Booking a luxury cruise with Viking Cruises is an exciting step toward an unforgettable travel experience. However, sometimes plans change due to unforeseen circumstances—whether it’s a scheduling conflict, family emergency, or simply the desire to explore a different itinerary. The good news is that Viking Cruises offers flexibility for passengers to change their booking within specific terms and conditions.
This comprehensive 3,000-word guide will explain how to change your Viking Cruises booking, what policies apply, any associated fees, and how to make the process smooth and efficient.
Before you start modifying your booking, it’s important to understand the Viking Cruises policy on changes. The company allows modifications such as changing travel dates, guest names, itineraries, or cabin types—depending on availability and timing.
Viking’s policy is designed to provide flexibility while maintaining operational efficiency. However, certain changes might incur additional fees or fare differences, especially closer to the departure date.
Flexibility Window: Most booking changes can be made up to 120 days before departure without heavy penalties.
Availability: Any change is subject to cabin and itinerary availability.
Fare Adjustments: If the new booking is more expensive, the guest must pay the difference.
Promotional Fares: If your cruise was booked under a special promotion, different terms may apply.
Changing your Viking Cruises reservation is straightforward when you know the steps. Here’s how to do it efficiently:
Before you contact Viking or log in online, ensure you have your:
Booking confirmation number
Passenger details (names and dates of birth)
Original itinerary details
Desired new dates or itinerary preferences
Having these details ready speeds up the process.
Visit www.vikingcruises.com and sign in to your account.
Click on “My Booking.”
Select the reservation you wish to modify.
Check available options for “Change Booking” or “Modify Reservation.”
If you prefer personal assistance, call Viking Cruises Customer Service or contact your travel advisor.
US Toll-Free: 1-855-338-4546
UK Contact: 0800 319 6660
Australia: 138 747
Customer service representatives can guide you through available options and any fare differences.
Once your change request is approved:
Review the updated itinerary and price.
Ensure that all names, dates, and destinations are correct.
Pay any additional fare difference or applicable change fee.
After your payment is processed (if applicable), Viking will email you a new booking confirmation and itinerary summary. Keep these for reference during check-in and travel.
Passengers can modify different elements of their Viking cruise reservation. Here are the most common scenarios:
If your travel schedule changes, you can move your booking to a different date.
Fee: Usually free if made 120+ days before departure; closer to sailing may incur penalties.
Tip: Try to reschedule to a similar itinerary to minimize fare changes.
If you prefer a different route or region (e.g., from a European river cruise to an ocean voyage), Viking allows transfers depending on space and pricing.
Note: Fares for river and ocean cruises may differ.
Upgrading to a higher-category stateroom or suite is allowed at any time before final payment, subject to availability.
You can add additional guests if the cabin allows it, or remove one passenger from the booking.
Name changes are allowed under certain conditions (see section 6).
Excursions, beverage packages, and pre- or post-cruise extensions can often be changed online up to 60 days before departure.
While Viking strives to be flexible, certain changes may trigger fees.
Change TypeTimingPossible Fee
Date change (120+ days before departure)Usually free$0
Date change (90–119 days before departure)Administrative fee$100–$200
Itinerary change (within 60 days)Subject to availability$200–$300
Name changeDepending on ticket type$50–$150
Cabin upgradeFare difference appliesVaries by category
Tip: Viking’s Risk-Free Guarantee (available during select booking periods) may allow you to change or cancel up to 24 hours before departure without penalty.
If you booked your Viking cruise through a travel advisor, all changes must be made through them.
Your agent will contact Viking on your behalf.
They can provide advice on promotions or upgrades.
Some travel agencies may charge a separate administrative fee.
This approach is convenient if you prefer professional assistance or have multiple linked bookings.
Changing passenger names is allowed, but with restrictions:
Allowed up to 30 days before sailing.
The new passenger must meet the same eligibility (e.g., age, nationality).
If air tickets were issued through Viking Air, airline policies will determine additional costs.
Example: If you change from John Doe to Jane Smith, and an airline ticket is already issued, you may incur both Viking and airline name change fees.
If you’ve already made the final payment, Viking will still consider change requests but may deduct a percentage of the cruise fare as a modification fee.
Sometimes, a “change” may be processed as a cancellation and rebooking, depending on the nature of the modification. In such cases, cancellation penalties may apply.
Act Early: The earlier you request a change, the fewer penalties you’ll face.
Check Promotions: Rebooking might qualify you for a better deal.
Monitor Cabin Availability: Higher-category cabins may sell out quickly.
Review Travel Insurance: If your change is due to an emergency, insurance may cover certain fees.
Communicate Clearly: Always confirm updated booking details via email.
During global disruptions (like COVID-19), Viking introduced its Risk-Free Guarantee, allowing guests to change their cruise up to 24 hours before departure.
Receive a Future Cruise Voucher (FCV) equal to the full value of your fare.
Valid for up to 24 months from the original departure date.
Can be applied to any Viking cruise, including river, ocean, or expedition sailings.
Even though this policy may vary, Viking continues to offer flexible booking options that enhance passenger confidence.
If you need immediate assistance, use these contact options:
Viking Cruises Customer Service
United States & Canada: +1-855-338-4546
United Kingdom: 0800 319 6660
Australia: 138 747
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. (local time)
Alternatively, you can use the “Contact Us” form on Viking’s website for written inquiries.
Q1. Can I change my Viking cruise after final payment?
Yes, but fees may apply. The closer you are to departure, the higher the penalties.
Q2. Can I switch from an ocean cruise to a river cruise?
Yes, Viking allows this, but fare differences will apply, and space must be available.
Q3. What happens if my new cruise is cheaper?
In most cases, you won’t receive a refund, but Viking may offer onboard credit at their discretion.
Q4. How long does it take to process a booking change?
Usually 2–5 business days.
Q5. Can I change my booking online without calling?
Yes, most changes can be made through the “My Booking” portal on Viking’s website.
Changing your Viking Cruises booking doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the policies, acting early, and knowing who to contact, you can modify your cruise plans smoothly. Viking’s customer-friendly approach ensures that guests can adjust their itineraries with minimal hassle, especially when life’s plans shift unexpectedly.
Whether you’re moving your sailing date, upgrading your cabin, or changing destinations, Viking provides options that maintain your travel dreams while offering flexibility and peace of mind.
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