10 Essential First Viking Cruise Tips To Avoid Costly Mistakes

Planning your dream voyage with Viking can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. These first Viking cruise tips will help you avoid surprise charges, choose the right cabin, and make the most of everything that’s included on board. With a little preparation, your first sailing can be smooth, relaxing, and incredible from embarkation to disembarkation.

Below you’ll find 10 practical pointers drawn directly from real cruise experiences—covering gratuities, drinks packages, excursions, packing, and more—so you can board confident and stress‑free on your very first Viking cruise.

1. Understand What “All‑Inclusive” Really Means

Viking is widely praised for its generous inclusions, but it isn’t completely all‑inclusive. One of the most important first Viking cruise tips is understanding exactly what’s covered and what isn’t before you sail.

What’s typically included:

• Wi‑Fi on board
• At least one shore excursion in every port
• Beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• 24‑hour access to specialty teas and coffees

What’s not fully included for most guests:

• Gratuities (service charges):

  • If you book through Viking’s US or international websites, gratuities are usually added to your onboard account.
  • Expect to pay roughly USD $15–$20 per person per day for ocean cruises, depending on the region.

• Australian bookings:

  • When booking through the Australian Viking website, gratuities are typically included in the fare and not charged on board.
  • The trade‑off is that Australian fares are often 25–40% higher than fares booked via the US site, meaning you may be paying more overall for the “included” tipping.

• Tour operator tips:

  • The gratuities charged to your onboard account do not cover tips for local tour guides and drivers.
  • If you plan to join daily excursions, build an extra tipping budget into your overall cruise cost.

Clarifying these details before you book will prevent “bill shock” at the end of your voyage and help you compare fares more accurately across booking regions.

2. Decide If the Silver Spirits Drinks Package Is Worth It

If you enjoy cocktails, premium wines, or speciality drinks, another key among the first Viking cruise tips is to carefully evaluate the Silver Spirits drinks package.

What it generally includes:

• Unlimited access to a wide range of premium spirits
• An expanded wine list
• Cocktails and mocktails
• Gratuities on included drinks are usually built into the package price

Typical cost:

• Around USD $27 per person per day (this can vary by itinerary and timing).

The package tends to be good value if:

• You typically drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day.
• You’re on a longer voyage where à‑la‑carte bar charges could add up quickly.
• You prefer higher‑end wines and spirits rather than the complimentary house options.

If you don’t purchase the package but still want a glass of wine or beer outside meal times, Viking’s relaxed alcohol policy is a huge plus: you can bring your own wine or spirits on board and enjoy them anywhere on the ship, including lounges and restaurants, with no corkage fees.

For an official overview of what Viking includes on their cruises, you can also review their current policies on their website:
https://www.viking.com

3. Book Your Viking Cruise Early (and Watch for Repositioning Deals)

One of the most practical first Viking cruise tips is to book early—especially for popular regions like the Mediterranean in peak summer.

Why early booking matters:

• Best chance of securing your ideal itinerary and cabin category
• Access to promotions such as:
  • Discounted airfare
  • Free or discounted flight upgrades
  • Complimentary or discounted cabin upgrades
• Better availability for preferred dates and routes

Booking 12–18 months in advance is common for sought‑after itineraries.

Don’t overlook repositioning cruises:

Viking (and other cruise lines) offer repositioning cruises when ships move from one region to another at the end of a season. These itineraries:

• Often feature more days at sea and fewer ports
• Can be significantly cheaper than peak‑season itineraries
• Still include the full onboard experience: dining, enrichment, and facilities

To find these and other deals:

• USA/Canada: https://cruiseplum.com
• Australia/Rest of World: https://vacationstogo.com

Both are also excellent for spotting itineraries with reduced or no single supplements for solo travellers.

Where to compare prices: Before you lock anything in, it’s worth comparing itineraries and fares across different booking sites. We like using CruiseDirect to see a wide range of Viking and other cruise options side‑by‑side, then choosing the dates and cabin type that fit our budget.

4. Lock In Extras (Drinks & Excursions) As Soon As You Book

Once you’ve paid your deposit to Viking, you’re locked into a contract and protected from future price increases on your base fare and any extras already added.

That makes early planning even more valuable:

• Add your drinks package early:

  • Prices can and do rise. For example, one cruiser booked when the package was USD $20 per day but delayed purchasing it; by the time they added it (one month before departure) it had increased to USD $25 per day.

• Pre‑book your paid excursions:

  • Excursions are also subject to price changes.
  • Popular premium tours sell out well before sailing.

If you know you want the Silver Spirits package or several premium excursions, add them as soon as possible after booking to secure both availability and today’s pricing.

5. Choose Your Cabin Location Strategically

Your cabin’s position on the ship can shape your entire experience. Among all the first Viking cruise tips, this one has a huge impact on comfort and convenience.

Consider the following when choosing:

• Mobility and walking distance:

  • If you have mobility concerns, look for cabins near elevators or towards the rear, where main dining venues are usually located.
  • Most guests visit at least one of the restaurants three times a day, so proximity can make life easier.

• Entertainment access:

  • If evening entertainment and lounges are priorities, cabins near the front of the ship (where theatres and main lounges are often located) may be preferable.

• Seasickness:

  • If you are prone to motion sickness, opt for a midship cabin on a lower or mid deck, where movement is generally less noticeable.

• Noise levels:

  • Avoid cabins directly above or below lounges, public venues, or near stairwells and elevator lobbies if you are a light sleeper.

Spending a little extra time studying deck plans before finalising your cabin can significantly improve your comfort day‑to‑day.

6. Arrive in Your Departure City at Least One Day Early

Embarkation day sets the tone for your whole vacation. One of the smartest first Viking cruise tips is to fly in at least a day early to your departure city.

Benefits of arriving early:

• Reduced risk of missing the ship due to:
  • Flight delays or cancellations
  • Lost luggage
  • Weather disruptions

Booking your flights: To minimise awkward layovers and maximise your chances of arriving on time, compare routes and carriers on KAYAK. You can set fare alerts for your departure city and flexible dates, which is especially handy if you’re flying long‑haul to Europe or North America for your first Viking cruise.

Don’t forget insurance: If your flight is delayed or cancelled and you miss embarkation, having solid travel insurance becomes crucial. You can quickly compare policies and buy cover online through VisitorsCoverage, making sure your cruise and pre‑/post‑cruise stays are protected.

• Time to explore your embarkation city at a relaxed pace
• Ability to board the ship rested instead of exhausted and rushed

For example, if your cruise departs from Budapest, arriving the day before lets you:

• See the Parliament building from the riverfront
• Soak in the famous thermal baths
• Enjoy a relaxed dinner before embarkation day

On embarkation day itself:

• Keep your passport and important documents in your carry‑on.
• Pack essentials (medications, a change of clothes, valuables) separately, as your checked luggage may take a few hours to arrive at your stateroom.

7. Pack Smart: Dress Code, Weather & Laundry

Packing for a Viking voyage is simpler than many first‑time cruisers expect.

Dress code essentials:

• Viking’s atmosphere is relaxed and smart‑casual.
• Formal wear is not required, even for dinner.
• Shorts and jeans are acceptable in many areas, including buffet venues.
• For speciality restaurants and the main dining room, opt for smart casual:
  • Collared shirts or blouses
  • Casual dresses or dress pants
  • Closed‑toe shoes or smart sandals

Weather & shore excursions:

• Pack layers for varying temperatures, especially in shoulder seasons.
• A lightweight raincoat or poncho that fits in your day bag is extremely useful.
• Viking typically provides umbrellas on shore excursions if the weather turns.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, as many tours involve cobblestones or uneven terrain.

Laundry on board:

• Viking ships usually offer self‑service laundry facilities, allowing you to pack lighter and refresh your clothes mid‑cruise.

Money & cards ashore: For spending in multiple currencies on your first Viking cruise, we like using a low‑fee multi‑currency card such as Wise. You can load local currencies in advance and usually get better exchange rates than traditional banks, which is ideal on European or multi‑country itineraries.

8. Reserve Speciality Restaurants Early

Viking’s main dining room delivers consistently excellent meals without reservations, but the speciality restaurants are often highlights of the trip and do require planning.

Examples include:

• Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant – known for its rich, hearty Italian dishes
• The Chef’s Table – often featuring rotating tasting menus inspired by the region

Key points:

• These venues are included in your fare, but seating is limited.
• Make reservations as soon as you board to get your preferred times and dates.
• Some higher cabin categories can pre‑book speciality dining before sailing—check your booking documents or with Viking.

Blocking out your special dining nights early helps you structure your evenings and avoid disappointment.

9. Make the Most of Your Quiet Box and Enrichment Programs

Viking excels at destination‑focused enrichment, and two onboard offerings can greatly enhance your experience.

Quiet Box listening devices:

• Every guest receives a small audio device (often called a “Quiet Box”) for guided tours.
• It lets you hear your guide clearly even in crowds or windy conditions.
• You can wander within range and still listen to the commentary.

Tips:

• Charge the device nightly in your stateroom.
• Consider bringing your own lightweight earphones for comfort and familiarity.

Onboard enrichment:

Viking’s enrichment programs are included in your fare and may feature:

• Lectures by historians, cultural experts, or local specialists
• Cooking demonstrations showcasing regional cuisine
• Themed talks related to your itinerary (e.g., Roman history in the Mediterranean, Viking lore in Scandinavia)

Check the daily program and mark sessions that interest you. These talks often provide context that makes ports and excursions far more meaningful.

10. Understand Included vs Premium Excursions

Every port on a Viking cruise typically includes at least one complimentary shore excursion. These are well‑curated, guided tours designed to give you a strong introductory experience of each destination.

However, Viking also offers premium (paid) excursions that can provide more immersive or exclusive opportunities, such as:

• Private or small‑group wine tastings in Tuscany
• Hot‑air balloon rides over Cappadocia
• Behind‑the‑scenes tours of iconic landmarks

Consider premium excursions if you:

• Prefer smaller groups
• Want access to experiences not possible on standard tours
• Are celebrating a special occasion

Be sure to:

• Review and book premium excursions early—spaces are limited and can sell out.
• Don’t worry if you stick to the included tours: they are designed to highlight each destination’s key attractions and culture very effectively.

With these first Viking cruise tips in mind—from managing gratuities and drinks to choosing cabins, packing smart, and maximizing excursions—you’ll be well‑prepared to enjoy a smooth and memorable voyage. A little planning up front can transform a good holiday into the trip of a lifetime. Bon voyage!

If you found these first Viking cruise tips helpful, you might also like our Viking Ocean cruise tips to maximise your onboard and onshore experience and our guide on how to find the best cruise deals.

See our other cruise planning guides here

Watch our full video on Viking Cruise Tips!