10 Essential Viking Ocean Cruise Tips To Maximise Your Onboard & Onshore Experience

Welcome to this practical guide packed with Viking Ocean cruise tips designed to help you get the very best from your voyage. Based entirely on real experience and independent research (we’re not affiliated with Viking), this article walks you through planning, packing, onboard amenities, dining, shore excursions and budgeting so you can step aboard confident and well‑prepared.

Whether it’s your first time sailing with Viking or you’re returning for another itinerary, these Viking Ocean cruise tips will help you avoid common mistakes, spend where it really counts, and enjoy a more relaxed, immersive journey.

Viking Ocean Cruise Tips: Smart Planning Before You Sail

Good planning starts long before you set foot on the ship. One of the most important Viking Ocean cruise tips is to think carefully about when you travel, which stateroom you book, and how you arrange your flights.

1. Choose the right season (and save 30–40%)
Viking offers itineraries year‑round, but prices and crowds vary dramatically by season:

• Peak season (e.g. Mediterranean in summer):

  • Higher fares
  • Busier ships and ports
  • Excursions and popular sights are more crowded

• Shoulder or off‑peak seasons:

  • Fares can be 30–40% cheaper than peak
  • More availability and often a calmer onboard atmosphere
  • Fewer crowds at major attractions

If you’re flexible and don’t need guaranteed hot weather, shoulder season usually offers the best mix of value and experience.

For more ways to save on the base fare, see our guide on how to find the best cruise deals, where we compare different booking websites and strategies.

2. Pick value‑for‑money staterooms
On Viking Ocean ships, all rooms have verandas, which is a major plus. For most travellers:

• Best value:
  • Veranda Staterooms
  • Deluxe Veranda Staterooms

These are the most affordable categories but still come with a private balcony and all the comforts you’ll need.

If you’re tempted by a Penthouse or Explorer Suite, consider how much time you’ll actually spend in your room. Many guests find that, although suites are larger and more luxurious, you’re likely to spend most of your days on excursions, in restaurants, at shows or relaxing in public spaces. Often, putting that extra money into paid excursions or special experiences gives a better overall return.

3. Think about stateroom location, not just category
All Viking Ocean ships have very similar layouts:

• Aft (rear): Main dining venues – The Restaurant, Manfredi’s, and The Chef’s Table
• Bow (front): Entertainment venues, spa and gym

If you have any mobility issues, or just prefer shorter walks:

• Consider a stateroom towards the aft, closer to the main dining options you’ll visit several times per day.
• Staterooms at the very front can mean a 5–10 minute walk, including waiting for lifts, each time you head to a restaurant.

4. Decide how to book your flights
You’ll usually have two options:

• Through Viking:

  • Convenient and sometimes includes special rates or support if things go wrong
  • Less flexibility; you’re tied to Viking’s schedules and partner airlines
  • You may end up on budget carriers with long layovers

• Independently (or via your own travel agent):

  • More control over routes, airlines and layover times
  • Often cheaper if you use tools like Google Flights alerts
  • Easier to build in extra days before/after your cruise

Since Viking’s main expertise is the cruise itself—not necessarily flights—the more flexible and budget‑friendly approach is often to book flights yourself or via a trusted agent.

Practical tip: If you prefer to book flights yourself, set fare alerts and compare routes on KAYAK. Once you’ve chosen your dates, you can then compare Viking and other cruise lines on CruiseDirect to find the best itinerary and price combination.

Packing Essentials for a Comfortable Viking Ocean Cruise

Packing for Viking is easier than many first‑time cruisers expect. The atmosphere is relaxed and focused on comfort, not formality.

1. Understand Viking’s dress code
Viking may be considered a premium or luxury line, but you can leave the ball gowns and tuxedos at home:

• No formal nights required
• Casual to smart‑casual is the norm, even in speciality restaurants
• Jeans and shorts:
  • Generally not allowed in speciality restaurants in the evening
  • Permitted almost everywhere else on board

Pack primarily for the climate and destinations you’re visiting rather than formal nights.

2. Footwear and weather protection

• Bring comfortable walking shoes – most shore excursions involve significant walking, often on cobblestones or uneven streets.
• If travelling in cooler or wetter months:
  • Pack a light raincoat or waterproof jacket that fits into a day bag.
  • Don’t worry about umbrellas—Viking provides them on excursions when needed.

3. Tech and charging

Viking cabins are well designed but can be limited in power outlets:

• Bring a USB hub to charge multiple devices at once.
• Pack a power bank so your phone or camera doesn’t die mid‑excursion.

4. Medications and health items

• Always carry any essential medications in your hand luggage.
• Bring a few extra days’ supply in case of travel delays, missed connections or itinerary changes.

Money & cards: For spending ashore in multiple currencies, consider a low‑fee multi‑currency card like Wise. You can load local currencies in advance and often get better exchange rates than traditional banks, which is especially handy on European itineraries.

Making the Most of Onboard Amenities & Enrichment

Viking Ocean ships are full of thoughtful, quiet luxuries. To get maximum value from your fare, actively plan to experience them.

1. Spa and fitness

• Don’t miss the Spa Experience, including the Snow Grotto, a unique Scandinavian‑inspired space that many guests rave about.
• The gym is well equipped and tends to be busiest before breakfast and early evening. If you prefer it quiet, try mid‑day during excursions or right after meals.

2. Cultural programs & lectures

Viking places a strong focus on destination enrichment:

• Attend lectures on history and culture related to your itinerary.
• Look out for cooking demonstrations that spotlight regional dishes.
• These programs are included in your fare and give context that makes each port more meaningful.

3. Evening entertainment & quiet spaces

• Enjoy live music in the piano bar for a relaxing, classical atmosphere.
• Head to larger auditoriums for more upbeat shows and performances.
• Visit the Torshavn Lounge, an intimate cabaret‑style space with live music and dancing.
• Explore the libraries and quiet lounges across the ship—ideal for reading, journaling or simply enjoying the view. Viking’s onboard book collections are surprisingly extensive and travel‑focused.

4. Use the Viking onboard app

Once aboard, you’ll have access to the Viking app, a powerful tool for:

• Checking daily itineraries and activities
• Viewing ship layout and restaurant locations
• Managing shore excursion bookings
• Monitoring your onboard account (e.g. drinks, spa, paid laundry)

Make a habit of checking it each morning so you don’t miss anything you’re interested in.

Dining Tips for Your Viking Ocean Cruise

Dining is a major highlight of any Viking voyage. With a little planning, you can sample the full range of options without stress.

1. The Restaurant – your main dining hub

• Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Offers a mix of buffet and à‑la‑carte choices depending on the meal and day
• No reservations required
• Occasionally features themed dinner menus

Most guests find they can arrive at almost any time and still easily get a table.

2. Speciality restaurants: Manfredi’s & The Chef’s Table

Included in your fare is the opportunity to book one or two dinners (depending on your cabin category and itinerary) at each of:

• Manfredi’s: Authentic Italian cuisine, hearty and indulgent
• The Chef’s Table: Multi‑course tasting menus with curated wine pairings

Key points:

• Bookings typically open about 100 days before sailing.
• Viking usually sends email reminders to book.
• These venues are popular, so reserve early for preferred dates and times.

Many guests enjoy trying both at least once, but some still prefer the flexibility and variety of the main buffet and World Café.

3. World Café & casual options

• The World Café, located near the pool, is ideal for casual meals with great views.
• Perfect for relaxed breakfasts or lunches with outdoor seating when the weather cooperates.
• You’ll also find smaller venues, bars, and coffee stations around the ship serving complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day.

4. Dietary requirements

• Special dietary needs are usually recorded when you book.
• You can also speak directly with staff on board to clarify allergies or preferences.
• Viking is used to handling a range of dietary requirements, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Shore Excursions & Exploring Ports

Viking’s port days are a big part of the experience, and choosing the right mix of included and optional tours can make a huge difference.

1. Included vs optional excursions

• Included excursions:

  • At least one in every port
  • Typically 2–4 hours
  • Often walking or coach tours, sometimes with light refreshments or tastings

• Optional (paid) excursions:

  • Generally longer—sometimes a full day
  • May include meals, wine tastings or more in‑depth cultural experiences
  • Cost more, but can provide a more immersive or specialised experience

Both types are usually high quality. The right choice depends on your budget, interests, and energy levels.

When comparing itineraries, make sure you check which excursions are included and which are extra. On CruiseDirect you can often see an overview of what’s included for each sailing, which makes it easier to budget.

2. Using the QuietVox audio system

Every stateroom includes a QuietVox (or similar) audio device:

• Essential for hearing your guide clearly in busy, noisy environments.
• Helpful on walking tours and even on coaches, especially if you’re hard of hearing.

Tips:

• Ask your room steward to show you how it works.
• If you’re still unsure, the tour guides can assist at the start of each excursion.

3. What Viking provides on tours

On most excursions, Viking typically includes:

• Bottled water
• Umbrellas in case of rain

That means you can often travel lighter, with less need to carry extra items.

Budgeting Onboard: Drinks, Spa & Laundry

Even with many inclusions, there are still ways to overspend if you’re not paying attention. These final Viking Ocean cruise tips will help you manage extras wisely.

1. Silver Spirits Drinks Package

Viking includes beer and wine during lunch and dinner, but outside those times you’ll pay for drinks individually—unless you add the Silver Spirits drinks package, which includes unlimited premium drinks.

Consider the package if:

• You enjoy cocktails or premium spirits regularly
• You prefer not to track every bar tab
• You tend to have more than two alcoholic drinks most days

Timing matters:

• If you’re leaning towards the package, decide when you book your cruise.
• We waited over a year to add it and ended up paying an extra $5 per person per day due to price increases.
• Buying it at booking generally locks in the price.

2. Spa treatments and specials

• Access to the thermal suite is usually included.
• Massages and treatments cost extra.
• Pre‑booking or looking for onboard specials can help you save.

3. Laundry options

Viking offers:

• Free self‑service laundry rooms on board, ideal for longer trips or packing lighter.
• Paid professional laundry and dry cleaning, which is complimentary if you’re staying in a suite.

4. Track spending with the app

Use the onboard app to keep an eye on:

• Bar charges
• Spa treatments
• Optional excursion fees
• Laundry and any other extras

Checking your balance regularly can prevent surprises at the end of your voyage.

Don’t forget insurance: Before you sail, make sure your travel insurance includes cruise cover and any pre‑ or post‑cruise stays. You can compare options and buy a policy online through VisitorsCoverage.

For the latest official details on inclusions, dress codes and amenities, it’s always worth cross‑checking directly with Viking here:
https://www.viking.com

With these Viking Ocean cruise tips in mind—spanning planning, packing, dining, excursions and budgeting—you’ll be well on your way to a smoother, more enjoyable voyage that makes the most of Viking’s unique blend of comfort and exploration.

If you found these Viking Ocean cruise tips helpful, you might also like our 10 Essential First Viking Cruise Tips To Avoid Costly Mistakes and our detailed Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise review.

See our other cruise planning guides here

Watch our full video on Viking Cruise Tips