Viking is an award-winning cruise company with a fleet of small ships that offer unmatched service, fine dining, and a focus on cultural experiences. Unlike Royal Caribbean and other large cruise lines, Viking ships only carry around 930 passengers, providing a more intimate atmosphere.
Couples looking for an adventure can choose from a variety of Viking Cruises offerings, including river cruises in Europe, Asia, Mississippi, and Egypt, as well as ocean cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Australia, North America, Northern Europe, and the Mediterranean.
But are Viking cruises adults only? Do any Viking cruises allow children? In this article, we will discuss if you can bring your tiny travelers with you on a Viking cruise or if you’ll need to leave them with a sitter.
Are Viking Cruises Adults Only? Overview
Yes, all Viking cruises are adults only. Passengers need to be at least 18 years old to board the ship. However, even though Viking offers adults-only cruises, it’s not a cruise line known for partying.
On a Viking cruise, you won’t find casinos or nightclubs. Instead, Viking Cruises are designed to fully immerse passengers in the local culture, cuisine, and history of the place you are visiting.
You will find a curated shipwide library on each ship and also get insight from guest lecturers and historians. In addition, you can take part in cooking classes and wine tastings to get a taste of the local flavor.
You can think of an adults-only all-inclusive Viking cruise as a luxurious hotel on the water, with the amenities of a five-star resort. Fares include beer and wine with lunch and dinner, WiFi, spa entrance, self-serve laundry, meals at a variety of restaurants, and excursions at ports.
If a port requires transportation, then Viking offers coaches at no extra cost. Plus, if you want to grab a bottle of wine to drink onboard, you don’t have to worry about paying a corkage fee. So, there is no need to figure out how to sneak alcohol on the cruise.
There are some exceptions to the Viking cruises all-inclusive package. Passengers will have to pay for drinks outside of meals. In addition, gratuities aren’t included in the fare, and select excursions cost extra.
What Kind of People Take Viking Cruises?
As mentioned, Viking cruises are adult-only. They also aren’t geared toward the younger crowd. The average of passengers on a Viking cruise is 60+ years old.
With that, you will find more of a laidback vibe with a focus on learning about the local culture. If you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere for a honeymoon cruise or a romantic getaway, Viking might not be the cruise line for you.
If a relaxing all-inclusive adult-only cruise vacation is what you want, then let’s take a look at what you can expect from a Viking cruise.
What to Expect on Board Adult-Only Viking Cruises
Viking offers a distinctive experience, with each cruise’s onboard activities reflecting the itinerary.
Lectures and Cultural Performances
If you’re a history buff and enjoy learning, then you will love a Viking cruise. Viking offers an onboard lecture program that is hosted by historians, authors, archaeologists, and former diplomats. The hosts shed light on the destination’s art, music, architecture, and more.
Passengers can also sit with historians to discuss the port destinations in an intimate setting. Then you can enjoy a cultural performance such as traditional Greek dancing, Italian opera, Portuguese fado (Portuguese singing), and more.
Cooking Classes
Taking part in one of the Viking cooking classes is great for experiencing the local flavors. World-class chefs will teach you how to make dishes inspired by upcoming destinations. Then on port days, shop at local markets and handpick ingredients you can later use to make a meal.
Destination-Focused Dining
The Scandanavian ships have world-class dining experiences with menus inspired by the destinations you’ll be visiting. The ingredients are locally sourced so you can explore new cultures through your taste buds. You can also do a multi-course food and wine pairing where you’ll taste vintage wines and local cuisines.
If you want time to relax by the pool and have a snack, then the Pool Grill has you covered. You can enjoy a Viking burger, seared ahi tuna, or choose from the salad bar.
You will also find dining al fresco at the World Cafe or Aquavit Terrace, where you can enjoy international flavors with a view.
If you don’t feel like leaving your room, then you’ll be happy to know that Viking offers 24/7 room service. Pick from a select menu and have breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack brought to your stateroom.
Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Besides world-class dining and top-notch customer service, Viking cruises offer spacious staterooms and suites. Passengers will notice the keen eye for detail put into the interior design of each room.
Inspired by Scandinavian style, each room comes standard with a king-size bed, private patio, large showers, heated bathroom floors, LCD TVs, and multiple EU/US outlets and USB ports.
The Penthouse Veranda is 25 percent bigger than other rooms, including more storage and drawers. Passengers staying in this luxurious stateroom will also receive priority restaurant and shore excursion reservations, binoculars for viewing, and a welcome bottle of champagne.
Scandinavian Design and Welcoming Public Areas
Throughout the ship, you will find traditional Norwegian influences integrated. The Living Room is the ideal place for relaxing, as it brings guests to the center of the ship. With spacious seating and classical music performed by Viking resident musicians, this is the perfect spot to unwind.
The Explorers’ Lounge is a two-story lounge with panoramic windows for enjoying the views. This is a good place to share a cocktail with friends and loved ones while enjoying the scenery.
Care for afternoon tea? Then make your way to the Wintergarden for an afternoon tea service with finger foods and delicious desserts.
If you need to recharge, then the spa is the place to be. Whether you want to sit in the sauna, experience the snow grotto, or get a workout at the fitness center, you’ll leave feeling reenergized.
Swimming Pool with Retractable Dome
It wouldn’t be a cruise if you didn’t hang by the pool and enjoy a cocktail. The main pool is heated, and with the retractable dome, it can be enjoyed no matter the weather outside.
In the evenings, you can enjoy a movie under the stars on the Viking poolside screen.
Are Viking Cruises Adults Only? Conclusion
As all inclusive cruises for adults only go, Viking cruises offer a sophisticated alternative. While they may not be for everyone, those who choose a Viking cruise will be greeted with exceptional customer service, world-class dining, spacious staterooms, and a wealth of new information and experiences.
Not sure what cruise line is right for you? We have several articles that might help, including 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean vs. Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean, Are Christmas Cruises Worth It?, and Working With a Carnival Cruise Travel Agent.
