Viking Cruises: Book Luxury River & Ocean Voyages with Exclusive VIP Benefits

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Viking Cruises: Explore the World in Comfort with Exclusive Booking Benefits

Discover destination-focused journeys with Viking Cruises, renowned for elegant ships, immersive cultural experiences, and award-winning service across river, ocean, and expedition voyages. When you book your Viking sailing through StarsDesk, you gain access to exclusive amenities not available when booking direct—including travel credits, priority arrangements, and personalized concierge support from initial planning to the end of your voyage.

Why Book Your Viking Cruise with StarsDesk

Reserving your Viking itinerary through StarsDesk ensures you receive added-value benefits along with expert navigation of itineraries, promotions, and cabin categories. Our team specializes in luxury and premium cruising and works closely with Viking to secure the most seamless experience possible.

Exclusive Booking Benefits Include:

Value-added travel credits, priority support, pre- and post-cruise planning assistance, and tailored recommendations based on your preferred destinations and interests—perks available only when booking with an experienced advisor like StarsDesk.

Through our preferred relationship with Viking Cruises, StarsDesk delivers a smooth, personalized, and enriched travel experience.

Viking Cruises

Exclusive Viking Booking Benefits with StarsDesk

Welcome Package & Onboard Credits

  • Personalized welcome gift delivered to your stateroom
  • $200 onboard credit on select Viking Ocean, River & Expedition voyages
  • Priority embarkation assistance when available

Included & Enhanced Shore Experiences

  • Viking’s signature complimentary shore excursion in every port
  • Advising on premium excursion options and cultural experiences
  • Priority access for high-demand tours when available
  • Private touring, car & driver arrangements in select destinations

Stateroom & Category Support

  • Expert guidance in selecting the best cabin location and category
  • Priority waitlist handling on sold-out sailings
  • Assistance securing adjacent or connecting staterooms
  • Monitoring for fare adjustments and promotional improvements

Expert Concierge Travel Planning

  • Dedicated cruise specialist from planning through return
  • Assistance with Viking Air, custom flights, or independent air options
  • Pre- and post-cruise hotel arrangements and itineraries
  • Special event planning—birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations
  • Dining, spa, and onboard experience coordination

Additional Value Programs

  • Viking Explorer Society: Exclusive offers and savings for returning guests, including reduced deposit offers and loyalty discounts.
  • Early Booking Savings: Best pricing and availability when securing voyages 12–18 months in advance.

Viking Destinations: Explore the World in Comfort, Culture & Discovery

Mediterranean Journeys

Experience the heart of ancient civilizations aboard Viking’s elegant, adults-focused ocean ships—designed for immersive cultural discovery with more time in port and fewer sea days.

Mediterranean Highlights:

  • Greek Isles: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete
  • Italy: Venice, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Florence/Pisa (Livorno)
  • France & Spain: Barcelona, Marseille, Nice, Palma de Mallorca
  • Adriatic Coast: Dubrovnik, Split, Kotor
  • Türkiye: Istanbul, Ephesus, Troy

Typical voyages run 7–13 nights from March through November.

Caribbean Escape

Sail the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean aboard a small Viking ocean ship designed for travelers seeking culture, calm, and refined exploration.

Caribbean Regions:

  • Eastern Caribbean: St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Tortola, San Juan
  • Southern Caribbean: Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Grenada
  • Western Caribbean: Belize, Cozumel, Grand Cayman
  • Panama Canal: Full or partial transit itineraries

Season runs November through March with 7–11 night voyages.

Northern Europe & Scandinavia

Explore Viking heritage across Scandinavia, the Baltic, and the North Atlantic. Enjoy scenic fjords, medieval cities, and long summer days aboard Viking’s ocean fleet.

Northern Highlights:

  • Norwegian Fjords: Bergen, Geiranger, Flåm, Ålesund
  • Baltic Capitals: Stockholm, Copenhagen, Tallinn, Helsinki
  • Iceland: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Ísafjörður
  • British Isles: Edinburgh, Dublin, Liverpool, Orkney Islands

Voyages operate May through September, typically 8–15 nights.

Alaska & the Inside Passage

Discover Alaska’s dramatic glaciers and wilderness aboard Viking’s modern small ships with included excursions and enriching cultural programs.

Alaska Features:

  • Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan
  • Scenic cruising: Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier
  • Canadian Pacific towns: Vancouver, Victoria
  • Frequent whale, eagle, and bear sightings

Season runs May through September with 7–12 night itineraries.

Asia & Australia

Journey through ancient temples, bustling markets, and breathtaking coastlines with Viking’s culturally immersive voyages across Asia and the Pacific.

Asia-Pacific Highlights:

  • Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagasaki, Hokkaido
  • Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Bali
  • Australia & New Zealand: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland
  • South Pacific: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji

Typical itineraries range 10–30 nights with year-round departures.

Africa & the Indian Ocean

From ancient wonders to vibrant coastal cities, explore Africa and the Indian Ocean with Viking’s thoughtfully curated itineraries featuring regional experts and unique cultural programming.

Key Destinations:

  • South Africa: Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban
  • East Africa & Islands: Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles
  • Red Sea & Arabia: Egypt, Jordan, Oman

Often paired with overland extensions such as safari programs or Nile River journeys.

Antarctica & Arctic Expeditions

Explore Earth’s polar extremes aboard Viking’s cutting-edge expedition ships with scientific research facilities, zodiac landings, and expert-led excursions.

Expedition Highlights:

  • Antarctica: Ice fields, penguin colonies, remote landings
  • Arctic: Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland, polar bears
  • Northwest Passage: Baffin Island, Canadian High Arctic
  • Scientific programming with onboard researchers

Antarctica operates November–March; Arctic operates June–September.

River Cruises: Europe & Beyond

Sail historic waterways aboard Viking’s award-winning Longships, offering the most destination-focused river experience in Europe and around the world.

River Destinations:

  • Europe: Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Elbe
  • Egypt: Nile River — Cairo, Luxor, Aswan (on Viking Osiris)
  • Asia: Mekong River — Vietnam & Cambodia
  • USA: Mississippi River — New Orleans to St. Paul

River cruises operate year-round depending on destination.

World Cruises & Grand Voyages

For the ultimate exploration, Viking offers World Cruises and extended Grand Journeys that span continents with unparalleled cultural depth and enrichment.

World Cruise:

  • 120–140+ nights, visiting 30+ countries
  • Overnights in iconic cities worldwide
  • Exclusive World Cruise events and benefits
  • Business class air or air credit often included

Grand Journeys:

  • 20–60 night extended itineraries combining multiple regions
  • Examples: Mediterranean + Northern Europe, Asia + Australia
  • More included tours and cultural programming
  • Exceptional value compared to shorter sailings

What Makes Viking Different from Other Cruise Lines

Thoughtful, Refined, and Truly Inclusive Value

Viking delivers a sophisticated, destination-focused experience with exceptional inclusions built into every voyage. Designed for curious travelers, Viking emphasizes enrichment, cultural immersion, and elegant Scandinavian design—without unnecessary extras or crowds.

What’s Included with Viking:

  • One complimentary shore excursion in every port
  • Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner
  • Specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water
  • Complimentary WiFi for all guests
  • Multiple dining venues—no charges for specialty restaurants
  • 24-hour room service
  • Laundry rooms available at no additional cost
  • Enrichment lectures, cultural programs, and destination performances
  • Access to the Thermal Suite (on ocean & expedition ships)
  • Port taxes and fees included in the fare

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Premium shore excursions and small-group experiences
  • Silver Spirits beverage package
  • Spa treatments
  • Air upgrades and pre-/post-cruise extensions

Small, Elegant Ships Designed for Exploration

Viking’s ocean, river, and expedition vessels are intentionally small—no casinos, no crowds, no children—crafted to bring guests closer to the destinations. With Scandinavian design, airy public spaces, and a calm onboard atmosphere, every sailing feels refined and relaxed.

Spacious Staterooms with Thoughtful Amenities

All Viking ocean and expedition staterooms feature verandas, and river ships include French balconies or full balconies depending on ship class. Intelligent design, heated bathroom floors, and plentiful storage offer exceptional comfort throughout your journey.

  • King-size beds with luxury linens
  • Large showers with premium products
  • 24-hour room service
  • In-room coffee, tea, and mini-bar setup (varies by stateroom category)
  • Plenty of closet space and thoughtful Scandinavian décor

Destination-Focused Travel, Fewer Sea Days, More Time Ashore

Viking’s philosophy is simple: the destination is the star. Expect longer days in port, overnight stays in major cultural centers, and curated itineraries that maximize meaningful exploration—without the feel of a traditional big-ship cruise.

Enrichment, Learning & Cultural Discovery

Viking’s onboard enrichment is a hallmark of the experience. Each voyage brings together historians, destination experts, scientists, and cultural ambassadors who bring your journey to life through meaningful programming.

  • Daily lectures from regional specialists
  • Live performances, local musicians, and cultural showcases
  • Destination-inspired cuisine created by award-winning chefs
  • Cooking demonstrations, tastings, and regional culinary introductions
  • Science labs and resident scientists on expedition voyages

Viking Stateroom & Suite Categories: Your Private Refuge Onboard

Every stateroom aboard Viking is designed in a clean, elegant Scandinavian style with abundant natural light, generous storage, and thoughtfully curated amenities. From Veranda Staterooms to the expansive Owner’s Suite, Viking offers refined comfort with a focus on calm, modern design.

Stateroom Features Across All Categories

  • All staterooms feature a private veranda (ocean ships) or French/full balcony (river ships)
  • Beautifully appointed bathrooms with heated floors and premium bath products
  • Large showers with glass doors (no shower curtains)
  • King-size Viking Explorer bed with luxury linens
  • Flat-screen TV with movies, lectures, and destination programming
  • Mini-bar replenished daily (category dependent)
  • Coffee maker, bottled water, and premium teas
  • 24-hour room service
  • Twice-daily housekeeping with turndown service
  • In-room seating area and ample storage

Stateroom & Suite Categories Explained

Veranda Stateroom (Entry Level)

270 sq. ft. including veranda. Ideal for travelers who want a comfortable, stylish space with all essential amenities. Features a king bed, private veranda, spacious bathroom with heated floors, and plentiful storage.

Deluxe Veranda Stateroom

270 sq. ft. including veranda. Offers all Veranda Stateroom features plus earlier stateroom access, priority dining reservations, and a stocked mini-bar refreshed daily.

Penthouse Veranda

338 sq. ft. including veranda. Features a larger bathroom, additional seating, early access, priority reservations, and enhanced amenities. Perfect for guests who want extra space and comfort.

Penthouse Junior Suite

405 sq. ft. including veranda. Includes a separate sitting area, expanded bathroom with double sinks, welcome Champagne, daily afternoon fruit plate, and priority reservations.

Explorer Suite

757–1,163 sq. ft. including wraparound verandas. Offers a separate living room and dining area, spacious bathroom with bathtub and shower, premium minibar setup, and sweeping views from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Owner’s Suite

1,319 sq. ft.—the most exclusive residence aboard Viking’s ocean ships. Features a private boardroom-style dining area, separate living room, large veranda, wine and music library, and a spacious bathroom with dry sauna. Includes priority shore excursion access and premium concierge services.

Veranda Stateroom
Penthouse Veranda

Dining Excellence Aboard Viking

Viking redefines culinary journeys with multiple complimentary dining venues that celebrate world-class flavors, regional specialties, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy relaxed, open-seating dining with no upcharges, cover fees, or assigned seating—whether on the ocean or river ships.

Ocean & River Dining Venues

  • The Restaurant: Main dining venue serving international cuisine with daily-changing menus inspired by the regions you visit. Open seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with panoramic views on ocean ships or scenic riverside vistas on river vessels.
  • The Chef’s Table: Intimate fine-dining experience featuring multi-course tasting menus with expertly paired wines. Perfect for special occasions or guests seeking elevated culinary artistry.
  • Manfredi’s (ocean ships only): Italian specialty restaurant with fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and regional Italian flavors in a relaxed, elegant setting.
  • World Café (ocean ships only): Casual dining venue with diverse international cuisine, buffet-style options, made-to-order stations, and freshly prepared local specialties.
  • The Aquavit Terrace (ocean ships only): Alfresco dining with panoramic ocean views featuring light fare, small plates, and refreshing beverages.
  • Lind’s Lounge & Bistro (river ships only): Enjoy light snacks, sandwiches, and café-style meals throughout the day with scenic riverside views.
  • Pool Grill & Café (ocean ships only): Casual indoor/outdoor dining offering burgers, salads, and grilled specialties with flexible seating.

24/7 In-Suite Dining

Enjoy gourmet meals delivered to the comfort of your stateroom or suite. Whether it’s a full multi-course dinner, afternoon tea, or a midnight snack, Viking’s in-suite dining ensures convenience and quality at any hour.

Culinary Experiences & Enrichment

Viking offers immersive culinary programs to connect guests with local food culture. Participate in wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and market visits on shore excursions, all designed to deepen your connection to the regions you explore.

Planning Your Viking Voyage: When to Book and What to Expect

Discover the art of seamless, modern luxury cruising with Viking. Knowing when to book, what’s included, and how to maximize your experience ensures your journey is effortless, enriching, and unforgettable.

Book 12–18 Months in Advance

  • Best selection of staterooms or suites and preferred locations
  • Early booking savings and promotional offers
  • Access to extended river and ocean cruise itineraries
  • Coordinate connecting staterooms for group travel
  • Secure peak-season departures and inaugural voyages

Book 6–9 Months in Advance

  • Good availability across most staterooms and suites
  • Standard pricing in effect
  • Most departure dates still open
  • Plenty of time to arrange air and hotel connections

Last-Minute Bookings (Under 90 Days)

  • Limited stateroom or suite availability, often only select categories remain
  • Occasional promotions on remaining inventory
  • Reduced choice of departure dates
  • Best for flexible travelers ready to embark

Pricing and Value

Viking delivers modern luxury with transparent, inclusive pricing that offers exceptional value. River and ocean cruises include nearly everything needed for a seamless, all-encompassing experience.

Typical 7-Night Pricing (per person, double occupancy):

  • Standard Stateroom: $2,000–$3,500
  • Veranda or Suite: $3,500–$6,000
  • Penthouse or Explorer Suite: $6,500–$12,000+

Specialty expedition cruises to destinations such as Antarctica, the Galápagos, and the Arctic may range from $7,000–$30,000 per person, depending on itinerary and suite selection.

What’s Included

  • All staterooms or suites with personalized service
  • All meals with open seating at included restaurants
  • Premium beverages including wine, beer, and soft drinks
  • 24-hour room service or in-suite dining
  • Complimentary WiFi throughout the ship
  • Shore excursions in most ports
  • Gratuities for all crew members
  • Enrichment programs, lectures, and onboard entertainment
  • Still and sparkling water, premium coffee, and tea

Additional Budget Considerations:

  • Specialty shore excursions ($75–$500 per person)
  • Spa and salon treatments
  • Premium wines or spirits not included in standard beverage package
  • Boutique and retail purchases

Travel Logistics: Flights, Transfers, and Embarkation

Planning your Viking journey is simple with proper preparation. From flights and transfers to embarkation details and packing tips, Viking ensures every step of your voyage is seamless and stress-free.

Air Arrangements

  • Most guests arrive the day before departure to ensure smooth embarkation.
  • Viking can assist with economy, business, and first-class bookings through preferred airline partners.
  • Itinerary-optimized connections and frequent flyer program coordination are provided.
  • Upgrade options and premium cabin selections are available upon request.

Transfers

  • Pre-arranged airport-to-ship transfers can be added when booking your cruise.
  • Private car and luxury vehicle services ensure a comfortable, personalized arrival.
  • Scenic helicopter transfers are available at select ports on ocean voyages.

Embarkation

  • Boarding usually begins in the early afternoon, with Viking staterooms ready upon arrival.
  • Guests receive a personalized welcome amenity upon arrival.
  • A mandatory safety orientation (muster drill) is conducted prior to departure.
  • Departure times vary by port but generally occur mid to late afternoon.

Documentation Requirements

  • Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your cruise end date. Required for all international itineraries.
  • Visas: Most Viking destinations do not require visas for U.S. passport holders; some countries may require electronic authorization. Viking provides guidance for all required documentation.
  • Health Requirements: Current vaccination and testing protocols are provided at booking and before departure.

What to Pack & Dress Code

Dress Code Philosophy:

Viking maintains a casual elegance atmosphere—sophisticated yet relaxed. Focus on refined resort wear for day-to-day activities, with slightly elevated attire for evening dining.

Daytime

  • Resort casual: sundresses, linen pants, polos, blouses, and comfortable tops
  • Comfortable walking shoes for excursions and onshore activities
  • Swimwear and cover-ups for pool areas and spa facilities
  • Sun protection essentials: hats, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen

Evening

  • Smart casual: dress pants or skirts with collared shirts or blouses
  • 2–3 optional formal evenings on longer voyages (cocktail attire suggested)
  • No shorts, t-shirts, or flip-flops in main dining areas after 6:00 PM
  • Sport coats optional for men, dresses or dressy separates for women

Expedition Voyages

  • Layered, waterproof outerwear for zodiac or shore excursions
  • Warm base layers for polar or cold-weather itineraries
  • Sturdy, waterproof boots provided on Arctic and Antarctic expeditions
  • Binoculars and photography equipment recommended

Frequently Asked Questions About Viking Cruises

Absolutely. Viking offers included group excursions as well as optional premium tours, private guides, and overland adventures. Your Viking travel advisor can help design fully customized experiences in each port.

Viking Cruises are not family-friendly as they require all guests to be 18 years or older, meaning children are not permitted on board

Viking’s modern stabilization systems and optimized hull design minimize motion. Seasickness remedies are available onboard. River ships are very stable, and ocean ships are designed for smooth cruising even in moderate seas.

River cruises focus on cultural immersion, small ports, and scenic cruising along Europe’s waterways. Ocean cruises explore coastal and remote destinations worldwide with immersive shore programs. Your advisor can match you to the experience that fits your interests.

Complimentary WiFi supports email, web browsing, and social media. Streaming or video calls may be slower due to satellite connectivity. Premium WiFi packages are available for higher bandwidth needs.

U.S. dollars are used on Viking Ocean and River cruises. Charges are billed to your stateroom account and settled via credit card. Gratuities are included in your cruise fare.

Yes! Viking can assist with anniversaries, birthdays, milestone celebrations, and proposals. Your travel advisor coordinates with the onboard team to create a seamless, memorable experience.

As a certified Viking travel advisor, StarsDesk provides expert guidance, exclusive benefits, and personalized service to make your cruise unforgettable.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Our clients trust StarsDesk to craft seamless, enriching travel experiences. Here’s what they’ve shared about their Viking voyages.

“Our Viking Mediterranean cruise was flawless. The excursions were thoughtfully curated, and our veranda suite offered stunning views each morning. StarsDesk ensured every detail was perfect.”

Margaret & David T.

Boston, USA

“From the scenic fjords of Norway to the historic rivers of Europe, Viking provides immersive experiences without sacrificing comfort. Our guides were exceptional, and the onboard atmosphere was serene.”

Jennifer L.

San Francisco, USA

“We’ve traveled on many river and ocean cruises, but Viking’s focus on cultural enrichment and small-ship comfort creates a unique experience. Every day brought new discoveries in a relaxed, refined setting.”

Robert & Patricia M.

New York, USA

Request Viking Cruises Special Rates

Share your travel preferences below. Our team will provide bespoke voyage recommendations aboard any Viking ship — including Viking Star, Viking Sky, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter, and more — and contact you with availability, exclusive amenities, and tailored options.

A dedicated Viking voyage specialist will reach out within 24 hours to assist with your cruise planning and exclusive benefits.