Viking’s destination-heavy itineraries attract well-traveled, active adults. It also appeals to those looking for a cruise without children.
Once you solidify your cruise booking, the my viking journey portal will be your central hub. Here you’ll make payments, register credit cards and more. Add Viking’s emails to your primary email folder so important documents don’t get lost in the shuffle.
On-Board Experience
For those who prefer a more laid-back cruise experience without formal nights or butler service, Viking is the choice. They aim their ships to serve adult travelers with an interest in geography, history, culture, cuisine and the arts.
Dining is a highlight on board, with the option of The Restaurant, Manfredi’s and Chef’s Table (reservations are required). In the afternoons and evenings, there are musical instrumental performances at the Wintergarden and Torshavn, a nightclub-type lounge. In-room movies and a game library round out the entertainment options.
Each itinerary also features Destination Performances, where you can learn about the culture of your ports of call through a variety of classic performing art forms such as Catalan rumba, Portuguese fado, and traditional Greek dancing or world-renowned Mariinsky Theater performers from St. Petersburg.
One of the benefits of cruising with Viking is that all excursions/guided tours are included in your cruise fare. This is a huge advantage over other ocean and river cruise lines. Viking also offers great rates on airfare, which can be booked through them directly or independently.
Dining
During my Viking cruise, I was impressed with the quality of food. The cuisine is a blend of local specialties with traditional Continental flavors. Breakfast is buffet-style (with a wonderful omelet station), and lunch has three appetizer, entree, and dessert menu selections plus a salad and pasta bar. Two restaurants onboard, The Restaurant and Manfredi’s require reservations, which can be made through the My Viking Journey online portal before your trip or once onboard.
Whether dining indoors or outdoors, all onboard meals are a feast for the senses. Scenic views, enticing menus, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes, and the artful presentation create a memorable experience that’s sure to delight.
During the Viking Era, Vikings who were going on a voyage or travelling would pack various foods to eat while on the ship. These included dried meat, jerky and fish that could be eaten raw or cooked, as well as grains like flour, bread, and rye. They also carried spices, fruits and vegetables and animal skins for trade. During archaeological excavations, remnants of these were found in pans and waste piles.
Activities
Enjoy onboard entertainment that’s inspired by the destinations you visit. See an immersive theatre production or catch destination-driven movies in The Theater. You can also savor themed shows and attend lectures on topics such as art, music, geography, history and culture.
Learn more about Vikings through hands-on workshops and activities. Explore their renowned longships and experience what life was like for the seafaring warriors through interactive, realistic replicas of clothing, weapons and treasures.
Gain a deeper understanding of your destinations with onboard lectures led by experts. Topics range from Russian art to astronomy, and you can also find talks about the historic sites you’ll visit on your cruise.
Gain a greater appreciation for the art and culture of your destinations through Destination Performances, featuring iconic cultural performing arts forms—from Portuguese fado to Viennese opera. You can also explore local life through excursions that reveal the rhythms of daily living, whether you tour Saigon’s streets by pedal cab or browse the dusty stacks of Paris’ most famous bookstore.
Included Excursions
On a Viking cruise, there is one included excursion for every port of call. These tours are usually walking or bus tours and give a general overview of the town or city that you are visiting. However, there are also many extra-paid excursions that focus on specific interests. These include tours of museums, castles and forts, estates and wineries, concerts, and more!
Oftentimes, Viking arranges exclusive access for guests to the world’s cultural treasures. Become a “VIP” at world-class museums, experience rare before-hours access to historic homes and palaces, or learn about the intricate art of truffle hunting from a local family. These excursions offer a fascinating glimpse into local life and help you discover the world from new perspectives.
Viking also offers interesting insights into local culture through excursions that showcase the daily rhythms of a destination. Meet the children of a school in China, taste your way through a culinary tour of Budapest, or explore a historic Kinderdijk windmill during these unique experiences.
