Viking Cruises bans kids, says clients want child-free holidays

Viking Cruises are geared towards the over-50 crowd. Photo / Supplied

If you're planning to take the kids on a European river cruise, you'll want to rule out this particular line.

Basel-based Viking Cruises has adjusted its river cruise policy to ban passengers under 18 - bringing it in line with its Viking Ocean Cruises line, which debuted an adult-only policy in 2015.

According to the Orlando Weekly, Viking's new age policy is "now one of the strictest in the industry", after having previously welcomed guests over the age of 12.

The cruise line's terms and conditions page states that it may take some time before the adults-only policy is fully enforced.

"Due to the nature of our cruise and travel itineraries, the Carrier does not maintain facilities or services on our Ships for individuals under the age of 18 years. For all cruise/cruise tours booked after August 1, 2018 (regardless of departure year), you must be 18 years old on or before the day you are scheduled to embark on the cruise tour. Cruises through the 2019 may still have passengers under 18 as the cruises were booked prior to August 1, 2018."

Viking's senior vice president of marketing Richard Marnell told Travel Weekly the new rule made sense as the line is geared towards those over 50.

"Viking has always offered experiences that are designed for travellers who are 50 and older, with interests in history, art, culture and exploration. It's what we're known for," he said.

"Previously, we had allowed a degree of flexibility in the minimum age for travel, but increasingly our guests have told us how much they appreciate an environment where they can travel without children.

"In addition to marketing what Viking is, we believe our guests also appreciate knowing what Viking is not," he said.