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
Deposits & Payments
Standard reservations require a deposit of $500 per person (Explorer Sales can offer deposits as low as $25). Extended itineraries (over 35 days), such as World Cruises and Grand Voyages, require a deposit equal to 20% of the Full Fare, which scales with cabin category. Final payment deadlines are exceptionally early: standard first-time bookings require final payment 12 months (365 days) prior to departure, and World/Grand Cruises require 180 days. Past guests (Explorer Society) can request payment deferral to 6 months (180 days) prior. Reservations are subject to automatic cancellation if payments are missed. Shore excursions are fully refundable online up to 48 hours prior. Issued air packages carry an additional $350 cancellation fee.
Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellation fees depend on voyage duration (under or over 35 days).
180 Days or More Prior to Departure
- Standard Voyages (35 Days or Less): No penalty, except a standard $100 administrative fee when applicable at 120 days or less.
- Grand & World Voyages (35+ Days): $1,000 flat administrative fee.
179–150 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Voyages: No penalty.
- Grand & World Voyages: 20% of full fare.
149–120 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Voyages: No penalty.
- Grand & World Voyages: 40% of full fare.
120 Days or More Prior to Departure
- Standard Voyages: $100 flat administrative fee.
- Grand & World Voyages: 40% of full fare.
119–90 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Voyages: 20% of full fare.
- Grand & World Voyages: 60% of full fare.
89–70 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Voyages: 35% of full fare.
- Grand & World Voyages: 80% of full fare.
69–50 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Voyages: 50% of full fare.
- Grand & World Voyages: 100% of full fare.
49–30 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Voyages: 75% of full fare.
- Grand & World Voyages: 100% of full fare.
29 Days or Fewer Prior to Departure
- Standard Voyages: 100% of full fare — no refund.
- Grand & World Voyages: 100% of full fare.
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 offers a Travel Protection Plan for US residents, administered by Trip Mate (Generali) and underwritten by Generali-U.S. Branch. The plan features three components: Part A (Cancel For Any Reason Waiver by Viking) provides 100% refund of penalties in Viking travel vouchers valid for 12 months for cancellations made before departure for any reason; Part B (Generali travel insurance) provides cash reimbursement for covered medical, sickness, delays, evacuation, and baggage; and Part C provides 24/7 Worldwide Emergency Support. To secure the Part A CFAR waiver, the plan must be purchased at or before final payment.
Tipping Policy
Unless prepaid online via My Viking Journey, a discretionary daily hotel and dining service charge of US $20.00 per person, per night is automatically added to the guest’s shipboard account. Onboard gratuities are completely discretionary and can be adjusted or removed onboard at the Guest Services desk. For World Cruises and Grand Journeys, all onboard gratuities are complimentary and built into the base fare. An automatic 15% gratuity is added to all bar, beverage, wine, and deck service purchases (also included in the Silver Spirits Beverage Package).
Dress Code
Daytime is casual. After 6:00 PM, the evening dress code is “Elegant Casual” for all dining venues, performances, and special events (dresses, skirts, or slacks with a sweater or blouse for ladies; trousers and a collared shirt for gentlemen). Jackets and ties are optional, and jeans are not permitted (except in the casual World Café, which remains casual after 6:00 PM).
Formal Nights
- Viking Ocean Cruises features no formal nights, maintaining an elegant, relaxed, and comfortable environment throughout the sailing.
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.
