When booking a cruise, many travelers ask about the availability of drink packages. Cruise vacations are not only about exploring new destinations and relaxing at sea but also about enjoying delicious dining and refreshing beverages. Whether you prefer a glass of wine with dinner, a cocktail by the pool, or a cappuccino in the morning, beverage options play an important role in shaping the overall cruise experience.

Viking Ocean Cruises is known for its refined, inclusive approach to travel. Unlike many mainstream cruise lines that charge for nearly everything beyond the basics, Viking simplifies the process by including many amenities in the ticket price. This includes meals, Wi-Fi, and even some beverages. But what about drink packages? The answer is yes—Viking offers a special drink package called the Silver Spirits Beverage Package, which allows guests to enjoy a wider selection of drinks throughout their journey.

This detailed article explores what beverages are included in your Viking cruise fare, what the Silver Spirits package offers, how much it costs, and whether it is worth it for your style of travel.

Beverages Already Included in the Viking Fare

One of the first things to understand before considering a drink package is what is already included in the base price of a Viking Ocean Cruise. Viking sets itself apart by including more than many other cruise lines.

Drinks Included at No Extra Cost

• Beer and Wine: Served complimentary during lunch and dinner in all onboard restaurants.

• Soft Drinks: Such as soda, lemonade, and sparkling water available with meals.

• Specialty Coffees and Teas: Espresso, cappuccino, and a wide selection of teas are included and available at no cost throughout the ship.

• Bottled Water: Replenished daily in staterooms and available throughout the vessel.

This already covers much of what guests typically want, especially if you only enjoy a drink or two with meals. However, some travelers desire more flexibility, particularly when it comes to cocktails, premium wines, or having alcoholic beverages outside of mealtime. That’s where the Silver Spirits Beverage Package comes in.

The Silver Spirits Beverage Package

The Silver Spirits Beverage Package is Viking’s all-inclusive drink package. It is designed for guests who want unlimited access to premium beverages throughout the day, not just with lunch and dinner.

What the Package Includes

• Unlimited Premium Wines: Choose from an extensive wine list beyond the standard house selections.

• Unlimited Beers: Access to a wider selection of bottled and draft beers.

• Cocktails: From classic favorites like martinis and mojitos to creative craft cocktails.

• Spirits and Liquors: Includes top-shelf options and mixed drinks.

• Specialty Coffees and Hot Drinks: Includes liqueur coffees and enhanced coffee beverages.

• Soft Drinks and Juices: Available any time, not just during meals.

The package essentially allows guests to order almost any drink they want, anywhere on the ship, at any time.

How Much Does the Silver Spirits Beverage Package Cost?

While Viking’s exact pricing may vary slightly by itinerary and currency, the Silver Spirits Beverage Package is generally priced around 20 to 25 USD per person, per day. This makes it one of the more reasonably priced cruise drink packages in the industry.

Unlike some cruise lines where beverage packages can cost 60 to 100 USD per day, Viking’s offering is straightforward and far more affordable. It also covers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, adding flexibility and value.

How to Purchase the Package

Guests can purchase the Silver Spirits Beverage Package in advance when booking their cruise or add it later through the Viking My Journey portal. It is also possible to purchase the package once onboard.

The package must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise, not just selected days. Additionally, if one guest in a stateroom purchases the package, the other adult in the same cabin must also purchase it. This policy ensures consistency and fairness across passengers.

Is the Silver Spirits Beverage Package Worth It?

The decision depends on your drinking habits and preferences. Let’s break down the considerations.

When It May Be Worth It

1. You Enjoy Cocktails or Spirits: If you like mixed drinks or top-shelf liquors, the package provides excellent value since these can be expensive individually.

2. You Drink Outside Mealtimes: The included wine and beer are only available with lunch and dinner, so if you want drinks at the pool, lounge, or late at night, the package is useful.

3. You Enjoy Variety: The ability to choose from a wide selection of wines, beers, and cocktails gives you more freedom than sticking to house offerings.

4. You Prefer Premium Wines: Wine enthusiasts often find the package especially appealing, as it opens up Viking’s extensive wine cellar.

When It May Not Be Worth It

1. You Only Drink Occasionally: If you are satisfied with a glass of wine at dinner and maybe a coffee during the day, the included options may be sufficient.

2. You Do Not Drink Alcohol: The package includes juices and sodas, but these may not justify the daily cost for non-drinkers.

3. Shorter Cruises: On shorter itineraries, the package may not provide as much value compared to longer voyages.

Example Cost Comparison

Let’s say you order:

• A cocktail in the afternoon ($8 to $10)

• A glass of premium wine with dinner ($12)

• A specialty coffee after dinner ($6)

That is already about $25 to $30 in value for one day. On a seven-day cruise, this adds up quickly, making the Silver Spirits package worth considering if you typically order multiple beverages per day.

Alternatives to the Drink Package

If you do not purchase the Silver Spirits package, you still have options:

• Pay As You Go: You can order premium drinks individually. Prices are reasonable compared to many cruise lines.

• Stick to Included Drinks: Wine and beer with meals, plus free specialty coffees and teas, are often enough for casual drinkers.

This flexibility allows each traveler to decide based on their own preferences and budget.

Tips for Maximizing the Package

1. Purchase Early: If you know you want it, book the package in advance to avoid dealing with it onboard.

2. Experiment with Beverages: Try new wines, cocktails, and spirits that you might not normally order.

3. Pair Drinks with Meals: Use the package to explore wine pairings at The Chef’s Table or enjoy Italian wines at Manfredi’s.

4. Take Advantage of Specialty Coffees: Start your morning with a cappuccino or enjoy a liqueur coffee after dinner.

5. Use It Across Venues: Remember, the package is valid everywhere on the ship—from lounges to poolside service.

How Viking’s Drink Package Compares to Other Cruise Lines

• Mainstream Cruise Lines: Many charge high daily rates for drink packages, often $70 to $100, and may still exclude certain beverages. Viking’s package is simpler and less expensive.

• Luxury Cruise Lines: Some ultra-luxury lines include all drinks in the base fare. Viking takes a middle ground, offering a good balance of inclusivity and optional add-ons.

• Transparency: Viking is upfront about what is included, avoiding the hidden fees and complex tiers that some cruise lines use.

Guest Experience and Feedback

Many Viking cruisers appreciate the Silver Spirits Beverage Package for its convenience and variety. Guests who enjoy fine wines or specialty cocktails often find the value unbeatable. Others note that the included beer and wine with meals are already of good quality, making the package unnecessary if you only drink occasionally.

Overall, reviews suggest that the package is especially popular on longer itineraries where travelers spend more time onboard and can fully enjoy the expanded beverage selection.

Final Thoughts

So, does Viking Ocean Cruises offer drink packages? Yes. The Silver Spirits Beverage Package gives guests the option to enjoy unlimited premium wines, cocktails, spirits, specialty coffees, and soft drinks throughout their voyage. Priced reasonably compared to many other cruise lines, it provides excellent value for travelers who enjoy a variety of beverages both with and outside of meals.

For those who prefer a simpler approach or only drink occasionally, the included wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus specialty coffees and teas throughout the ship, may be more than enough.

Ultimately, Viking gives travelers the flexibility to choose. The included options already create a satisfying experience, while the Silver Spirits Beverage Package elevates it into something even more indulgent. Whether or not it is worth it depends on your personal drinking habits, but the choice ensures that every guest can tailor their cruise to match their lifestyle.