Planning your first Viking Ocean cruise can feel confusing. There are different websites, cabin types, excursions, and extra packages to think about. Even if you are an experienced cruiser, there are a few details that are unique to Viking that are worth knowing before you book.
We are not linked to Viking in any way. These Viking Ocean cruise tips come from our own research and real trips as cruise fans who enjoy good value and low stress travel.
Planning and booking your Viking cruise
Booking early is one of the best ways to start your trip well. The earlier you book, the more choice you have for cabins and dates, and the better chance you have of getting early‑bird discounts. This is extra important for popular routes such as Mediterranean voyages in summer.
Where you live will decide which Viking website you see. Guests in the United States are taken to the US site, while guests in Australia, New Zealand and UK go to a different site. The price structure is not the same, and the main difference is how gratuities are handled.
On the US site, gratuities are not included in the fare. They are added to your onboard account at about $17 per person, per day and from January 2026 this will increase to $20. On the Australian, New Zealand and UK sites, gratuities are already built into the price, so nothing extra is added on board. Fares are shown in Australian or UK currency and there are often strong discounts when you compare the price to the US fare plus tips.
If you are flexible with dates, also think about sailing in spring or autumn instead of the height of summer. The ship carries around 930 guests, so it never feels packed, but the ports can be very crowded in July and August. Shoulder seasons are usually 10–40% cheaper and the ports feel calmer and easier to enjoy.
Viking Ocean cruise tips for planning and booking
Another part of planning is to decide how much you want to pay for your cabin. All cabins on Viking Ocean ships come with a veranda, even the most basic staterooms. This is great news if you want fresh air and private outdoor space without paying for a suite.
From our own trips, we found that the higher‑priced Explorer and Penthouse suites were nice, but not worth paying double the cost of a standard veranda stateroom. Yes, you get extras such as a stocked bar fridge, free laundry and nicer balcony furniture, but most of your time will still be spent around the ship and in port, not in your room.
Spend the extra money on unique shore experiences, special meals or future trips rather than on a bigger cabin you only use for sleeping.
Choosing the right cabin
Explorer suites are located at the front and rear of decks 3 to 5. We once stayed in a forward Explorer suite and found that it took almost 10 minutes to walk to the main restaurants at the back of the ship. If easy access to dining and lounges is important to you, a rear Explorer suite is more handy, especially if you have any mobility issues.
Be careful when booking on deck 3. These cabins sit directly above the main entertainment venues on deck 2. Staterooms over the theatre at the front are usually fine, as shows there tend to finish around 9:00 p.m. Midship cabins on deck 3 sit over the cabaret lounge, where live music can go late into the night. If you are a light sleeper or like early nights, you may want to avoid this area.
Booking flights and when to arrive
You can book air travel through Viking or arrange your own flights. Based on many reviews, Viking‑arranged flights are a mixed experience. Some guests are happy, but others report long layovers, budget airlines and limited control over routes and times.
If you book your own flights or use a trusted travel agent, you keep full control. You can choose your preferred airlines, set alerts with tools like Google Flights and pick better connections.
Most cruise advice says to arrive at your departure port a day before the ship leaves. Viking’s schedule is a little different. On many itineraries, the ship stays in the first port overnight and does not sail until late on day two. This gives you an extra buffer if your flight is delayed, and you may not need a pre‑cruise hotel night unless it makes you feel more relaxed.
What to pack for a Viking Ocean cruise
Packing for Viking is simple because the dress code is “country club casual.” There are no formal nights, no tuxedos and no evening gowns. Smart casual outfits are fine in all dining rooms. You only need to avoid jeans and shorts at dinner in the speciality restaurants. They are fine almost everywhere else on board.
For a summer cruise, bring light layers and a thin waterproof jacket in case of a cool change or rain. You do not need to pack an umbrella, as Viking provides them on excursions.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. You will walk a lot in port, and sore feet can ruin your day.
Tech‑wise, bring a small USB hub or multi‑port charger if you have several devices. Staterooms have a good number of outlets, but a hub keeps things simple. If you are visiting from overseas, check whether you need a universal power adapter.
Always carry essential medicines and bring a few days more than you expect to use. Pack swimwear for the pool and spa, plus gym clothes if you want to work out. One of the best free perks on Viking is the self‑service laundry rooms. These include washing powder, so you can pack less and wash halfway through the cruise.
An international SIM card or eSIM is also useful. Wi‑Fi on the ship is usually fine for basic use but can be slow. Having your own data is handy if you get lost in port or need to look up maps or train times.
Life on board: spa, gym and entertainment
Viking ships focus on calm spaces and enrichment rather than loud games and parties. The spa includes a Scandinavian snow grotto, which is a fun cold‑room experience when it is working. There is also a cold bucket shower if you want a quick shock of cold after the sauna.
The gym is bright, has large windows and good equipment. It can get busy right before shore tours leave, so you may need to change the order of your exercises depending on what machines are free.
Viking also runs lectures, cooking demos and talks by local experts. These are usually held in the main theatre and are free to attend. They are a simple way to learn more about the places you are visiting.
In the evenings, the ship offers live music, shows in the theatre and dancing in the cabaret lounge from around 9:00 p.m. There are many quiet corners, libraries, and lounges if you prefer to read or watch the sea.
Do not forget to download and use the Viking app once you are on board. It shows the daily program, details of your excursions, lets you make bookings and helps you track your onboard spending.
Dining options and how to book restaurants
The Restaurant is the main dining room, with open seating and a menu that changes every day. You can arrive when you like during opening hours and there is almost always a table.
There are also two speciality restaurants: Manfredi’s (Italian) and The Chef’s Table (tasting menu with wine pairings). Each guest can book at least one dinner in each venue. Suites receive earlier access to reservations, so it pays to book as soon as your window opens, especially on popular sailings.
For a more relaxed feel, many guests eat most meals at the World Café buffet near the pool. We often preferred the wide choice there to the set menus in the speciality restaurants, and even cancelled extra bookings.
Other casual spots include the Pool Grill for burgers and light lunches, and Mamsen’s in the Explorer’s Lounge for early breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, and waffles. Room service runs 24/7 and is included in the fare.
Shore excursions and how to save money
Shore tours are a big part of any Viking Ocean cruise. Every port includes at least one free excursion, often a coach tour or guided walk of around three to four hours, with some free time at the end. These are a good overview, but do not always cover the “big ticket” sights.
For example, from Livorno the free tour may only visit Pisa. If you also want to see Florence and its famous art and buildings, you will need to book a paid tour. From Naples, the included tour may only cover the city. To visit Pompeii, which many guests see as a must, you need a paid excursion.
Viking’s own tours are convenient and well run, but they are often more expensive than similar tours booked through third‑party operators on sites like Viator or Expedia. It is common to find a comparable trip for about half the price.
If you choose a third‑party tour, check the meeting and drop‑off points. Some tours leave right from the cruise terminal, while others require a short walk or taxi ride. With Viking’s tours, you are always taken to and from the ship and your schedule is built around the all‑aboard time.
On Viking tours, you also receive bottled water and umbrellas if needed, plus the QuietVox audio system so you can hear your guide clearly. The devices are stored and charged in your stateroom, so remember to plug them in each night.
Excursions often sell out well before sailing, so book early once you have access to the tour list and prices.
Drinks package and other extras
Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner. If you enjoy cocktails, premium wines or spirits, you can buy the Silver Spirits drinks package. This is one of the better value cruise drinks packages on the market. At the time of recording, it costs about 27USD per person per day (41 AUD when booked in Australia). You must buy it for the full length of the cruise and for every adult in the cabin.
If you are unsure whether the package suits you, check the full drinks lists and prices before you decide. On many sailings, the cost of a few cocktails, speciality coffees and better wines each day can quickly add up to the package price. Prices for the package can rise as the cruise date gets closer, so booking early locks in the lower rate. See our full review of the Viking Silver Spirits package here
Watch the Viking Ocean cruise video
To see these Viking Ocean cruise tips in action, including real examples of cabins, dining venues and excursions, scroll down to watch our full video.
