Age Policy
The Minimum Age Requirement
- 18 Years Old: Every guest must be at least 18 years old on or before the day of embarkation.
- No Exceptions: Unlike some other lines that might allow teenagers or younger children with a guardian, Viking does not grant exceptions to this rule.
The Onboard Environment
Viking positions itself as the Thinking Person’s Cruise, and their ships are designed specifically for adults. Because of this focus, you will find:
- No Kid-Friendly Facilities: There are no youth clubs, arcades, waterslides, or babysitting services.
- No Specialized Activities: You won’t find character meet-and-greets or family-style entertainment.
- Alcohol Policy: While the sailing age is 18, guests must be 21 or older to purchase or consume alcohol while on board.
Dining Information
Dining on Viking Ocean Cruises is one of the brand’s standout features because every restaurant on the ship is included in your fare. Unlike most luxury lines, there are no upcharge specialty restaurants or cover charges.
Dining Venues (All Included)
- The Restaurant: The main dining room featuring regional cuisine and always available classics. It features floor-to-ceiling windows that can open in good weather.
- Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant: Often cited as one of the best Italian restaurants at sea. It specializes in Tuscan fare, house-made pastas, and their signature Bistecca Fiorentina (ribeye).
- The Chef’s Table: Offers a fixed multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings. The menu rotates every few days and focuses on specific culinary themes (e.g., Asian Panorama, Venetian Feast).
- World Café: A high-end buffet with live cooking stations, sushi/seafood bars, and a grill.
- Aquavit Terrace: An al fresco extension of the World Café at the stern of the ship, perfect for dining while watching the ship’s wake.
- Mamsen’s: A cozy Norwegian deli in the Explorers’ Lounge serving traditional heart-shaped waffles, brown cheese, and open-faced sandwiches.
- The Pool Grill: Gourmet burgers, hot dogs, and a small salad bar for a casual poolside lunch.
- Wintergarden: Home to the daily Afternoon Tea, featuring finger sandwiches, scones, and classical music.
Reservations & Booking Windows
While all dining is free, the specialty restaurants (Manfredi’s and The Chef’s Table) require reservations. Your booking window depends on your stateroom category:
- Owner’s Suite: 100 days prior to sailing.
- Explorer Suites: 90 days prior.
- Penthouse Junior Suites: 80 days prior.
- Penthouse Veranda: 70 days prior.
- Deluxe Veranda: 60 days prior.
- Veranda Staterooms: Reservations are made once on board.
Drinks & Beverages
- Included: Beer, wine, and soft drinks are complimentary during lunch and dinner service. Specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water are free 24/7.
- Silver Spirits Package: If you want premium wines, cocktails, or drinks outside of meal times, you can upgrade to this package.
Dress Code
Viking is known for its Elegant Casual vibe.
- Daytime: Casual (shorts, jeans, and comfortable shoes are fine).
- Evening (after 6:00 PM): Elegant Casual is required for all restaurants except the World Café.
- Men: Trousers and a collared shirt (tie and jacket are optional; no jeans).
- Women: A dress, skirt, or slacks with a blouse/sweater.
- Formal Nights: There are no formal nights on Viking, so you can leave the tuxedo and evening gown at home.
Fuel Surcharge Policy
Viking Ocean Cruises has a very specific policy regarding fuel surcharges that protects travelers once they have paid for their trip, but leaves a small window of possibility for the cruise line to adjust prices before then.
The Lock-In Rule
Viking’s general policy is that once your cruise is paid in full, they will not add a fuel surcharge. Even if global oil prices spike significantly after your final payment, the price you paid is locked in.
The Right to Surcharge
In their standard Terms and Conditions, Viking reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement if the price of light sweet crude oil (on the NYMEX) exceeds certain thresholds (historically around $65–$70 per barrel).
- The Fee: If triggered, this surcharge is typically capped around $9.00 to $10.00 per guest, per day.
- Applicability: This can technically be applied to any booking that has not yet reached paid in full status.
Payments / Refunds
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: A deposit (usually around $500 per person) is required at the time of booking to secure your stateroom.
- Final Payment: Unlike many other cruise lines that ask for payment 90 days out, Viking often requires Final Payment 120 to 180 days prior to departure.
Note: If you book a Special Offer or a promotion, Viking occasionally requires full payment within 24 hours of booking or by a specific promotional deadline.
Cancellation & Refund Schedule
Viking uses a sliding scale for refunds. The closer you are to your sail date, the less money you get back.
| Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee (Per Guest) |
| 121+ Days | $100 per person (Service Fee) |
| 120 – 91 Days | 15% of total cruise fare |
| 90 – 71 Days | 35% of total cruise fare |
| 70 – 31 Days | 50% of total cruise fare |
| 30 Days or fewer | 100% of total cruise fare (No refund) |
Important: The 121+ days refund usually returns your money minus a $100 administrative fee, but if you paid for airfare through Viking, those fees may be non-refundable depending on the airline ticket type.
Viking Performance Protection (Travel Insurance)
Because the 100% penalty kicks in a full month before sailing, Viking strongly pushes their own Travel Protection Plan.
- Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR): If you purchase Viking’s protection, they provide a Cancel For Any Reason credit.
- Vouchers vs. Cash: If you cancel for a non-covered reason under the insurance, you typically receive Viking Performance Proection Vouchers for a future cruise rather than a cash refund. These vouchers usually expire within 12–24 months.
Refund Methods
- Credit Cards: Refunds are typically issued back to the original form of payment.
- Processing Time: It generally takes 14 to 30 days for a refund to process through Viking’s system and appear on your statement.
Key Strategy: Risk-Free Periods
Occasionally, Viking runs a Risk-Free Guarantee promotion. If your booking was made under this specific promotion, you can often cancel up to 14 days before departure and receive a 100% Future Cruise Voucher. Check your specific booking confirmation to see if this Risk-Free language is included.
Smoking Policy
Viking Ocean Cruises is officially a non-smoking cruise line, though they provide one specific, isolated area on the ship for guests who do smoke.
The General Rule
- Strictly Prohibited: Smoking of any kind (including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes) is prohibited in all interior spaces, including staterooms and—crucially—your private veranda.
- Electronic Cigarettes: The same restrictions apply to e-cigarettes and vaping devices. They may only be used in the designated smoking area.
- Cleaning Fee: If smoke is detected in your stateroom or on your balcony, you will be assessed a cleaning fee (typically around $500).
Where You Can Smoke
Viking accommodates smokers in one small, designated outdoor area:
- Location: Usually on Deck 8, Starboard Side (towards the aft/back of the ship).
- Conditions: This area is outdoors and can be quite exposed to the wind. It is tucked away to ensure that smoke does not drift into public lounge areas or dining venues.
Key Comparisons
Unlike many other cruise lines, Viking’s No Smoking stance is more absolute because:
- No Casinos: On other ships, the casino is often the primary indoor smoking hub. Since Viking has no casinos, there is no indoor smoking at all.
- No Cigar Lounges: There are no specialized indoor cigar or pipe lounges (like the Connoisseur Club found on other luxury lines).
Important Safety Note: Throwing cigarette butts overboard is strictly prohibited and is considered a serious safety violation due to fire risks.
Travel Protection
Viking’s Travel Protection Plan is a comprehensive package designed to protect your investment, but it functions differently than standard third-party insurance.
In 2026, Viking’s plan is administered by Generali Global Assistance (formerly Trip Mate) and consists of two distinct parts: a Cancel For Any Reason waiver provided by Viking and a standard insurance policy for medical and travel mishaps.
The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Waiver
This is the most popular part of Viking’s plan. It allows you to cancel your trip for literally any reason—from a change of heart to a family event—right up until the day of departure.
- The Payout: You do not get a cash refund. Instead, you receive 100% of the non-refundable trip cost in Viking Travel Vouchers.
- Expiration: These vouchers are typically valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.
- Covered Reasons: If you cancel for a covered reason (like a documented medical emergency), you receive a cash refund instead of vouchers.
Medical and Evacuation Coverage
- Emergency Medical/Dental: Up to $100,000.
- Emergency Evacuation: Up to $100,000 (This covers the cost of being airlifted or transported to a hospital that can treat you).
- COVID-19: In 2026, COVID-19 is treated as any other unexpected illness under the medical and cancellation portions of the policy.
Travel Mishaps and Delays
The plan also covers the smaller, frustrating parts of travel:
- Trip Interruption: Reimburses up to 150% of the trip cost if your journey is cut short for a covered reason.
- Travel Delay: Up to $1,500 ($300 per day) for meals and lodging if your flights are delayed.
- Baggage: Up to $3,000 for lost or damaged bags, and $500 for baggage delays of 24+ hours.
Tipping Policy
Onboard Service Charges
Viking automatically adds a daily service charge to your shipboard account. This covers your stateroom stewards, dining room staff, and other behind the scenes crew members.
- The Amount: $20.00 USD per guest, per day (this rate is standard for the 2026 season).
- Flexibility: This is technically discretionary. If you feel the service was not up to par, you can visit the Guest Services desk to adjust or remove the charge. Conversely, many guests choose to leave additional cash envelopes for specific staff members who went above and beyond.
- Pre-Payment: You have the option to pre-pay these gratuities before you sail to avoid the daily charge hitting your bill during the cruise.
Bar and Spa Gratuities
While the daily $20 fee covers your room and meals, it does not cover specific luxury services.
- Bar Service: A 15% gratuity is automatically added to all bar bills and wine purchases not included in your standard mealtime service.
- Spa Services: A 15% gratuity is automatically added to the cost of massages, facials, and salon treatments.
- Silver Spirits Package: If you purchase the Silver Spirits Beverage Package ($27 per day), the 15% service charge is already factored into the package price.
Shore Excursion Tipping
This is the one area where you will definitely need a bit of cash (Euros or local currency).
- Guides & Drivers: Since shore excursion guides and bus drivers are local contractors and not Viking employees, they do not receive a share of the ship’s daily service charge.
- Standard Etiquette:
- Local Guide: €5–€10 ($5–$10) per person for a full-day tour; €2–€5 for a half-day.
- Driver: €1–€2 ($2) per person.
Excursions
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Enhance your cruise vacation by pre-booking your excursions (recommended for most savings and to guarantee availability) via the cruise line app or book while onboard. Space is limited and popular excursions sell out fast!
Why Viking?
Adults-Only Quiet Luxury
No children under 18, no casinos, no crowds.
Destination-Focused Itineraries
More time in port, overnights, and culturally rich destinations.
One Free Excursion in Every Port
Explore more without added costs.
Inclusive Value
Wine & beer with meals, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, lectures, and more included.
Scandinavian-Inspired Ships
Modern, elegant, and thoughtfully designed.
Award-Winning Service
Consistently top-rated in customer service and guest satisfaction.
FAQ
Is Viking Ocean Cruises adults-only?
Yes. All Viking Ocean Cruises are exclusively for guests aged 18 and older.
What is included in a Viking Ocean cruise?
Accommodations, all meals, specialty dining, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, one shore excursion per port, enrichment lectures, and onboard activities.
Does Viking Ocean Cruises have casinos?
No. Viking ships are casino-free.
Are gratuities included?
No. Gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account but may be adjusted onboard.
Does Viking offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24-hour room service is available on all Viking Ocean ships.
Does Viking accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes. Vegetarian, gluten-free, allergy-sensitive, and medical diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
When is final payment due?
Final payment is typically due 120 days prior to departure.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included fleetwide.