What's Included in a Viking Ocean Cruise?

Viking Ocean Cruises is built on the same philosophy that made its river cruises famous: inclusive value with transparent pricing. Everything you need is bundled into your fare, with very few reasons to reach for your wallet while onboard.

Here's exactly what's included, what costs extra, and how to budget smart.

Viking Ocean Cruise Inclusions at a Glance

†Silver Spirits Beverage Package available for $27/person/day.

*Send-away laundry is per-item for most stateroom categories; complimentary for higher-level suite guests.

All pricing is accurate as of the date of publication.

What Does a Viking Ocean Cruise Include?

All Dining – No Cover Charges, Ever

Viking's ocean ships feature seven distinct dining venues, and every single one is included in your fare.

No cover charges, no upcharges, no surprise bills.

1. The Restaurant is the main dining venue, offering open-seating breakfast, lunch, and dinner with regionally inspired menus that change based on your itinerary.
2. Manfredi's Italian Restaurant serves authentic Tuscan cuisine with housemade pasta, fresh-baked bread, and the signature Viking Bistecca steak.
3. The Chef's Table offers rotating multicourse tasting menus with wine pairings, featuring cuisines from around the world (guests with the Silver Spirits Beverage Package receive a premium wine pairing upgrade).
4. World Café is the international buffet, with a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, entrées, and regional specialties.
5. Aquavit Terrace extends from the World Café with al fresco dining at the ship's stern, offering one of the largest outdoor dining experiences at sea.
6. Pool Grill serves burgers, salads, and casual poolside fare.
7. Mamsen's is a cozy Norwegian-inspired venue known for heart-shaped waffles, open-face sandwiches, and traditional Nordic treats.

The Wintergarden hosts a daily afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts accompanied by international teas and classical music from the Viking Resident Musicians.

24-hour room service is available with a full menu, including entrées from The Restaurant. Unlike Viking's river ships, where room service is limited to breakfast for Explorer Suite guests, guests sailing on Viking Ocean can order anytime in any stateroom.

Curious about what's included on Viking River Cruises? Check out our full breakdown: What's Included on Viking River Cruises →

Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks Included with Meals

House wines (often regionally sourced), beer, and soft drinks are included at every lunch and dinner across all dining venues.

Eating at the Pool Grill or ordering room service? Complimentary drinks come with your meal there, too.

Complimentary Specialty Coffee, Tea & Bottled Water (24/7)

Cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, assorted hot teas, and bottled water are complimentary around the clock at self-serve stations throughout the ship. No package required, no daily limit.

Bottled water is also provided in your stateroom and at the gangway before shore excursions, a perk many other lines charge for.

Free Shore Excursions on Viking Ocean Cruises: One Included in Every Port

Viking includes at least one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call, typically a guided walking tour or bus tour visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site, led by local experts.

For travelers who want to go deeper, optional premium excursions are available at an additional cost, ranging from private tastings and behind-the-scenes museum access to helicopter tours.

Excursions can be booked in advance through My Viking Journey, with booking windows opening earlier for higher stateroom categories.

The Cruise Web Advantage: Our cruise experts can help you identify which included excursions are worth prioritizing and which optional upgrades deliver the best value for your itinerary.

Is Wi-Fi Free on Viking Ocean Cruises?

Shipwide Wi-Fi is complimentary for all guests, with unlimited devices.

Streaming and video calls may still be limited depending on location and satellite coverage, but for most guests, the included Wi-Fi handles everyday connectivity without issue.

LivNordic Spa Thermal Suite: Complimentary Access for All Guests

One of Viking's standout inclusions. Access to the LivNordic Spa thermal suite is complimentary for every guest, a perk most other cruise lines charge for as a daily or full-voyage add-on.

The thermal suite features:

• Cold plunge pool
• Thalassotherapy pool (an alternative therapy that harnesses the soothing properties of the sea)
• Viking's signature snow grotto
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Heated stone loungers
• Fitness center
• Main pool
• Sports deck (shuffleboard, putting green, jogging track)
• And more

Viking encourages guests to try the traditional Nordic bathing ritual, alternating between warm and cold environments for a rejuvenating experience.

Individual spa treatments (massages, facials, manicures, salon services) are available at an additional cost and can be booked through My Viking Journey.

Viking's spa team operates on a no-pressure, no-upsell policy. Unlike many other cruise lines, you won't be pitched products or additional treatments during your appointment.

Onboard Enrichment Programs

One of the most underrated inclusions in the fare.

Every sailing features port talks, destination-focused lectures from historians and subject-matter experts, TED Talks, documentary screenings, and Destination Performances showcasing local music and cultural traditions from the regions you're visiting.

Lectures and port talks are presented in the Star Theater and available on your stateroom TV afterward if you miss the live session.

Self-Service Launderettes

Self-service laundry machines are complimentary for all guests, with detergent included. This becomes valuable on longer sailings or back-to-back itineraries.

Send-away laundry is available at a per-item fee for most stateroom categories. Higher-level suite guests receive complimentary send-away laundry, pressing, and shoeshine service.

Airport Transfers (with Viking Air)

Book airfare through Viking's Air program, and roundtrip airport-to-ship transfers are included. A Viking representative meets you on arrival and handles logistics to and from the ship.

Book your own flights? Transfers can be purchased separately. Viking Air Plus is also available for guests who want to choose their own airline and schedule.

The Cruise Web Advantage: Our personal Cruise Experts love finding the best value for you and can notify you when any flight promotions are available.

Port Taxes & Charges

All port taxes and charges are included. The price you see is the price you pay.

Are Gratuities Included on Viking Ocean Cruises?

No. Gratuities are one of the most important extras to budget for.

Viking applies a daily service charge of $20 per guest. This is automatically added to your shipboard account and distributed among your stateroom attendant, dining staff, and crew. You can pre-pay through My Viking Journey, or the charge will appear on your final invoice.

A separate 15% gratuity is also auto-added to all bar, beverage, and wine purchases.

What Is Viking's Silver Spirits Beverage Package?

For guests who want premium drinks outside mealtimes, Viking offers the Silver Spirits Beverage Package at $27 per person, per day (but our Cruise Experts monitor promotions that may include it as a complimentary perk).

Since Viking already includes house wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, plus specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water around the clock, Silver Spirits is about upgrading to premium selections and drinking freely between meals.

What's Included in the Silver Spirits Beverage Package?

• Unlimited drinks up to $18 per beverage (premium wines by the glass, house champagne, cocktails, aperitifs, spirits)
• The Chef's Table premium wine pairing
• 30% discount on premium wines and beverages (including bottles)
• 50% discount on premium tasting events (ocean and expedition only; not available on river)

Is Viking's Silver Spirits Beverage Package Worth It?

At $27/day, roughly 2–3 drinks outside mealtimes are needed to break even. Especially appealing if you enjoy pre-dinner cocktails, premium wines at dinner, or drinks on the sun deck between ports.

Quick math: 10-night cruise, two guests = $540.

Important requirements:

• Both guests in a stateroom must purchase for the full voyage
• Must be 21+ to purchase and consume
• Not available on Egypt itineraries (complimentary for Explorer Suite guests only)

Viking has maintained a relaxed alcohol policy. Guests can bring wine and spirits purchased on shore back to the ship with no corkage fee, enjoyed in your stateroom, public spaces, or at dinner.

What Is NOT Included on Viking Ocean Cruises?

✖️ Gratuities — $20/guest/day (as of January 2026); 15% auto-added to bar and beverage tabs

✖️ Premium Drinks — Cocktails, spirits & premium wines outside meals; Silver Spirits Beverage Package available ($27/person/day)

✖️ Spa Treatments — Massages, facials, manicures, salon services (thermal suite access is complimentary)

✖️ Premium Excursions — Optional shore excursions beyond the one included per port (helicopter tours, private tastings, etc.)

✖️ Send-Away Laundry — Per-item fee for most stateroom categories; complimentary for higher-level suite guests

✖️ Airfare & Airport Transfers — Not included unless booked through Viking Air or a specific promotion

✖️ The Kitchen Table — Immersive "shop with the chef" experience where you will learn to prepare regional cuisine with Viking's world-class chefs, plate & present your dishes, and enjoy a private meal (these intimate sessions fill up quickly!)

What Makes Viking Ocean Cruises Different?

Viking's ocean ships aren't trying to be everything to everyone, and that's exactly what sets them apart.

• True Inclusive Value: Excursions, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, thermal suite access, and room service bundled upfront.
• Destination-Focused: Menus reflect the regions you're sailing, local experts lead lectures, and itineraries prioritize cultural immersion over sea days.
• Scandinavian Design: Light-filled spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural materials, and a calm, uncluttered atmosphere.
• Adults Only (18+): No kids, no waterslides, no casino, no formal nights. Refined without being stuffy.
• Intimate Scale: Approximately 930 guests (998 on newer ships), less than a quarter the size of today's mega-ships. Less crowding, more personal service, and access to smaller ports that larger ships can't reach.
• All-Veranda Fleet: Every stateroom on every ship comes with a private balcony, starting at 270 square feet.

Viking Ocean Stateroom Categories: What Each Upgrade Gets You

Viking's stateroom tiers reward higher bookings with meaningful perks, not just more square footage. While specific inclusions can vary by ship and itinerary, here is how the five ocean categories typically compare.

Viking Ocean Stateroom Comparison Chart

Viking also offers the Owner's Suite (1,488 sq. ft.), a one-per-ship residence with a private sauna, boardroom, a complimentary private car & driver excursion, and more — details below.

Which Category Is Right for You?

Veranda — A comfortable, well-appointed base with a king-size bed and private balcony. Best value for guests who spend most of their time on shore or in the ship's public spaces.

Deluxe Veranda — Same size, smarter perks. Daily minibar replenishment, in-room coffee machine, binoculars, and a 7-day head start on excursion bookings. Worth the step up on bucket-list itineraries where popular tours sell out fast.

Penthouse Veranda — Stocked minibar with alcohol, complimentary pressing and shoeshine, priority dining and spa reservations, and 1:00 PM room access. Polished in-room perks without suite pricing.

Penthouse Junior Suite — The threshold tier. The most affordable way to get 11:00 AM room access, full complimentary laundry and dry cleaning, and a suite layout with a separate sitting area. Pays for itself in convenience on longer voyages.

Explorer Suite — Viking's pinnacle for most guests. Two-room layout, soaking tub, wraparound veranda, the earliest excursion window (167 days), and first-tier dining and spa access. Included perks offset a meaningful portion of the upgrade cost.

Owner's Suite — One per ship. At 1,488 sq. ft., essentially a luxury apartment at sea with a private sauna, boardroom seating 12, personal library, and a wraparound veranda. Silver Spirits Beverage Package included, plus a complimentary private car and driver excursion in the port of your choice (valued at up to $800). The earliest booking window of any category (177 days). For guests who want the absolute best Viking has to offer.

Our Cruise Experts can confirm availability of rooms in real time so you don't miss out.

Viking Ocean vs. River vs. Expedition: What's Different?

Viking's core inclusive value stays consistent across its river, ocean, and expedition fleets, with each tier offering more.

*European and Asian river itineraries charge a per-item fee for standard staterooms.

For a deeper look at river-specific inclusions, see our guide: What's Included on Viking River Cruises →

Why Book Viking Ocean Cruises With The Cruise Web?

At The Cruise Web, we've been helping travelers plan unforgettable vacations for over 30 years. With our A+ BBB rating, 4.9-star Google rating, and no booking fees, we make it easy to find the best value on Viking sailings.

Our Cruise Experts can help you:

• Determine whether the Silver Spirits Beverage Package fits your drinking preferences
• Navigate current Viking promotions and limited-time offers
• Coordinate flights, transfers, and pre/post-cruise hotel stays
• Secure the best stateroom category for your budget

Ready to explore the world with Viking? Give our cruise experts a call at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com to start planning your Viking Ocean adventure today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Viking Ocean Cruises

Is a Viking Ocean Cruise all-inclusive?

Not technically, but it comes remarkably close. Your fare includes all dining (no cover charges at any restaurant), one shore excursion per port, complimentary Wi-Fi, beer/wine/soft drinks at meals, specialty coffee and bottled water around the clock, spa thermal suite access, and self-service laundry. The main extras to budget for are gratuities ($20/guest/day), premium drinks outside meals, spa treatments, and optional excursions.

Are gratuities included on Viking Ocean Cruises?

No. As of January 2026, a daily service charge of $20 per guest is automatically added to your shipboard account. A 15% gratuity is also added to bar and beverage purchases. You can pre-pay through My Viking Journey before your sailing. Our Cruise Experts can walk you through the full cost breakdown so there are no surprises.

Are specialty restaurants included on Viking Ocean Cruises?

Yes. Every dining venue on board is included with no cover charges or reservation fees. This includes Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table, two specialty restaurants that would carry a surcharge on most other cruise lines.

What is the Silver Spirits Beverage Package?

Viking's premium beverage package is priced at $27 per person, per day. It includes unlimited drinks up to $18 per beverage (premium wines, cocktails, spirits, house champagne), the Chef's Table wine pairing, and discounts on premium wines and tasting events. Both guests in a stateroom must purchase for the full voyage. Not sure if it's worth it for your sailing? Our Cruise Experts can help you decide.

Can you bring alcohol on a Viking Ocean Cruise?

Yes. Viking maintains a generous alcohol policy. Guests can bring wine and spirits purchased on shore back to the ship with no corkage fee, enjoyed in your stateroom, public spaces, or at dinner.

What is The Kitchen Table on Viking?

An immersive culinary experience where guests shop with the chef at a local market, select fresh ingredients, and prepare a multi-course meal on board. Pricing ranges from approximately $69 to $250 per person, depending on the experience. Shorter sea-day classes may be available at a lower price point.

Are Viking Ocean Cruises adults only?

Yes. All guests must be 18 or older to sail. There are no children's programs on board.

What is the dress code on Viking Ocean Cruises?

Daytime is casual. Evenings call for elegant casual attire (slacks and a collared shirt for men, a dress or blouse and pants for women). No formal nights or black-tie requirements.

How does a Viking Ocean Cruise compare to a Viking River Cruise?

The core inclusive value is the same: excursions, Wi-Fi, meals, drinks at meals, enrichment, and port taxes included across both. Ocean ships add more dining venues (seven vs. two), 24-hour room service for all guests, complimentary spa thermal suite access, self-service laundry, king-size beds, and all-veranda staterooms. Ocean ships carry approximately 930–998 guests compared to around 190 on a river Longship.

How far in advance should I book a Viking Ocean cruise?

Viking Ocean Cruises are popular and can sell out well in advance, especially for peak-season sailings and higher stateroom categories like Explorer Suites. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred dates and stateroom. Call us at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com to get started with a Cruise Expert today.