There's a new Viking Longship ready to join Europe's rivers, and it's built for the kind of holiday where the scenery changes while you're finishing breakfast.
Viking Haki has officially been delivered to Viking, the company announced on 28 October 2026. The new river ship accommodates 190 guests in 95 staterooms and is set to sail on the Rhine, Main and Danube.
Which journeys will Viking Haki offer?
Viking lists several familiar favourites for the ship, including Rhine Getaway, Grand European Tour, Danube Waltz and Tulips & Windmills, along with Christmas market itineraries. That gives travellers quite a range, from spring flowers and waterside towns to festive squares and longer journeys across central Europe.
It's the Grand European Tour that catches my attention. The idea of moving between historic cities without repeatedly packing a suitcase is a huge part of river cruising's appeal. If you'd rather concentrate on a smaller stretch of river, the Rhine and Danube itineraries are worth comparing for their different landscapes and city stops.
What is the ship like?
Haki follows Viking's established Longship design. The operator highlights an indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace, Scandinavian-style interiors and a layout that allows two-room suites. The distinctive bow design also helps provide three passenger decks within the limits of river navigation.
It's not a ship built around waterslides, huge theatres or endless restaurants. The attraction here is the route and the ability to explore riverside destinations while keeping the same cabin. That can be a lovely alternative to a larger ocean cruise, although the atmosphere and daily pace are quite different.
Another addition to Viking's river fleet
Viking says it expects to take delivery of 17 more river ships by 2028 under its committed orderbook. Those are future plans, rather than ships already in service, but they show how much the company is investing in river travel.
For anyone considering Haki, the best starting point is to compare the exact sailing dates and ports rather than assume every itinerary visits the same places. If you're new to cruising, our first-time cruise guide can help you think through the differences in ship size, excursions and daily routine.
Personally, I'd be tempted by a Christmas market sailing. Cold air on deck, warm cafés ashore and a different town the next morning sounds like a pretty good December.
Source: Viking's 28 October announcement.
