23 Best Things to Do on a Viking Ocean Cruise (2025 Guide)

Planning your first Viking Ocean cruise? We share the best Viking cruise activities and experiences that make this adult-only cruise line special. From complimentary specialty dining and thermal suite relaxation to enrichment lectures and included shore excursions, Viking offers an impressive array of things to do, eat, and see while onboard. Having just returned from a recent Into the Midnight Sun cruise, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide with 20 free activities plus 3 premium experiences to help you maximize your cruise vacation.

Free Viking Ocean Cruise Activities

1. Dine at the “Specialty” Restaurants

Unlike mainstream cruise lines that charge extra fees, Viking includes access to two alternative restaurants in your cruise fare. Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant serves authentic Tuscan cuisine with housemade pasta, fresh breads, and the signature Viking Bistecca steak. The Chef’s Table offers rotating 5-course tasting menus with wine pairings, featuring cuisines from around the world. These intimate venues require reservations, which can be made pre-cruise for most stateroom categories or onboard based on availability.

2. Relax in the Thermal Suite

Viking’s complimentary thermal suite provides a Nordic spa experience which would typically cost extra on other cruise lines. Enjoy the therapy pool, heated stone loungers, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and unique snow grotto. This Scandinavian-inspired wellness area promotes relaxation and rejuvenation after long days exploring ports. The thermal suite is usually open for guest use from 8 AM to 8 PM daily.

3. Enjoy Live Music and Dancing Around the Ship

While Viking doesn’t offer elaborate entertainment options, guests can enjoy various musical acts around the ship. Evening performers in Torshavn offer everything from Motown to Latin hits with dancing for the “late night” crowd, while the Explorers’ Lounge features acoustic guitar sets perfect for enjoying cocktails while watching scenic views. There’s also piano music in the atrium. This sophisticated atmosphere is the perfect spot for some pre-dinner or post-dinner cocktails and conversation.

4. Order 24-Hour Room Service

Viking ocean cruise ships still offer complimentary room service around the clock, a rarity among cruise lines nowadays. Enjoy breakfast in bed with hot items like omelets and pancakes, or have a romantic dinner on your balcony with entrees including steak and fries, salmon, and pasta. The extensive menu covers continental breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts as well.

5. Partake in Afternoon Tea

Visit the Wintergarden adjacent to the main pool for daily afternoon tea service from 4-5 PM. Enjoy international tea selections with finger sandwiches, petite desserts, and scones while listening to live music from resident musicians. This complimentary activity provides a perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow guests about the day’s adventures.

6. Take a Dip in the Pool

Viking ocean ships feature two pools to accommodate any weather. The Main Pool with retractable roof allows year-round swimming regardless of climate, while the Infinity Pool at the ship’s aft provides stunning ocean views. Both pools include adjacent hot tubs and comfortable seating areas for relaxation. And unlike mega-ships, you won’t have to fight for a poolside lounger on a sea day.

7. Admire the Art

Explore Viking’s extensive art collection using the Viking Art Guide feature in the Viking Voyager app. Marvel at replica Bayeux Tapestries extending eight decks, discover the hidden Lichen Garden under the atrium staircase, and explore all the other works of art around the ship during your own self-guided tour. The Viking Heritage exhibit also displays authentic Norwegian Bunads and Viking Age replicas. This is the perfect educational way to spend a relaxing sea day.

8. Book an Exclusive Tour

If you don’t read the Viking daily carefully, you might miss out on some of the exclusive tours offered during your cruise. Guests can join guided art tours led by the ship’s resident historian for deeper insights into the Bayeux Tapestry and other onboard artwork. Or, there’s also Behind-the-Scenes ship tours with the Hotel General Manager offer fascinating glimpses into ship operations. These special tours can be booked through Guest Services and are free to join.

9. Attend Port Talks

Daily port presentations by the cruise director provide essential information about upcoming destinations. These talks cover must-see landmarks, cultural insights, and tour options for each port of call. Sessions typically last 30-45 minutes and help you plan your time ashore effectively. Of note, if you do miss the live presentation, you can catch the replay on the television in your stateroom.

10. Learn Something New

In addition to these near-daily port talks, Viking’s destination-focused enrichment program features expert lecturers including historians, astronomers, archaeologists, naturalists, and storytellers. Topics span from World War history and Northern European weather phenomena to space exploration and UFO discussions. Be sure to check your Viking Daily for the list of lectures offered during your sailing.

11. Challenge Your Friends to a Game

Test your skills with board games in the atrium including scrabble, chess, and cards. There’s also digital tabletop games for you to challenge your friends to an air hockey or Memory match. The outdoor sports deck features shuffleboard, lawn bowling, a putting green, and ping pong for more friendly competition. These activities provide entertainment during sea days and opportunities to meet fellow passengers.

12. Join an Organized Challenge

In addition to these self-led games and activities, guests can participate in daily trivia sessions, cornhole competitions, and other organized games led by the cruise staff. The entertainment team creates friendly competitions and interactive activities that bring guests together in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

13. Waffles…Need We Say More?

No Viking ocean cruise is complete without a visit (or multiple visits) to Mamsen’s in the Explorers’ Lounge for legendary Norwegian waffles. The delicious Väfler is served with mixed berries, whipped butter, and traditional brown cheese. This Scandinavian deli also offers breakfast pastries, open-faced sandwiches for lunch, and a soup of the day. The waffle service runs until 11 AM for “late risers”.

14. Reach for the Stars in the Planetarium

Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter feature the unique Explorers’ Dome, a 26-seat planetarium with 7K resolution displays. Presentations include the “The Sky Above Us” narrated by the resident astronomer, in addition to “Experience the Aurora”, “Explore”, and “Hidden Universe”. We recommend booking these shows immediately upon boarding the ship as they fill up quickly. They can be reserved via the stateroom televsion, Viking Voyager app, or at Guest Services.

15. Take Advantage of the Included Shore Excursions

Every Viking cruise includes one complimentary shore excursion at each port of call. These 2-3 hour walking tours or “panoramic” bus tours showcase destination highlights and local culture. These tours provide excellent value, and still allow time for independent exploration afterward. While complimentary, guests still do need to reserve these shore excursions. Of note, Viking typically offers free shuttle service into the center of town as well for guests wanting to explore on their own.

16. Relax With a Good Book

With port intensive itineraries, it’s important to find some time to relax too. Thankfully, Viking ocean ships have plenty of cozy nooks to do just that. So, grab a good read from the book exchange program and find your favorite quiet spot around the ship. The Library on Deck 1 offers comfortable seating, while the Explorers’ Lounge and Wintergarden lanais provide scenic reading spots with ocean views.

17. Get in a Good Workout

Since you’ll be indulging in food and drinks throughout the voyage, you’ll also want to find some time to burn off a few of the extra cruise calories. The fitness center features cardio equipment, weight machines, and free weights with ocean views. The outdoor promenade deck which circles the ship (four laps equal one mile) is great for walking or jogging. There’s also optional fitness classes like yoga available for a small upcharge ($10).

18. Catch a Movie

While you may enjoy cozying up with a good book during the day, taking in a movie might be the perfect nighttime activity. On select evenings, guests can enjoy Movies Under the Stars on the pool deck or destination documentaries and pre-recorded concerts in the theater. Or, you can even cuddle up in bed to watch one of the on-demend movies on your stateroom television.

19. Be Entertained

You won’t find elaborate Broadway-style productions on Viking ocean ships. Still, Viking’s entertainment program includes live destination performances, shows with the Viking Vocalists in the Star Theater, and headliner acts such as comedians and musicians throughout the voyage. On our recent cruise, we enjoyed the featured violinist and cruise director and assistant cruise director who showcased their talents in one-person shows. The Viking Vocalists also performed setlists ranging from duets, to country, to ABBA and the Beatles.

20. Sample the Local Cuisine

While the two alternative restaurants are great, you will also enjoy the variety featured on the menu in both The Restaurant and the World Cafe. Each evening, The Restaurant showcases destination dishes, and the World Café also features regional specialties that change based on your itinerary. Some selections we enjoyed during our recent sailing included Cornish Hen in England, Angus Beef from Scotland, and the Norwegian-themed buffet night celebrating all the local flavors on our Into the Midnight Sun itinerary.

Premium Viking Ocean Cruise Experiences

21. Indulge in a Cooking Class or Beverage Tasting

Enhance your culinary knowledge with cooking classes and wine and spirit tastings led by expert instructors. These hands-on experiences typically are an up-charge but provide deeper appreciation for regional cuisines and beverages. The Kitchen Table experience can be booked in advance along with shore excursions and are priced around $69. Beverage tastings may include wine, gin, or whisky, among others. Guests can sign up for these experiences once onboard at Guest Services. Those with a Silver Spirits package receive a 50% discount.

22. Pamper Yourself with a Spa Treatment

The LivNordic Spa on Viking Ocean cruise ships offers massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and hair services in a serene setting. While thermal suite access is complimentary, individual treatments are an up-charge but provide ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation during your cruise. A little pampering at the spa is a great use of any onboard credit you may have received at the time of booking.

23. Shop

Another great use of that onboard credit is shopping! The onboard shops sell Viking logo merchandise, destination-specific souvenirs, jewelry, and travel essentials. Shops typically feature duty-free pricing on select items and local crafts from visited regions. A Norwegian sweater might be the perfect gift for loved ones back home (or yourself).

What Makes Viking Ocean Cruises Special

Adult-Only Environment (18+)

Viking’s sophisticated, adults-only atmosphere attracts mature travelers seeking cultural enrichment over high-energy entertainment. This creates a peaceful environment focused on destinations and learning rather than loud poolside activities.

Nearly All-Inclusive Pricing

Viking includes more amenities in the base fare than most cruise lines:

• All specialty restaurants with no upcharges
• Beer and wine at lunch and dinner
• 24-hour room service
• One shore excursion per port
• WiFi throughout the ship
• Self-service laundry facilities
• Thermal suite access

Destination-Focused Itineraries

Viking emphasizes cultural immersion with port-intensive itineraries featuring late departures or overnight stays. Ships often dock closer to city centers, reducing transfer times to popular attractions. Viking cruises are more about the destinations than the ships themselves.

Smaller Ship Experience

With approximately 930 passengers, Viking ocean ships provide an intimate cruising experience. Higher crew-to-passenger ratios ensure personalized service, while smaller crowds mean no fighting for amenities or long wait times.

For more detailed planning information, check out our comprehensive guides on what’s included on Viking Ocean cruises, essential Viking ocean cruise tips, insider Viking river cruise tips, and pros and cons of Viking cruises.

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