Does Viking Cruises provide phone service onboard?

When you embark on a Viking Cruise, you’re stepping into a world of luxury, culture, and exploration. From sailing the serene rivers of Europe to the vast oceans and icy expeditions of Antarctica, Viking Cruises is known for its refined experiences and attention to detail. However, as modern travelers increasingly rely on mobile connectivity, one common question arises: Does Viking Cruises provide phone service onboard?The answer is yes—Viking Cruises does provide phone service onboard, but with specific conditions depending on whether you’re traveling on a river, ocean, or expedition cruise. While Viking encourages guests to disconnect and immerse themselves in the voyage, the company understands the need to stay connected with loved ones, handle emergencies, or manage business while at sea.This comprehensive guide explores Viking Cruises’ onboard phone service, including how it works, related costs, alternatives such as Wi-Fi calling and messaging, and essential tips for staying connected responsibly while sailing.

1. Understanding Viking Cruises’ Communication Philosophy

Viking Cruises is designed for travelers who appreciate cultural immersion and relaxation without constant digital distractions. Unlike large, party-oriented cruise lines, Viking promotes a “thinking person’s cruise”—focused on enrichment, learning, and connection to destinations.

That said, Viking recognizes that guests occasionally need to make or receive important calls. Therefore, Viking ships are equipped with modern satellite communication systems that enable phone connectivity, internet access, and other communication tools across its fleet.

The availability, quality, and cost of onboard phone service vary depending on several factors:

• Ship type (River, Ocean, or Expedition)

• Destination and location (especially near polar regions)

• Network strength and satellite coverage

• Chosen communication method (ship phone, Wi-Fi calling, or cellular roaming)

Let’s explore how phone services function across Viking’s different cruise types.

2. Phone Service on Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises, featuring ships like the Viking Orion, Viking Sky, and Viking Jupiter, are equipped with advanced satellite communication systems. These ships sail across vast oceans, so connectivity relies on maritime satellite networks.

A. Stateroom and Public Phone Access

Each Viking Ocean ship offers direct-dial telephones in guest staterooms and suites. You can use these phones to:

• Call other staterooms onboard (free of charge)

• Contact onboard departments (Guest Services, Room Service, Medical Center)

• Make ship-to-shore calls via satellite (fees apply)

B. How Ship-to-Shore Calls Work

When you place a call from your Viking stateroom:

1. Dial the access code provided in your Guest Services Directory.

2. Wait for the satellite connection to establish (may take a few seconds).

3. Speak as you would on a regular call, though slight delays may occur.

Rates: Ship-to-shore calls typically cost between $6–$10 per minute, depending on destination and satellite connection fees. Charges are automatically added to your onboard account.

C. Incoming Calls

Friends or family can reach you on the ship by dialing a dedicated satellite number, which will be routed to your stateroom or the Guest Services desk. However, this can be expensive for the caller (around $10–$15 per minute).

3. Phone Service on Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises operate in regions like Europe, Egypt, and Asia, where the ships sail near populated areas—allowing for better mobile connectivity.

A. Mobile Phone Usage

River ships like the Viking Longships operate primarily in areas with strong local cellular coverage. Guests can often use their own mobile phones as they would on land, provided their service provider supports international roaming.

Key Tips:

• Contact your mobile carrier before departure to enable international roaming.

• Check rates for calls, texts, and data usage abroad.

• Use local SIM cards (if your phone is unlocked) for cheaper calls.

B. Shipboard Phone Service

Each Viking River ship includes stateroom phones that connect internally and externally. However, most guests prefer to use personal mobile devices since the ship’s satellite connections are limited to the bridge and emergency systems.

C. Cost Considerations

Using your mobile phone with roaming can cost between $1–$3 per minute for calls. Text messages are generally cheaper, while data roaming can become expensive without an international plan.

4. Phone Service on Viking Expedition Cruises

Viking Expeditions—such as Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris—venture to remote destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Great Lakes. Connectivity in these regions is significantly more complex due to limited satellite access.

A. Satellite Phones Onboard

These ships are fitted with Iridium or Inmarsat satellite communication systems for reliable emergency and guest calls.Guests may use:

• The Guest Services Desk phone for urgent ship-to-shore calls.

• Limited crew-managed satellite phones for emergencies.

Because of bandwidth restrictions, personal phone service is limited, and Wi-Fi is the preferred alternative.

B. Emergency Use Only

In polar regions, phone services are primarily reserved for emergency communications, medical situations, or family emergencies relayed through Viking’s land offices.

5. Wi-Fi Calling: The Modern Alternative

With the advancement of shipboard internet, Wi-Fi calling has become the most practical and cost-effective way to make phone calls on Viking Cruises.

A. What Is Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-Fi calling allows you to use your smartphone’s regular phone app to make calls through the internet instead of cellular networks. Most modern smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel) support this feature.

B. Viking’s Complimentary Wi-Fi

One of Viking’s standout offerings is that Wi-Fi is included for all guests, with no additional charge. This is true for both Ocean and River cruises.

However, speeds can vary based on:

• Ship location

• Satellite traffic

• Number of users connected

C. How to Use Wi-Fi Calling on Viking Cruises

1. Enable Wi-Fi calling in your phone’s settings before boarding.

2. Connect to Viking’s onboard Wi-Fi network.

3. Make or receive calls as usual—your number remains the same.

Tip: To ensure uninterrupted service, switch your phone to Airplane Mode and then enable Wi-Fi to avoid international roaming charges.

6. Alternative Communication Options Onboard

Aside from traditional phone calls, Viking offers multiple ways to stay in touch:

1. Email

You can use the ship’s Wi-Fi to access your email through a browser or app for free.

2. Messaging Apps

Platforms like WhatsApp, iMessage, Skype, and Facebook Messenger work well on Viking’s Wi-Fi for text, voice, and even video calls.

3. My Viking Journey Portal

This pre- and post-cruise online portal allows you to send messages, view itineraries, and contact Viking representatives digitally.

4. Onboard Internet Lounge

Some ships include computer stations or “Explorers’ Lounge” Wi-Fi zones for guests who prefer not to use personal devices.

7. Cost Comparison: Phone Service vs. Wi-Fi Calling

MethodAvailabilityCostBest For

Stateroom Phone (Ocean)All ships$6–$10/minEmergencies, no phone access

Mobile Roaming (River)Most routes$1–$3/minQuick personal calls

Satellite Phone (Expedition)Limited$10+/minEmergencies only

Wi-Fi CallingAll shipsFree (with Wi-Fi)Everyday communication

Messaging AppsAll shipsFreeTexting and casual contact

8. Tips to Manage Phone Costs While Cruising

1. Enable Airplane Mode to avoid roaming charges.

2. Use Wi-Fi for all calls and messages.

3. Download communication apps (WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype) before sailing.

4. Check carrier packages for international or cruise-specific plans.

5. Limit background app activity to save bandwidth.

6. Inform family and friends of the best way to reach you—via email or Wi-Fi app.

9. Contacting the Ship in Case of Emergency

If someone on land needs to contact you urgently, they can do so through Viking’s Ship Contact Service:

• They’ll need to call Viking Cruises Guest Services or use the emergency ship contact number provided in your cruise documents.

• The message will be relayed to you by the Guest Services team or through your stateroom phone.

Viking’s professional crew ensures that important messages are delivered promptly and privately.

10. Pros and Cons of Onboard Phone Services

Pros

• Reliable communication in emergencies

• Direct connection to onboard services

• Multiple methods (Wi-Fi, satellite, mobile)

• Complimentary Wi-Fi makes calling easier

Cons

• Satellite phone calls can be expensive

• Limited connectivity in remote destinations

• Potential lag or call drops over Wi-Fi

• Encouragement to disconnect from digital distractions

11. Staying Connected Responsibly

Viking encourages guests to embrace digital balance while sailing. Overuse of devices can detract from the serene, enriching cruise experience. To make the most of your voyage:

• Check messages during downtime.

• Avoid long video calls in public areas.

• Use Wi-Fi responsibly to preserve bandwidth for all guests.

Cruising with Viking offers a rare opportunity to unwind, learn, and connect meaningfully—with the world and yourself.

Viking Cruises provides phone service onboard 

across all its ships—whether you’re on a river, ocean, or expedition voyage. While satellite and stateroom phones are available, most guests now rely on Wi-Fi calling, which is free and convenient thanks to Viking’s complimentary internet.For urgent needs, you can make ship-to-shore calls or have family reach you through Viking’s official channels. But for most travelers, apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype make communication effortless.In essence, Viking ensures that guests can stay connected when necessary while still encouraging them to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with life at sea—a balance between connection and serenity that defines the Viking experience.