinerary—daily walking tours, optional excursions, beautiful dinners, and even more tours in the afternoon. While that’s a dream for some travelers, it can feel a lot for those of us who need downtime.

As an introvert, I quickly realized I couldn’t say yes to everything. And that’s okay. My mom and I skipped a few morning tours so we could sip coffee on the ship’s sun deck or read in the cozy library nook. One morning, we even got to chat with the Captain!

Whether you’re all about soaking up every bit of history or want a slower pace, the beauty of a Viking cruise is that it’s your trip. Leave any and all guilt behind.

The Excursions Were Unforgettable

Each morning brought us to a new town, and Viking’s included walking tours were a great way to explore without having to plan anything. But some of our favorite experiences were the optional excursions we paid a little extra for—like the olive oil tasting at a family-owned mill in the countryside, or visiting the medieval village of Pérouges (aka my real-life Beauty and the Beast moment).

If I could go back, I’d book more of those add-on excursions before the trip. They fill up quickly, and knowing your options ahead of time helps avoid the sticker shock of deciding in the moment.

The Food ALONE Was Worth the TriP

I didn’t have a single bad meal on this cruise. From fresh French pastries at breakfast to multi-course dinners featuring dishes like Coq au Vin, the food was consistently delicious. There were classic staples if you weren’t feeling too adventurous (think: burgers and chocolate mousse) and rotating regional menus, all served with complimentary wine if that’s your thing.

Oh, and if the weather’s nice—grab a seat on the terrace for lunch. There’s nothing like enjoying a glass of rosé while the French countryside floats by.

It Was the Perfect Trip to Share With My Mom

Spending this kind of quality time with my mom was something I’ll always cherish. We laughed, relaxed, explored, and made new memories together—and that’s what travel is all about, right?

So would I take another Viking River Cruise as a 30-something? Absolutely. The service, the scenery, the ease of it all—there’s something kind of magical about sailing through Europe without a single suitcase to lug or train to catch. In fact, my mom and I are going on a Christmas Markets cruise on the Danube this December! I’ll circle back with updates on our trip later in the year, so stay tuned.

And hey Viking, if you’re ever looking for a millennial ambassador... call me 😉