Ok…another travel thread.
I’m looking at a Viking cruise that starts in Rome and ends in Venice and goes all over the place. This would be for February 2027, I hope. It’s about two weeks long.
I know Viking cabin costs are not all inclusive like some other cruise lines.
I’d love any feedback anyone has on these trips. This is not one of their river cruises.
We would want to fly into Rome and spend a few days there before the cruise, and stay in Venice a few days after.
I have not done this one but I have gone on a similar Oceania one, reverse route, in April which was wonderful. My friend went on a Viking one like this in May a couple years ago and she said the included excursions were a mixed bag of good and not-so-good, but overall she liked it.
Loved our self arranged stay at the Hotel Canal Grande in Venice -splurged on a canal front room.
In 2012 we did a Western Med cruise (with Norwegian; a night in Barcelona before and after). Loved it. What I like about starting in Rome is that you’d eliminate a very long bus trip from port to see Rome. That would be good because bus trip to Florence is also long. Seems like for those rides were almost 2 hours each way
My folks have done 2-3 Mediterranean cruises with Viking (along with their world cruise) and enjoyed them immensely. They’ve also done Northern Europe on their ocean vessels as well - they think they’re great ships.
Not sure what you mean by cabin costs not all inclusive with Viking?
Wifi is included, you may eat at the specialty restaurants for free (just need to reserve a table), an included excursion at every port, included beer and wine at lunch and dinner. Please clarify as to what is not included? We sailed Alaska with Viking last year and on the boat itself ended up only paying for tips.
We did a Viking ocean cruise last November. Enjoyed it very much.
Found that it was pretty all inclusive also. The deal that was offered when we booked included the drink package but the included wine and beer at meals would have been fine.
If you go to Napoli, I would spend the money to go to Pompeii if you haven’t. It was well worth the extra cost. Although there is an included excursion in every port, we did some extras ourselves because we enjoy them.
I’m a Viking fan and would definitely sail with them again. It an upscale but not stuffy line. If you want you can book your entire trip through Viking and it’s very seamless that way. You can also book your own airfare and extra time at the beginning and the end. That works great also. We’ve done both.
I’ve already booked the Barcelona to Venice trip for April 2028 with an extension in Tuscany - really excited. Have you read through the CruiseCritic and Facebook pages for that cruise? You might find a lot of info there.
I didn’t think alcohol was included unless you bought a package. I guess I’m wrong.
It’s typically only included if you are in one of the penthouse suites, otherwise it’s an extra drink package with beer and wine free with meals. Perhaps they had some special offer?
Ok…now I’m confused. Do all passengers get free beer and wine at meals, or what?
That was the case on the Viking River cruise we took. But do note that unless you pay for the full liquor plan the wine options offered during meals are limited. My wine loving H was glad we paid the supplement so there was a wider/better selection of wines. May be different on a cruise but that was our experience.
I’m not a wine drinker. But my husband might like the variety. Can just one person get this?
Typically on a cruise both members in the same room needed to get a drink package. That was our experience with Viking. (I could have easily done without.)
My husband loves to say included because we paid for it lol!
Beer and certain wine is included at meals. They have a variety on the ocean, mostly red and white.
The alcohol package is I think $27 per person per day. It went up recently.
For us it would have been fine to buy any alcohol out of pocket and the included wine would have been enough and good.
I think the Viking forums on cruise critic are pretty good.
At the top of the forums there is a sticky post of promotional codes offered at any time.
If you call Viking directly, they can not use any promotional code unless you tell them.
The Viking agents are helpful in answering questions. Viking also lets you switch your booking to a travel agent for 60 days.
My only issue with Viking is that they want payment a year ahead of time. Different than other cruise lines.
Yes, all passengers get free beer and wine at lunch and dinner.
And I goofed…it’s Barcelona to Venice! And we want to do it in Feb 2027, if possible.
That’s the trip we want to take… but we want to do it in February 2027…if possible. With extension in Barcelona and Venice.
I agree with this. Great info on Cruise Critic. Beer and wine (from a restricted list, not the premium selections) are included at lunch and dinner for all passengers. Of course alcohol is available for purchase pretty much throughout the day. If you want to upgrade to their beverage package, Viking’s Silver Spirits Beverage package is currently $27 pp/day, which is a lot cheaper than beverage packages on other lines. Viking Ocean Cruises® - Silver Spirits Beverage Package | Viking® |
Viking is unusually liberal about letting you bring alcohol onboard. “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.” So you can BYOB including to the restaurant at dinner. Frequently Asked Questions | Viking Ocean Cruises
OP may be referring to the fact that Viking Ocean fares do not include all excursions. There’s always at least one included excursion, but it’s usually the type where there’s a 3-4 hour bus tour overview. The other excursions carry the typical costs you would find on other lines. Viking’s shore excursion staff is always super organized.
Things I like about Viking include the size of the ship, spaces are not crowded, adults only, great enrichment lectures, free self serve laundry. There’s no casino if that matters to you, and the evening entertainment is sort of medium scale, e.g., bigger than what you’d find on a river cruise but definitely smaller than the Vegas-like shows you find on big cruise ships.
I also like that all fancy coffee is included. WiFi is included and pretty good. 2 speciality restaurants that are included in the fare.
My husband would say the seafood bar at dinner in the buffet. And the gelato.
It doesn’t have lots of shows. Or a casino. Or kids.