Is Viking all-inclusive? Here’s exactly what’s included in your fare for Viking River, Viking Ocean, and Viking Expedition cruises, plus what costs extra.
One of the most common questions we get from first-time Viking guests is: “What’s actually included?“
The short answer: a lot. Viking consistently includes more in their base fare than most cruise lines, which is why they’ve dominated the awards circuit for rivers, oceans, and expeditions year after year. But there are differences between their three products, and knowing what’s included (and what’s not) helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
We’ve sailed Viking extensively across both river and ocean itineraries, and it’s one of our favorite cruise lines to recommend. The consistent quality, destination-focused itineraries, and adults-only atmosphere make it a perfect fit for the travelers we work with. This guide reflects what we’ve experienced firsthand, not just what’s printed in a brochure.
Here’s the complete breakdown!
What’s Included on ALL Viking Cruises
Regardless of whether you’re sailing a European river, crossing the Mediterranean, or exploring Antarctica, every Viking cruise includes:
- All onboard meals at multiple restaurants with no cover charges
- Wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water available 24 hours
- One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
- Free WiFi throughout the ship (speed may vary by location)
- Port taxes and fees built into the fare
- Enrichment lectures and destination-focused programming
- Self-service laundry facilities
- 24-hour room service
- Ground transfers when you book Viking Air
These core inclusions are consistent across the entire Viking fleet. No surprise charges, no nickel-and-diming for basics.
What’s Included on Viking River Cruises
Viking River is where it all started, and the river cruise experience includes everything listed above plus a few specifics:
Dining
All meals are served in the main restaurant, with the Aquavit Terrace offering al fresco dining with views of the passing scenery. River ships have a more intimate dining setup with fewer venue options than the ocean fleet, but the quality is consistent with Viking’s standards. No reservations required, no extra charges.
Beverages
House wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Specialty coffees and teas are available around the clock. Premium spirits and cocktails require the optional Silver Spirits Beverage Package ($27/day).
Shore Excursions
One included excursion per port, typically a guided walking tour or cultural experience. These are well-organized and led by knowledgeable local guides. Additional excursions are available for purchase if you want to go deeper.
Staterooms
Viking Longships feature thoughtfully designed staterooms with full-size verandas (in most categories), hotel-style beds, and heated bathroom floors. The two-room Explorer Suites offer the most space on European rivers.
What’s NOT Included on Viking River
- Gratuities ($20/guest/night for European and Mississippi river cruises; Egypt, India, and Mekong itineraries split gratuities between ship and land portions)
- Premium spirits and cocktails (available via Silver Spirits package)
- Optional shore excursions beyond the included tour
- Spa treatments
- Laundry service (no self-service laundry on river ships; send-out laundry is pay-per-item, though suites may receive complimentary service)
- 24-hour room service (limited to Explorer Suites; standard staterooms do not have full room service)
What’s Included on Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Ocean takes the river cruise formula and expands it for open-water sailing. The ships are larger (930–998 guests) but still intimate by industry standards, and the inclusions are generous.
Dining
Eight restaurants are included with no cover charges: The Restaurant (main dining room), Manfredi’s Italian, The Chef’s Table (rotating tasting menu), World Café (buffet with action stations), Aquavit Terrace, Mamsen’s Norwegian deli, the Pool Grill, and additional casual dining options. All included. All the time.
Beverages
Same as river: house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Specialty coffees and bottled water available 24/7. The Silver Spirits Beverage Package ($27/day) adds premium spirits, cocktails, and specialty wines throughout the day.
Shore Excursions
One complimentary shore excursion in every port, usually a guided tour of local highlights or a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Premium excursions (private tours, cooking classes, exclusive access experiences) are available at additional cost.
The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center
Full access to the thermal suite is included: hot tub, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, snow grotto, and heated ceramic loungers. This is a meaningful perk; most cruise lines charge $40+/day for spa access. Individual spa treatments (massages, facials) cost extra.
Staterooms
Every stateroom on Viking Ocean ships is an outside room with a private veranda. No inside cabins, no obstructed views. Higher categories add perks like stocked minibars, priority reservations, and concierge service.
What’s NOT Included on Viking Ocean
- Gratuities (recommended $20/guest/day for ocean cruises)
- Premium spirits and cocktails outside of meals
- Spa treatments (thermal suite access is free; services are extra)
- Optional shore excursions beyond the included tour
- The Chef’s Table Kitchen experience (hands-on cooking class, $69–$250)
What’s Included on Viking Expedition Cruises
Viking Expedition takes everything from the ocean product and adds specialized gear, expert-led programming, and access to some of the most remote places on Earth: Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Great Lakes.
Everything from Viking Ocean, Plus:
Dining Five restaurants are included with no cover charges: The Restaurant, Manfredi’s, World Café (expanded with full grill and sushi counter on expedition ships), Mamsen’s, and The Bow, an observation lounge with light fare.
Expedition Gear (Polar Itineraries)
- Complimentary Viking expedition parka (yours to keep)
- Waterproof boots and pants (loaned for the voyage)
- All gear needed for Zodiac excursions and landings
This is a significant value. A quality expedition parka alone costs $300–$500 retail, and Viking’s is excellent.
Expedition Equipment
- Zodiac boats for landings and wildlife excursions
- Special Operations Boats (SOBs) for faster wildlife pursuit
- Kayaks (2-person, pedal-powered)
- Submarines on select itineraries (additional cost on most sailings)
Expert Expedition Team
- Resident scientists from institutions like Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute
- Marine biologists, ornithologists, geologists, and climatologists
- Daily briefings and lectures in the state-of-the-art Aula auditorium
Science Program Viking partners with global research institutions, and guests can participate in citizen science projects and observe ongoing research in the onboard laboratory.
The Nordic Spa
Full thermal suite access included, plus in-cabin drying closets to air out your expedition gear between excursions.
What’s NOT Included on Viking Expedition
- Gratuities (not officially published separately but expected comparable to ocean at $20/day)
- Premium spirits and cocktails
- Spa treatments
- Submarine dives ($499/person for approximately 30 minutes underwater; mandatory safety briefing required)
- Some specialty excursions
Note: Viking’s expedition ships (Octantis and Polaris) carry approximately 378 guests, making them more intimate than the ocean fleet but larger than the river longships.
Viking Inclusions: Quick Comparison
| Inclusion | River | Ocean | Expedition |
|---|---|---|---|
| All meals, multiple venues | ✓ (2 venues) | ✓ (8 venues) | ✓ (5 venues) |
| Wine/beer at lunch & dinner | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specialty coffee & tea 24/7 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bottled water | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 1 shore excursion per port | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free WiFi | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-service laundry | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 24-hour room service | ✗ (suites only) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Thermal spa access | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expedition parka (keep) | — | — | ✓ |
| Expedition boots/gear (loan) | — | — | ✓ |
| Zodiac excursions | — | — | ✓ |
| Gratuities included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Ship capacity | ~190 guests | ~930 guests | ~378 guests |
What About Gratuities?
This is the one area where Viking differs from truly all-inclusive lines like Oceania or Regent. Gratuities are not included in the Viking fare.
Recommended amounts:
- Viking River: $20 per guest, per night (Europe & Mississippi); Egypt, India, and Mekong itineraries split gratuities between ship and land portions
- Viking Ocean: $20 per guest, per day (auto-charged, adjustable at Guest Services)
- Viking Expedition: Not officially published but expected comparable to ocean
On a 10-day cruise, that’s $200 per person to budget beyond the cruise fare. Also note that land extension tips (local guides and drivers) are NOT covered by onboard gratuities.
Is Viking Worth It?
When you add up everything that’s included, Viking delivers exceptional value. The combination of included shore excursions, wine and beer at meals, specialty dining with no cover charges, WiFi, spa access (ocean/expedition), and quality accommodations puts Viking well ahead of mainstream cruise lines on a true cost-comparison basis.
For travelers who prioritize destination-focused itineraries, sophisticated dining, and a relaxed adults-only atmosphere (no kids under 18 on any Viking ship), it’s hard to beat.
Viking Inclusions: Quick Facts
Is Viking all-inclusive? Nearly. Viking includes more than most cruise lines, but gratuities, premium alcohol, and spa treatments cost extra.
Is WiFi free on Viking? Yes, complimentary WiFi is included on all Viking river, ocean, and expedition cruises.
Are shore excursions included on Viking? Yes, one excursion per port is included. Additional excursions are available for purchase.
Is the spa included on Viking Ocean? Access to the thermal suite (sauna, steam room, hot tub, snow grotto) is included. Spa treatments cost extra.
Are drinks included on Viking? Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Premium spirits require the Silver Spirits package ($27/day).
Do I get to keep the Viking expedition parka? Yes! On polar itineraries, the expedition parka is yours to take home.
A Note on Suite Upgrades
On both River and Ocean, booking a suite (Explorer Suite on River; Penthouse or Owner’s Suite on Ocean) unlocks meaningful additional inclusions:
- Complimentary laundry and dry cleaning
- Minibar with complimentary alcoholic beverages
- Priority excursion bookings
- Guaranteed specialty restaurant reservations
If you’re evaluating whether to upgrade, the laundry and beverage perks alone can close the price gap meaningfully on longer sailings.
Have questions about what’s included on a specific Viking sailing? We’ve sailed Viking river and ocean cruises multiple times and know the product inside and out. Whether you’re considering your first river cruise on the Danube or dreaming of an expedition to Antarctica, we’re here to help you find the right Viking voyage. Contact our cruise specialists to get started.
