- We recently returned from our Viking Ocean Cruise, which was a 13-day Mediterranean Odyssey Cruise. For some, like us, Viking ocean cruises are the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience near perfect luxury and breathtaking scenery. Viking cruises are not cheap but we learned a lot from our experience and with strategic planning and a few insider tricks, you can enjoy Viking Ocean Cruises on a budget.
Here are some of the things we learned from our cruise and what we would do on our next cruise.
Viking Ocean Cruises On A Budget
Time your booking for maximum value
- Shoulder seasons: Aim for spring and late fall in Europe and Alaska’s shoulder months. Fares are often cheaper with fewer tourists and weather is still pleasant. You will also likely find airfares are cheaper too.
- Monitor fare drops: Set alerts on cruise fare trackers and flight tools. When prices soften (often 90–150 days out), you can pounce—especially on less popular sailings. Vacations To Go has an excellent cruise finder tool and worth using to find a better deal
- Watch Viking air promos: Viking frequently bundles “free” or reduced air. Compare bundled vs. DIY air; sometimes Viking’s negotiated rates beat public fares, especially from secondary airports.
Choose the right itinerary
- Port-rich routes: Viking includes at least one complimentary excursion per port. Pick itineraries with many port days to maximise included value and reduce onboard spending.
- Embark/disembark hubs: Sailings beginning or ending in major hubs (e.g., Barcelona, Rome, Athens) typically have better flight deals and hotel options, lowering your total trip cost.
- Repositioning cruises: These one-way voyages between regions can offer longer journeys at lower per-night pricing. Generally, there will be far fewer ports to visit, but if you are looking to enjoy the onboard experience more than mingling with overcrowded ports, then this is a worthwhile option.
Pick a cabin strategically
- Standard veranda vs. deluxe: Ok, so we lashed out on an Explorer Suite which comes with a hefty premium over a standard cabin and while we enjoyed the extra space and comfort did not think it was worth the extra money. The time you spend in your stateroom is minimal, or at least that is what we found, as there is so much to do all around the ship, and you spend a lot of time on port excursions. Viking’s base veranda cabins are already well-appointed. Upgrading to deluxe adds perks like earlier dining/excursion booking windows, but if you’re flexible, the base veranda can save hundreds without sacrificing comfort.
- Location oversize: Midship, lower decks are usually cheaper and more stable in rough seas. If you don’t need to be near the spa or elevator, you’ll often get a better fare.
- Solo travellers: Viking has a poor reputation when it comes to providing for solo travellers, but sometimes has reduced single supplements on select sailings. Ask your travel advisor to flag these, as they can cut costs dramatically.
Leverage what’s already included
- Viking’s fare includes Wi‑Fi, speciality coffee and tea, beer/wine with lunch and dinner, a shore excursion per port and spa access to thermal suites (varies by ship/region).
- Stick to included beverages during meals; order cocktails at happy hours if available.
- Use the included excursion for an overview, then DIY deeper exploration in the afternoon.
- Enjoy enrichment lectures, destination performances, and cultural classes—great free value.
Trim onboard extras without feeling deprived
- Beverage package math: If you typically enjoy only 1–2 premium drinks a day outside meals, the drinks package may not pay off. Track your likely consumption and compare to a la carte pricing.
- Speciality dining: Viking’s speciality venues are typically included, but reservations can be limited by cabin category. Book as soon as your window opens to avoid paying for alternatives ashore.
- Laundry: Use the self-service launderettes (free on many Viking ocean ships) instead of sending items out. Pack lightweight, quick-dry fabrics and a small detergent for in-sink refreshes.
Smart shore days
- Mix included and DIY: Take the complimentary morning tour to get oriented, then explore independently. Public transit in many European ports is clean and cheap; day passes can be great value.
- Small-group alternatives: In ports where Viking’s included tour doesn’t cover your interests, look for reputable local guides who offer small-group tours at competitive prices. Book early and check cancellation policies.
- Free must-sees: Many cities feature free walking sights, parks, markets, and viewpoints. Research a few anchor stops and build a self-guided route using offline maps.
Work with a cruise‑savvy travel advisor
- Added perks: Advisors often have access to group space with extras like onboard credit or prepaid gratuities on select sailings. You may also find some travel agents and Viking themselves offer a free Silver Spirits Drinks package with many bookings, particularly outside peak season.
- Price monitoring: A good advisor will watch for promotions and advise when to reprice or switch sailings to capture a deal, but they are hard to find. Keep an eye out for special deals even after you have booked, as there might be a better price. This will only work if you are on the same cruise and before you make your final payment.
- Policy navigation: If plans change, an expert can help you leverage change/rebooking options to protect your investment.
Travel Insurance
- Medical and evacuation coverage are essential at sea. Compare third‑party plans to cruise line options; often you’ll get better benefits for less.
- Look for “cancel for any reason” upgrades if you need maximum flexibility, but weigh cost vs. likelihood of use. Most travel insurance policies have extra premiums for cruise travel due mainly to the risks associated with COVID-19. Check out our Resources page for Travel Insurers we use and recommend.
Mindset
- Viking positions itself as an inclusive, culturally rich, adult‑oriented line. “On a budget” here means getting the best possible experience for the money—not cutting corners that undermine what makes Viking special. By focusing on port‑dense itineraries, shoulder-season timing, and smart use of inclusions, you’ll enjoy Viking’s signature calm luxury while keeping your total trip cost in check.
Quick packing tips to avoid extra spend
- Neutral capsule wardrobe that mixes/matches.
- Lightweight rain shell and packable layers for variable climates.
- Refillable water bottle and compact daypack.
- Universal adapter and a small power strip (non-surge) for devices.
