Expert answers about Viking Ocean Cruises — the award-winning small-ship line celebrated for destination-focused itineraries, inclusive value, and enriching cultural experiences aboard a modern fleet of 930-guest ships.
Viking Ocean Cruises is built around destination-focused, adults-only travel aboard an intimate, modern fleet. Every Viking ocean ship carries approximately 930 guests — small enough for a personal feel, yet large enough for world-class dining, a full spa, two pools, and extensive cultural enrichment programming. Key distinctions include:
All guests must be 18 years old on or before the day they are scheduled to embark on their cruise. Viking does not maintain facilities or services on board for younger individuals.
On occasion, Viking will make special solo traveler fares available. Please check back for pricing updates. With Viking Inclusive Value, Viking offers great value every day in a category that will fit all your travel needs. Ask your Pavlus advisor — we monitor Viking solo promotions closely and can alert you when reduced single supplements become available.
Yes. You can explore your Viking ship by taking a virtual 360° tour of the ship’s public spaces and staterooms on Viking’s website. Additionally, detailed deck plans and stateroom layouts for the entire fleet are available on each ship’s page at vikingcruises.com.
You can make secure payments on the Booking Payments tab in the My Viking Journey portal under the Payments & Cart section. Viking accepts all major credit cards and also offers an additional discount on payments made with echeck, an electronic debit to your checking account.
Note: guests cannot make payments towards their booking balance on My Viking Journey for travel agency bookings.
The Guest Information Form (GIF) enables Viking 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. You can fill out the form online in the My Viking Journey portal under the Guest Documents section.
All Viking ships offer free Wi-Fi. You may use your personal device or one of the ship’s computers in the Business Center on Deck 1. The connection relies on a VSAT satellite terminal — the best possible solution for voyages at sea. 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 connections than at home. Viking reserves the right to limit heavy-bandwidth applications and downloads to ensure fair usage for all guests. Viking suggests limiting large uploads/downloads and live streaming, and downloading your content prior to your journey.
Your My Viking Journey account gives you 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:
Viking will alert you when it is your time to book. Visit the Dining & Beverage page or Spa page in the Onboard Experience section of My Viking Journey for additional details.
Shore excursion booking opens for each guest based on stateroom category:
Viking will alert you in the My Viking Journey portal when it is your time to book.
Disembarkation begins after the ship has docked in 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 each port.
Embarkation begins at 11:00 AM for all categories. Stateroom availability times are as follows:
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 it will be looked after. Be back on board the ship at least two hours before the scheduled departure time.
Your electronic documents will be emailed to you 14 days prior to embarkation. You may also access all documents via your My Viking Journey account Booking Summary page. In addition, approximately 14 to 45 days prior to departure, you will receive a package by mail that includes your personalized embarkation tags and one red transfer sticker per guest if applicable.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar laws in destinations where Viking operates, service animals are permitted. Guests who request a service animal must provide appropriate documentation. Requests for pets or emotional support animals are denied per Viking’s policy. Only service animals with appropriate documentation for admittance into the countries on the itinerary are permitted on board.
Each stateroom is equipped with a minibar. Your stateroom category will determine whether your minibar is replenished daily with drinks and snacks. Purified water is provided in all staterooms and refilled daily. A full listing of amenities by stateroom category can be found on each ship’s page.
All stateroom bathrooms are equipped with premium bath toiletries. A hair dryer is provided, and irons are available in the complimentary self-service launderettes. Depending on stateroom category, laundry, pressing, and shoe shine services may be complimentary. If not included in your category, they may be purchased for a modest fee.
Viking vessels are generally nonsmoking. 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 nonsmoking. Smoking restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes.
Yes. On board Viking ocean ships, the Library is located in The Living Room and has selections specially curated by London bookseller Heywood Hill to enrich and enhance your journey.
Viking ocean ships have two pools: a heated Main Pool accompanied by a hot tub under a retractable dome, offering a calming oasis in any weather, and a glass-backed Infinity Pool off the stern of the ship, allowing you to swim surrounded by your destination.
Most staterooms have beds that can be set up separated or together. Please inform Viking of your bed configuration preference so your stateroom is set up properly when you arrive. Visit the Stateroom Preferences tab under the Onboard Experience section in your My Viking Journey account to update this online.
Approximately two weeks prior to departure, your travel documents will be emailed to you with this information. Viking also offers a selection of local extensions before and after your departure. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions are listed on each itinerary page or in the Extensions section of your My Viking Journey account.
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. Adapters are available for sale in the onboard shop or at most electronics or travel stores. Your stateroom also has several USB ports to charge cell phones and tablets. Hair dryers are provided in your stateroom.
All staterooms have a color television with a selection of live TV channels — including news, sports, and finance channels — on-demand movies, and in-house programming. Because satellite coverage is dependent on weather conditions and location, there may be times when programming is temporarily unavailable.
Each airline has its own luggage policy; please contact your airline directly for the most up-to-date information. On board, luggage must be stored in the guest’s stateroom.
Prohibited Items include: All firearms (working, nonfiring, replicas, imitations & air/pellet guns); all forms of ammunition; stun guns and Tasers; crossbows, darts, spearguns, and similar; axes, ice picks, or cleavers; knives or scissors with blades longer than 3 inches (7.6 cm); scalpels; shaving knives; martial arts or self-defense gear; illegal drugs; hookahs; candles or incense; coffee makers; flammable liquids & explosives; hazardous chemicals; extension cords (USB and laptop charging cables are exempt); ham radios; aerial drones operated from the ship; any electrical device with a surge protector; electrical devices that produce heat (clothes irons, hot plates, heating kettles, heating pads).
Allowable Items include: Cigar cutters; disposable razors; knitting needles; crochet hooks; knives or scissors with blades shorter than 3 inches; nail files & clippers; tweezers; syringes for medical use; umbrellas; curling irons.
The above list is subject to change without notice. Prohibited items must be surrendered to the Ship’s Security Officer at embarkation.
Transfers are included with Viking Air purchase and all extension packages. Intra-itinerary air does not need to be purchased separately.
Yes. If you have not made final payment and/or have not yet departed on your trip, you can insure the voucher you use to purchase your trip. Please contact Viking at 1-877-668-4546 if you wish to insure your voucher.
Requirements may vary and can change at any time. All guests should seek advice from their respective embassy, consulate, or travel agent to determine which documents are needed for their specific Viking voyage. Please review all required documents carefully prior to departure to avoid delays, denied boarding/entry, or additional cost.
General visa information is available on the Resources tab of each itinerary. To assist with visa services for US citizens, Viking has contracted with GenVisa. Guests who hold a passport for a country other than the US should contact their respective embassy, consulate, or travel agent.
While travel protection is not required, Viking strongly recommends it. Emergencies sometimes arise, and you want to protect your travel investment.
Viking offers United States guests the opportunity to purchase the Travel Protection Plan, administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. When purchased at or before final payment, you also receive the Viking Enhanced Cancellation Waiver Benefit, which allows you to cancel your Viking travel arrangements before departure for any reason and receive a Viking travel voucher for the cancellation penalty amount. The plan also covers flights purchased through Viking. If you have other insurance, please check with your provider for coverage details.
Yes. The Travel Protection Plan offered by Viking and administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, helps protect you from many unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, which could include necessary medical, quarantine, or repatriation expenses for any illness.
You can send friends or loved ones off in style with a Bon Voyage gift delivered directly to their stateroom. Gifts can be ordered for delivery on board to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. Bon Voyage gift packages include delightful surprises such as champagne, wine, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and more.
You will need to customize your flights through Viking Air Plus. Call 1-877-523-0580 to speak with a Viking Air Expert, who will work with you to customize your flights so your group travels together. This requires a non-refundable Air Plus service fee of $150 USD per guest, plus applicable increases in airfare due to customization.
Viking has protocols in place to minimize the spread of communicable diseases. Guests may access medical services onboard ocean ships, or through Viking’s partnerships with shoreside providers. Any expenses incurred associated with the illness — medical, quarantine, or repatriation — are the guest’s responsibility.
My Viking Journey is a web portal designed exclusively for guests who have booked a voyage 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; access and print visa applications and travel itineraries; complete your Guest Information Form; view air services and flight details; manage your daily schedule in a personalized calendar; and make easy online payments.
Cancellation charges vary based on days prior to departure. Please refer to the Booking and Sale Terms & Conditions on Viking’s website for full details. Your Pavlus Travel advisor can also walk you through the cancellation schedule and help you evaluate travel protection options.
When your flight itinerary is available in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account, you can use the Upgrade Class or Change Flights features to upgrade your class of air service, change your airlines, change your itinerary, or add stopovers. Additional fees may apply and are clearly displayed when applicable.
Viking typically handles flight itineraries as a package; therefore, the choice of class usually applies for the entire flight itinerary. However, a single flight upgrade may be possible with a customized itinerary; please call 1-877-523-0580 to speak with a Viking Air Expert. Please note: Business Class and Premium Economy are guaranteed only for transoceanic flights.
Viking’s exclusive pricing is intended to provide the most value for flights that coordinate well with your voyage. When you purchase flights through Viking Air, you also receive complimentary roundtrip airport transfers. Importantly, Viking monitors your flights beginning 24 hours prior to departure; in the event of a flight delay, cancellation, or missed connection, Viking works closely with partner airlines to minimize or avoid missed sailing time.
Viking looks at several factors, including travel time, number of stops, departure/arrival time, and price, to provide the best flight options that coordinate with your voyage. With Viking Air, you can evaluate the options available to determine if the pre-selected flight itinerary represents the best overall option for you.
When your flight itinerary is available in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account, you may be eligible to use Viking Air features to upgrade your air class of service, change your seats, change your airlines, change your itinerary cities and dates, or add stopovers. Fare increases are clearly displayed when applicable. Your original flight itinerary is held until you finalize the change(s) and receive confirmation.
You will need to visit your airline’s website to check in for your flights. This service is typically available 24 hours before departure and can be accessed using your airline record locator number, which is available in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account. Please note: Not all airlines offer online check-in.
Viking recommends contacting your airline directly via their website or phone at least 72 hours prior to departure to confirm current policies for check-in timing, carry-on, and luggage restrictions. Please note: Flight schedules, seat assignments, and luggage restrictions are subject to change by the airlines at any time.
Complimentary roundtrip airport transfers are included when you purchase flights as part of Viking Air. If you made your own flight arrangements that coordinate with your trip dates, you may purchase airport transfers from Viking up to 30 days prior to departure. Alternatively, you can make your own transfer arrangements; information on your ship’s docking location will be in your cruise documents.
Special meals, mobility assistance, and similar requests can be made in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account. You can also make requests directly with your airline by visiting their website or contacting them by phone.
Viking will automatically assign your seats with your flight itinerary, based on preferences provided in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account and what is available from the airline. When your flight itinerary is available in Manage My Air, you can also use the View/Change Seats feature to make changes as desired and as your airline allows. Please note: Seat assignments are managed by the airlines and may be changed due to aircraft changes or other operational needs.
If you have a travel protection plan, please contact that provider first. If you do not have travel coverage and you purchased air from Viking, please contact 1-877-523-0580. If you arranged your own air and are traveling independently, contact the emergency number listed in your Cruise Documents.
Should your luggage get damaged or lost, file a report with your airline before you leave the airport baggage claim area. In the event that you are delayed leaving the baggage claim area, you may call the ship number listed in your Cruise Documents to adjust your airport transfer time.
Some guests arrange their flight itinerary so that it deviates from the dates and location of their cruise or cruise tour — arriving at a destination before their cruise, staying longer after, or changing their arrival or return destination city. Any of these adjustments is considered a flight deviation. Traveling to or from cities other than your voyage’s standard departure and arrival points may have restrictions based on airline availability and rules.
Also called a long layover, a stopover means you opt to stay a day or more in a layover city before proceeding to your final destination. Traveling to or from cities other than your voyage’s departure and arrival points may have restrictions based on airline availability or rules.
When you receive your flight itinerary, you will be given a 6-character record locator for each flight. This reference number is your Airline Booking number and can be used to view or confirm your flight details directly with the airline. In most cases, you will need this number to check in for your flight on the airline’s website.
Viking Air is Viking’s enhanced air program. With Viking Air, you have two options for booking flights: Viking Inclusive Air or Viking Air Plus. You also have the ability to view and manage your flight itinerary online three months prior to departure through the My Viking Journey portal.
With Viking Air Plus, guests work with Viking Air Experts to customize flights 310 to 65 days prior to departure, with the ability to view the itinerary online up to 310 days prior. This requires a non-refundable Air Plus service fee of $150 USD per guest, plus applicable increases in airfare due to customization. Contact 1-877-523-0580 for more information.
Viking advises carrying on: valuables; medications in original, labeled containers; glasses/contacts; important papers (passport, insurance, medical records), Cruise Documents, and emergency contact information; and cameras, memory cards, and batteries.
Viking suggests packing 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 mosquito repellent or 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.
Frequent flyer miles may not be earned on Viking flights because of the special fares. You can add your airline frequent flyer numbers to your reservation in the Manage My Air section of your My Viking Journey account or on the airline website to take advantage of any benefits offered by the airline in recognition of your membership status.
You should have a valid passport with an expiration date at least six months after your trip return date. It is very important that your full name on your air booking matches your passport exactly, or you may be denied boarding. Viking is not responsible for obtaining visas nor for advising guests of passport, visa, or other immigration requirements, so be sure to verify what is needed for your travels.
Guests may bring alcohol and beverages with them, purchase alcohol ashore at destinations that sell alcohol, or purchase them 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.
Yes. Viking offers complimentary inclusive wines, beers, and soft drinks with onboard lunches and dinners, plus specialty coffees and assorted hot teas available 24 hours a day.
For those who would like to upgrade, the Silver Spirits beverage package is available for $27 USD per person, per night. This includes unlimited beverages in all onboard venues, bars, and lounges anytime throughout the voyage, including house champagne, wine and beers by the glass, cocktails, aperitifs, well drinks, mixers, and a selection of upgraded whiskeys and soft drinks (up to $18 USD each). Silver Spirits also includes the Chef’s Table premium wine pairing, complimentary access to standard tasting events, 50% discount for premium tasting events, and 30% discount on premium beverages. Both guests in a stateroom must purchase the package for the full length of the voyage.
Viking welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize there are inherent risks associated with cruise travel. Guests must be able to independently move around the ship in case of an emergency or rough seas. Shore excursions may require traversing cobblestones or going up and down stairs.
When making your reservation, please advise Viking of any disability requiring special attention and provide a completed Fit to Travel Form along with a physician’s letter. Guests with a disability must travel with an able-bodied companion, as staff is not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs. Wheelchairs must not exceed 22” in width. Motorized scooters are not typically suitable for international cruises. Contact a Viking Expert at 1-877-668-4546 for additional questions and to obtain a copy of the policy statement.
In most cases, yes. Every meal has vegetarian options and the chefs will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special requests. Guests requiring special meals (low salt, diabetic, gluten-free, or low cholesterol) should alert Viking 90 days prior to departure by phone at 1-877-668-4546 or online on the Dietary Restrictions page in My Viking Journey. Guests should also inform the Maître d’ when on board. While Viking takes steps to minimize the risk of cross contamination, an allergen-free kitchen cannot be guaranteed.
Depending on your stateroom category, laundry services, including pressing, may be complimentary. If your category does not include these services, they may be purchased for a modest fee and arranged through your stateroom steward. Self-service launderettes with irons and ironing boards are located on Decks 3–6 and are free of charge, with detergent available at no additional fee.
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, are in US dollars and may be settled in cash or with a major credit card before disembarking. Traveler’s checks are not accepted.
With Viking Inclusive Value, there is no additional charge to dine in one of the alternative restaurants — Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. Reservations are required and can be made prior to sailing in the My Viking Journey portal or on board during your voyage.
Viking’s fleet features independent air handling units, meaning each stateroom has fresh external air that is not shared with other staterooms or public spaces. Viking has also implemented short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) lights and high-density filters to sanitize the air on its vessels, ensuring 99% of viruses and bacteria in the air are killed and maximizing the number of air changes.
Guests with a disability must travel with an able-bodied companion, as 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. Motorized scooters cannot be accommodated. While Viking’s ocean vessels have elevators, there may still be thresholds that could make movement difficult. Contact Viking at 1-877-668-4546 for questions and to obtain the Accessibility Form.
During the day, dress is casual — shorts, slacks, or jeans and comfortable shoes. Swimwear, cover-ups, and exercise attire should be reserved for the fitness, pool, and spa areas. There are no “formal nights” on Viking; evening dress is “elegant casual” for all dining venues, performances, and special events. For ladies: 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 in the evening. The World Café remains casual after 6:00 PM.
Some shore excursions visit religious sites requiring modest dress. To avoid being denied entry, men should wear long pants and avoid sleeveless shirts; women should cover their knees and shoulders.
It is customary to give gratuities in recognition of the staff’s service. How much you choose to tip is completely at your discretion. Viking offers two options based on a standard recommended gratuity rate of $17 USD ($20 USD for voyages sailing on or after January 1, 2026) per person, per night. You can either pre-purchase gratuities in your My Viking Journey account, or Viking will automatically add them at the same recommended rate to your shipboard account, charged to your credit card on the final invoice.
Gratuities are shared among onboard staff including waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff, and others. Should you wish to make changes or pay in cash, visit Guest Services at any time.
For local shore excursion guides and drivers, Viking suggests $3 USD per person per day for guides and $2 USD per person per day for drivers.
Should you be dissatisfied with Viking’s service upon first check-in — including food, personnel, or shore excursions — notify Viking within 24 hours of the start of your voyage (notify Guest Services staff if first check-in is on the ship; at a hotel, contact your Viking Host). Viking then has 24 hours to correct the situation. In the unlikely event a solution is not possible, you can depart as soon as possible and receive a 100% refund of your cruise price. This guarantee cannot be activated for acts of God, strikes, or other circumstances beyond Viking’s control as indicated in the Passenger Ticket Contract.
Yes. All Viking itineraries feature daily briefings, enriching lectures, and entertaining presentations that highlight the history, culture, music, and uniqueness of each local region you will be visiting. This onboard cultural enrichment is a hallmark of the Viking experience.
Yes. ATMs are a good source of cash domestically and overseas; however, they may not be conveniently located in every city and may be rare in smaller towns. Your itinerary may not always allow sufficient time to locate one — your Guest Services staff or tour guide may be able to assist. When available, ATMs dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards, and have a service fee. Confirm with your bank prior to departure that your ATM/credit card and PIN will work abroad. Please note that limited ATMs may be available on Arctic and Antarctic itineraries.
Mastercard, Visa, and American Express are accepted in major shops, restaurants, and hotels, as well as on board to settle your shipboard account. Smaller shops and those in rural areas may not accept credit card payments. Notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling abroad to avoid holds on your account. Many countries require a PIN for credit card transactions; set up your PIN and confirm activation with your credit card company prior to departure.
Viking does not have a foreign currency service available on board. For incidentals and small vendors, Viking recommends getting local currency from the ship’s terminal or from ATMs, which are widely available in most large European cities. 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.
Booking through Pavlus gives you a savings advantage over booking direct. Pavlus provides a discount, cash back, or onboard credit on top of all current Viking promotions — over and above, and combineable with, every Viking offer in the market. As one of Viking’s high-volume partners, Pavlus also has access to exclusive group pricing, added-value promotions, and reduced single supplements. On top of that, you get:
Yes. If you find a lower price for the same Viking Ocean sailing, stateroom category, and promotional offer anywhere else, Pavlus will match it. Simply provide the details of the lower price and your Pavlus planner will verify and match it. Our volume relationship with Viking means our pricing is frequently equal to or better than booking direct — but if you ever find otherwise, we want to know.
You can reach Pavlus Travel by phone at 1-800-528-9300, seven days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM EST. You can also request a specific planner by visiting the Meet Our Planners page on our website, where each advisor lists their direct number and specialties. If you’re not sure who to call, our main line will connect you with the right person for your trip.
Several Pavlus planners have deep Viking Ocean expertise. Mandy specializes in Viking ocean and river cruises and handles the full suite of Viking products. Rachael also specializes in Viking and is additionally Pavlus’s UK and British Isles expert, making her an excellent resource for Cunard and Viking sailings in that region. Visit the Planners page to read each advisor’s full bio and contact them directly.
Yes — and it’s one of the most generous in the industry. When you refer a friend or family member who books and travels with Pavlus on a Viking voyage, you receive a $250 check sent directly to you — real cash, not points or credits. There is no limit to the number of referrals you can make. Full terms and conditions are available on the Referral Program page.
Pavlus Travel & Cruise, Inc. is a member of IATA, CLIA, and ASTA, and holds a Florida Seller of Travel registration. Our volume with partners like Viking translates directly into better pricing, stronger relationships, and more effective advocacy when clients need it.
Viking Ocean pricing is dynamic — the best time to book depends on your priorities:
Your Pavlus planner can tell you exactly what promotions are currently in effect and whether the timing is right for your preferred itinerary.
Yes. Pavlus specifically tracks Viking’s solo traveler promotions, which are offered on a rotating basis across select sailings. When Viking reduces or waives the single supplement on itineraries that match your interests, your Pavlus planner can alert you immediately. Because solo travel is one of Pavlus’s core specialties, we also maintain a dedicated Solo Travel Guide with tips for first-time solo cruisers.
Pavlus recommends all guests carry travel protection, whether that’s Viking’s Travel Protection Plan or an independent policy. For guests who want to compare coverage options, Pavlus provides access to third-party travel insurance through etravelprotection.com/pavlus. Independent policies sometimes offer higher coverage limits, broader cancel-for-any-reason terms, or pre-existing condition waivers — your Pavlus planner can help you evaluate which option best fits your situation.
Yes. Pavlus provides access to CIBT Visa Services through a dedicated portal at cibtvisas.com/pavlus. CIBT handles visa applications and passport expediting for your Viking Ocean destinations — a particularly useful resource for complex multi-country itineraries. Your Pavlus planner can advise which countries on your specific Viking sailing require advance visas for US citizens and point you to the right resources.
Yes. Viking offers expedition-style voyages to both polar regions aboard its two dedicated expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris — purpose-built, ice-strengthened vessels distinct from Viking’s standard 930-guest ocean fleet:
Viking’s World Cruise is one of the most ambitious itineraries offered by any ocean cruise line — a single continuous voyage circumnavigating the globe. Key details:
World Cruise and World Cruise segment bookings require early action. Pavlus has booked multiple guests on Viking World Cruise sailings — call 800-528-9300 to discuss options and availability.
Yes — Viking has two purpose-built expedition vessels for its polar and remote voyages: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. These ships are ice-strengthened and equipped with Zodiac landing craft for shore excursions in areas without traditional port infrastructure. They carry a smaller guest count than Viking’s standard 930-guest ocean fleet, providing a more intimate experience in remote destinations.
Standard Viking ocean ships (Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter, Viking Venus, Viking Mars, Viking Neptune, Viking Saturn, and others) are not polar-class vessels and sail traditional ocean routes. The expedition ships Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are the correct vessels for Antarctica and Arctic voyages. Your Pavlus advisor can clarify which ship class applies to your preferred itinerary.
Beyond the World Cruise, Viking Ocean offers a range of extended “Grand Journeys” typically lasting 15–35 days. Popular examples include:
Yes. Viking offers the World Cruise in multiple segments for guests who want the world-cruise experience without committing to the full 141+ days. Segments are typically 2–6 weeks in length and allow you to join and depart at major port cities. Each segment is fully inclusive and priced separately.
Segment availability can sell out quickly on popular legs (such as the Japan or South Pacific sections). Contact Pavlus at 800-528-9300 early to check what’s available and secure your preferred segment.
Viking’s polar expeditions are fully inclusive and typically include:
All are premium or luxury adult-focused lines, but they differ meaningfully:
Both products share Viking’s core philosophy — destination-focused, adults-only, inclusive — but offer very different experiences:
Many guests who love Viking River eventually try Viking Ocean, and vice versa. Your Pavlus advisor can help you choose based on your specific destinations and travel style.
Viking Ocean is a fundamentally different product from mainstream lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian:
Pavlus sells both categories of product and will give you an honest recommendation. Call 800-528-9300.
Viking’s founder, Torstein Hagen, built the line around a specific philosophy: thoughtful travel for curious adults. The absence of a casino and the 18+ age minimum are deliberate design choices that reflect this positioning — not cost-cutting measures. The result is a quieter, more sophisticated atmosphere that the majority of Viking guests cite as one of the line’s greatest strengths.
If a casino is important to you, Pavlus can suggest strong alternatives such as Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, or Celebrity, all of which offer premium experiences with casino facilities.
Yes. Viking’s loyalty program rewards returning guests with benefits that include:
Loyalty benefits are applied to bookings automatically when your guest profile is linked. Your Pavlus advisor ensures your Viking guest number is on file so you receive all applicable loyalty discounts when booking.
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