Prices and availability are subject to change at any time.
Viking Octantis in Antarctica.Photo: VikingA Note from Elisa
Hi there!
Thank you for your interest in a Viking voyage! I’ve gathered the most important details in one easy place, so you can see exactly what’s included, what you may want to add, and what to expect before, during, and after your journey.
Viking is known for elegant Scandinavian design, destination-focused itineraries, and a calm, adults-only atmosphere, whether you sail Europe’s rivers, the open ocean or the polar regions. Take a look through the sections below, and whenever you’re ready, I’d love to help you choose between river, ocean and expedition, and find the itinerary, stateroom, and extras that fit you best.
Elisa RzymskiCertified Viking Specialist
The Guide
The Experience
What’s included, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll spend your days.
What’s Included
Your Inclusive Experience
Viking is known for thoughtful, destination-focused voyages with the essentials already included, whether you sail a river, the open ocean or the polar regions. From the moment you step aboard, the details are taken care of, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
Here’s what you can look forward to.
Imagine stepping ashore each morning with a guided excursion already arranged, and returning to find lunch, and a glass of wine, waiting onboard.
The Infinity Pool off the stern of a Viking ocean ship.Photo: Viking
On River Voyages
A guided shore excursion in every port
Explore the highlights of each destination with a local guide.
All onboard meals
Regional specialties and classic favorites at every meal.
Beer, wine & soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Complimentary with every lunch and dinner onboard.
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & water
Your favorite pick-me-up, any time of day.
Free Wi-Fi
Connection speed may vary along the river.
Port taxes & fees
Included in your cruise fare, so there are no surprises later.
Onboard enrichment
Lectures, cooking and craft demonstrations, musical performances, and Destination Performances.
Ground transfers with Viking Air
Included when you purchase your flights through Viking.
On Ocean Voyages
A veranda stateroom
Every ocean stateroom has its own veranda; there are no inside staterooms.
A shore excursion in every port
Led by knowledgeable local guides, with hundreds of optional excursions to go deeper.
All onboard dining
Eight dining options, including Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, at no extra charge.
Beer, wine & soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Plus hot teas and coffees around the clock.
Free Wi-Fi
Connection speed may vary at sea.
The Nordic Spa
No entrance fee for the spa; treatments are extra.
Self-service launderettes
No charge to use them.
Onboard enrichment
Port talks and lectures, including from Viking’s Resident Historian.
On Expedition Voyages
At least one excursion each landing day
And sometimes two.
All onboard restaurants & 24-hour room service
Dining at no extra charge, day or night.
Beer, wine & soft drinks with meals
Complimentary with your onboard meals.
The Viking Expedition Kit
Boots, binoculars and waterproof pants, plus specialty gear such as trekking poles and snowshoes when an excursion calls for them.
A Viking Expedition Jacket to keep
On polar itineraries.
Free Wi-Fi
Connection speed may vary.
Port charges
Where applicable.
Antarctica travel days
Charter flights to and from Ushuaia, plus a hotel night in Buenos Aires on the way in, on relevant Antarctica itineraries.
Included amenities are subject to change by Viking and vary by ship and itinerary.
Elisa’s Tip
When you compare cruise lines, look closely at what’s included. With Viking, a guided excursion in every port, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and, at sea, every restaurant are already part of your fare. Gratuities are the main item to budget for, and I’ll help you plan for them.
Three Ways to Travel
River, Ocean or Expedition
A Viking Longship in Austria’s Wachau Valley.Photo: Viking
Viking offers three ways to travel, each with the same destination-focused, adults-only style. Here’s a quick way to picture which one fits the trip you have in mind.
Viking river, ocean and expedition voyages compared
At a Glance
River VoyagesLongships & river ships
Ocean VoyagesAll-veranda ocean ships
Expedition VoyagesViking Octantis & Polaris
Guests
190 on European Longships
Fewer than 1,000
378
Where
Europe, Egypt, Asia and the Mississippi
Europe to Alaska, Asia, Australia and South America
Antarctica, the Arctic, South America and the Great Lakes
Included Excursions
One in every port
One in every port
At least one each landing day
Signature
The Aquavit Terrace and a river view from every stateroom
The Infinity Pool, The Nordic Spa and specialty dining at no extra charge
The Hangar, Special Operations Boats and two submarines
Best For
Castles, vineyards and storied cities
Destination-rich voyages at sea
Remote wilderness, in comfort
Viking Longships
190-guest river ships with the indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace at the bow, sailing Europe’s great rivers. Viking also sails the Nile, the Mekong and America’s Mississippi on its own river ships.
Viking Ocean Ships
A fleet of sister ships for fewer than 1,000 guests, small enough to dock where larger ships cannot, with a veranda for every stateroom.
Viking Expedition Ships
Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, identical Polar Class 6 ships for 378 guests, built to explore remote destinations in comfort.
Longer Journeys
Combine a river and an ocean voyage, or sail a World Cruise. I’ll show you the options for your dates.
Your Home on the Water
Staterooms & Suites
Every Viking stateroom is designed around the view. Longships carry only 190 guests and every stateroom faces the river; every ocean stateroom has a private veranda; and on the expedition ships, staterooms bring the polar landscape inside. Interiors are light and serene, with the understated Scandinavian design Viking is known for.
A Veranda Suite bedroom aboard a Viking Longship.Photo: VikingAn Explorer Suite veranda aboard a Viking ocean ship.Photo: Viking
On the River
Explorer Suites
445 sq ft, with a private wraparound veranda and 270-degree views off the living room, plus a French balcony in the bedroom.
Veranda Suites
275 sq ft, with two full rooms: a full-size veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom.
Veranda Staterooms
205 sq ft, with a floor-to-ceiling sliding door that opens to a full-size veranda.
French Balcony Staterooms
135 sq ft, with a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens to the fresh air.
Standard Staterooms
150 sq ft on the lowest deck, with river views and excellent value.
At Sea
Veranda & Deluxe Veranda Staterooms
A full-size private veranda, a king-size Viking Explorer Bed, and a bathroom with heated floors.
Penthouse Veranda & Penthouse Junior Suites
More space, with earlier booking windows for excursions, dining and spa.
Explorer Suites
The most spacious suites after the Owner’s Suite, with a separate living room and a large private veranda.
Owner’s Suite
1,448 sq ft, with a separate bedroom, a dining area for six, a private sauna and a boardroom.
On Expedition Ships
Nordic Balcony & Deluxe Nordic Balcony
Comfortable staterooms with a Nordic balcony; Deluxe Nordic Balconies are 215 sq ft.
Nordic Penthouse & Nordic Junior Suite
269 and 322 sq ft, with more room to relax between landings.
Explorer Suites
548 sq ft, two rooms with a Nordic balcony.
Owner’s Suite
1,960 sq ft, with a private lounge area.
In Every Stateroom
A view of the water, on every ship
Premium Freyja® toiletries
Plush robes and slippers
Free Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Daily housekeeping from an attentive crew
A Nordic Balcony stateroom aboard Viking Octantis.Photo: Viking
River sizes shown are for Viking Longships, where the elevator runs between the Middle and Upper Decks only, with no elevator access to categories E and F. Ocean and expedition sizes vary by ship and category.
Life Onboard
Calm, Comfort & Connection
The thermal pool in The Nordic Spa aboard a Viking ocean ship.Photo: Viking
Viking ships are designed for calm, comfortable exploration, with light-filled public spaces, Scandinavian style, and plenty of room to take in the view.
The Aquavit Terrace
An indoor-outdoor lounge with al fresco dining, at the bow of every Longship and aboard the ocean and expedition ships.
The Nordic Spa
At sea, a serene spa with a thermal pool and no entrance fee. Treatments are extra.
Two Pools at Sea
A heated Main Pool under a retractable dome and an Infinity Pool off the stern of every ocean ship.
The Living Room & Explorers’ Lounge
Light-filled spaces for reading, conversation and views, aboard the ocean and expedition ships.
The Aula & the Science Lab
On the expedition ships, a panoramic auditorium for lectures, and a laboratory where resident scientists share their fieldwork.
Onboard Enrichment
Lectures, port talks, cooking demonstrations, and musical performances that prepare you for each stop.
A Tranquil Atmosphere
No children under 18, no casinos and no formal nights, so the mood stays calm and focused on the destination.
Free Wi-Fi
Stay connected throughout your journey. Connection speed may vary.
Onboard facilities vary by ship.
A Taste of Every Region
Destination-Focused Dining
Dining aboard Viking celebrates the regions you sail, with menus that feature local specialties alongside classic favorites.
On the River
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the view at every meal in The Restaurant, and seating is open, so you can join new friends or linger over a table for two. On pleasant days, the Aquavit Terrace offers al fresco dining at the bow.
The Restaurant, sailing past Kaub on the Rhine.Photo: Viking
Regional Cuisine
Menus that reflect the destinations you visit.
Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks
Complimentary with lunch and dinner.
Specialty Coffees & Teas
Available 24 hours a day, along with bottled water.
Silver Spirits Beverage Package
An optional upgrade for premium wines, spirits, and cocktails throughout the day, on river, ocean and expedition voyages.
At Sea
The Restaurant
The main dining room, with the widest selection of dishes.
Manfredi’s & The Chef’s Table
Italian favorites and regional specialty menus, at no extra charge. Reservations are required.
World Café & Pool Grill
Relaxed dining with regional specialties, plus casual favorites by the pool.
Mamsen’s
Norwegian specialties, a nod to Viking’s heritage.
Room Service
Dine in your stateroom when you prefer a quiet evening.
The Wintergarden
An elegant space for afternoon tea.
Elisa’s Pro Tip
Share any dietary preferences or allergies with me when we book, and I’ll pass them along so the kitchen is ready for you from day one.
Viking’s ocean ships offer eight dining options, all with no additional charge, and the expedition ships share many of the same venues, including The Restaurant, World Café, Manfredi’s and Mamsen’s, plus 24-hour room service. Dining venues and menus vary by ship and itinerary.
Beyond the Ship
A World of Exploration
A Special Operations Boat heading out from Viking Octantis in Antarctica.Photo: Viking
Every day brings a new destination, and Viking includes a guided excursion in each river and ocean port, and at least one excursion each landing day on expeditions, so you can see the highlights without extra planning. Optional experiences let you go deeper.
Included Excursion in Every Port
Walking tours and visits to historic sites, museums, and landmarks with knowledgeable local guides.
Local Life
Optional experiences that reveal the rhythms of daily life, such as a farmers’ market or a home visit.
Working World
Optional insight into local crafts and economies, from vineyards to the workings of a Dutch windmill.
Privileged Access
Optional, exclusive experiences, such as before- or after-hours entry to renowned museums.
Overland Excursions
On select longer voyages, a fully guided, multi-day journey inland, such as a safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Private Excursions
A curated tour with a private driver and host, tailored to your interests.
Expedition Equipment
On Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, adventures begin in The Hangar, an enclosed in-ship marina. From there you can set out on 12-seat Special Operations Boats, Zodiacs and two-seat pedal kayaks, or join an optional dive in one of two six-seat submarines.
Submarine dives are optional, can be viewed in My Viking Journey before you sail, and require an onboard safety briefing
Kayaks and submarines sail on polar, Great Lakes, South America and Longitudinal World Cruise itineraries
Zodiacs and equipment in The Hangar aboard Viking Octantis.Photo: Viking
Excursion choices vary by itinerary and port, and expedition activities depend on weather and conditions.
Arrive Early or Linger Longer
Pre- & Post-Cruise Extensions
Extend your journey with a Viking pre- or post-cruise extension and explore your gateway cities with the same ease you enjoy onboard.
Ask Me About
Hotel stays in gateway cities before or after your cruise
Guided touring led by knowledgeable local guides
Viking Air, with ground transfers included when you purchase air through Viking
Pairing a river voyage with an ocean or expedition voyage
Extension inclusions vary by itinerary and are subject to change by Viking. I’ll share exactly what’s included for the journey you’re considering.
The Guide
Savings & Rewards
Ways to save, from current promotions to perks for returning guests.
Ways to Save
Current Offers & Savings
Viking offers promotions that change throughout the year, often including reduced deposits and air offers. An experienced advisor can make sure you receive the strongest value for your sailing.
Early Booking
Reserve ahead for the best choice of ship, stateroom, and date, often at the best fare.
Seasonal Promotions
Limited-time savings and added value on select departures.
Solo Travelers
Reduced or waived single supplements on select sailings, when available.
Groups & Celebrations
Special value for milestone trips and travel with family and friends.
Returning Guests
Past Viking guests are welcomed into the Viking Explorer Society. I’ll check for current returning-guest benefits when we book.
Offers are capacity controlled and change often. Tell me who’s traveling and your target dates, and I’ll apply every offer and benefit you qualify for.
The Guide
Booking & Preparation
Deposits, gratuities, check-in and the paperwork to have in order.
Booking with Confidence
Reserving Your Cruise
Deposit & Final Payment
Your deposit amount and final payment date are set by the promotion you book and shown on your invoice. Viking promotions often feature reduced deposits, and I’ll confirm both figures in writing before you commit.
Reservations are confirmed once your deposit is received
Payments must arrive by the due dates on your invoice
Optional extras, such as air and extensions, carry their own terms
Cancellation Charges
Viking cancellation charges per person, for cruises of 35 days or less
120 or more days before
$100
119 to 90 days
20%
89 to 70 days
35%
69 to 50 days
50%
49 to 30 days
75%
29 days or fewer
100%
Percentages are of the cruise tour fare, per Viking’s booking terms updated October 2026. The same schedule applies to river, ocean and expedition voyages unless your Passenger Ticket Contract says otherwise, and voyages longer than 35 days follow a different schedule.
Quoted Prices
Unless otherwise listed, all pricing is per person, based on double occupancy, specific to the stateroom category quoted, and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Pricing Terms
Because Viking sails limited-inventory river, ocean and expedition ships, prices and availability can change without notice. By booking, you agree to the supplier’s terms, available on its website.
Supplemental Charges
Cruise lines reserve the right to add surcharges for items such as fuel increases, port fees, or government requirements. Additional fees may apply from Avoya Travel or the cruise line if a cancellation occurs.
Cancellation Policy
Please review Viking’s full cancellation policy before final payment, available in its Terms & Conditions.
Travel Protection
I recommend travel protection for every trip, and I’m happy to provide quotes so you can compare coverage before final payment.
Guests 18 and Older
Viking requires every guest to be at least 18 years old on embarkation day.
Expedition Voyages
Expedition itineraries carry additional terms in Viking’s Passenger Ticket Contract.
If you ever need help with payments, or would like me to walk you through your options, I’m always here.
Thanking the Crew
Gratuities
A strudel demonstration with Viking’s culinary team.Photo: Viking
Viking’s crew is known for warm, gracious service, and gratuities are a way to thank them. They aren’t included in your cruise fare, and how much you give is a personal choice, based on the service you receive.
Ways to Take Care of Gratuities
Prepay Before You Sail
Add gratuities to your reservation in My Viking Journey, so there’s nothing to settle at the end of your cruise.
Onboard
On river voyages, you can take care of gratuities onboard before you disembark. On ocean and expedition voyages, gratuities you haven’t prepaid are added to your onboard account at Viking’s recommended rate, and Guest Services can adjust them.
Shore Excursions
Tipping local guides and drivers is customary. I’ll share what’s appropriate for your destinations.
Pre- and Post-Cruise Extensions
Hotel stays and touring on land can follow different practices. I’ll share the details as we plan.
Viking publishes a recommended amount per guest, which differs by voyage type and region. I’ll share the current suggestions for your itinerary. At sea, your onboard account is in U.S. dollars.
Before You Sail
Check-In & My Viking Journey
Online Check-In
Before departure, you’ll complete a few simple steps in My Viking Journey, your online Viking account, where you will:
Complete your guest details
Confirm travel documents
Reserve optional excursions, specialty dining and spa times as your booking window opens (suites open first)
Review your electronic documents, emailed about two weeks before embarkation
Completing check-in early helps ensure a smooth boarding experience. I’ll let you know when your check-in window opens.
Helpful to Have Ready
A little preparation makes embarkation day effortless. Keep these details handy:
Passport details that match your reservation exactly
Flight and transfer information
Any dietary or accessibility needs
Emergency contact information
I’m glad to walk through check-in with you.
Passports & Paperwork
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements
It is each traveler’s responsibility to carry proper documentation. Here’s what to have in order before you go.
Proof of Citizenship
A valid passport, valid at least 6 months beyond your return date
Visas where required
Green cards or other immigration documents, as applicable
Authorization documentation when traveling with minors
Names on reservations must match your passport exactly.
REAL ID
Since May 2025, U.S. travelers need a REAL ID-compliant license or other accepted ID, such as a passport, for domestic flights and certain federal facilities.
Travel Visas
Voyages to Egypt, India, Asia, South America and other far-flung ports may require visas and several blank passport pages. Verify requirements through CIBTvisas, and I’ll confirm exactly what your itinerary needs.
ETIAS (Europe)
Europe’s new travel authorization for U.S. visitors is not yet in effect, and no launch date has been announced. I’ll let you know if it applies to your trip.
UK ETA
An Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for entry to the United Kingdom.
EU Entry/Exit System
Europe’s border system now registers non-EU visitors with fingerprints and a photo, so allow a little extra time at passport control on your first entry.
Travel Advisories & Health Guidance
I strongly recommend reviewing travel advisories and health guidance before your trip so you’re fully prepared.
A few things that are helpful to know before you sail.
Flexibility on the Water
Good to Know on the Water
Whether you’re on a river, the open ocean or a polar sea, nature occasionally has its own plans. Viking handles these moments smoothly, and a little flexibility goes a long way.
High or Low Water
On the rivers, water levels can affect docking locations, require a ship swap, or modify shore excursions.
Tethering, or “Double Docking”
In some river ports, ships may temporarily tie together side by side, and your view may be obstructed until the ships separate.
Weather & Ice
On expedition voyages, landings, Zodiac and kayak outings, and submarine dives depend on weather, sea and ice conditions, and the plan can change day by day.
What to Wear
Casual by day and elegant casual in the evening, with no formal nights.
Travel Subject to Change
All travel is subject to schedule adjustments, itinerary changes, work stoppages, weather disruptions, and operational delays.
Your Travel Documents
Viking emails electronic documents about two weeks before embarkation. I’ll let you know as soon as they’re ready.
The water sets the pace. All you have to do is enjoy the view.
Your Next Step
Let’s plan your journey.
Whether you already have a destination in mind or are just beginning to dream, I’d love to help you find the Viking voyage that fits you best. I’ll compare itineraries and staterooms, apply every savings offer you qualify for, and take care of the details from your first question to your welcome home.
Prices and availability are subject to change at any time. Amenities, offers, and policies are set by Viking and may change without notice. Photography courtesy of Viking.
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