Planning a Viking Ocean or River cruise is exciting! One of the first questions many potential cruisers ask is, “How much is the beverage package on Viking Cruises?” This post will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding Viking’s beverage packages, helping you budget effectively for your dream vacation and make informed decisions about your onboard spending.
Viking’s Beverage Package Options
Viking offers several beverage packages, each catering to different drinking habits and budgets. Understanding the nuances of each package is crucial for making the right choice. We’ll break down the inclusions and exclusions of each package to help you determine which one best suits your needs.
The Silver Spirits Package
- Includes: Beer, wine, and soft drinks.
- Excludes: Premium wines, spirits, and specialty cocktails.
- Price Variation: Pricing may vary depending on the length of your cruise and your selected itinerary.
The Silver Spirits Package is a great option if you enjoy beer and wine with your meals and prefer soft drinks throughout the day. It provides a good balance of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options without the high cost of the premium package.
Keep in mind that this package doesn’t cover higher-end wines or spirits, which will be charged separately. This is something to factor into your budget if you are considering indulging in premium liquors or fine wines on your voyage.
The duration of your cruise can influence the total cost. Therefore, it is always essential to confirm the exact pricing for your chosen cruise.
The Premium Beverage Package
- Includes: Everything in the Silver Spirits package plus premium wines, spirits, and cocktails.
- Excludes: Bottled water (sometimes, depending on the ship and itinerary).
- Potential Savings: The package can save you money if you are a frequent consumer of higher-end beverages.
If you enjoy a wider range of alcoholic beverages, including premium options, the Premium Beverage Package provides excellent value. However, it does come with a significantly higher price tag. You should consider your consumption habits to determine if it justifies the added expense.
While this package is comprehensive, bottled water may be an additional cost. It is essential to clarify this point with Viking before your cruise to avoid any surprises.
Consider your typical spending on drinks in restaurants or bars. This package can potentially save you money if you are someone who frequently consumes premium drinks.
Factors Affecting Beverage Package Costs
The price of Viking’s beverage packages isn’t a fixed number. Several factors play a crucial role in determining the final cost. Understanding these variables is essential for accurate budgeting.
Cruise Length
- Longer Cruises = Higher Cost: The longer your cruise, the more you’ll pay for the beverage package.
- Cost Per Day: The price is often presented as a daily rate, which is then multiplied by the duration of your voyage.
- Consideration: Factor the daily rate into your overall budget to understand the package’s contribution to your trip cost.
The package cost is typically calculated per person, per day. Naturally, a longer cruise means a higher total cost for the beverage package.
It’s useful to work out the cost per day and then multiply that by the number of days of your trip for a clearer understanding of your total beverage package cost.
Before committing to the package, consider the daily cost and ensure it fits comfortably within your overall travel budget. Don’t forget to factor in other expenses like shore excursions or gratuities.
Ship and Itinerary
- Variations Exist: Pricing might slightly differ depending on the specific ship and itinerary.
- Seasonal Differences: Prices could be slightly adjusted based on the season of your voyage.
- Booking Time: Early booking could potentially offer slightly better rates for your beverage package.
Viking’s fleet is diverse, and pricing may vary slightly from ship to ship or depending on the region and itinerary you’ve selected.
Similar to other travel aspects, there might be slight price adjustments based on peak and off-peak seasons, so it’s worth confirming pricing close to your travel date.
While not always guaranteed, early bird offers may sometimes extend to onboard amenities like beverage packages, so it’s worth checking for early-booking discounts.
How to Choose the Right Package
Selecting the right beverage package involves a careful assessment of your drinking preferences and budget. We’ll guide you through a decision-making process to ensure you make the best choice for your cruise.
Assess Your Drinking Habits
- Average Daily Consumption: Estimate how many drinks you typically consume daily.
- Type of Beverages: Consider the types of drinks you prefer (wine, beer, spirits, cocktails).
- Budget Consideration: Factor the daily cost of the package into your overall cruise budget.
Take some time to reflect on your daily drinking habits. Do you regularly enjoy a glass of wine with dinner? How often do you partake in cocktails? This reflection will greatly help you determine whether the cost of the beverage package makes sense for you.
The type of drinks you usually consume will affect the package you should choose. For instance, if you are predominantly a wine drinker, the Silver package might suffice. But if you enjoy various spirits, the premium package might be more worthwhile.
Remember to include the cost of the beverage package when calculating your entire trip budget. You want to ensure that this additional cost does not negatively impact your enjoyment of other parts of your trip.
Compare Package Prices
- Obtain Current Pricing: Contact Viking directly or check their website for up-to-date prices.
- Compare Package Inclusions: Carefully compare the included and excluded beverages in each package.
- Calculate Potential Savings: Estimate your potential savings by comparing the cost of purchasing drinks individually versus the cost of the package.
It’s always best to contact Viking directly or check their official website for the most current and accurate pricing for the beverage package, as these prices can change.
Before selecting a package, review the lists of included and excluded beverages very carefully. This comparison will help you understand which package suits your preferred drinking habits best.
Try to estimate how much you’d spend on drinks if you don’t get a package. By comparing this to the package cost, you’ll be able to see if the package will save you money in the long run.
Mythbusting: Beverage Packages on Viking Cruises
Myth 1: The beverage packages are overpriced.
While the cost may seem high initially, consider the cost of drinks ashore and in other cruises. A detailed comparison often reveals that the package can offer significant savings, especially for frequent drinkers. A recent survey indicated that 70% of Viking cruisers found their beverage packages to be worthwhile.
Myth 2: You’re better off buying drinks individually.
This is only true for light drinkers. Frequent consumers of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will almost certainly save money with a package. If you only plan to have a drink or two on your entire trip, purchasing them individually would be the more economical option.
Myth 3: The quality of drinks in the package is poor.
Viking uses reputable brands and provides a varied selection, both in the Silver Spirits and Premium packages. The quality is comparable to what you would find in many upscale establishments. Many past cruises have reported positive feedback about the drink quality provided in their packages.
FAQ
What is included in the Silver Spirits package?
The Silver Spirits package includes beer, wine (by the glass), and soft drinks. It does not include premium wines, spirits, or specialty cocktails.
What is the difference between the Silver Spirits and Premium beverage packages?
The Premium package includes everything in the Silver Spirits package plus premium wines, spirits, and cocktails. The Silver Spirits package is a more budget-friendly option, while the Premium package caters to those who enjoy a wider range of drinks.
Can I purchase the beverage package after I board the ship?
You can usually purchase the package onboard, but it is typically more expensive if you wait until you’re on the ship. Pre-purchasing is often cheaper.
Are there any restrictions on how many drinks I can consume with the package?
There are generally no restrictions on the number of drinks you can have per day, within reason. However, excessive or abusive consumption may be addressed by the ship’s crew.
Can I share my beverage package with my travel companion?
No, beverage packages are typically per person. Each passenger must purchase their own package.
What happens if I don’t finish my drinks?
There are usually no refunds or credits for unfinished drinks. It’s best to only purchase the beverage package if you plan on utilizing it fully.
What forms of payment are accepted for the beverage package?
Viking generally accepts major credit cards and sometimes onboard accounts for the purchase of beverage packages. Always check with the cruise line closer to your travel date to confirm their latest payment options.
Final Thoughts
Determining how much is the beverage package on Viking Cruises depends on several factors, primarily the duration of your cruise, the chosen package (Silver Spirits or Premium), and the specific ship and itinerary. Carefully assess your drinking habits and budget to select the best option for you. By understanding the details outlined in this guide, you can confidently plan your Viking cruise and enjoy your onboard experience without unnecessary financial surprises.