Viking Ocean Cruises FAQs

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General Questions

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• I have been told that I need to complete a guest information form. What is that, and how do I take care of it?
  • The Guest Information Form (GIF) enables us to create your reservation, produce travel documents and make any airline reservations. You must complete a GIF for each person traveling in your party as soon as possible.
• When can I book shore excursions?
  • • Your My Viking Journey account gives you all the tools necessary to tailor and personalize your complete cruise experience. You have full access to browse all shore excursions from the moment you open your account. Booking opens for each guest based on stateroom category—see below. We will alert you when it is your time to book.
    • Owner’s Suite—107 days from sail date*
    • Explorer Suites—97 days from sail date*
    • Penthouse Junior Suites—87 days from sail date*
    • Penthouse Veranda Staterooms—77 days from sail date*
    • Deluxe Veranda Staterooms—67 days from sail date*
    • Veranda Staterooms—60 days from sail date*
    • *at 12:01 PM Pacific Time, 3:01 PM Eastern Time, 8:01 PM GMT, 7:01 AM AEST and 9:01 AM NZST
• When can I book my dining reservations and spa appointments?
  • Your My Viking Journey account gives you all the tools necessary to tailor and personalize your complete cruise experience. You have full access to browse all dining options and spa treatments from the moment you open your account. Booking opens for each guest based on stateroom category—see below. We will alert you when it is your time to book.
    • Owner’s Suite—100 days from sail date*
    • Explorer Suites—90 days from sail date*
    • Penthouse Junior Suites—80 days from sail date*
    • Penthouse Veranda Staterooms—70 days from sail date*
    • Deluxe Veranda Staterooms—60 days from sail date*
    • Veranda Staterooms—No priority reservations
  • *at 12:01 PM Pacific Time, 3:01 PM Eastern Time, 8:01 PM GMT, 7:01 AM AEST and 9:01 AM NZST

• When is embarkation?
  • Embarkation begins at 11:00 AM for all categories. See below for stateroom availability times:
    • 11:00 AM: Owner’s Suite, Explorer Suites and Penthouse Junior Suites
    • 1:00 PM: Penthouse Veranda Staterooms
    • 2:00 PM: Deluxe Veranda Staterooms
    • 3:00 PM: Veranda Staterooms
  • Should you arrive before your stateroom is available and wish to explore your port of call, please drop off your luggage shoreside in the terminal where we will gladly look after it. Please keep in mind, if you do go exploring, you need to be back on board the ship at least two hours before the scheduled departure time.
• When is disembarkation?
  • Disembarkation begins after the ship has docked in the port and after all customs and immigration formalities have been successfully completed. The times will vary due to the specific immigration and customs procedures in the specific port.
• When will we receive our final documents?
  • Travel documents with itinerary details will be issued approximately three weeks prior to departure. Until then, you can always see an overview of your cruise and booking on your My Viking Journey
• Can children travel with Viking?
  • We do not maintain facilities or services on our ships for individuals under the age of 18. All guests must be 18 years old on or before the day they are scheduled to embark on their cruise.
• What is your single supplement?
  • On occasion, Viking will make special solo traveler fares available. Please check back for pricing updates. In the meantime, explore special offers currently available on our ocean and river cruises. With Viking Inclusive Value, we offer you great value every day, in a category that will fit all your travel needs.
• Is there internet access on board the ship? Are there computers, or should I bring my laptop?
  • All our ships offer free Wi-Fi. You may use your personal device or one of the ship’s computers in our Business Center on Deck 1. Our connection relies on a VSAT satellite terminal—the best possible solution for ocean cruising. Due to the nature of data bandwidth and latency, as well as potential interruptions in satellite signals based on terrain and weather, you may experience slower online connections than you are accustomed to at home. In order to ensure fair usage for all, we reserve the right to limit heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads or software upgrades so that all our guests have access to Wi-Fi. We suggest that guests limit large uploads/downloads and live streaming. Please download your content prior to your cruise, as bandwidth will affect your service and cannot be guaranteed. We would be pleased to help you with your device settings once you are on board. We hope you will understand that we will do our very best to provide you with an enjoyable online experience, and remember you will likely be able to access standard Wi-Fi and data roaming services on shore in most towns and cities you visit.

My Ship

• We plan to go a few days early and then make our way to the ship. Can you please provide the docking location?
  • Approximately three weeks prior to departure, your documents will be shipped to you with this information.
• Are there refrigerators in individual stateroom?
  • Each stateroom is equipped with a mini-bar. Depending on your stateroom category, your mini-bar may be replenished daily with drinks and snacks. Purified water is provided in all staterooms and refilled daily.
• What is the electrical voltage in the staterooms?
  • You will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. All outlets are European style (2-pin) with a ground, except for two US 110V sockets above the desk and one US 110V socket on each side of the bed; there are no UK 3-pin sockets. Should you need an adapter, they are available for sale in the onboard shop or can be found at most electronics or travel stores. (Remember that if you are staying in a hotel for part of your journey, you will want the appropriate adapter for that country as well.) In your stateroom, you will also find several USB ports to charge cell phones and tablets; just bring the appropriate cable with you. Most modern electronic devices can accommodate different electrical currents, so you probably will not need a current converter; hair dryers are provided in your stateroom.
• Are pets allowed on board?
  • No pets or other animals are allowed on board the ship, other than service animals and certified therapy dogs as Viking may choose to permit at its sole discretion. Guests who require the aid of a service animal or certified therapy dog must advise Viking at the time of booking, and complete and submit the Service Animal Request Form to Viking before final payment is due. Failure to do so may result in a denial of boarding.
• Is my stateroom furnished with amenities that I do not need to pack?
  • All stateroom bathrooms are equipped with soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. A hair dryer is also provided, and irons are available in the complimentary self-service launderettes. Depending on your stateroom category, laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services may be complimentary. If your stateroom category does not include these services, they may be purchased for a modest fee.

My Trip & Documents

• What is my Viking journey?
  • It is a website designed exclusively for guests who have booked a cruise with Viking. If you have a Viking booking number, you can create an account anytime to customize and manage your upcoming journey. Browse and book shore excursions and spa treatments; make alternative restaurant reservations; get answers to your top questions; access and print visa applications and travel itineraries; complete your Guest Information Form; view air services and flight details; and manage your daily schedule in your personalized calendar. You can enhance your trip with our Silver Spirits beverage package, gain peace of mind with the Viking Travel Protection Plan and make easy online payments.
• Do I need to travel protection?
  • While travel protection is not required, we do recommend it. Emergencies sometimes arise, and you want to protect your travel investment. When you purchase the Viking Travel Protection Plan within 14 days of your initial deposit/payment for your cruise, you also receive the Viking Enhanced Cancellation Waiver Benefit that allows you to cancel your Viking travel arrangements before your scheduled departure for any reason and receive a Viking Cruises Voucher for the cancellation penalty amount.
• When is embarkation?
  • Embarkation begins at 11:00 AM for all categories. See below for stateroom availability times:
    • 11:00 AM: Owner’s Suite, Explorer Suites and Penthouse Junior Suites
    • 1:00 PM: Penthouse Veranda Staterooms
    • 2:00 PM: Deluxe Veranda Staterooms
    • 3:00 PM: Veranda Staterooms
  • Should you arrive before your stateroom is available and wish to explore your port of call, please drop off your luggage shoreside in the terminal where we will gladly look after it. Please keep in mind, if you do go exploring, you need to be back on board the ship at least two hours before the scheduled departure time.
• When is disembarkation?
  • Disembarkation begins after the ship has docked in the port and after all customs and immigration formalities have been successfully completed. The times will vary due to the specific immigration and customs procedures in the specific port.
• Do I need a visa to travel with Viking?
  • All guests should seek advice from their respective embassy, consulate or Travel Agent to determine which documents are needed for their specific Viking cruise. Please be sure to obtain and carefully review for accuracy all your required documents prior to departure to avoid delays, denied boarding/entry or additional cost.
  • In order to assist with visa services for US citizens, Viking has contracted with GenVisa, whose representatives will facilitate the visa process for Viking guests for a fee.
  • Guests who hold a passport for a country other than the US should contact their respective embassy, consulate or Travel Agent to determine whether visas are required for their cruise.
• We’ve traveled with Viking cruises before and are thinking of inviting friends to travel with us. Are there benefits for referring friends?
  • See our Viking Explorer Society and Viking Referral Rewards
• When will we receive our final documents?
  • Travel documents with itinerary details will be issued approximately three weeks prior to departure. Until then, you can always see an overview of your cruise and booking on your My Viking Journey
• I have been told that I need to complete a guest information form. What is that, and how do I take care of it?
  • The Guest Information Form (GIF) enables us to create your reservation, produce travel documents and make any airline reservations. You must complete a GIF for each person traveling in your party as soon as possible.
• What is the cancellation policy for my booked shore excursions?
  • In order to ensure quality guides and sufficient transportation, we must provide the tour operator with guest counts at least two days in advance. Therefore, no refunds will be given within two days of the tour.
  • Online booking and cancellations will close seven days before your cruise sets sail.
  • During this seven-day pre-sail period, you can cancel items by calling us.
  • Once you arrive on board, you will have the ability to manage your shore excursions again, with one exception—all shore excursions that occur during the first two days of sailing will be non-refundable.
  • Please note, whether an optional tour is booked through My Viking Journey or on board, refunds are only processed on board and will be applied as a credit toward your shipboard account balance. Should you have a negative balance at the end of your voyage, the refund toward your credit card will be processed on board. Please allow 14 business days for this to reflect on your statement.
  • Tours require minimum participation levels to operate so please sign up as early as possible.
  • Tours operate rain or shine.
• Is there a Fee associated with the alternative restaurants?
  • With Viking Inclusive Value, there is no additional charge should you wish to dine in one of our alternative restaurants, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and The Chef’s Table.
• How can I send a bon voyage gift to a Viking guest?
  • Send your friends or loved ones off in style with a Bon Voyage gift delivered directly to their stateroom. You can order a gift for delivery on board to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion. Our Bon Voyage gift packages include delightful surprises, such as champagne, wine, chocolate-dipped strawberries and more.

Life on Board

• When can I book shore excursions?
  • Your My Viking Journey account gives you all the tools necessary to tailor and personalize your complete cruise experience. You have full access to browse all shore excursions from the moment you open your account. Booking opens for each guest based on stateroom category—see below. We will alert you when it is your time to book.
    • Owner’s Suite—107 days from sail date*
    • Explorer Suites—97 days from sail date*
    • Penthouse Junior Suites—87 days from sail date*
    • Penthouse Veranda Staterooms—77 days from sail date*
    • Deluxe Veranda Staterooms—67 days from sail date*
    • Veranda Staterooms—60 days from sail date*
  • *at 12:01 PM Pacific Time, 3:01 PM Eastern Time, 8:01 PM GMT, 7:01 AM AEST and 9:01 AM NZST
• When can I book my dining reservations and spa appointments?
  • Your My Viking Journey account gives you all the tools necessary to tailor and personalize your complete cruise experience. You have full access to browse all dining options and spa treatments from the moment you open your account. Booking opens for each guest based on stateroom category—see below. We will alert you when it is your time to book.
    • Owner’s Suite—100 days from sail date*
    • Explorer Suites—90 days from sail date*
    • Penthouse Junior Suites—80 days from sail date*
    • Penthouse Veranda Staterooms—70 days from sail date*
    • Deluxe Veranda Staterooms—60 days from sail date*
    • Veranda Staterooms—No priority reservations
  • *at 12:01 PM Pacific Time, 3:01 PM Eastern Time, 8:01 PM GMT, 7:01 AM AEST and 9:01 AM NZST
• What is the dress code?
  • During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center, pool areas and Sports Deck. There are no “formal nights” in the evening; evening dress is “elegant casual” for all dining venues, performances and special events. On these occasions, required attire for ladies includes a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional; jeans are not permitted. The evening dress excludes World Café where the dress remains casual after 6:00 PM.
• What should I pack?
  • We suggest you pack comfortable walking shoes, dressier shoes, a collapsible umbrella/lightweight rain gear; items you can layer like lightweight jackets/sweaters; sunglasses, a sun hat/visor, sunscreen; and toiletries including a travel-size hand sanitizer. Depending on the season and destination, you may also want to add a warm coat, gloves and water-resistant footwear. To visit religious sites, ensure you have modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, or you may be denied entry.
• Is there a fee associated with the alternative restaurants?
  • With Viking Inclusive Value, there is no additional charge should you wish to dine in one of our alternative restaurants, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and The Chef’s Table.

• Can you accommodate my dietary requirements?
  • In most cases, we can. Every meal has vegetarian options and our chefs will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special requests. Guests requiring special meals (low salt, diabetic, gluten-free or low cholesterol) should alert us 90 days prior to departure and inform the Maître d’ when on board.
• Can I upgrade the complimentary beverages?
  • We offer complimentary house wines, beers and soft drinks with onboard lunches and dinners, plus specialty coffees and assorted hot teas that are available 24 hours a day. For those who would like to upgrade and enjoy unlimited beverages, Viking offers a Silver Spirits beverage package, which covers any drinks (excluding champagne) up to $15.00, including premium wines by the glass, cocktails, all house pouring wines, beers, liquors, well drinks, mixers/long drinks and soft drinks throughout the day for a flat fee per guest. You may purchase the package prior to sailing or once you are on board.
  • You can also use the Silver Spirits Beverage Package Order Form(PDF) to purchase the package for yourself or as a gift for another Viking guest.
  • Please note you must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. Both guests in a stateroom must purchase the package for the full length of the cruise in order for it to be valid.
• Can I bring Alcoholic and other beverages on board?
  • Guests may bring alcohol and beverages with them, purchase alcohol ashore at destinations that sell alcohol, or they may purchase from the onboard shop. Alcohol can be consumed in the guest’s stateroom or in public spaces, including the restaurants. There is no corkage fee.
• Do you have dry cleaning and laundry facilities?
  • Depending on your stateroom category, dry cleaning and laundry services, including pressing, may be complimentary. If your stateroom category does not include these services, they may be purchased for a modest fee and arranged through your stateroom steward. Self-service launderettes including irons and ironing boards are located on Decks 3–6 and are free of charge, with detergent available for your use at no additional fee.
• Is the ship non-smoking?
  • Viking vessels are generally nonsmoking. In order to accommodate guests who choose to smoke, there is a designated outdoor smoking area on the starboard side of Deck 8. All other areas of the ship, including your stateroom and veranda, are designated nonsmoking areas. Smoking restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes.
• How will payments on board be handled?
  • Although most services are included in your cruise fare, discretionary purchases will be charged to your shipboard account. These accounts, along with all prices and currency on board the ship, are in US dollars and may be settled in cash (US dollars, GB pounds or euros) or with a major credit card before disembarking the ship; traveler’s checks are not accepted.

• Can you accommodate disabled guests? What about the Shore Excursions?
  • Viking welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize there are inherent risks associated with traveling on board ships that are unique to cruise travel. For people who are ill, or have a mental or physical disability or impairment, the risks can be more significant. Guests must be able to independently move around the ship in case of an emergency or rough seas, deal with the lack of immediate access to medical services in certain parts of the world, and acknowledge that access to some areas of the ship and ports of call may be limited or impossible. Shore excursions may require the ability to traverse cobblestones or go up and down stairs. We reserve the right to determine whether a guest is fit to travel and to deny boarding in the event that a guest represents a risk to themselves or to the safety and well-being of those on board the ship.
  • When you make your reservation, please advise us of any disability that will require special attention while sailing on a Viking cruise and provide a completed Fit to Travel Form along with a physician’s letter. Should you have any medical, physical or other special needs, check the fleet information on our website to gain an understanding of the layout of any particular ship and contact a Viking Expert at 1-855-884-5464 (1-855-8-VIKING) directly with additional questions and to obtain a copy of our policy statement.
• What are your wheelchair accommodations? Do your ships have elevators?
  • Guests who have a disability, physical or otherwise, must travel with an able-bodied companion who can assist them as the staff is not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs. Guests need to provide their own wheelchairs, except in an emergency. Wheelchairs must not exceed 22″ in width. For details regarding bringing a wheelchair on board, guest must complete the Accessibility Form and return to Viking no later than 30 days prior to departure. Motorized scooters are not typically suitable for international cruises and cannot be accommodated. While our ocean vessels have elevators, there may still be thresholds that could make movement difficult.
• What is the tipping policy?
  • Our onboard staff is dedicated to providing you with the best cruise experience possible, and it is customary to give gratuities in recognition of their service. How much you choose to tip is a personal matter and completely at your discretion. To save you worry over whom to tip and how much, we automatically add a discretionary hotel and dining charge of $15.00 per guest per day to your shipboard account, which appears on your final invoice at the end of your cruise. This charge will be shared among the onboard staff who helped support and provide your cruise experience, including the waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff and others. Please note this charge excludes bar gratuity; a 15% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. Should you wish to make changes to the gratuity amounts or pay in cash, stop by Guest Services at any time. You may also wish to tip your local excursion guides and/or drivers; we suggest doing so in cash at the end of each tour. This charge will be shared among the onboard staff who helped support and provide for your cruise experience, including your Program Director, waitstaff, stateroom stewards, galley staff, nautical staff and others.

• What is the Viking Ocean Cruises Service Guarantee?
  • We hope you love your cruise from the very beginning; however, should you be dissatisfied with our service upon first check-in (hotel or on board your ship), including food, personnel or shore excursions—just notify us within 24 hours of the start of your cruise (if your first check-in is on board your ship, notify the Guest Services staff; at a hotel, contact your Viking Host). We then have 24 hours to correct the situation, and in the unlikely event a solution is not possible, you can then depart as soon as possible and we will refund 100% of your cruise price. We can assist with any departure reservations, but your return trip/alternate travel plan costs are your sole responsibility. This Service Guarantee cannot be activated or applied for acts of God, strikes or other circumstances beyond our control as indicated in the Terms and Conditions.
• Is there internet access on board the ship? Are there computers, or should I bring my laptop?
  • All our ships offer free Wi-Fi. You may use your personal device or one of the ship’s computers in our Business Center on Deck 1. Our connection relies on a VSAT satellite terminal—the best possible solution for ocean cruising. Due to the nature of data bandwidth and latency, as well as potential interruptions in satellite signals based on terrain and weather, you may experience slower online connections than you are accustomed to at home. In order to ensure fair usage for all, we reserve the right to limit heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads or software upgrades so that all our guests have access to Wi-Fi. We suggest that guests limit large uploads/downloads and live streaming. Please download your content prior to your cruise, as bandwidth will affect your service and cannot be guaranteed. We would be pleased to help you with your device settings once you are on board. We hope you will understand that we will do our very best to provide you with an enjoyable online experience, and remember you will likely be able to access standard Wi-Fi and data roaming services on shore in most towns and cities you visit.

Foreign Currency

• Can you exchange foreign currency on board?
  • We do not have a foreign currency service available on board. For incidentals and small vendors, we recommend getting local currency, which can be purchased in the ship’s terminal or from ATMs, widely available in most large European cities. Should you wish to use ATMs, confirm with your bank prior to departure that your ATM/credit card and PIN will work abroad and inquire about possible foreign transaction fees. Also notify your credit card company that you will be traveling abroad to avoid unnecessary holds on your account.
• Can I use my credit card throughout my journey?
  • Mastercard, Visa and American Express are accepted in major shops, restaurants and hotels, as well as to settle your shipboard account. Notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling abroad to avoid holds on your account. Credit cards with magnetic strips may not work in automated overseas ticketing machines, such as transit vending systems, as these require chip-and-PIN type cards; contact your credit card company for details.

• Are ATM’s (Automated Teller Machines) Available?
  • ATMs are a good source of cash overseas; however, they may or may not be conveniently located in the larger cities and may be rare in smaller towns. And your itinerary may not always allow you sufficient time to locate one. Your Guest Services staff or tour guide may be able to assist you.
  • When available, ATMs dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards, and have a service fee. If you are planning to use ATMs, you should confirm with your bank prior to departure that your ATM/credit card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) will work abroad.