Remember that amazing vacation you planned? The one detail you might have overlooked was exactly what you’d be drinking on the ship. This post is your comprehensive guide to the Viking River Cruises bar menu. We’ll explore the different beverage options available, the atmosphere, pricing, and more, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your luxurious river cruise experience. This in-depth look at the Viking River Cruises bar menu will help you plan your onboard drinking and dining experiences.
Viking River Cruise Bar Atmosphere
The bars on Viking River Cruises are designed to be sophisticated yet welcoming. Expect comfortable seating, often with panoramic views of the passing scenery. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, perfect for socializing with fellow passengers or enjoying a quiet drink. The ambience varies slightly depending on the specific ship and bar location, but overall, you’ll find a consistently pleasant environment conducive to relaxation and conversation. Many bars feature live music or entertainment at certain times during the cruise.
Typical Bar Locations
- Most Viking ships have a main lounge bar, usually located near the reception area and often the heart of the ship’s social scene. This is often where you’ll find many of the evening’s activities taking place.
- Some ships offer additional smaller bars, perhaps near the sun deck or in a more secluded area. This provides variety for passengers looking for different levels of social interaction and ambience.
- A dedicated “tea and coffee lounge” or similar area is common, giving passengers a quiet place to relax and enjoy a beverage away from the more energetic atmosphere of the main bar.
Exploring the Viking River Cruises Bar Menu: Beverages
The Viking River Cruises bar menu boasts a wide selection of beverages to suit different tastes. From classic cocktails to local wines and beers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’ll dive deep into the specifics of each category, helping you anticipate what might be offered, and allowing you to consider your own preferences in advance.
Alcoholic Beverages
- Wines: Viking typically offers a curated selection of both international and regional wines. You can anticipate finding both red and white options, often with choices available by the glass or by the bottle. Expect regional specialties to be highlighted on cruises along specific rivers.
- Beer: A good selection of local and international beers is usually present, catering to various tastes and preferences. Beers on tap and bottled are common on Viking River Cruises.
- Spirits: The selection of spirits is extensive, encompassing various vodkas, gins, rums, whiskies, and tequilas. This is supplemented by a wide range of mixers and juices to allow for custom cocktail creation.
- Cocktails: The bar menu usually includes both classic cocktails (e.g., margaritas, old fashioneds) and innovative signature drinks using regional ingredients.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Soft Drinks: A standard selection of soft drinks like cola, juice, and sparkling water is always available. There are usually several juice options alongside the standard soda fare.
- Coffee and Tea: Viking usually offers unlimited complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day, served in both the main lounge and dedicated coffee lounges.
- Juices: A variety of fresh juices are often available, depending on the season and availability of local ingredients.
- Other: Look for options such as bottled water, hot chocolate, and other specialty beverages. Occasionally seasonal offerings or special concoctions are included in the offerings.
Pricing and Payment on Viking River Cruises
Understanding the pricing structure for beverages is crucial for budget planning. While some basic coffee and tea are usually included, most alcoholic and many non-alcoholic beverages are priced separately. Viking River Cruises generally uses a standard pricing system across its fleet. We’ll explore how this works in practice and the different ways you can pay for your drinks.
Beverage Packages
- Viking offers various beverage packages that can significantly reduce the cost of individual drinks over the course of your cruise. These packages often provide unlimited or heavily discounted access to certain drinks, which is commonly a more economical choice for frequent drinkers.
- The specifics of these packages, their price, and exactly what they include can vary depending on the length of your cruise and specific ship, so check your booking details for the most updated and accurate information.
- Consider the number of drinks you anticipate consuming to determine if a beverage package is suitable for your needs. Many passengers find it a worthwhile investment to plan this in advance.
Payment Methods
- You can usually pay for drinks using your onboard account, which is linked to your credit card at the start of the cruise. This provides a convenient and simple method of transaction throughout the trip. This system prevents the hassle of multiple transactions and allows for easy tracking of expenses.
- In some cases, cash may also be accepted, though this is less common. It’s best to check with the bar staff to confirm accepted payment methods on your particular vessel.
- Avoid large cash transactions for security purposes. The onboard account is generally the most convenient and secure method of payment.
Dining Options Alongside Your Drinks
Viking River Cruises typically offer a wide range of dining experiences to complement your drinks. While some beverages are included as part of your fare, the cost of many others, along with any food consumed at the bars, will be added to your onboard account. This section explores your overall dining options in conjunction with those drinks from the Viking River Cruises bar menu.
Onboard Restaurants
- Most Viking ships feature a main restaurant where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in your cruise fare. The atmosphere here is more formal than in the bars, offering a more structured dining experience. The menus at these restaurants frequently feature a range of cuisines and dietary options.
- Many Viking ships have alternative dining venues. These could include smaller restaurants, cafes, or even specialty dining experiences (for a surcharge). These locations provide different settings and menus to augment the main restaurant’s offerings.
- A buffet is often available, especially for breakfast and lunch, providing passengers with a more relaxed dining option.
Bar Snacks and Food
- Many of Viking’s bars offer a selection of light snacks and appetizers. This can range from simple things like nuts and chips to more substantial fare, depending on the specific vessel and time of day.
- These bar snacks are typically priced separately and added to your onboard account. Consider this when planning your dining and drinking budget.
- Check the bar menu for details on available snacks and their prices. These often complement the drink offerings.
Common Myths About Viking River Cruises Bar Service
Myth 1: Drinks are incredibly expensive.
While some drinks are priced higher than you might find ashore, Viking offers beverage packages that can significantly mitigate the cost, particularly if you plan to drink frequently. Many find the packages to represent good value for the volume of drinks they offer.
Myth 2: Only alcoholic beverages are available.
This is false. Viking offers a wide array of non-alcoholic beverages, including juices, sodas, coffee, tea, and water. These are included to some degree (coffee and tea), or available for purchase at reasonable prices.
Myth 3: You are required to purchase a beverage package.
Completely false. Purchasing a beverage package is entirely optional. You can choose to order drinks individually as needed. The package simply presents a cost-saving alternative for frequent beverage consumers.
FAQ
What is the average price of a cocktail on a Viking River Cruise?
The price of cocktails varies, but you can generally expect to pay between $10 and $15 for a standard cocktail. More premium cocktails could be higher.
Are there any happy hour specials?
Viking River Cruises doesn’t typically advertise specific “happy hour” specials in the traditional sense; however, check the daily programs for any potential promotions or discounts.
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
Generally, bringing your own alcohol onboard is not permitted. This is to support the onboard bar’s operation. However, it’s best to check with Viking directly before your cruise to confirm their current policy.
What are the different types of beverage packages available?
The specific beverage packages offered vary based on the cruise length and ship. Consult the cruise documents or your travel agent for the most up-to-date options and details.
Is tipping included in the bar tab?
Tipping is usually not automatically included in your bar tab. While service charges may be included in some instances, discretionary tipping is still common and expected.
What types of non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary?
Typically, coffee and tea are complimentary throughout your cruise. Check with the crew for the availability of water and other complimentary options.
How do I pay for my drinks?
Most commonly, drinks are charged to your onboard account, which is settled at the end of the cruise using a credit card. Check with staff for alternate payment methods.
Final Thoughts
Planning your onboard beverage consumption is a vital part of your Viking River Cruise experience. Understanding the Viking River Cruises bar menu, its pricing, and available packages will ensure you enjoy your cruise to the fullest, without any unpleasant surprises. Remember to check your specific cruise documents for the most up-to-date information on beverages, pricing, and any promotions or packages that might be available. Start planning your perfect drink-filled Viking River Cruise today!