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Viking Spirit River Vessel Cruises the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers of Europe

By Linda Garrison, About.com

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Viking Spirit Reception Area

Viking Spirit Reception Area

Viking Spirit Reception Area

Photo (c) Linda Garrison
Stepping onboard the Viking Spirit for the first time, you realize just how cozy this river ship is. Built in 2001, the Viking Spirit is only 37 feet wide and has a draft of less than 5 feet. However, at 375 feet long, the Viking Spirit seems much larger, and she slides along the rivers at about 14 mph.

The Viking Spirit looks much like other ships sailing the great rivers of Europe. They all must be low and narrow to pass under the bridges and through the many narrow locks on the canals and rivers.

The Viking Spirit carries 150 passengers and 40 crew members on her three decks. We all loved the proximity of our cabins to the observation lounge and the outside decks.

One note for disabled cruisers. Although this ship is small and there are only three decks, passengers will have to be able to walk up and down about 10 steps to access each deck since the Viking Spirit does not have elevators.

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