does viking ocean cruises include excursions

Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions: What You Need to Know

Viking offers a wide variety of excursion choices. There’s something for just about everyone. There are complimentary excursions in each port . These “included” excursions are usually walking or bus tours of a city and give a general overview of a place. In addition, Viking offers several “optional” excursions a t each port that focus on specific interests , such as visits to museums, castles, forts, concerts, farms, estates, and wineries, as well as recreational outings like hiking and biking. While there are no fees for the “included” options, there are charges for the “optional” excursions (typically ranging from about $60 to $200+ each). 

Licensed, English-speaking local guides lead guests on walking and bus tours. Excursions operate rain or shine and include entrance fees , if applicable. If an excursion involves a tour bus, they are usually comfortable buses with air conditioning. If a bus doesn’t have an onboard restroom, the tour guide will usually ask guests if they need to stop for a break.

Choosing an Excursion

Selecting excursions may be a tough decision! There are usually some exciting choices. As mentioned, expect one “included” excursion in each port. On top of that, there will usually be 5-10 “optional” excursions.

For example, on the Empires of the Mediterranean Ocean cruise my husband and I took earlier this year, some “optional” Dubrovnik excursions included visits to islands, nearby towns, and ancient city walls, as well as hikes, scenic boat rides, and a visit to an oyster farm (with tastings). Some of the excursions were to UNESCO sites. Here is a partial list of our cruise excursions and related details.

Sample Excursion Types, Durations, and Costs

Before heading out on excursions, you’ll take the QuietVox receivers (on lanyards with included earpieces) in your stateroom. Using the QuietVox devices lets you hear the tour guide easily, even if you walk several steps behind him or her.

Excursion Activity Levels

Viking rates each of their excursions with activity levels. These rankings consider whether the ground is uneven, has an incline, and/or has cobblestones — two common elements in many ancient towns. The activity levels also include the estimated time of walking and standing and are as follows:

• Easy (e): Expect mostly even ground, although there may be a few steps or inclines. There shouldn’t be more than 1.5 hours of walking or standing time.
• Moderate (m): Expect longer walking paths with some steps, uneven ground, or inclines and between 1.5 and 3 hours of total walking or standing time.
• Demanding (d): Expect more challenging activities, including walking, hiking, or water sports, with the possibility of many steps or steep inclines. Some demanding excursions may top 3 hours of walking or standing.
• Wheelchair (w): If an excursion has this notation, it’s acceptable for wheelchair users. Viking staff will not operate or push wheelchairs on or off the ship or elsewhere. There must be another guest who takes this responsibility. (Note: I didn’t notice any excursions marked with wheelchair accessibility on our recent ocean cruise. If this is important to you, inquire before booking a cruise.)

Signing Up for Excursions

Sign up for excursions online at MyVikingJourney . com when your booking window opens . These windows depend on your stateroom category level.

• Owner’s Suite—107 days from the sail date
• Explorer Suites—97 days from the sail date
• Penthouse Junior Suites—87 days from the sail date
• Penthouse Veranda Staterooms—77 days from the sail date
• Deluxe Veranda Staterooms—67 days from the sail date
• Veranda Staterooms—60 days from the sail date

Mark the date on a calendar to be ready to book excursions when the window opens. Some excursions fill up quickly.

Note that if you and your travel partner are booked together on the cruise, sharing a stateroom, then you can book excursions (and dining and spa services) for the both of you under your joint MyVikingJourney.com online account. There’s no need for each traveler to do it independently.

Canceling Excursions

Guests may cancel scheduled excursions online via MyVikingJourney.com before embarkation or cancel them once onboard. No refunds will be given if canceling within two days of an excursion.

Viking may cancel tours if not enough guests are signed up for them or if there are other issues.

Excursion Planning Tips

• Plan your excursions before the date that excursions open up for booking for your stateroom category. Being prepared ahead of your excursion booking window will provide a better chance of obtaining your most desired excursions.
• Pay attention to the activity level of the excursions . My husband and I find it helpful to vary the type and duration of excursions so that we don’t overload our schedule. Plus, we like to balance historical, cultural, and active (e.g., hiking) experiences. 
• If you see an anchor icon next to a port of call on your Viking Guest Statement (that lists the itinerary), you’ll know a tender boat will take you to your destination. Otherwise, the ship docks directly at the port. 
• If you have questions about an excursion before booking it (like how long a bus ride may be), use the Live Chat feature on MyVikingJourney . com . I’ve found this communication feature very helpful. 
• When booking an “included” excursion, book the first time available to view the sights before subsequent buses (from your and other cruise ships), and other tourists, descend on a city. 
• When booking “optional” excursions on MyVikingJourney . com , add them to your cart and pay for them immediately . The excursions are not reserved until they are paid. You have the option to cancel an excursion if done so at least 48 hours before it begins. 
• If you know you must cancel an excursion, do it immediately. Doing so will open the excursion up to other guests (if it’s sold out).
• To make sure you have essential information (like the ship’s location and contact information as well as the time when guests must be back on board), take a picture of the first page of the Viking Daily before setting out on an excursion (or the night before) . Plus, taking a picture of it before leaving for an excursion is a good “bookmark,” as it’ll help remind you where all the pictures you take that day are from! (A benefit weeks and months after returning home!)
• Some excursions include snacks or meals. Look for the icon (an apple for a snack; fork and spoon for a meal) indicating them on your Shore Excursions document for your cruise.
• After an excursion, you’ll notice a questionnaire about the excursion experience on the Viking Voyager app (that’s just active while aboard). Completing the survey each evening helps Viking learn of pluses and minuses of the excursions and guides to finetune things for the future.

Excursion Packing List

Since most excursions involve activity outside, plan to bring along:

• comfortable walking shoes (a must!)
• hat or cap to shield your face from the sun
• windbreaker, raincoat, sweater, or jacket
• small umbrella (Viking provides large red umbrellas, which are great, but I prefer to bring a small collapsible umbrella that is easily tucked in my daypack. That way, I’m not lugging a large umbrella around after the rain has stopped.)
• day pack or sling bag to carry small items
• camera or smartphone to take pictures (Some travelers like to carry their smartphones attached to lanyards around their necks while out on excursions, keeping the smartphone handy for picture taking. It’s also a way always to have the smartphone with you, so you don’t accidentally put it down somewhere and leave it behind.)

Tendering to Port

Sometimes the ship cannot dock directly at the port; instead, it anchors offshore, and guests are transported to land by tender boats. These boats are usually operated independently of Viking and are contracted for the jobs. Guests gather in an area (like the Star Theater) at a certain time and then are released to the tender area. The actual tender ride is usually less than 10 minutes. Once on land, you’ll meet your local tour guide and begin your excursion. After the excursion ends, guests meet at the dock and are transported back to the ship aboard a tender boat.

Related Articles

Viking cruise articles.

• Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps to Take After Booking a Trip
• Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide
• Viking Ocean Cruise Onboard Experience: What You Need to Know
• Viking Ocean Cruise Staterooms: What You Need to Know
• Viking Ocean Empires of the Mediterranean Excursions
• Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
• Best Sights to See on a Viking Grand European Tour Cruise
• Viking Antarctica Cruise: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

Trip Planning Articles

• Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers
• Expert Tips for Traveling to Europe for More Fun, Less Stress
• How to Use Google Translate While Traveling
• Travel Lightly: Top Ten Tips for Your Next Trip

Travel Planning Timeline

Final thoughts.

My husband and I have really enjoyed the Viking excursions we’ve taken. Sometimes we opt for the “included” walking tour excursions of a town and then go off on our own afterward. That may mean a leisurely meal, shopping, or simply people-watching before returning to the ship. Other times, we enjoy the “optional” excursions for focused visits to ancient sites or a hike. I’ve heard from other passengers that the “included” bus tours of a city are usually a cursory view of places without always getting out to walk around a place. You decide what works best for you!

Feel free to share suggestions or ideas about Viking Ocean cruise excursions. Your thoughts may help other travelers. Thanks! 🙂

More Popular Reads

Best Sights to See on the Viking Grand European Tour River Cruise

The Complete Guide to a Viking River Cruise

Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking Your Cruise

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Traveling with Sweeney

Inspiration and information for the best in luxury, cultural, and active travel, viking cruise shore excursions: should you take them, river and ocean cruise shore excursions — included and optional, should you take shore excursions on a viking cruise.

Of course! During our three river cruises and one ocean cruise (so far), we’ve taken every opportunity to see the sights and have special cultural experiences when at port. The guided tours in each destination provided a good overview of key highlights in each city while still providing free time for our own sightseeing. On each cruise, Viking offered tours that are included in the cruise fare as well as many optional tours at an additional cost.  Some passengers may like to just stay on the ship to relax and partake in onboard lectures and activities, but since Viking cruises are very destination-oriented , there is much to be discovered at each port.

At Heidelberg Castle on a panoramic tour

Included excursions

Each of the included tours that we’ve taken has given us a great introduction to a place. On panoramic coach tours or in-town walking tours, our guides have provided insights on history, background, current events, and local culture. Panoramic tours will allow some time at landmarks and at vista points for photo opportunities. Most often, we’ve also had time to explore on your own before getting back on the coach to return to the ship.

We found the local Viking guides (on included and optional tours) to be fun, knowledgeable, and proud of their cities and/or regions. They are locals who know the destination and have insider perspectives that they can share. In our experiences, they’ve also had engaging personalities and senses of humor. Viking Cruises does a great job of running a smooth process and transporting everyone on their comfortable coaches to tour locations or on scenic drives.

Portuguese guides on Viking shore excursion

Optional excursions

Although taking only included tours can still make for a fulfilling cruise (in my opinion), you should consider optional cruises and make decisions about whether and which to take any based on your interests and budget. The groups are often smaller and the excursions typically focus on more in-depth experiences, including under-the-radar attractions, historical perspectives, and cultural immersion. Privileged access to sites is often provided, too. Some examples of the recreational, cultural, and culinary experiences include bike tours, small boat tours, hikes, wine tasting, cooking classes, concerts, and dance performances.

Ready for a walking tour of Cologne, Germany

Excursion tips:

• After your cruise is booked, Viking’s “My Viking Journey” website will help you plan your agenda and you can always contact Viking service representatives by phone or online chat for assistance and advice.
• To get excursion inspiration, follow #MyVikingStory on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see photos and read what current cruisers are sharing as they take excursions. (Of course, don’t forget to check out more cruise-related articles on Traveling with Sweeney , too.)
• Duration of tours listed on the itinerary show the time the tour group leaves the ship to the time returned to the ship. This is helpful to know as you decide upon multiple tours per day.
• On the river cruises, if your excursion occurs during the planned lunch or dinner times, a meal will part of the tour. With so many options for open dining on the ocean cruise, we were able to fit in meals and snacks before, after, or in between excursions.
• The QuietVox audio devices supplied by Viking in the staterooms are very good for being able to follow along with your tour guides on your excursions. Don’t forget to charge them at night and bring them along for the tours.

Our favorite optional excursions

On one of Viking’s comfortable coaches

I’ve compiled below a few photos and excerpts from previous posts (with links for more information) about some of the optional excursions we particularly enjoyed. I hope they’ll give you some inspiration about selections you might consider on these or similar cruises. Specific tours  may change by cruise season, so there may be different options on the current cruise itineraries.

Romantic Danube Cruise

Heurigen evening in vienna.

Heurigen Evening in Vienna, Austria

An optional Viking excursion in Vienna, the “ Heurigen Evening” provided a high-spirited authentic Viennese gemütlichkeit  experience. A shuttle from the ship took our small group of five couples and our guides to the city’s 19th district where numerous vineyards are located with their wine taverns called Heurigen . The  Heuriger became part of Austrian culture in the 18th century when Emperor Joseph II proclaimed that anyone who made their own wine could sell it to the public in their establishments. — Good Cheer and High Spirits in Vienna

Rhine Getaway Cruise

Medieval village of colmar.

Picturesque medieval buildings of Colmar

We’re so glad that we took an optional excursion into Colmar, France. Such a charming city center with colorful old buildings like these. There’s much World War II history to explore here, too. — A Rhine River Cruise Getaway

Alsatian Wine Tasting

Alsace wine country

During our Viking River  Rhine Getaway cruise , we got a chance to experience some of the flavors and characteristics on both sides of the Rhine. A favorite activity for me was an Alsatian wine tasting excursion. It was our first visit to this area of France, and we were enthralled — even a little surprised — and even overcast weather did not darken the day or our enthusiasm. — Wine on the Rhine: A Taste of Alsace

Portugal’s River of Gold

Sailing along Northern Portugal’s Douro River was our very first river cruise experience and we were quickly convinced that this was a wonderful travel option.

Wine cellars and estates

Douro wine country of Portugal

The sweet grapes used to make authentic port wine, Portugal’s most famous export, are only grown in the Douro Valley. There are many styles of port, several of which we sampled at wine estates throughout the Douro region and on board the Hemming. — Cruising Portugal’s River of Gold: Our Favorite Things

Medieval Guimaraes

The city of Guimarães in Northern Portugal was the country’s first capital and the birthplace of Portuguese national identity. The city center of Guimarães was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and there are many monuments and museums attesting to this history. But Guimarães also has a contemporary side with a thriving modern culture and economy. — Medieval Guimarães: Portugal’s First Capital

Viking Homelands  (ocean cruise)

View of Viking Jupiter and Stockholm skyline on a panoramic tour

There were many choices of special experiences available during our cruise on the Baltic in Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Gdansk, and St. Petersburg. With two days to spend exploring St. Petersburg we decided to take advantage of several optional excursions in this amazing Russian city. Each of the optional excursions mentioned below (and other St. Petersburg activities) are described further in our article, Two Days in St. Petersburg: Russia’s Venice of the North.

St. Petersburg by Metro and on Foot

Avtovo Metro station

I’d heard about the  St. Petersburg Metro System  and looked forward to going on the “St. Petersburg by Metro and on Foot” excursion. We rode the Metro from Avtovo Station (considered by many to be one of the most beautiful stations in the world) to Nevksy Prospekt Station with transfers in between.

Russia’s Native Songs and Dances

Performance of Russia’s Native Songs and Dances

St. Petersburg is a cultural capital and renowned for its famous musicians, dancers, and writers.  The heritage of traditional folk music and dances is key to the culture and passed down through the generations. We enjoyed “Russia in Fairytales” performed at Youth House on Vasilyevsky Island (the performance venue varies) during the “Russia’s Native Songs and Dances” shore excursion.

St. Petersburg Canals, St. Isaac’s & Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood

Boats on a canal in St . Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is nicknamed the “Venice of the North” for its rivers (the Fontanka, Moyka, and Neva), canals, and decorative bridges crossing them. In the summer, visitors can actually float on Venetian-style gondolas on the city’s canals. Our canal and river cruise excursion also included a visit to two stunning churches — the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and St. Isaac’s Cathedral.

Pre- and post-cruise extensions

If you can extend your trip, either before or after the cruise, Viking has organized options. Thus far, our schedules haven’t allowed us to do that, but we always wish that we could. We’ve talked to many fellow passengers who expressed satisfaction in the extensions they had experienced.

Do you enjoy shore excursions when you cruise? Have a few favorites to share?

For more information about our Viking shore excursions: Mediterranean Odyssey cruise shore excursions

Disclosure: Viking Cruises has sponsored our wonderful cruise experiences, but our opinions and perspectives are totally our own — as always.

Related posts:

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13 thoughts on “ Viking Cruise Shore Excursions: Should You Take Them? ”

Wow! All of these tours sound wonderful! I’ve never sailed with Viking, but it sounds like they are experts at this. I’m hoping to do a Russia cruise with them in the next year or so. Can’t wait!

Thank you for your informative article! We are getting ready to go on the romantic Danube Cruise in October I found this information useful. And all of my searches though I have not been able to find out if when you are on a panoramic cruise in a particular town, are you able to get off the bus at any point and just go on your own and then join the boat later at the dock? Or are you required to stay with the tour for the entire time and then if you want to explore the city further, you would have to leave from the boat after the panoramic tour arrives back at the boat? Trying to save time by remaining in the city instead of having to go back to the boat with the tour and then retrace the steps to go back into the city. Thanks in advance.

Glad you found the article useful. I’ll try to answer your question based on my experiences. On the river cruises, the ship is often docked right in the heart of the cities where it may be possible to walk into/out of town (like we did in Passau and Regensburg) or in some cases where there may be shuttle buses throughout the day to return to the ship. There have been some instances (such as our time on the Romantic Danube cruise) in Vienna) where we took the included coach tour into the city center had a walking tour, and then we had a few hours to spend at the Christmas markets and have lunch before catching one of the shuttles to stay in the city center. Some people went back, some stayed in town. I think it’s a good idea to stay with the group for the whole tour and then your guide will be able to point out where to meet the shuttle (if there is one)or how to walk back to the ship, later. The Viking Daily (the program left in your stateroom each day) will have more info about what will be happening the following day (including info about shuttles). Check with Guest Service when on board to get the official information. Sorry I can’t be more precise, but it all depends on location, itinerary, back on board times, etc. Have a fantastic trip! Let us know about your experience.

I will be taking the Romantic Danube cruise from Regenburg to Budapest in October 2023 and I wanted to see in more detail the free excursions in Vienna and Budapest on where they stop and let you take pictures so I can then plan seeing the rest of the cities on my own and do not want to duplicate sights that we have just seen on the Viking tours. On the Viking sight they do not give you much detail.

Hi Bill — thanks for your comment. I’m sure you’ll love the Romantic Danube cruise. Our cruise was several years ago and specific excursion information may have changed. To the best of my recollection, in Budapest we did not have stops on the Pest side of the Danube on the included tour. We were docked right in the city, so that evening we were able to go out on our own to explore more. (I don’t know if that will be the same situation for you.) The included tour did stop on the Buda side and we had time to walk around the Castle District visiting St. Mathias church, Fisherman’s Bastion, etc. In Vienna, the included panoramic tour and walking tour, we walked around the city center by St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, etc. It was December and the Christmas markets were open and we were able to spend time on our own for a few hours for lunch and visiting the markets before meeting a shuttle to take us back to the ship. Once again, I don’t know if your itinerary will have that kind of time on your own built in or not.

Have you checked with Viking customer service to see if they can give you more information? I hope this has helped. Check back and let us know about your trip!

Catherine – Thank you for this information. I have been searching for information about the included excursions that Viking Ocean provides on its Athens to Rome Mediterranean cruises on their Saturn ship. We have booked a cruise for March 2023 and this is our first time with Viking. If you have any insights as to what the included excursions are for the ports of call on this cruise, please share them (Athens, Ephesus, Crete, Sicily, Naples, Rome). Thank you. Rob

Thanks for your comment, Roberta. I’m assuming that you are on the Journey to Antiquities cruise. Here’s a link to the itinerary on the Viking website. If you click on each day’s itinerary, you’ll see “included” tours as well as optional excursions. Have a great cruise!

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/journey-to-antiquities/index.html?return=true

Hello Catherine, I found your insights validating and helpful. My spouse and I are booked on the Viking Iconic Mediterranean Rome to Barcelona this summer. Honestly, I am disappointed in the included “overview excursions” and the optional excursions at such a cost. In particular Florence, Monaco and Barcelona. In both Rome and Florence, we are not booked in a city harbor as there are none. It appears that we will have to pay additional fees to arrange our own daytrip to sightsee IF we do not join the short free excursion or pay lots of money for a shore excursion. Had I known that we were not able to “hop to shore,” I probably would have chosen a river cruise. Any insight? Really feeling disappointed because Florence, Monaco and Barcelona are big destinations.

Thanks for your comment, Kris. I hope I can address your concern. I don’t know if you’ve visited any of these destinations before. Especially for first time visitors, the included tours are great introductions. But if you can budget for any optional excursions, you’ll find more immersive experiences. My thoughts about the places you mentioned (remember, these are totally my own options based on my experiences): Monaco (docked where you can “hop to shore” — the included walking tour of Monaco City is very nice and you can spend the afternoon on your own in Monte Carlo (easily reached from the dock – I just published an article about this https://www.travelingwithsweeney.com/what-to-do-shore-excursion-in-monaco/ . Although we’d previously been tno Barcelona it was many years ago and we were pleased to see the sights again and do some walking around Sagrada Familia, etc. The Florence day might be a good one to consider an optional excursion. We’d visited Florence before, so did the “Cooking in a Tuscan Castle” tour — loved it! You also might want to consider Lucca on your own — it’s closer to the port than Florence and it is a wonderful town — one of my favorites in Italy.

My prediction is that you are going to enjoy this trip no matter what excursions you choose. What we’ve found is that the introductions we get to some destinations are great for letting us know places to visit again sometime. I hope this has been helpful. Let us know about your experience!

Hi Catherine We came across your great site while researching for our Viking cruise in October/Nov (Fort Lauderdale to LA via Panama Canal). My wife and I are looking at the excursion options in preparation for when bookings open. I personally am keen to visit the Panama Canal – one of the optional excursions – before transiting but my wife prefers one of the other optional excursions. Are we allowed to book individually on different excursions or do you have to book ‘as one couple’ ? (ie for excursions, can you become ‘single passengers’) Hoping you can clarify from your experience. thank you.

Hi Marc — Thanks for your kind words! Lt Lauderdale – LA should be a great cruise! I’d like to do that sometime. In my experience, the excursions (optional and included) are reserved by individual passenger, not by stateroom, so you and your wife can make your own selections. I would assume that excursions for your cruise options will be handled the same way. Be sure to book as soon as you can for the optional excursions as the popular ones can go fast! But don’t be dismayed if one is’t available, there are sometimes cancellations so keep checking back. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

How many people generally on on any given Viking river cruise excursion? (15, 30 or more?) Thank you! Becky

In my experience that really varies. The included excursions can be 30 or more on a coach, optional excursions usually much smaller. I thinkt that our Corfu cooking and Tuscany cooking excursions were about 15 — something like that. You may find that the included excursions have more than one coach departing the ship at roughly the same time and you may arrive at sites roughly the same time. But it is easy to stay with your particular group and hear (via QuietVox) and follow your guide.

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Viking Ocean Cruises: What’s included (11 things)

If you are considering a Viking cruise, you may be wondering what is included in the cruise fare. I’ve cruised with Viking and in this post we will look at the most important inclusions.

My first Viking cruise

I have just returned from my first Viking ocean cruise onboard the incredible Viking Sea. I was invited by Viking to join them on a portion of their ‘Into the Midnight Sun’ cruise and was blown away by the ship and the itinerary. We did find the midnight sun and it was GORGEOUS.

I was amazed by the number of things that were included in the cruise that cost extra on other cruise lines. During this post, I will detail everything included in your cruise fare and explain a little about how it works/my experience with it.

To find out more about this cruise click here: Viking Sea, into the midnight sun (Norway 2018). 

1. WiFi is Included on Viking Cruises

Wifi is completely free on Viking woohoo! I’m actually using it right now to write this post. It’s been pretty good and you can use it on as many devices as you’d like at the same time. You just log in with your room number and surname. There is no limit on how much WiFi you can use although Viking do reserve the right to kick you off if you start downloading movies or things like that. We cruised around the Norwegian Fjords and didn’t really need to use the WiFi too much because we had great 4G signal.

I understand the above picture isn’t of WiFi.. but it’s quite hard to photograph WiFi! So here is a lovely place you could sit onboard while using the Wifi.

The WiFi signal was actually pretty good. I managed to send photos and update my Twitter, Instagram and Facebook without any problems. It wasn’t good enough for video really but it was okay for making WhatsApp/Skype calls without the video part.

2. Drinks are Included With Lunch and Dinner

During meal times wine, beer and soft drinks are included. This isn’t just in the main restaurants, you can also get the drinks from the buffet or if you are eating at places like the poolside grill you will be offered drinks. If you are in the buffet you can pick up a can of coke/fanta etc as you walk past which I LOVE. It makes it so easy.

If you’re ordering room service for your lunch you can also order a drink and you can pick up one from the pool grill.

3. Spa Entry is Included on Viking Cruises

Entry to the spa is inclusive in your cruise fare. On most other cruise lines you have to buy a pass to the thermal area either on an hourly, daily or whole cruise basis. The spa onboard the Viking Sea includes all of the usual things you’d expect from a spa including pools and saunas but t also includes a snow grotto and a water bucket! The snow grotto is a room which is filled with snow (no surprises there) and the water bucket is so that you can pour cold water on yourself… I decided not to do the water bucket.

Blue Nose Ceremony

Prior to going into the spa, we had taken part in the ‘blue nose ceremony’ which is a ceremony where you jump into a pool filled with ice. This ceremony takes place when you enter or leave the arctic circle. We joined part way through the cruise so we missed the ‘into the arctic circle’ ceremony but the Viking team were great and organised it so that we could do it on the way out. They used 40 bags of ice!

4. Daily Excursions are Included on Viking Cruises

In every port, there is an excursion included with your cruise. Excursions can be REALLY expensive so this was one of the things that surprised me most when I realised that it was included in the fare. We took the included excursion in each port and they were really good. I’m not normally a person who books excursions, preferring instead to get off the ship and do my own thing. However, the included Viking tours were never more than half a day-long meaning that you also had time to get off the ship and wander around.

All the excursions that we took were mostly by coach but there were plenty of opportunities to get off and admire the views/walk around.

5. Bottled Water is Included on Viking Cruises

Bottled water is available at no extra charge, both in your cabin and around the ship. On most other cruise lines you have to pay for bottled water or buy it as part of a package. There are a couple of cruise lines where even if you buy the unlimited beverage ‘ultimate alcohol’ package they still will not include bottled water.

Having the bottled water around really encouraged me to drink more water which is always good. It’s also great to be able to pick up a bottle when you get off the ship.

6. Tea and Coffee are Included on Viking Cruises

Tea and Coffee are free all the time, everywhere! I’m not much of a coffee drinker but I’ve been told by my friends that I was sailing with that the coffee was really good. There is also a coffee machine in the stateroom and it comes with little coffee pods. On some cruise lines, you have to buy those pods!

In the buffet, there are take away cups which you can use to make a cup of tea/coffee in. I love being able to wander off with my tea so this was appreciated! My cup of tea seen below in the winter garden.

7. The Minibar is Included on Viking Cruises

For the first time in my life, I HAVE EATEN FROM THE CRUISE SHIP MINI BAR! I would normally never consider paying for the items in the mini bar, instead viewing the mini bar as just a fridge. Onboard Viking the mini bar is included. How often it is replenished depends on your cabin grade. The standard balcony cabin is only filled at the start of your cruise but the other categories are filled whenever they are empty. That said my mini bar did keep filling itself up.

8. Alternative Restaurants Are Included on Viking Cruises

Viking doesn’t have any restaurants where you have to pay extra. Once you are onboard it’s actually pretty hard to spend money because so much stuff is included. They do have restaurants which are ‘alternative’ which definitely would be speciality on other cruise lines. The food on Viking was absolutely amazing. I cannot fault a single thing with the food at any point. I think I’ll have to write a full review about the food!

Below is the food from the Chef’s table Asian tasting menu.

9. Room Service is Included on Viking Cruises

I am used to cruising on cruise lines where they have room service but it is often a very small menu or you have to pay for it. Some cruise lines offer free breakfast room service but very few have a menu as big as Vikings. Onboard Viking you can get a 9oz steak delivered to your room for no extra cost! I enjoyed breakfast room service which came promptly at the time I requested. You simply fill out the order form, leave it on your door before 11 pm and then in the morning, your food arrives. Easy peasy! (They even cut up my banana for me).

10. Return flights

If you’re in the UK and you book a Viking cruise return flights from the UK will be included. All transfers are also included which means that you don’t have to worry about anything! Vikings main market are from the UK although many of the passengers onboard our Norwegian cruise were from the US.

11. Laundry is Included on Viking Cruises (Including washing powder)

Many other cruise lines have free to use laundry but you usually have to pay for the washing powder etc. On some cruise lines, you have no option to wash your own clothes at all and have to pay to have them washed for you. Onboard Viking there is a laundry on every floor which is open all day and completely free to use.

I usually only use the laundry to iron the odd dress/shirt but many people chose to do all of their washing onboard so that they don’t have to do it when they get home.

Would I recommend Viking Ocean Cruises?

I would 110% recommend Viking. The ship was absolutely gorgeous and the atmosphere onboard was so relaxing. I have written a full diary/guide of my time onboard. Detailing everywhere we went, everything we did and most importantly, everything I ate! To get an idea what it is like to cruise with Viking click here: Viking Sea: Into the midnight sun. 

DISCLAIMER: I was invited onboard as part of a press trip. All views and opinions are my own! 

I also filmed a couple of tour videos onboard and a cabin tour. Please consider subscribing! Emma Cruises – YouTube Channel. 

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• Viking Ocean

Strategy for booking excursions

By justin c , July 30, 2018 in Viking Ocean

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getting ready to book excursions .

Is it best to book optional first and pay for them, then go back and book included or go in order adding them

All at once port by port?

For those of you who have already done your bookings, what was the best method for getting your chosen itineraries? Thanks, carol

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getting ready to book excursions .   Is it best to book optional first and pay for them, then go back and book included or go in order adding them   All at once port by port?   For those of you who have already done your bookings, what was the best method for getting your chosen itineraries? Thanks, carol

Go to My VIking Journey and add all the excursions that you want to your wish list. Then on the day that you can actually book you just move them to your cart and pay for them all at once.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

First, my husband and I previewed all the excursions. We decided which ones we want to do before the actual day we could book excursions.

Then, when it came time to book, we booked first the optional ones that we would be disappointed not to get to do and paid for them. Yes, we book as early as we can on the first day that booking is open for our level of cabin. I believe we were a DV4 last time.

Next, we go back in and book the included excursions we want since we like to take our excursions first thing in the morning. Time slots fill up and you may have to chose a time you would not normally want.

We were able to get everything we wanted.

We thoroughly enjoyed our ocean cruise after doing numerous river cruises with Viking.

lackcreativity

Just as with most online shopping sites, you do not secure your spot on an excursion just by placing it in your cart. Payment must be made in order for that to happen. As suggested, optional excursions that are of particular importance should be paid for promptly. I recall one Cruise Critic member who complained for weeks on a roll call that his excursions had been "stolen" out of his cart, and he was most unhappy with Viking over the experience! A half dozen people must have explained it to him, but it was after the fact and he was not mollified.

I saved everything in my wish list but also printed them off with the times that the trips set off if they had multiple options so if I needed plan B I knew what to choose to save time. I also made sure I was at my computer ready when the booking slot opened which goes on Pacific time, 8am in the UK.

On the day our tours opened. I set the alarm for 3am. We are on the east coast. I got everything we wanted. I booked the tours we had to pay for first and then went back for the included ones. I had back up times for included tours and had to switch twice. We are DV2.

We did the same (at 3am!), except SO and I both logged in so we could book optionals quickly. We were DV6 and got all the tours we wanted...at the times we wanted (for Midnight Sun).

Good points all. Paid excursions first and pay, then see where included fit in. I will say I was disappointed in my last cruise that the one excursion I wanted was sold out. I booked the included. The good news was later another excursion was added of the one I wanted. Bad news, it was at the same time of my included but I was able to make all the adjustments before I boarded. I could have arranged for the one I wanted on my own but going with both from the ship brought me back for lunch. In another location we couldn't get the extra one we wanted but were able to find one off the ship that covered the same area with a different perspective. The good news was that in doing that we got back to the ship for the included and if we had done the ship excursion we could not have signed up for the included. Though we thought this would be a pretty lackluster port at first, the included excursion was one of the best we had. So glad it all worked out but for the fee excursions, make a plan B you can use if the booking doesn't go in your favor.

Just to add to what has already been said, I think you should always prioritize your excursions and book them in the order of which ones mean the most to you. Also, if you are looking at booking two excursions in one day (say, an included and an optional), be sure and book the included one when you book the optional one to assure that you can do both. A lot of times you have to pick the first or last “included tour” option in order to also do an optional tour on the same day. I’ve also noticed that the early included tour options tend to go first so that folks can do a tour in the morning and then spend some time on their own in port in the afternoon. If you initially don’t get one of your choices, check back in with myvikingjourney.com often because folks cancel tours all the time, especially as you get closer to the time they close out the bookings (around two weeks before sailing). Viking also sometimes adds additional slots if a tour is very popular. Finally, you can always check in with the Shore Excursions team on board to see if any slots opened up or at least get on a waiting list. Good luck!

Marykatesmom

Good advice! We had some tours sell out before they could be booked and we also had some slots added long after all booking was open to everyone. I checked almost daily.

Parsley Cruises

We’ve got a PS2, so we’re not going to panick. We’ve got our wish list done for excursions, there’s only one to pay for, and that’s what we’ll do first, then go back in immediately and sort out the other ports, but mainly if we don’t get to book anything else we’re not too bothered.

If all the rest of your choices are included excursions, you are guaranteed a place on each of them. It may not be at the time you wanted, but you will be able to go if you wish. Once in a while I have heard of glitches where you may have to call Viking if it appears that all time slots on an included excursion are sold out, but they will make it work.

All I can say is best of luck to one and all - we'll hopefully be up nice and early anyway on the day our excursions get released; and hopefully the internet will play ball. We'll just have to wait and see. If not, I suppose we'll make do and mend with whatever we get and look on the bright side and make the best of things.

We simply hope that everyone gets the excursions of their choice, and that when they go on the excursion that they have a great time.

Peregrina651

All I can say is best of luck to one and all - we'll hopefully be up nice and early anyway on the day our excursions get released; and hopefully the internet will play ball. We'll just have to wait and see. If not, I suppose we'll make do and mend with whatever we get and look on the bright side and make the best of things.   We simply hope that everyone gets the excursions of their choice, and that when they go on the excursion that they have a great time.

It isn't all luck. Sometimes it is knowing who you can contact in order to get things straightened out with the minimum of fuss. Booking at 87 days you should have no problems but for those who will be booking after you, it is good to know that there are ways that issues can be resolved without having to wait until we board.

We are all guaranteed a seat on the included tours (one per port of call) but sometimes Viking miscalculates how many seats it will actually need. In those cases, it is more productive to contact Viking immediately to let them know so that they can open up more seats, rather than to wait until boarding (when it might be too late to resolve the problem). In any case, keep an eye on MVJ for openings until you have a confirmed reservation

As for the optional tours selling out, I suggest contacting Viking and telling them how disappointed you are that the tour you so wanted has sold out and ask if they are planning on opening up more seats for that tour. Sometimes, there are capacity issues and nothing can be done other than to watch for seats to open up. However, sometimes it is simply a matter of adding another bus. In the past, putting your name on a waiting list was a dead end; so I suggest that if a tour you are interested in has sold out that, even after contacting Viking, you keep an eye on MVJ and watch for opening.

Cape Hernlopen

Dear Fellow Cruisers:

We are in a DV cabin (67 days for excursion booking). I had my "wish list" setup and second choices ready with credit card in hand. At 3:00 a.m. (east coast U. S. time) I clicked on the Viking Ocean site and it opened up at 3:02. I choose my four optional tours and one included tour (same day as half day optional tour) and paid via credit card. I then reentered the Viking site and selected my additional seven included tours. I was able to obtain all of my first choices. At 3:15 a. m. I copied my Daily Schedule and went back to sleep. Very easy process for a first time Viking Ocean customer. Very pleased!

• 2 weeks later...

I am booked for MIdnight Sun cruise in July 2019. When does the list of excurions show up on the website?. As of now, when I look, it says no excursions available. Is it just too early?

Way too early for exact excursions. think about 100 days out from sailing. However, if you go to the cruise web page there will be the itinerary listed and then go day by day and you will see a guideline of what will be offered. Things change so this is just a guideline of what might happen. If you don't see what you want there, don't be discouraged as it might appear by the time you can book. It's also good to try Viator for options. you don't need to book through them but they will give you options on what is available in the port and they usually have a section for shore excursions. It will also give you guideline of expected cost. If the ship doesn't offer it by posting time, you always have Plan B. These have always worked well for me, if not using the ship excursions or sometimes(If it is a paid excursion on the ship)these other options may work better and the timeline can be to your advantage to still be able to work in the included. this happened to us on the last cruise. We wanted to see an area but if we took the ship excursion, we would not have made it back to the ship in time for included. with Plan B we were able to see it all.

LeRenardrouge

It would be helpful if Viking set up MyVikingJourney so that we could have our billing info stored in our account (just as many on-line retailers do) so we could easily do our checkout without having to enter it each time we added an excursion(s) to the shopping cart for quick payment.

They do ask on MVJ for the on ship credit card info so they have it.

I don't believe it then automatically links to the shopping cart. Otherwise, it should show when you click on shopping cart to check out.

I experienced a problem when booking yesterday morning at 3 a.m. ET. I had my Wish List up and ready to go the instant it was 3. Clicked through all excursions which took only a couple of minutes and everything was available. Quickly went to check out, entered the billing info and clicked to confirm. An error message came up saying "Extension is sold out." What? Since we are doing an extension (which was paid for over a year ago) this was odd. It did not say an excursion was sold out.

But, I could not go any further in the booking process and I could not check to see if one of the optionals had sold out between the time I added it to the shopping cart and while I entered the billing info. I was also in MVJ on my iPad so from that I found the excursion which was now sold out and deleted it. That freed up the check out process on my computer and I finished. But, I could just invision other optionals selling out while I wasted all that time.

It would have helped if when the error message came up it said which excursion had sold out so you could simply delete it and finish the check out for all the others.

New Hampshire

I am a newbie, sailing for the first time on VO on 3/19/2019. When will shore excursions be listed online for me to explore? I am in a DV cabin, so how far ahead of sailing will I be able to book? I am a veteran cruiser, 30 past cruises, but this is all new to me.

BruceLovesSailing

The excursions typically show around 120 days ahead, but may vary a little. The typical excursions for your cruise can be seen on the VO website under your specific cruise under excursions.

You can find the booking times for your class cabin on the VO website. Go to the deck layout for your ship and click on your cabin class. It will show the cabin features, including advanced booking times for excursions and dining.

Thanks so much 😀

Our cruise isn't for 400 days. When will they start listing the shore excursions so we can decide which we're interested in?

Our cruise isn't for 400 days. When will they start listing the shore excursions so we can decide which we're interested in? Linda

That will depend on your cabin type and those terms are on the website. The real excursions will be viewable about 100 days out. On your itinerary if you go day by day you can see sample excursions that could or will be available at the time of your cruise. If you're interested in something, investigate further to see the reviews of excursions on port destination reviews on CC. Also check out top destinations for the port on another site to see if something else would be more 'up your ally'. You have at least 300 days to peruse and see what suits you before it's time to act.

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The ultimate guide to Viking cruise ships and itineraries

Some cruise lines try to be all things to all people. Viking isn't one of them.

Since its founding in 1997, the upscale cruise brand has carved out a niche catering to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler looking to explore the world and learn a thing or two along the way.

Most Viking customers are approaching their retirement years — or are already there — and they're eager to finally see all the places they didn't have time to visit when raising kids and establishing careers in their younger years.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

For this subset of travelers, Viking offers a wide range of both ocean and river cruise itineraries that have a heavy focus on the destinations visited. These aren't cruises where it's all about the ship.

Viking voyages bring a lot of extended stays in ports where passengers get more time to explore historical sites and experience the local culture than is typical on cruises. Unlike most lines, Viking offers included-in-the-fare tours in every port, allowing every passenger on board to get a guided experience during stops without having to pay extra. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy.)

On board, Viking's programming revolves heavily around what the line calls "cultural enrichment" — lectures by experts on topics related to the places its ships visit, as well as cultural and culinary offerings that often have a local tie-in.

What Viking ships don't offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. In fact, the line doesn't even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. It's one of the only major cruise brands in the world with such a rule.

Viking ships also don't cater to the party crowd. If it's a floating celebration you're looking for in a vacation, this isn't the line for you.

As Viking founder Torstein Hagen likes to say, a Viking cruise is the "thinking person's cruise, not the drinking person's cruise."

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

3 things TPG loves about Viking

• Its focus is on destinations and enrichment.
• The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships.
• Its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy.

What we could do without

• The lack of fitness centers on Viking river ships.

The Viking fleet

Viking has more ships than any other major cruise brand in the world, more than 90 in all. It also has both ocean ships and river ships — something that is unusual among major lines. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

That's because the vast majority of Viking's ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. Ditto for the line's river vessels.

Viking currently operates 11 ocean ships, nine of which are nearly identical. The exceptions are two recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

The nine nearly identical ocean ships — Viking Saturn, Viking Neptune, Viking Mars, Viking Venus, Viking Jupiter, Viking Orion, Viking Sky, Viking Sea and Viking Star — began rolling out in 2015. Each has the capacity for 930 passengers. Six more nearly identical vessels are scheduled to debut between 2024 and 2028, and Viking has options with a shipyard to order four more of the ships for delivery in 2029 and 2030.

At 47,800 tons, these ocean ships are less than a fourth the size of the giant megaships being built by the likes of Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, in keeping with Viking's focus on intimate, upscale voyages. Big floating resorts, they aren't.

Note that there is one more vessel in this same series, called Zhao Shang Yi Dun, that has been permanently transferred to a joint venture that operates for the China market. When it debuted in 2017, it originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking's two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are smaller than the above vessels, as is typical for expedition ships, and carry 378 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Then there are the river ships. At last count, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — an astounding number that is the result of blistering growth over the past decade. (As recently as 2012, the line operated just 29 river ships.)

As noted above, almost all of Viking's river ships are of the same basic design and are known as the Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long, the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe's rivers. Viking has also built slightly shorter versions of the Longships measuring 262 feet, 361 feet or 410 feet in length specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require a smaller vessel. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to be able to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships that operated in Russia and Ukraine until recently. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the Ukraine war.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

Destinations and itineraries

Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line, mostly due to the fact that it operates both ocean cruises and river cruises.

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note.

You'll find Viking river ships operating on the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also operated cruises on the Volga in Russia and the Dnieper in Ukraine. (As noted above, sailings on the latter two rivers are on hold due to the war in Ukraine and may not resume for many years.)

Viking also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and it recently began trips on the Mississippi River.

The line's ocean ships can be found in nearly every ocean and sea around the world, from North America to Europe and Asia.

Viking's ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) It's also a big player in the Mediterranean. You'll find Viking's ocean ships in other key cruise destinations as well, such as Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia.

In addition, in early 2022, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. That summer, the same vessel launched the line's first voyages in the Great Lakes — a destination that only a handful of cruise operators visit.

You'll find everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages among the line's voyages.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Who sails Viking

Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. The company's core market is people who range in age from 55 to 75 years, although it does draw some passengers who are younger or older.

In general, it's an educated crowd, with many passengers coming from professional backgrounds or a life of running their own businesses. They're often people who have spent years focused on work and building up savings for retirement, and they're finally ready to start enjoying the fruits of their labor by spending some of the savings on travel to places they've long put off visiting.

They're also people who can afford a relatively high-end vacation experience. While Viking doesn't market itself as a luxury line, some would call it that. Viking vessels are full of luxury touches, with the pricing to match (see more on what Viking trips cost at the bottom of this story).

In general, you'll find a lot of couples on Viking ships and some solo travelers. You'll also find the occasional multigenerational group — a retired couple traveling with their working-age adult children, for instance.

However, unlike nearly every other cruise brand, what you won't find are families with young kids. As noted above, Viking doesn't allow passengers under the age of 18 on its ships — a key differentiator for the brand as compared to other cruise lines.

Cabins and suites

Is a balcony something you can't live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? Viking could be your line.

Viking is one of the only cruise brands in the world that offers a balcony with every cabin on every ocean ship it operates — even the least expensive, smallest cabins. That's something that even the most upscale of Viking's ocean cruise rivals including Oceania Cruises , Azamara , Seabourn , Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises can't say.

Viking's ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. Even the smallest cabins on Viking's ocean ships are large by cruise ship standards at 270 square feet, and the largest suites measure nearly 1,500 square feet.

If you're looking for a big open room on an ocean cruise (and are willing to pay for it), Viking offers you plenty of options.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites

Viking also offers lots of balcony cabins and suites on its river ships, something that isn't always the case in the river cruise business, where space on vessels is at a premium. Unlike its ocean ships, Viking's river ships aren't all-balcony-cabin vessels.

Designwise, Viking cabins and suites across all categories are modern and elegant in an understated sort of way, with Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and decor that tie to the Norwegian heritage of the company's founder.

You'll find beds topped with crisp, white duvets and Scandinavian throws, comfortable contemporary sofas and chairs in neutral tones, and light-wood desks and side tables that combine to offer a residential feel in bedroom areas. Soothing, minimalist colors — think creams, grays and lighter blues — are the order of the day.

Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine-lined walls, Scandinavian-influenced wood-veneered vanities, shiny white sinks and chrome fixtures.

In keeping with the high-end nature of the brand, Viking cabins and suites have a lot of upscale touches, from sumptuous bedding that envelops you to heated floors in bathrooms. The rooms aren't overly flashy, though.

What they are is eminently functional, with storage in all the right places, lots of outlets for charging your devices and lighting right where you need it. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards, which are in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. You won't have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed.

Other little touches in Viking cabins that show a line thinking about functionality as much as decor include the large and clear lettering on the Freyja toiletries that you'll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. The toiletries were specifically designed with bigger and clearer lettering than is common for toiletries on cruise ships and at hotels so that the line's older customers would have no trouble differentiating the body wash from the body lotion and shampoo.

Restaurants and dining

The number of restaurants and other dining options that you'll find on Viking ships will vary greatly depending on whether you are sailing on an ocean or a river ship.

All of Viking's oceangoing ships, which are much bigger than its river ships, have at least four and usually more outlets serving food of some sort.

Every one of the line's 930-passenger ocean ships has a main restaurant (called, simply, The Restaurant) with rotating menus that include dishes that tie to the destination where the vessel is sailing. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. You'll probably eat most of your meals in one of these eateries.

The main restaurants on these ships are notable for their walls of glass that can slide open to create al fresco dining, something that is unusual in the cruise world.

Each of the 930-passenger ocean ships also has two smaller restaurants with specialized cuisine: Manfredi's, a high-end Italian eatery, and The Chef's Table, which offers a five-course tasting menu themed around a specific cuisine that changes every few days.

There's no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. Each passenger is only allowed to make one to three reservations per cruise at the eateries, depending on which category of cabin they have booked.

Viking's bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. Passengers can grab a snack — with a Norwegian twist — at the forward-facing lounges atop the ships, which are home to a small food counter called Mamsen's. Named after Viking founder Torstein Hagen's mother (Ragnhild "Mamsen" Hagen), it offers authentic tastes of Norway such as traditional heart-shaped waffles, specialty cakes and the brown goat cheese that is found around the country.

Passengers will also find finger sandwiches, scones and teas in the afternoon at the glass-topped Wintergarden lounge at the top of every vessel.

The line's smaller expedition ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, offer four of the above venues: The Restaurant, World Cafe, Manfredi's and Mamsen's.

Viking's river ships, by contrast, typically offer just two eateries: a main restaurant where passengers eat most of their meals and a smaller, casual buffet with indoor and outdoor seating.

Fun fact: The Manfredi's restaurants on Viking ocean ships are named after former Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen.

Entertainment and activities

Many of the activities on board Viking's ocean ships revolve around "cultural enrichment," to use a phrase often used by Viking executives. On any given day, you might find an expert on one of the destinations you're visiting lecturing in the theater, or a classical musician performing in the central atrium, known as The Living Room. The ships also offer some traditional entertainment, including production shows with singers and dancers.

On the line's river ships, you'll also find onboard lectures, usually related to the destinations the ships are visiting, as well as destination-related demonstrations and tastings. (On a Seine River voyage, you might have a tasting of local French cheeses or French wines, for instance).

You'll also find live piano music in the evenings in river ship lounges.

Theaters, lounges and shows

Each of the line's ocean ships has a theater at its front that is home to production shows, movie showings (with fresh popcorn available) and enrichment lecturers.

In keeping with Viking's focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places you'll be visiting on your sailing. The line also draws a wide range of interesting and accomplished people from all walks of life to serve as guest lecturers, including well-known academics, diplomats and even astronauts.

In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. It's also known for an extensive collection of Armagnacs, with one from almost every year of the past eight decades. (A fun game is to try the Armagnac from your birth year. Just be careful — some years are far more expensive than others.)

You'll also find musicians including pianists and guitar players performing at times in the Viking Living Room — a three-deck-high, atrium-like space at the center of the ship. Filled with comfortable seating areas and home to a bar, the Viking Living Room serves as a central meeting point for passengers throughout the day and night. It's also home to the ship's Explorers' Desk — the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships.

There's also live music at night in the Explorers' Lounge, a two-deck-high observation lounge and bar area at the very top of the ship. The Explorers' Lounge also is home to Mamsen's, the food counter serving tastes of Norway mentioned above.

The pool deck and other venues

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of Viking's ocean ships is the main pool area, which is home to a pool, hot tub and rows of lounge chairs, as well as comfortable seating areas.

The entire main pool area is covered with a glass magrodome that can be opened on short notice on warm and sunny days — or closed if the ship encounters inclement weather.

Just behind the main pool area on each of the ocean ships is a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden that is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it's one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

Other interior spaces that are part of the ocean ships include a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels) and a fitness center.

Note that Viking river ships do not have fitness centers, which is relatively unusual for river ships. Viking has long argued that few of its customers use fitness centers and the space that would be devoted to one is better used for other things. However, if you're fitness-obsessed, Viking river ships may not be the best choice for your river trip.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's program

Viking does not allow children under the age of 18 on its vessels and thus has no children's programs on any of its vessels.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Viking adds an automatic service gratuity (which it calls a "hotel and dining charge") of $17 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount before disembarking at the Explorers' Desk. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

As part of Viking's "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy, the line offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers on all its ships throughout sailings. Note that internet service can be slow at times of heavy use, as is typical on cruise vessels. In addition, in order to ensure fair usage for all, the line limits some heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads and software upgrades.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Unlike many lines, Viking allows you to bring your own wine, Champagne, beer and liquor onto ships at embarkation with no limits. The line also doesn't charge a corkage fee.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Some Viking ships, including all of the line's ocean vessels (including its one expedition vessel), have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. The launderettes are stocked with detergent for the washing machines that, unlike on many cruise ships with launderettes, do not come with an extra cost.

In addition, most Viking vessels offer laundry and pressing services. Such services are complimentary for passengers staying in certain categories of cabins. Otherwise, fees are comparable to what you'll pay cleaners at home. Dry cleaning is available on the line's ocean ships but not on Viking river ships.

Viking's recently unveiled Mississippi River ship offers self-service launderettes but no send-out laundry and pressing service.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

All of the line's vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins.

The currency used on Viking ships is U.S. dollars.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Viking ships.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, a short-sleeve shirt and shorts are just fine.

Evenings have an official dress code, but it's not too formal. The line asks passengers to keep things "elegant casual" when heading to any of the ship's dining venues, performances or special events. To Viking, that means a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women, and trousers and a collared shirt for men. A tie and jacket for men are optional. Jeans are not permitted.

This evening dress code is not enforced at the casual World Cafe eateries on Viking ocean ships, where passengers can go even more casual in the evenings.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Viking cruise loyalty program

Viking doesn't have a loyalty program in the traditional sense — one where passengers earn points every time they travel with the brand and progress through multiple tiers that bring an ever-expanding array of perks. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests.

Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. As part of this society, you will receive:

• A credit of $200 per passenger anytime you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit.
• An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships.
• Early word by email or regular mail on new Viking Cruises itineraries and new ships, as well as special limited-time offers.

Note that the credits mentioned above cannot always be combined with promotions the line offers.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program

How much does a Viking cruise cost?

Viking sailings aren't inexpensive. Ten-night "Greek Odyssey" voyages to the Greek Islands start at $3,999 per person. That works out to roughly $800 per day for a couple sharing a room. Some of the line's more exotic sailings, such as its expedition trips to Antarctica, cost even more. Fourteen-night Antarctica trips start at $13,995 per person — about $2,000 per day for a couple.

Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style

Still, as is typical for cruise lines at the high end, Viking includes a lot in its base price. In addition to a room on board and all meals, the fares include beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; specialty coffees, teas and bottled water around the clock; shipboard Wi-Fi; and (perhaps most notably) a shore excursion in every port. The latter is something relatively few lines roll into their base fares, and shore excursions can be expensive.

Viking also includes access to the thermal areas of its spa in its base fares. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels.

Viking fares do include port taxes and fees, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per sailing. Most other lines do not include port taxes and fees in their base fares and add them later in the booking process.

Note that Viking does charge extra for two key things that many luxury lines such as Silversea, Seabourn and Regent do not: alcoholic drinks at bars and gratuities. This is one reason some cruisers do not consider Viking at quite the same level as those other brands.

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to Viking.com and book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we always recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Viking is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all of the line's many itineraries in detail and, preferably, has sailed on or at least inspected some of the line's vessels, too, to understand the various cabin types and onboard amenities.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card spending when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining).

Bottom line

Viking can be defined as much by what it isn't as what it is. It's not a line for families with young children. It's not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. And it's not a line for the party crowd.

What it is is a line that has focused very specifically on "thinking person's cruises" that offer a deeper dive into the destinations that its ships visit than is typical at many lines. It's all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Viking Cruise Line | Must-Know Secrets That No One Tells You

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

• Cruises and Sailing
• River Cruises
• Types of Travel
• Viking Cruises

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

If you’re a savvy traveler, you probably know about Viking Cruises. The cruise line provides luxurious river and ocean cruises, with “luxurious” being the key word; while most people think of a cruise vacation as a by-the-numbers affair, Viking has redefined guest expectations by providing a carefully cultivated all-inclusive experience.

Courtesy of Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking cruises founder and CEO is Torstein Hagen who started with four riverboats in Russia. Today, the Viking ocean ships employ a unique modernist aesthetic that simply feels different from what you’d get from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or any of the other industry leaders, and their approach has paid dividends.

When you’re sitting in the Explorers’ Lounge perusing vintage maps or enjoying a thermal bath on the spa deck, you’ll know why Viking Ocean Cruises are held in such high regard.

Of course, the ships’ features might not matter if the routes were boring. Fortunately, that’s not the case: typical Viking ships are significantly smaller than the ships of major cruise lines, (like Viking Polaris, Viking Octanis, Viking Sun, and Viking Star), which ensures that they’re able to enter smaller ports during Viking expeditions. As a result, Viking Cruises offer incredible itineraries with unmatched onboard amenities.

Viking Cruise Line Secrets No One Tells You

1. the true meaning of “all-inclusive”.

If you’ve cruised before, you know that Viking Ocean cruises are…well, expensive. You can expect to pay several thousand dollars for your trip (although rates vary greatly by route and month), which seems costly compared to the $500-600 rates you’d find from other cruise companies.

However, once you’ve paid, you don’t need to spend much more. Your fare includes a shore excursion in each port of call (including all port charges and government taxes), onboard meals with beer and wine, Wi-Fi access, self-service laundry, spa access, and 24-hour room service.

Viking estimates that their amenities are worth about $200, per guest, per day. To get that value, you’ll have to use as many of the onboard services as possible, but it beats constantly taking out your wallet for things like internet access and port fees.

And not to hammer home the point, but Viking cruises are truly luxurious. Standard features like heated bathroom floors and high-quality wooden deck furniture really help the cruise line stand out from its competitors (and no, we haven’t received payment from Viking for this piece). With that said, some If you want to enjoy a cocktail outside of lunch or dinner service, you’ll have to pay for the privilege. However…

2. How To Avoid Overpaying For Drinks

If you’re planning on drinking regularly — no judgments here, we’re talking about a vacation — there are a couple of ways to keep your budget in check.

The most obvious: Pay for the Silver Spirits beverage package, which offers unlimited beers, cocktails, premium wines, juices, espresso drinks, and mineral water for the entire cruise. Prices vary depending on the length of the cruise, but for around $19.95 per night per guest, you’ll never have to worry about what you’re spending.

Is that worth it? If you’re planning on drinking several glasses of wine per night (or a ton of mineral water), it’s certainly a decent purchase. If that doesn’t sound like a great value (or if you’re not planning on paying for enough beverages to justify the surcharge), there’s another option.

“You can also buy local wine and bring it onboard,” a Viking Cruises representative tells TravelAwaits via email. “Each stateroom on Viking Longships and Viking’s ocean ships have a refrigerator, and a corkscrew is also available onboard.”

As with all other aspects of your cruise, the trick is to plan ahead. Make a list of planned expenditures, then do the math to see whether you can justify the Silver Spirits package. If not, you can always grab a few bottles of the good stuff during a shore excursion.

3. Plan For A Pre-Meal Drink

Ocean cruisers won’t want to miss out on Torshavn.

“Drawing its name from the capital of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn is a lively music venue inspired by the romantic jazz lounges of 1940s Hollywood, and it’s an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks and after-dinner entertainment,” a Viking representative tells us. “This intimate club environment also offers a selection of rare vintage Armagnacs from 1935 through 1965.”

“Don’t miss the opportunity to sample these extraordinary, limited-quantity brandies from France’s Armagnac region in Gascony during your sailing.”

Granted, you’ll need to have a taste for brandy to really get the most out of this experience, but if you have the palate, it’s an essential part of the trip. If that’s not to your interests, you could always relax with a nice afternoon tea.

“Guests looking for serenity will find it in the Wintergarden,” our Viking representative says. “In this elegant space under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood, guests can indulge in afternoon tea service, served daily.”

4. How To Pick Your Stateroom

If you’ve got money to burn, you won’t be disappointed by the premium suites on a Viking cruise. That doesn’t necessarily make them a great value.

For example, river cruises have two 445-sq.-foot Explorer suites with private wraparound verandas, floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, individual climate controls, and a roomy wardrobe. Veranda suites are smaller (275 square feet), but feature large private bathrooms, climate controls, 40-inch flat-panel TVs, and various other amenities. Ocean cruises have similar options, though exact room sizes and features will vary.

However, if you’re looking to save money, think about whether you’ll actually spend much time in your suite. If you’re an active person (or if you’re planning to adopt a slightly more active lifestyle during a two- or three-week cruise), a less expensive stateroom could save you a tremendous amount of money.

Standard staterooms are much less expensive, and while they’re not exactly roomy, that doesn’t matter if you’re just using them as a sort of home base. You won’t have much of a view, but you’ll still get the 24/7 room service, and if you’re feeling claustrophobic, you can always head to a different part of the ship.

5. The Best Time To Travel on a Viking Sea Cruise

When booking your Viking sea cruise, you’ll have an easier time finding staterooms during certain months of the year. For the best possible time, you’ll want to be flexible.

“Guests sailing the rivers in December can experience the traditional European Christmas markets and see the cities in a new way while enjoying local holiday treats and hot mulled wine,” our source notes.

If you’re taking one of the Viking river cruises, do a bit of research on the cities you’ll be visiting. Find out what’s happening, then plan your itinerary appropriately. An easy approach is to sign up for the Viking Weekly, an online newsletter with recommendations, itinerary spotlights, videos, and more. The company also offers print publications designed to get travelers aboard one of Viking ocean ships.

With ocean cruise, timing is less of an issue, but you’ll still want to plan as far in advance as is possible. Viking Ocean Cruises can be booked several years in advance, and for some travelers, that extra planning time can ensure a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

6. How To Make A Viking Cruise Affordable

As we mentioned earlier, Viking Ocean cruises aren’t cheap, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t travel frugally.

Viking River Cruises offer a 3.3 percent discount for travelers who pay via e-check, so if you’re looking for a way to reduce your expenses, that’s a great place to start. You should also research tipping policies for your vessel; while tips are voluntary for both ocean and river cruises, Viking ocean cruises have a discretionary hotel and dining charge of $15.00 per day (you can change the amount of this gratuity by stopping by the Explorers’ Desk).

For river cruises, tipping recommendations vary depending on your location. The Viking River Cruises website contains gratuity recommendations for various cruises, along with currency recommendations.

While you’ll want to show your gratitude to the ship’s staff, you’ll want to know what you’re paying, particularly if you’re traveling on a ship that doesn’t use your typical currency. Planning in advance should help you avoid a costly mistake (or embarrassing faux pas).

7. Don’t Forget Your Cell Phone

Part of the fun of a cruise is getting away from the stresses of your everyday life, and for many of us, that means turning off the smartphone for a while. However, Viking offers a few apps to make your cruise more enjoyable, and if you don’t install them, you’ll miss out.

“The Viking Art Guide (available for free in the App Store and Google Play ) offers a self-guided audio tour of the artwork throughout the public spaces of the Viking Ocean Ships, with insightful commentary from your host, Viking’s Senior Vice President Karine Hagen, as well as a variety of curators and experts,” our source says.

Another essential download is the Viking Voyager app, which lets you see daily events, plan your cruise program, and book shore excursions, spa appointments, and dinner reservations. Sure, you can do all of that without the app, but a bit of technology goes a long way.

As one of the app’s reviewers puts it: “This app is an essential tool for getting the most out of your cruise.”

8. Find the Best On Board Internet Reception

When you are traveling you need to update social media regularly. You can’t just take a cruise, turn off all mobile devices, and not post a single thing. For that reason, Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, but the reception can be spotty. You will typically notice this when going through the innumerable river and canal locks. 

That’s why you’ll appreciate this advice: the best stateroom Wi-Fi reception is in the bathroom because it is closest to the hallway. As for the entire ship, the strongest Wi-Fi signal is in the library located on the Upper Deck.

9. Try Out All Of The Dining Options

On a Viking cruise, diners can visit any restaurant without incurring any additional charge. Many travelers play it safe, sticking with contemporary American fare at the buffet, but our Viking source strongly recommended exploring all of the ships’ culinary options.

A simple place to start: Mamsen’s, a chic deli located on every Viking ocean cruise ship.

“Located in the Explorer’s Lounge, Mamsen’s serves traditional Scandinavian fare inspired by Ragnhild Hagen – Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen’s mother, or ‘Mamsen,’ as she was known to the family,” our source wrote. “The deli, named in her honor, serves cuisine inspired by her kitchen, from sweet rolls with cloudberry jam, salmon gravlax, and open-faced sandwiches to her heart-shaped waffles served with jam or gjetost and Norwegian brown goat cheese.”

You’ll also want to check out Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, the cruise line’s premium restaurants. Some suites come with a guaranteed reservation, but if you’re grabbing a stateroom, try to visit the restaurants early in your voyage.

And if you enjoy your experience at one of those premium restaurants, feel free to head back later in the trip — at The Chef’s Table, the menu changes every three days.

10. Know Your Menu

On the ship restaurant menus, you’ll find the left side featuring daily-prepared chef specialties, often regional seasonal cuisine. Meanwhile, the right side of the menu offers standard options like fish, chicken, and steak. 

You’ll discover first-hand that the standard options take longer to prepare than the chef specialties, because a steak, for example, will be cooked to order while the specialties only require assembly. Keep in mind that if you order from the right side of the menu, your entire table will need to wait to be served until your special order is ready.

11. Tour The Bridge And The Galley.

If you’re on an ocean cruise, you can actually take a tour of the bridge and galley, but you’ll need to act quickly in order to get a spot.

“At least once during your sailing, the ship will offer behind-the-scenes tours of the bridge, where the captain and crew manage the direction and speed of the ship, and the galley, the kitchen,” a Viking representative says.

“These are limited capacity and can only be booked once onboard, so talk to the guest services team once you arrive and watch your Viking Daily newsletter to make sure you can secure your spot.”

That might not interest every traveler, but if you’re interested in the inner workings of a major cruise vessel, it’s well worth the time.

12. Get Off The Boat When You Can

Given the luxurious nature of the Viking vessels, it’s easy to understand why a traveler would want to stay on the boat. That’s fine if you’re on an ocean cruise, but for Viking river cruises, make sure you’re taking advantage of the local culture.

“Unlike Viking ocean cruises, sailing on river cruises puts you in the heart of many of the cities you visit,” our source tells us. “During each port of call, guests can explore the destinations with a short walk from their ship’s dock. Plus, the ships sail smoothly down Europe’s waterways, meaning, no waves for those who get seasick.”

This is where a carefully planned travel itinerary can really elevate your trip. Of course, if you miss a stop, you can still enjoy the cities: Viking’s Culture Curriculum program provides onboard performances and lectures from artists, musicians, and historians, along with “authentic culinary demonstrations.”

In other words, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge of world cultures. Just make sure to make an effort!

13. Don’t Overpack

Remember, Viking cruises provide pretty much everything you need for a great vacation. The worst thing you can do is clutter up your quarters with unnecessary items.

Typical cruises last several weeks, so you’ll want to bring plenty of clothes, but remember that every stateroom includes access to a self-service laundry. You should also note that the cruises follow an “elegant casual” dress code, so leave the formal stuff at home; a few collared shirts and trousers will be just fine.

Most rooms are also equipped with hair dryers, so while you might want to bring other electric products — hair straighteners and curlers, for instance — leave the dryer behind.

And even if you’re extremely particular about your shampoo, you don’t need to bring any onboard. Viking Ocean Cruises provide Freyja shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body-wash, replenished daily; frequent cruisers say that the high-quality products are one of the best perks of every trip.

In one sense, a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: It’s what you make of it. In every other sense, though, it’s unmatched, especially when compared with cruises from other major companies. Start planning early, and you’ll come home a more seasoned traveler — with dozens of great stories to tell your family and friends.

Are Pets Allowed on Board A Viking Cruise Ship?

No. Only service animals and certified therapy dogs may be allowed at Viking’s sole discretion. Guests who require the help of a service animal must complete and submit the Service Animal Request Form to Viking before final payment is due. 

What Is the Electrical Voltage in the Staterooms on Viking Cruise Ships?

There are both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. All outlets are European style with a ground, except for two US 110V sockets above the desk and one US 110V socket on each side of the bed. There are no UK 3-pin sockets. 

Are the Viking Cruise Ships Non-Smoking?

They are generally nonsmoking, but to accommodate guests who smoke, there is a designated outdoor smoking area on the starboard side of Deck 8. All other areas of the ship are designated non-smoking areas. Restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes.

Is There a Library on Board a Viking Cruise Vessel?

Yes. Viking ocean and Viking expeditions ships include the library located in The Living Room. Book selection is curated by London bookseller Heywood Hill to enrich and enhance your journey.

Are There Luggage Restrictions On Board Viking Cruise Ships?

All luggage on board a Viking Cruise vessel must be stored in the guest’s stateroom. All information concerning luggage will be available to you with ample time to plan for your voyage. A full list of allowable and prohibited items on board is available on their Prohibited Items List.

Brian Thomas is a professional writer with over 15 years of experience. He’s traveled extensively during that time, frequently touring the American Southwest as both a musician and a tourist. In 2019, he visited Japan and Mexico, and he’s become passionate about spreading a simple message: Traveling isn't necessarily expensive, and it's one of the best paths to self-improvement.

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Excursions on Viking River Cruises - Are They Different?

By:   Megan Guinnup , a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent

Excursions on Viking River Cruises are a bit different from most Ocean Cruises. From the way you meet up with your guide to the cost and everything in-between, let's dive deeper into those differences. 

Ticket and Information

While you're at dinner and your stateroom host is taking care of the evening turndown in your stateroom, he or she will leave a copy of the next day's Viking Daily and tickets for your excursions on your bed. The Viking Daily contains the next day's schedule, weather report, information on the destination, and interesting facts. The ticket has the date of your excursion, your name, and the time/place you need to meet your guide. You'll need to bring your ticket to each excursion - some guides collect them and others don't, but you should be prepared either way. 

Meeting your Guide

Disembarking from a River Cruise is far easier than an Ocean Cruise. There's no waiting to clear customs upon docking, you walk straight off the gangway into the town or city. A few times a coach bus took us to the start of the tour, but most of the time we met our guide as soon as we walked off the ship and began our tour almost immediately. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes - many of the towns still have cobblestone sidewalks and roads! 

What is the Cost?

On Viking River Cruises, there is one included excursion at each town or city you visit along the way. This is typically a guided walking tour of the town, which can include visiting historical sites, learning about the significance of that town and its buildings/churches throughout history, and sometimes, going inside a few buildings or churches. The guides that Viking uses for these excursions are local experts in the area you are visiting and all speak English! 

What are Optional Excursions on Viking River Cruises ?

These are additional excursions you can choose to attend, but do have a cost associated with them. The cost varies, based on what you'll be doing on the excursion. For example, a wine tasting is going to cost more than a tour of a palace. Viking has a variety of optional excursions you can choose from, but they don't overwhelm you with choices. Each day of the Rhine Getaway sailing I was on, there were two to four optional excursions to choose from.

What if I don't want to pay for an excursion?

If you choose to forgo any optional excursions, you're free to hang out on the ship or explore the town on your own! The customer service desk provides you with maps of the area as well as a card that has your ship name, phone number, and dock location (in case you get lost). No matter how good you are with directions or how great your map app is on your phone, definitely take a card - you never know when you'll need it! 

Excursions on a Viking River Cruise are a memorable experience and give you a great orientation of the town or city you're visiting. In my opinion, the included excursions are a must-do for everyone! If an option excursion that is offered is something you're interested in, go for it - you won't regret it. Otherwise, explore the town you're docked in on your own - there is so much to do and see! 

Please reach out to  Megan , an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact  Marvelous Mouse Travels.

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After 20 Ocean Cruises, I Took My First River Cruise—Here Are 6 Ways It Was Better

I n 1995, when I was a freshman in college, my parents first introduced me to cruising. I absolutely loved waking up each morning on a new Caribbean island, and I thoroughly enjoyed the nonstop array of activities to keep me busy on our floating hotel. In my 30s, once I had a little disposable income, I was reintroduced to the world of cruise ships , and I fell in love with them all over again. Today, in my mid-40s, I write about cruising for a living and still completely adore itin fact, I recently completed my 20th ocean cruise.

But this year, I wanted to branch out. I had my sights set on scenic river cruising . It seemed so exclusive, so refined, so intimate, and everyone raves about their experiences. I had to know what I was missing. So my fianc and I booked a sailing for March 2024 called “Paris and the Heart of Normandy” on the Viking Radgrid , a round-trip river cruise from Paris that follows the iconic Seine river through Normandy villages, with stops that included Giverny (and the charming house and gardens where Claude Monet lived) and the legendary D-Day beaches along the Normandy coast.

The impetus for this particular itinerary? This year marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II, and I have a personal connection to itmy maternal grandfather was a Purple Heartawarded army medic in the 101st Airborne, who was wounded while attending to injured soldiers during the Normandy invasion.

As an avid ocean cruiser , I was excited about the opportunity to see this historic area through a river cruise. And despite my research ahead of time, I was still a bit surprised by some of the key differences between cruising the high seas vs. the river Seine. Most of them were actually preferable to ocean cruisingbut one wasn’t. Ahead, I’ve included everything you need to know about river cruises and the biggest differences you’ll find compared to ocean liners.

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What’s the difference between a river cruise and an ocean cruise?

Unlike ocean cruise ships, which travel the open seas, river cruises travel along inland waters. River cruises are typically much smaller, as the vessels need to navigate smaller waterways and ports, which means fewer cabins and passengers as well. Ocean cruises often carry thousands of passengers (compared to hundreds of passengers on river cruises), and because there can be days at sea, the amenities (gyms, water parks, casinos, dozens of restaurants, live entertainment, kids clubs, etc.) tend to be extravagant. The river cruise is often a means of travel, while the destinations are the stars of the show.

The pros of a river cruise

There are quite a few pros in my book! These are the ways I believe river cruises stand out, compared to ocean liners.

All-inclusive experiences

One of my biggest gripes about cruising is that I often feel nickled and dimed to death. Even with the best all-inclusive ocean cruises , the final bill at the end of the sailing is always higher than you think it’s going to bethe drinks, specialty restaurants, excursions and Wi-Fi access can really add up. With Viking, almost everything was included in my upfront river-cruise feeit was actually all-inclusive.

Every guest receives free Wi-Fi, which was a huge relief, since I was also working while I cruised. The connection was limited to two devices at any given time, but we didn’t find this to be an issue. However, the Wi-Fi connection was a bit spotty at times, especially when we went through the locks.

Beer, wine and soft drinks were included during lunch and dinner. Liquor and higher-end wines cost extra, but there was a package you could purchase to help defray costs (called the Silver Spirits Beverage Package, which was $350 per cabin for a seven-day sailing trip). Other items included specialty coffees (the hot chocolate was to die for), teas and bottled water; port taxes and fees; and ground transfers with a Viking Air purchase. And all of these upfront savings really made a difference on the back-end of my trip. Honestly, while Viking will never be considered one of the cheapest cruise lines , once you factor in the extras they include on the front end (ones you’d have to buy separately with other cruise lines), your total vacation costs may be more similar than you’d think.

Included excursions

Each sailing included one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call, and they were fabulous. Viking really goes out of its way to find the best local guides and takes you to both off-the-beaten-path sights and well-known landmarks. For instance, included in the package was a fantastic walking tour of Rouen and its impressive Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a walking tour of Chateau Gaillard in Les Andelys and a tour of Napoleon’s Chateau de Malmaison just west of Paris. The all-inclusive cruise also included a full-day tour of the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy (including Omaha Beach, a four-mile stretch where two-thirds of the seaborne troops from the U.S. landed on D-Day), as well as visits to both the Caen Memorial Museum and Normandy American Cemetery, where Viking held a touching memorial service for all passengers.

I ended up paying extra for two non-included tours I couldn’t pass up (the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre Museum) and felt those prices were aligned with any other cruise line.

Ideal docking

The Viking longships were purpose-built to navigate the Seine river, which means they can dock at exclusive locations that are super convenient to the sights you want to see. For instance, this cruise began in Paris, and we were docked a mere 20-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. In fact, that’s the first thing I did after boarding the Radgrid , which allowed me to check off my biggest bucket-list item immediately!

Compared to docking at massive ports in the Caribbean, docking along the Seine was intimatein towns along the way, we did so right in front of impressive castles, chateaus and cathedrals. Sometimes, we’d just hop off the boat and walk into town on our own, thankful that we didn’t need to coordinate public transportation or walk for miles. This also came in handy if we wanted to enjoy a meal in town or do some shopping on our own time.

Compare that to many ocean cruises, where you’re often docked an hour or two away from a major cityas is the case with Rome and Bangkok, for example. That makes your already short time in port even tighter and can negatively impact your ability to see and do as much as you’d like.

Fewer passengers (and more intimate settings)

With only 168 guests in total, you will quickly become acquainted with them allthere are very few public spaces to hang out, and you’ll see guests time and again in the restaurant and on your tours. If you consider yourself less social or are a couple looking for romantic cruise dinners, you might find this off-putting, as you’ll rarely have the opportunity to dine alonein fact, all tables have eight or more seats (and you often find yourself repeating your life story to new passengers at every meal).

But we found it to be rather fun, getting to know a variety of people from around the world, each with interesting travel stories to share. Remembering all their names was the hardest part!

Bustling views

Because you’re on a river, there’s always a great view from the sun deck or your balcony. Most of the cabins have a balcony, except for the 22 standard staterooms, which have a half-height picture window. Compare that to staring off into endless miles of (beautiful) open ocean on an ocean cruise. While I do love the feeling of being “out to sea” and feeling small while bobbing on a seemingly never-ending body of water, there’s a lot more action on a river.

At times, we were passing through large, bustling cities along the Seine, and other times, meandering marsh-like areas. We moved under countless bridges, past woods and fields, and through the Norman countryside. The views kept changing hourly, and I felt like I was part of the scene. Several times, we passed so close to other boats that I could have literally stretched my arm out and touched them.

Smooth sailing

Most people are surprised to learn that I’m prone to seasickness, especially since I choose to take multiple cruises a year. While I clearly never let it deter me, I was incredibly pleased to note that there’s no jarring movement on a riverboat whatsoever. In fact, there were multiple times I didn’t even realize we had left the dock and were moving! It’ll be a huge relief not to have to add my seasickness wristband, Dramamine or prescription patch to my cruise packing list next time.

The con of a river cruise

Compared to an ocean cruise, there were, of course, some things I knew I wouldn’t find on board, including a casino, gym, spa, laundry room, swimming pool, waterslides, theater productions, photographers taking cheesy pictures of me, and children (all passengers must be 18 and over), and that was fine by me. In fact, I greatly appreciated the simplicity of the ship. It isn’t a destination or filled with amusement parklike amenities; it’s a means of transportation, and it serves its purpose well. But there was one thing in particular that I missed: food variety.

Lack of food options

One thing that got bit stale to me halfway through the cruise was not having any choice of restaurants or barsthere is only one of each on board. You’ll eat your breakfast, lunch and dinner in “The Restaurant” and get your drinks in “The Lounge & Bar.” You could choose to sit in the Aquavit Terrace, an indoor-outdoor area at the front of the ship perfect for al fresco dining when the weather cooperates, but our weather was pretty cold and wet during my late-March sailing, so we didn’t get to make much use of it. (I’m guessing this is fantastic in the summer!) And it’s the same menu as the Restaurant, so you’re only getting a different view, not different food.

I’m a total foodie, and I really crave a variety of cuisines and menus. I love the myriad choices you have on ocean ships, from culinary-focused cruises to the over-the-top 40 restaurant and bar venues on a mega ship like my cruise on the Icon of the Seas . Plus, I love hanging out in bars with different vibes depending on my mood.

While Viking did a nice job of providing well-rounded menus, incorporating some local French dishes and delivering tasty food, I yearned for a change of scenery and flavor profile. I look forward to my next Viking cruise, but I’d make more of an effort to eat off the ship whenever possible to help break up the monotony of mealtimes.

It’s all about the journey

I finally understand the magic of river cruising. It’s a wonderfully peaceful way to travel, you learn your way around the small ship in an hour (vs. several days on the big ships), you’re encouraged to interact with other guests, you get access to more intimate experiences and lesser-visited places, and there’s no surprise bill at the end, thanks to the all-inclusive model. I’ll still enjoy ocean cruises regularly, but I also look forward to exploring the Rhine, Danube and maybe even the Yangtze in the future.

Why trust us

At Readers Digest , were committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this story on river cruises, Jill Schildhouse tapped her experience as a cruise expert and longtime travel writer and relayed her recent experience on a Viking river cruise. We also rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions , verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team , our contributors and our editorial policies .

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The post After 20 Ocean Cruises, I Took My First River Cruise—Here Are 6 Ways It Was Better appeared first on Reader's Digest .

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