Viking Ocean Cruises: 30 Essential Tips to Know Before You Book

Planning your first Viking cruise? We’ve just returned from a trip onboard Viking Jupiter and share these expert tips and tricks to help ensure you’re fully prepared before you book. Our essential Viking Ocean Cruises tips will help you maximize your luxury cruise experience and avoid costly mistakes. From understanding their sophisticated adult-only atmosphere and navigating reservations to taking advantage of the generous included amenities and packing for port-intensive days, we cover everything you need to know.

30 Essential Viking Ocean Cruises Tips You Must Know Before You Book (2025)

1. Know the Viking Demographic

Viking Ocean Cruises attracts sophisticated travelers generally aged 55-75, with most being professionals or retirees. This is in part due to the usually longer itineraries. Though, there some younger travelers in their 30’s and 40’s like ourselves as well as active older travelers in their 80’s.

The adult-only policy (18+ minimum) creates a refined atmosphere focused on cultural enrichment and immersion rather than party vibes. Expect fellow cruisers who appreciate history, good wine, and meaningful conversations over poolside games. The smaller ship size (930 guests) fosters a more intimate, upscale environment where you’ll likely meet like-minded travelers who value learning and exploration.

2. What to Pack for a Viking Ocean Cruise

Guests should plan to pack smart casual attire for their Viking Ocean cruises. Think versatile items that can be layered and mixed-and-matched, but no formal wear is needed! Men should bring khakis, collared shirts, and a light sport coat (optional) for evenings. Women should pack elegant casual outfits suitable for dinner. Jeans and shorts for evening are not recommended unless dining in the buffet.

Essential items to pack: comfortable walking shoes for port-intensive days, layers for varying weather, swimwear (pools available year-round), and a small day bag for shore excursions. Include a light jacket even for warm destinations, along with a rain coat. Pack any prescription medications and consider motion sickness remedies for those prone to seasickness.

3. Viking Cruise Dress Code

Viking creates luxury in simplicity with a relaxed atmosphere day and night. Unlike some other luxury cruise lines that might feel a bit stuffy, there are no cruise formal nights on any Viking ship. The dress code is “elegant casual”, eliminating the need to pack formal wear. This relaxed dress code extends to all onboard venues, creating a consistently comfortable atmosphere.

On Viking, guests can focus on the destinations without the pretense, allowing for a more stress-free vacation. Though, the official dress code does not permit jeans or shorts in the evenings.

So, leave the tuxes and evening gowns at home and don’t go overboard with the packing.

4. All Rooms Have Balconies and Upgraded Amenities

Every stateroom on a Viking Ocean Cruises’ ship features a balcony. The balcony is a good size and includes two chairs and a table. Without interior and oceanview rooms, all guests can enjoy scenic vistas right from their cabins.

Additionally, Viking staterooms feel more like a luxury hotel with premium Freyja toiletries that are regularly replenished by your stateroom attendant, larger showers, and heated bathroom floors for ultimate comfort. There’s also plenty of outlets, including USB ports on each side of the bed, a flat screen television with movies on-demand, an umbrella, and bathrobes for guest use.

The thoughtful design and modern conveniences maximize space while providing an elegant feel. Not to mention, cabins on Viking cruises still receive twice daily housekeeping, unlike most cruise lines that have cut back on these services.

5. But Know the Other Inclusions of Cabin Categories

While all staterooms on Viking Ocean Cruises feature the premium amenities mentioned above, various categories do come with additional benefits. So, it’s important to know these inclusions especially when it comes to the ability to pre-book dining, shore excursions, and spa treatments.

Guests booked in standard veranda staterooms (V) can book shore excursions starting at 130 days prior to sailing (for voyages departing on or after September 1, 2025). However, they do not get priority reservations for alternative dining or spa treatments. Guests staying in deluxe veranda staterooms (DV) can book shore excursions 137 days prior to sailing, get 1 priority reservation at each alternative restaurant 60 days prior to departure, and priority spa treatment bookings 60 days prior to departure.

Guests staying in penthouse veranda staterooms (PV) can book excursions 147 days prior, as well as 2 reservations at each alternative restaurant and spa treatments 70 days prior to departure. And naturally, guests staying in suites receive even further advanced booking.

Mini-bar and Nespresso coffee maker inclusions, as well as the time that guests can access their staterooms on embarkation day also vary based on cabin category. Be sure to investigate all the inclusions specific to your stateroom category at the time of booking.

6. Most Itineraries are Port Intensive

Viking’s port-intensive itineraries feature a destination almost every day, with late departures or overnight stays allowing deeper cultural immersion. You’ll explore from sunrise to sunset (if the sun even sets!), gaining authentic insights into local history and culture that many other cruise lines can’t match.

However, this packed schedule means you’ll likely be more tired than on traditional cruises which typically feature more sea days. So, be sure to pace yourself, pack comfortable walking shoes, and take naps if needed. We keep ourselves going with plenty of coffee (Good thing it’s included!), and go to bed earlier than we typically do on a cruise.

7. Most Cruisers Can Pre-Book Specialty Dining

Viking Ocean Cruises offers two specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room that are included in the cruise fare. These include an upscale Italian restaurant, Manfredi’s, and the Chef’s Table with a 5-course tasting menu.

Those who book a Deluxe Veranda stateroom or higher can make reservations at each restaurant pre-cruise. How far in advance you can make reservations and how many reservations you can make at each restaurant is dependent on your cabin category.

Once onboard the ship, all guests can make as many reservations as they’d like pending availability. The Chef’s Table menu changes every 2-3 days and the Manfredi’s menu is full of delectable dishes, so we recommended dining at each of these venues at least twice during your cruise.

8. You Need to Reserve Complimentary Shore Excursions Too

One of the great values of Viking is the inclusion of one shore excursion at each port of call. These excursions are typically walking tours or “panoramic” bus tours. While these tours are complimentary, you do still need to make reservations. These tours are usually offered at multiple time slots throughout the day to accommodate various schedules. They are typically 2-3 hours, so there’s still plenty of time for independent exploration before or after your included excursion.

Again, the booking time frame is based on your stateroom category, and popular tours and times do fill up quickly. If for some reason you couldn’t get your desired excursion or time pre-cruise, you can check once onboard or request to be put on a waitlist.

Of course, it’s not mandatory to take these included excursions. Guests can explore on their own, book alternative tours through the cruise line, or book with third party providers like Shore Excursions Group. The good news is that Viking usually provides complimentary shuttle service into the center of town.

9. The Cruise Line Mails You Luggage Tags

Viking Ocean Cruises is one of the few remaining cruise lines that still mails physical luggage tags to your home address – no printing required! These tags should arrive approximately 30 days before your sailing date, so keep an eye on your mailbox.

The tags include your ship information, sailing date, and stateroom details for easy identification. They are self-adhesive too, so there’s no need to staple them onto your bags or purchase plastic luggage tag holders. In fact, the package also comes with some Viking red luggage tags so you can easily recognize your suitcase at the airport’s baggage claim.

This old-school touch reflects Viking’s attention to detail and personalized service. Having pre-printed tags eliminates the last-minute scramble of printing documents before departure or flimsy paper tags falling off in transit. This makes your embarkation process even smoother and ensures your luggage arrives to your stateroom in a timely manner.

10. Embarkation is Casual

While most cruise lines and cruise terminals have made strides in recent years to expedite the boarding process, boarding a Viking Ocean cruise is different than your typical mega-ship embarkation process.

Depending on your departure point, there may not even be a cruise terminal. Often times, boarding will occur ship-side in tents or temporary buildings. In some instances, like our recent cruise from Greenwich, the embarkation port might even require tendering. But given the small ship size, this isn’t an issue.

Upon arrival, there’s a quick passport check and then a small line to receive key cards, shore excursion tickets, and other necessary information. With a pass through security, we were onboard the ship within less than 15 minutes. This is definitely a contrast to most of our embarkation days.

11. Beer and Wine Are Included at Lunch and Dinner

One of Viking’s best perks is that most drinks are included in the cruise fare. Guests do not have to pay for specialty cofee or bottled water. There’s also complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner service. You’ll typically find one house white and one red wine that rotates daily, plus draft beer and sodas. Unless you are a wine aficionado, these selections will likely more than suffice. This inclusion saves considerable money compared to other cruise lines where beverages add up quickly.

Outside of meal times, beer and wine do cost money at the bars and lounges. This is where Viking differs from luxury cruise lines that are truly all-inclusive. Though, the Viking drink prices are very reasonable, between $8 and $15 depending on your preferences.

12. Viking Alcohol Hack

However, one HUGE advantage compared to mainstream cruise lines is that Viking allows guests to bring unlimited alcohol onboard on embarkation day and at ports of call. Unlike major cruise lines that typically limit you to one or two bottles of wine per cabin on embarkation day and prohibit spirits entirely, Viking welcomes beer, wine, and liquor purchases without restriction.

Guests can consume this alcohol throughout the ship with no additional corkage fees. This includes in your stateroom, at pools, in public areas, and even at all restaurants. This policy represents massive savings potential, especially when exploring wine regions like Tuscany or picking up local spirits in Caribbean ports.

The freedom to enjoy a bottle of wine you discovered in a charming European vineyard while watching the sunset from your balcony perfectly represents Viking’s philosophy.

13. Guests Can Purchase a Silver Spirits Beverage Package

For guests wanting drinks beyond meal times, or those who prefer cocktails to beer and wine, Viking offers the Silver Spirits beverage package. The Silver Spirits Beverage Package allows guests to enjoy unlimited beverages in all dining venues and bars throughout the day for the duration of the cruise. It includes any drink up to $18 and is very reasonably priced at $27 per person, per day. Both guests in a stateroom must purchase the package for the full length of the cruise.

If you’re a social drinker who enjoys afternoon cocktails or nightcaps, the Silver Spirits package provides excellent value and convenience. It’s also significantly cheaper than drink packages on other cruise lines. We took advantage of the great rates to enjoy some espresso martinis in the evenings, along with our go-to Cosmopolitans and Old Fashioneds.

14. It is Open Seating in the Restaurant

The main dining room, The Restaurant, operates on a first-come, first-served basis from 6 to 9 PM nightly. There are no reservations needed and no assigned dining times or tables like traditional cruises. This flexible approach lets you dine when you’re ready after busy port days. You can also request to dine at a private table or share a table with other guests.

On Viking Ocean Cruises, you can just show up to dinner when you are ready any time within the designated hours. While there might be a small queue to check-in, we never waited for a table. Many guests do request specific tables or servers to build relationships throughout the cruise, though this isn’t guaranteed and/or you may have to wait.

The spacious dining room accommodates the ship’s guests comfortably. It’s also bright and welcoming with lots of windows and natural light, making it possible to take in the scenic views while dining.

15. More Casual Dining Available vs. River Ships

When compared to Viking river cruises, Viking’s ocean fleet offers a greater variety of casual dining. In addition to the typical cruise ship buffet, Viking ocean ships feature a Scandinavian deli, a pool grill, and afternoon tea in the Wintergarden.

The World Cafe is Viking’s buffet-style restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an open and casual atmosphere. Guests can enjoy everything from made-to-order omelets and French toast for breakfast to salad, pizza, international entrees, sushi, and various seafood selections.

Mamsen’s is a Scandinavian deli that serves up breakfast pastries, open-faced sandwiches, soup of the day, and delicious Norwegian waffles. While the Pool Grill serves up classic favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries for you to enjoy while lounging by the pool. There’s also the Wintergarden for some afternoon tea and snacks.

16. Room Service is Complimentary

If that’s not enough, room service is also available, and complimentary, on Viking Ocean Cruises. Guests can enjoy selections 24 hours a day at no additional cost. This is just another value when compared to most mainstream cruise lines that charge for in-room dining.

For breakfast, the menu features hot items like omelets, eggs, and pancakes, along with continental pastries. For lunch and dinner, there’s a small selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts. The menu also features a few entrees including steak & fries, salmon, chicken tenders, and pasta.

17. Many Daily Activities Are Focused on Enrichment

Viking’s onboard programming prioritizes cultural enrichment over traditional cruise entertainment. Forget bingo and belly flop contests! You won’t find thrilling onboard attractions, lively pool parties or silent discos, or even Broadway-style production shows onboard Viking ships.

Daily activities center around destination-focused lectures from resident experts including historians, astronomers, cultural specialists, and master storytellers who provide fascinating context for your ports of call. These professionals offer both formal presentations and intimate Q&A sessions where you can dive deeper into topics that interest you.

Select ships boast an impressive planetarium, and you’ll find occasional trivia and light entertainment. This evening entertainment usually consists of live music and stage shows from a group of vocalists. There may be additional headliner acts or destination performances on your sailing as well. But the emphasis remains on learning, attracting curious travelers who prefer meaningful experiences over poolside games and a party vibe.

18. Lectures and Port Talks Are on the TV

While Viking ocean ships do host lectures and port talks nearly every day, they understand the schedule of daily events might not always fit into your schedule. With exciting ports of call, you may be busy exploring ashore or taking a nap before dinner.

The good news is that even if you miss the lecture on UFOs that you really wanted to see or couldn’t make the port talk for your next stop on the itinerary, you can always watch them on your own time. Viking records all the lectures and port talks and features them on the in-cabin television. We often found ourselves tuning in to this programming at night before going to sleep.

19. Sign Up for a Unique Onboard Tour

While they might not be the best advertised, Viking does offer some unique onboard tours for which you might want to sign up. The ship’s resident historian offers select art tours during the voyage, like the Bayeux Tapestry tour that shares insight into the story depicted on the staircase images. There’s also Behind the Scenes ship tours led by the Hotel General Manager. Guests can sign up for any of these tours by visiting Guest Services.

If you’d prefer a less structured tour, you can use the Viking Art Guide in the Viking Voyager app. Head to any piece of artwork with the headphone icon, enter the number beneath the icon, and listen to the narration provided. This is a great educational way to spend a sea day.

20. There’s Self-Service Laundry Onboard

As many Viking Ocean Cruises’ itineraries tend to be longer than the typical 7-day cruise, these ocean ships offer self-service laundry facilities to help keep your packing to a minimum. Laundry detergent is available, so no need to pack that either.

There are also irons available for use at each of these facilities. If you need to get out the wrinkles from that dress or pair of khakis, you can do so on your Viking cruise for no additional cost. Of course, bringing your own iron or steamer is still prohibited.

These self-service laundry rooms are located on most passenger decks. Though, they are small so you may want to plan to wash clothes at off-times.

21. You Can Go Swimming in Every Port

You should certainly pack your swimming attire, no matter what region of the world or time of the year you are cruising. On Viking Ocean Cruises, it is always possible to have a pool day. The main pool on the ship has a retractable roof. Given the weather, it was closed for the duration of our Into the Midnight Sun itinerary in June.

There is also an infinity pool located at the aft of Deck 7. On the somewhat warmer and sunny days of our cruise, a few folks did snag loungers and take a dip in this outdoor pool. Of course, there is also the therapy pool located in the thermal suite of the spa.

And if you happen to cross the Arctic Circle on your sailing, get ready for the Blue Nose Ceremony. Guests wishing to take part can complete an Arctic plunge in an ice-filled whirpool, follwed by a shot of Aquavit and the ceremonial “blue nose” status.

22. There is a Daily Service Charge

While the cruise fare does cover quite an extensive list of amenities and dining, there is one big differentiator between Viking and true luxury cruise lines. On Viking ships, there is still a daily service charge for each guest. The cruise line automatically adds a daily service charge of $17 USD per guest, per day to your shipboard account. These charges will appear on your final invoice at the end of your cruise (or you can pre-pay them prior to setting sail).

These gratuities go towards all the hardworking staff including your stateroom attendant, dining staff, and other behind-the-scenes crew. Of course, you are always welcomed to tip above and beyond this amount to any staff members who provide exceptional service during your cruise.

We recommend checking for promotions or travel agent perks when booking, as you might be able to score a deal that includes things like free gratuities or onboard credit. If you’d like help booking your Viking cruise, our preferred travel partner, MEI-Travel, would be happy to help at no additional cost to you.

23. You Won’t Use Your Key Card Much on the Ship

Viking’s streamlined approach eliminates the constant key card scanning found on other cruise lines. You’ll only need your card to enter/exit the ship and access your stateroom; everything else operates on the honor system using just your room number. Restaurant staff, bartenders, and shop attendants simply ask for your stateroom number rather than requiring card swipes for every transaction.

The thermal suite, fitness center, pools, and most amenities are freely accessible without any scanning either. Of note, you will need your keycard to secure a locker in the changing rooms at the spa.

This creates a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere where you’re not constantly fumbling for your key card.

24. The Staff Will Learn Your Name and Order Quickly

One of the most impressive aspects of Viking’s service is how quickly staff members learn your name and preferences, a true advantage of small ship cruising. With a nearly 1:2 crew-to-passenger ratio and a guest capacity of just 930 passengers, we were sometimes caught off-guard when a staff member called us by name but we didn’t even remember meeting them.

Our stateroom attendant greeted us by name from day one, while bartenders remembered our drink orders by day two or three. Waitstaff were quick to say hi, and our morning coffee at the Living Room bar was always made with a smile. Don’t be surprised when servers in the theater seek you out to deliver your usual cocktail without being asked.

Unlike mega-ships where you’re just a number, Viking’s intimate environment allows staff to provide genuinely personalized service that makes you feel like a valued guest.

25. The Thermal Suite is Included

In contrast to many cruise lines that charge for access to the exclusive thermal suite, it is included on Viking Ocean Cruises. All cruisers have complimentary access to this Nordic-inspired area that promotes holistic wellness. Amenities include a therapy pool, heated loungers, a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and a snow grotto. While most of these amenities are centrally located, the sauna and cold plunge can be found in the respective men’s and women’s changing rooms.

This is the perfect spot to relax on a sea day or after returning from a long day of exploration ashore. The hours of operation are typically 8 AM to 8 PM.

Of course, guests can also purchase spa and salon services for additional pampering during their cruise. Services such as massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, hair care, and more are available for an additional fee.

26. Booking Explorers’ Dome on Select Ships

Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter feature a complimentary experience called the Explorers’ Dome, which is located on the second level of the Explorers’ Lounge (Deck 8). This planetarium holds 26 individuals and offers various shows during the cruise. You can book these shows only once onboard the vessel, but we highly recommend booking them on Day 1 as they do fill up quickly. Guests can book via the stateroom televsion, Viking Voyager app, or at Guest Services.

The Sky Above Us, narrated by the resident astronomer, is offered several times throughout the voyage. However, there are also other shows available including Explore, Experience the Aurora, and Hidden Universe. We definitely think it’s worth attending at least one of these experiences, if not all of them.

Tip: Even if you can’t secure a spot, swing by one of the showtimes and you might get in if sometime doesn’t show up for their reservation.

27. Don’t Miss Afternoon Tea

Adjacent to the main pool on Deck 7, you can enjoy afternoon tea and snacks at the Wintergarden daily from 4 to 5 PM. This complimentary activity is a fun way to unwind and chat about your day’s adventures with new friends. A wide selection of teas are featured each day, along with treats like finger sandwiches, petite desserts, and scones. Light music from resident musicians and panoramic views complete the experience.

This is something you should not miss during your trip. It’s too bad that this venue is not utilized more during the cruise as it is a very inviting space.

28. Quietvox Hack

As part of Viking’s shore excursion program, guests each receive a Quietvox device in their stateroom to use throughout the voyage. These small devices allow tour guides to provide narration and information in large groups without having to shout.

Most cruisers wear the Quietvox with the provided wired headset while roaming the streets or perusing a museum. However, one of our Viking ocean cruise tips is that you may use a Bluetooth connection for wireless headphones.

We use AirFly when connecting to in-flight entertainment or when we want to use our Airpods on devices with a 3.5 mm audio jack. This AirFly device can also attach to a Quietvox. Of course, cruisers can also use their personal headphones if they prefer. But you do want to remain mindful your surroundings. That is why the headphones provided with the Quietvox are only for one ear.

29. Cabin Hacks

Regardless of the cruise ship or cruise line, we have some tried and true cabin hacks to maximize space in our stateroom.

• Store your luggage under the bed
• Use packing cubes to organize your clothing items and make unpacking a breeze
• Use magnetic hooks to hang jackets, bags, etc. as the cruise cabin walls are magnetic
• Use an over-the-door shoe organizer to store small items like toiletries, sunglasses, and meds
• Pack a cruise-approved power strip with extra outlets and USB ports
• Bring a laundry bag or trash bag to stow away dirty laundry
• Pack less when self-service laundry facilities are available

30. WiFi Is Included Too

Basic WiFi is part of your cruise fare on all Viking Ocean cruise ships. The internet can be accessed from your personal devices in your cabin as well as all public areas. This WiFi is sufficient for checking emails and social media, but may not be fast enough for streaming purposes. Keep in mind that internet connectivity and speed will vary depending on location.

Also, be sure to keep your device in airplane mode so you do not incur cellular charges while at sea. You can still use the Viking Voyager app in airplane mode once connected to the ship’s WiFi.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Viking Ocean Cruises

Is Viking Ocean Cruises worth it?

This is a question only you can answer based on your budget and travel style. However, Viking Ocean Cruises does offers excellent value with its inclusons. With no formal nights, port-intensive itineraries, and exceptional service, it’s ideal for travelers seeking cultural enrichment over traditional cruise entertainment.

What’s included on Viking Ocean Cruises?

Viking Ocean Cruises includes more in its base fares when compared to mainstream cruise lines. Some of these additional inclusions are a shore excursion at every port, specialty dining, WiFi, beer and wine with meals, access to the thermal suite, room service, specialty coffee and tea, and daily enrichment.

Are Viking Ocean Cruises adults only?

Yes, Viking Ocean Cruises has a minimum age requirement of 18 years old. This creates a peaceful, sophisticated atmosphere focused on cultural enrichment rather than family entertainment.

How much do Viking Ocean Cruises cost?

Viking Ocean cruise prices vary by itinerary, season, and cabin category, typically ranging from $3,000-$8,000+ per person for 7-14 day cruises. While the upfront cost is higher than mainstream cruise lines, the included amenities do provide significant value.

Is Viking Ocean Cruises good for first-time cruisers?

Viking Ocean Cruises is excellent for first-time cruisers who prefer a more refined, cultural experience that focuses on destinations rather than the ship itself. The smaller ship size (930 guests), included amenities, and enrichment focus make it less overwhelming than mega-ships with often flashy distractions.

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