What is included in the Viking Ocean Cruises ticket price?

Booking a cruise can sometimes feel overwhelming when you try to figure out what is included in the ticket price and what requires an additional fee. Viking Ocean Cruises is known for its elegant approach to luxury travel, with a reputation for offering one of the most inclusive cruise experiences in the industry. Unlike many cruise lines that advertise low base fares and then charge for every add-on, Viking takes a more straightforward approach.

When you purchase a Viking Ocean Cruises ticket, you are paying for far more than just transportation from one port to another. The ticket price includes a wide array of amenities, services, dining options, excursions, and extras that would be considered premium or even luxury perks on other cruise lines.

This article will break down in detail what is included in the Viking Ocean Cruises ticket price, helping you understand the value behind the fare and allowing you to plan your journey with clarity.

A Different Approach to Cruising

Before diving into specifics, it is important to recognize Viking’s philosophy. The company markets itself as offering “The Thinking Person’s Cruise”, focusing on destination immersion, cultural experiences, and an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. Part of this approach includes simplifying the onboard experience by bundling many services into the ticket price, reducing the constant upselling that can be common on other cruise lines.

This means that when you step aboard a Viking Ocean ship, much of what you will want to enjoy during your trip is already included, allowing you to relax and focus on the experience.

What Accommodations Include

Every Viking Ocean Cruises fare includes your stateroom, but the inclusions go beyond simply having a room. Here is what you can expect from accommodations:

All-Veranda Staterooms: Unlike many cruise lines where balconies are an upgrade, every Viking Ocean Cruises stateroom features a private veranda. This ensures all guests enjoy private outdoor space with views.
Elegant Scandinavian Design: Rooms are styled with clean, modern lines, warm wood tones, and high-quality furnishings.
Luxury Bedding: Each room features high-end linens, plush duvets, and comfortable mattresses.
Spacious Bathrooms: Every stateroom includes a large bathroom with heated floors, anti-fog mirrors, and premium toiletries.
Complimentary Mini-Bar: Stocked daily with drinks and snacks.
24-Hour Room Service: Included in the ticket price, so you can dine in your cabin at no extra cost.
Wi-Fi Access: Complimentary internet throughout your stay.
Daily Housekeeping: With twice-daily service, including turndown.

The fact that all rooms are veranda staterooms is a unique feature of Viking, eliminating the tiered experience of balcony versus interior cabins found on many cruise lines.

Dining and Beverages Included

Food is one of the highlights of cruising, and Viking delivers an elevated dining experience. Your ticket price includes a wide range of dining venues and meals:

Multiple Restaurants: Guests can dine at several onboard restaurants without extra charges. This includes The Restaurant (main dining), World Café (buffet), and The Pool Grill.
Specialty Dining: Unlike other cruise lines where specialty dining requires an extra fee, Viking includes specialty restaurants like Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and The Chef’s Table in the fare.
Open Seating: No assigned dining times, allowing guests to eat at their convenience.
Regional Cuisine: Menus are inspired by the destinations visited, offering a cultural dining experience.
Wine, Beer, and Soft Drinks: Included with lunch and dinner at all onboard restaurants.
Specialty Coffees and Teas: Available at no extra charge throughout the day.
Room Service Dining: Meals can be ordered to your stateroom around the clock.

For those who want even more, Viking offers an optional Silver Spirits beverage package for unlimited premium drinks, but many guests find the included wine and beer sufficient.

Shore Excursions

One of the standout inclusions with Viking Ocean Cruises is the complimentary shore excursion at each port of call. While many cruise lines charge extra for every excursion, Viking ensures that guests have at least one included cultural experience per destination.

Guided Tours: Excursions typically involve guided city tours, historical site visits, or cultural experiences designed to immerse you in the destination.
Professional Local Guides: Viking uses knowledgeable local guides to provide authentic insights.
Comfortable Transportation: Excursions are conducted in well-maintained buses or vehicles.
Enrichment Focus: Excursions emphasize history, art, culture, and learning rather than just shopping or leisure.

Of course, guests can book additional premium excursions for more in-depth or unique experiences, but having one included per port is a major value.

Onboard Entertainment and Enrichment

Viking Ocean Cruises does not emphasize casinos or flashy entertainment. Instead, the focus is on cultural enrichment and intellectual stimulation. All of this is included in your ticket price:

Guest Lectures: Talks from historians, authors, professors, and other experts related to the destinations.
Port Talks: Informative sessions about the upcoming port, history, and cultural expectations.
Live Music: Classical and contemporary performances in lounges and atriums.
Theater Performances: Cultural shows, plays, and films tied to the destinations.
Enrichment Programs: Demonstrations, workshops, and interactive cultural activities.
Library and Explorers’ Lounge: Access to reading materials and comfortable spaces to relax.

This creates a cruise atmosphere that is more about discovery and learning than about spectacle and nightlife.

Health, Wellness, and Relaxation

Wellness is another area where Viking includes many perks in the ticket price:

Use of the Fitness Center: Equipped with modern cardio and strength machines.
Infinity Pool and Main Pool: Access to beautifully designed pools with stunning views.
Hot Tubs and Sun Decks: Available without extra cost.
Thermal Suite Access: Includes sauna, snow grotto, and steam rooms in the spa area.
Walking Track and Sports Deck: For casual exercise and fresh air.

While spa treatments and massages are available at an additional charge, basic wellness amenities are included, offering a full relaxation experience.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Unlike many cruise lines that charge steep fees for internet access, Viking includes unlimited Wi-Fi in the ticket price. This allows guests to stay connected with family, share their experiences, and even work remotely if needed.

Gratuities and Service Charges

Viking’s approach is more transparent than most cruise lines. While gratuities are not always automatically included in the base fare, they are clearly outlined and can be pre-paid. This reduces confusion and surprise charges at the end of the trip. Guests often find the service so exceptional that they are happy to reward staff, whether prepaid or added during the cruise.

What Is Not Included

Although Viking’s ticket price is very inclusive, there are a few things that are not covered:

Airfare: Unless purchased as part of a package.
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended but separate.
Premium Shore Excursions: More in-depth or exclusive tours cost extra.
Spa Treatments: Massages, facials, and salon services.
Optional Beverage Packages: For unlimited premium drinks beyond beer and wine at meals.
Shopping and Souvenirs: Purchases from onboard boutiques.

The Value of Viking’s Inclusions

When comparing Viking Ocean Cruises to other cruise lines, the inclusions add significant value. For example:

On other lines, balcony cabins cost more, but on Viking, they are standard.
Specialty dining is included, not a premium upgrade.
Excursions are included, saving hundreds of dollars per person on a typical voyage.
Wi-Fi, often a costly add-on, is unlimited and free.

All of this makes the ticket price more transparent and often more economical when factoring in everything you get.

Tips to Maximize Your Inclusions

Take Advantage of Included Excursions – Even if you plan to book private tours, do not miss the included guided experiences.
Enjoy Specialty Dining – Reserve early to ensure you get spots at Manfredi’s and The Chef’s Table.
Use Room Service – Since it is included, treat yourself to in-room dining.
Attend Lectures and Port Talks – These provide valuable context that enhances shore visits.
Use the Thermal Suite – Many guests overlook this included amenity.
Drink at Lunch and Dinner – Wine and beer are complimentary during meals, making it easy to enjoy without extra costs.

Why Viking’s All-Inclusive Model Stands Out

Viking’s inclusions are not just about convenience; they reflect the company’s commitment to a different kind of cruising. By reducing constant upselling, the atmosphere onboard feels more relaxed and authentic. Guests are encouraged to focus on the destinations and cultural immersion rather than worrying about every little charge.

This approach appeals to experienced travelers who value transparency and cultural depth over entertainment-driven experiences.

Final Thoughts

So, what is included in the Viking Ocean Cruises ticket price? The answer is: quite a lot. From all-veranda staterooms and multiple dining options to daily excursions, cultural enrichment, wellness amenities, and unlimited Wi-Fi, Viking provides a truly inclusive experience. While some extras like premium excursions, spa treatments, and upgraded beverage packages cost more, the essentials of a memorable luxury cruise are already bundled into the fare.

This makes Viking Ocean Cruises a compelling choice for travelers seeking an elegant, stress-free, and culturally enriching journey. When you book with Viking, you are not just reserving a cabin—you are purchasing a full experience that is designed to delight, educate, and immerse you in the destinations you visit.