8 Unique Things That Set Viking Ocean Cruises Apart: An Adults-Only Luxury Cruise Experience
Viking Ocean Cruises has carved out a distinctive niche in the luxury cruise industry, offering a refined, culturally immersive cruise experience that differs significantly from traditional cruise lines. If you're researching Viking cruises or comparing luxury cruise options, here are eight unique features that make Viking Ocean Cruises the premier choice for discerning adult travelers.
1. All-Veranda Staterooms: Every Viking Ocean Cruise Cabin Includes a Private Balcony
Unlike many cruise lines that offer interior and oceanview cabins, Viking Ocean Cruises guarantees that every single stateroom comes with a private veranda. This means every guest enjoys their own outdoor balcony space with ocean views, regardless of which cabin category they choose. As an added perk, guests staying in Penthouse veranda suites and higher receive early access to both included and optional shore excursions, giving them first choice of popular tours before they fill up.
Wondering which Viking stateroom category offers the best value for your needs? Contact me for personalized recommendations based on your preferences and budget.
2. All-Inclusive Cruise Pricing with No Hidden Fees
Viking has eliminated the frustration of nickel-and-diming that plagues many cruise experiences. Your Viking cruise fare includes Wi-Fi throughout the ship, specialty dining at Manfredi's and Chef's Table restaurants, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and at least one shore excursion in every port. Any onboard credits you receive can be applied toward optional excursions, additional beverages, spa treatments, or onboard gratuities. For those wanting premium spirits or cocktails throughout the day, the Silver Spirits beverage package is available for just $38 CAD per person per day—one of the most competitively priced cruise beverage packages in the industry. Viking also allows guests to bring their own wine or other beverages onboard with no corkage fees.
3. Adults-Only Cruise Experience (18+ Policy)
Viking Ocean Cruises maintains a strict adults-only policy, welcoming guests 18 years and older. This creates a calm, refined atmosphere perfect for couples and adult travelers seeking a peaceful luxury vacation. The central heart of the ship has plenty of seating that encourages conversation and a grand piano for musical background. With Viking ships carrying fewer than 1,000 guests, the intimate setting encourages meaningful connections and ensures a serene onboard experience without the crowds and noise often associated with family-friendly cruise ships.
4. Consistent Ship Design Creates Familiarity
Every Viking Ocean ship features the same thoughtful design, creating a "home away from home" experience regardless of which vessel you sail on and incorporate natural elements throughout. Each ship reflects Norse heritage with names inspired by navigation stars (Orion, Polaris, Star) and design elements that tell the Viking story. The carpets are designed like jigsaw puzzle pieces that, when joined together, reveal the frame of a Viking longship. Wooden elements throughout the ship reflect traditional Norse craftsmanship. Unique features include an onboard planetarium and a retractable glass roof over the pool area for all-weather enjoyment. The design philosophy maximizes natural light as it changes throughout the day, creating bright, welcoming spaces.
5. Authentic Viking Heritage Throughout
Viking doesn't just use Norse themes as decoration—they weave authentic cultural elements throughout the ship. Spaces like the Explorers' Lounge and LivNordic Spa reflect genuine Norse culture, offering guests a strong sense of Viking identity. One charming tradition is the daily service of homemade-style waffles prepared using a family recipe, served with berries and cream on plates replicated from the founding family's home. These authentic touches create meaningful connections to Viking heritage rather than superficial theming.
6. Innovative Spa Concept with Complimentary Amenities
The LivNordic Spa offers a unique Nordic-inspired wellness experience that goes far beyond typical cruise ship spas. Guests can enjoy a snow grotto, traditional sauna, cold plunge pool, and thermal pools—all included in their cruise fare. The fitness center and group fitness classes are also complimentary, making wellness accessible to all guests. This Scandinavian approach to spa culture emphasizes relaxation and rejuvenation as integral parts of the cruise experience, not expensive add-ons.
7. Culinary Excellence as a Core Feature
Viking takes cuisine seriously, offering optional cooking classes onboard for hands-on culinary experiences. The specialty restaurants Manfredi's (Italian) and Chef's Table are included in your cruise fare, providing elevated dining experiences without additional charges. The Restaurant, Viking's elegant main dining venue, features changing daily menus that reflect the destinations you're visiting, allowing you to taste your way through each region's culinary traditions alongside familiar international dishes. For special occasions, there's a private dining room accommodating up to 10 guests that can be reserved. This focus on culinary excellence ensures that dining becomes a highlight of the cruise experience, not an afterthought.
8. Cultural Enrichment Over Cruise Ship Entertainment
Rather than casinos and flashy shows, Viking prioritizes cultural immersion and lifelong learning. They collaborate with prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge universities, while their Viking.TV programming extends educational content beyond the voyage. Onboard destination lectures and cultural performances prepare guests for each port. The ships feature curated libraries with selections from Heywood Hill, the renowned London bookseller, offering books from fiction and art history to destination-focused reading that complements each region's exploration. A self-guided art tour, available through their mobile app, allows guests to explore the extensive onboard art collection at their own pace. Viking designs cruise itineraries with longer port stays, more overnight stays, and fewer sea days to maximize time in destinations rather than onboard entertainment.
What Viking Ocean Cruises Doesn't Offer: Important Considerations
While Viking Ocean Cruises excels in many areas, it's important to understand what's not included or what’s different to set proper expectations for your luxury cruise investment.
No Single Supplement Waivers: Unlike some cruise lines that occasionally offer reduced or waived single supplements, Viking maintains full single occupancy fares. Solo travelers should budget for the complete single cabin rate without expecting discounted pricing.
Included Shore Excursions: While Viking includes at least one shore excursion per port, these tend to be more of an overview style, such as panoramic bus tours or walking tours. Travelers seeking more immersive, active, or specialized experiences should plan to invest in upgraded shore excursions or private tours. The included excursions serve as a good introduction to each port, but they may not satisfy travelers looking for in-depth exploration, adventure activities, or personalized experiences.
Planning for Additional Excursion Costs: Budget-conscious travelers should factor in additional costs for enhanced shore excursions if they want to maximize their destination experiences. I can work with you to arrange non-cruise line excursions and private tours that offer more personalized experiences, smaller groups, and unique access that goes beyond the standard bus tour offerings.
Early Final Payment Date: Viking has a policy that requires early payment in full, typically at least six months before departure but sometimes as early as a year depending on the promotional terms. While they do offer an option for a small discount for paying by e-check - basically a direct debit from a savings account. I don’t recommend this to my clients as there are typically some protections offered by credit cards (in some case even travel insurance coverage) that would not apply for an e-check payment.
Let's discuss your destination interests and activity preferences to create truly memorable shore experiences that align with your travel style.
Viking Ocean Cruises delivers exceptional value for travelers prioritizing cultural enrichment, refined experiences, and authentic destinations over flashy entertainment and family activities. Understanding both what's included and what requires additional investment helps ensure your Viking Ocean cruise exceeds expectations.
Ready to Book Your Viking Ocean Cruise Experience?
If Viking's unique approach to luxury cruising sounds like your ideal vacation style, I'd love to help you plan the perfect voyage. As an experienced travel advisor specializing in Viking cruises, I can:
Help you select the ideal Viking Ocean cruise itinerary and stateroom category
Arrange enhanced shore excursions and private tours that go beyond the included options
Coordinate pre- and post-cruise accommodations. flights and transfers
Provide insider tips to maximize your Viking cruise experience
Offer exclusive shipboard credits on most Viking sailings when you book through me
Contact me today to discuss your Viking Ocean cruise dreams and receive personalized recommendations based on your interests and travel style. Let's turn your desire for cultural immersion and refined travel into an unforgettable Viking cruise reality.
