How to pay for drinks on a Viking Cruises?

Viking Cruises is globally recognized for its luxurious, destination-focused voyages and elegant onboard experience. Whether you’re cruising through Europe’s enchanting rivers or exploring the world’s oceans, Viking is celebrated for offering refined service, exquisite dining, and a serene adult-oriented atmosphere.

A common question new travelers have is: How do you pay for drinks on a Viking Cruise?

While many amenities are included in the cruise fare, understanding the payment structure for beverages — including alcoholic and specialty drinks — ensures you can fully enjoy your vacation without financial surprises.

In this 3000-word, comprehensive guide, we’ll explore exactly how drink payments work on Viking Cruises, the difference between complimentary and paid drinks, details about onboard payment systems, how the Silver Spirits Beverage Package affects costs, and expert strategies to help you manage your drink spending efficiently.

1. Viking’s All-Inclusive Beverage Philosophy

Unlike most mainstream cruise lines, Viking Cruises includes several drinks in your fare. Their approach is designed to minimize confusion and create a stress-free, luxury experience.

What’s Included in the Fare:

• House wines and beers served during lunch and dinner in all onboard restaurants

• Soft drinks, juices, and bottled water during meal times

• Specialty coffees and teas available throughout the day

These complimentary options already cover most casual drinking needs. So if you only enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a cappuccino in the morning, you won’t need to spend extra.

However, outside of meals or if you prefer premium beverages, cocktails, or top-shelf wines, you’ll need to either pay per drink or purchase a beverage package.

2. Two Ways to Pay for Drinks on Viking Cruises

There are two primary ways to pay for drinks on Viking Cruises:

1. Paying à la carte (per drink)

2. Purchasing the Silver Spirits Beverage Package

Let’s explore each in detail.

Option 1: Paying Per Drink (À La Carte)

If you’re a light or moderate drinker, paying per drink may be the simplest and most cost-effective option.

How It Works:

Every time you order a drink outside of meal times — such as at a bar, lounge, pool area, or through room service — the charge is automatically added to your onboard account.

You don’t need to carry cash or cards around the ship. Instead, each guest is given a Viking keycard, which functions as your stateroom key and onboard charge card.

When you order a beverage, the bartender or server simply swipes your keycard, and the amount is recorded to your account.

When You’ll Be Charged:

• Drinks ordered at bars and lounges

• Alcoholic beverages outside meal times

• Specialty coffees or premium wines not included in your fare

• Room service drinks not part of your minibar or package

Option 2: Silver Spirits Beverage Package

For guests who prefer unlimited access to premium wines, spirits, and cocktails, Viking offers the Silver Spirits Beverage Package.

What It Includes:

• All wines by the glass (including premium selections)

• Champagne and sparkling wines

• Cocktails, liquors, and mixed drinks

• Beers, both draft and bottled

• Juices, sodas, and specialty coffees

• Daily minibar replenishment in your stateroom

With this package, you never pay per drink — it’s all included in the daily rate.

Cost (as of 2025):

• $25 per person per day on Viking River Cruises

• $25–$30 per person per day on Viking Ocean Cruises

Both adults in a stateroom must purchase the package if one does.

Benefits:

• Unlimited drinks without signing receipts

• Premium selections available anytime

• Easy budgeting — one fixed daily cost

If you enjoy at least three or more alcoholic drinks per day, the Silver Spirits Beverage Package can offer excellent value.

3. How the Onboard Account System Works

Viking operates on a cashless system, meaning all your onboard purchases — drinks, spa treatments, boutique shopping, etc. — are charged to your stateroom account.

Here’s how it works step-by-step:

1. At Check-In:When you board, Viking will ask for a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) to link to your onboard account. You can also use a debit card or cash deposit if preferred.

2. Using Your Viking Keycard:Your keycard acts as both your room key and onboard charge card. When ordering a drink, simply present it to the bartender or waiter.

3. Charges Added Automatically:The cost of each drink (if not covered by your package) is added to your stateroom’s account.

4. Viewing Your Account:You can check your running tab at any time through:

   • The Viking app (My Viking Journey)

   • The Guest Services Desk onboard

   • The interactive TV in your stateroom

5. Final Payment:At the end of your cruise, your total charges are automatically billed to your card on file. You’ll receive an itemized statement before disembarkation for review.

4. Drink Prices on Viking Cruises

Even if you decide to pay per drink, Viking’s prices are reasonable compared to luxury resorts or other premium cruise lines.

Here’s a general idea of what you can expect (prices may vary by ship or itinerary):

Beverage TypeAverage Price (USD)

Glass of wine$8–$12

Premium wine (by the glass)$12–$16

Beer$6–$8

Cocktail$10–$15

Premium spirit$12–$18

Soft drink$3–$4

Specialty coffee$4–$6

These prices already include service charges — Viking does not add automatic gratuities for individual drink purchases, unlike many other cruise lines.

5. Complimentary Drinks: What You Don’t Pay For

Viking Cruises includes more complimentary beverages than most premium lines. Here’s what you’ll get for free:

• House wines (red, white, and rosé) with lunch and dinner

• Local beers during meals

• Soft drinks, juices, and bottled water with meals

• Coffee and tea stations available 24/7

• Filtered water in your stateroom (replenished daily)

For many guests, this already provides ample variety and quality, especially since Viking’s house wines are regionally sourced and frequently rotated based on your destination.

6. How to Decide Between Paying Per Drink and Buying the Package

Choosing between paying per drink and buying the beverage package depends on your personal habits and cruise itinerary.

Consider These Factors:

1. Your Drinking Habits

If you typically have:

• One or two glasses of wine daily → Pay per drink

• Three or more drinks daily → Package likely saves money

2. Your Itinerary

Port-heavy cruises with full-day excursions leave little time to drink onboard, making the package less valuable. Sea-day-heavy voyages provide more opportunities to enjoy beverages leisurely.

3. Your Travel Companion

Both guests in a stateroom must purchase the package if one does. If one of you drinks significantly less, paying per drink might be better.

4. Budgeting Preference

The package offers peace of mind and a fixed daily cost, while à la carte purchases allow more flexibility but can fluctuate depending on your consumption.

7. Where You Can Buy Drinks Onboard

Viking’s ships, whether river or ocean, are designed for relaxed elegance and social interaction. Drinks are available at various onboard venues:

On Viking River Cruises:

• The Lounge: Main bar area with panoramic views

• Restaurant: Complimentary drinks during meals

• Aquavit Terrace: Outdoor lounge with bar service

On Viking Ocean Cruises:

• The Pool Bar: Perfect for sunny afternoons

• Explorer’s Lounge: Scenic cocktail spot

• Torshavn Lounge: Intimate venue with live music and premium spirits

• The Living Room Bar: Central hub for coffee, wine, and cocktails

No matter where you order, payment is handled through your keycard or covered under your drink package.

8. Room Service and Minibar Payments

Every stateroom on Viking ships includes a minibar stocked with soft drinks, bottled water, and beer.

If You Have the Beverage Package:

• The minibar is replenished daily at no extra charge.

Without the Package:

• You’ll be charged per item consumed, added automatically to your onboard account.

Room service drinks not covered by the package (such as premium wines or spirits) are charged individually.

9. Can You Bring Your Own Drinks Onboard?

Yes — one of Viking’s most guest-friendly policies is that passengers are allowed to bring their own wine, beer, or spirits onboard.

Key Details:

• There is no corkage fee, meaning you can enjoy your own wine in your stateroom or even in restaurants.

• Liquor or beer brought onboard is also allowed for personal consumption.

This flexible policy is rare among cruise lines and another reason many guests choose Viking — it provides freedom without extra costs.

10. Currency, Taxes, and Gratuities

All onboard purchases, including drinks, are charged in U.S. dollars (USD), regardless of where you’re sailing.

Taxes:

In most cases, drinks consumed while the ship is at sea are tax-free. However, local taxes may apply when docked in port, depending on regional regulations.

Gratuities:

Viking includes gratuities in drink prices. There’s no need to tip per drink — though you can leave extra cash for exceptional service if you wish.

11. How to Review and Manage Your Spending

Viking makes it easy to monitor your onboard spending, including drink purchases.

You can view your charges through:

• The interactive TV in your stateroom

• The My Viking Journey app

• The Guest Services Desk

You’ll receive an itemized bill on the final evening of your cruise, showing all transactions, including drink purchases. If there are any discrepancies, you can address them before disembarkation.

12. Expert Tips for Managing Drink Costs

1. Take Advantage of Complimentary Beverages: The included wines and beers during meals are excellent quality — sample them before ordering premium ones.

2. Consider Sharing a Bottle: Buying wine by the bottle (when available) can be cheaper than multiple glasses.

3. Leverage Viking’s BYOB Policy: Bring your favorite wine or spirit and enjoy it anywhere onboard.

4. Choose the Right Time for the Package: Purchase the Silver Spirits Package only if you expect to use it daily.

5. Ask About Drink Specials: Occasionally, Viking offers happy-hour or destination-themed drink events.

6. Stay Hydrated with Free Water: Every cabin is stocked with complimentary bottled water — use it instead of buying bottled drinks at bars.

13. Common Questions About Paying for Drinks on Viking Cruises

Q1: Can I pay cash for drinks onboard?

No. Viking operates a cashless system — all purchases are charged to your onboard account linked to a card or deposit.

Q2: Are gratuities added to drink prices?

No. Drink prices are inclusive; Viking does not automatically add gratuities to individual beverage purchases.

Q3: Can I upgrade to the drink package mid-cruise?

Yes. You can purchase the Silver Spirits Beverage Package anytime during your voyage, and it will be prorated for the remaining days.

Q4: Is it cheaper to buy the package before sailing?

Often yes. Pre-purchasing through Viking’s My Viking Journey portal can lock in the best rate.

Q5: Can I share a package with my travel partner?

No. Both adults in a stateroom must purchase the package if one does.

14. The Silver Spirits Package vs. Paying Per Drink

CriteriaSilver Spirits Beverage PackagePay Per Drink

Cost PredictabilityFixed daily rateVariable

ConvenienceHighModerate

Best ForFrequent drinkersLight drinkers

Includes MinibarYesNo

RefundableBefore sailingN/A

Alcohol VarietyExtensiveFull menu, pay per item

If you enjoy frequent beverages throughout the day — especially premium wines and cocktails — the package provides simplicity and savings. Otherwise, paying per drink ensures you only pay for what you consume.

15. Paying for drinks on a Viking Cruise

Paying for drinks on a Viking Cruise is simple, transparent, and flexible — perfectly aligned with Viking’s philosophy of effortless travel and understated luxury.

You can either:

• Pay per drink, with charges automatically added to your onboard account, or

• Upgrade to the Silver Spirits Beverage Package for unlimited premium selections.

With complimentary wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks already included during meals, many guests find Viking’s beverage offerings generous even without upgrades. However, for travelers who enjoy variety, convenience, and a truly all-inclusive experience, the Silver Spirits Beverage Package is a smart investment.

No matter how you choose to pay, Viking’s straightforward system ensures your journey remains seamless, enjoyable, and free from unexpected surprises — leaving you free to raise a glass and toast to unforgettable adventures.