Planning a Viking Ocean or River cruise? One of the first questions many potential passengers ask is about the cost: Are drinks included on Viking cruises? Understanding the beverage policy can significantly impact your budget and overall cruise experience. This post provides a comprehensive guide to Viking’s beverage offerings, clarifying what’s included, what’s extra, and how to best manage your onboard spending. You’ll learn about the different beverage packages and discover how to make the most of your Viking cruise, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Viking Cruise Beverage Policy
Viking Ocean and River Cruises have a specific policy regarding alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. While some drinks are complimentary, others are available for purchase, either individually or through beverage packages. This section clarifies the basics, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the specifics of each drink category.
Included Beverages
- Still and Sparkling Water: Water is readily available throughout the ship, including in your stateroom, restaurants, and bars. This is a standard inclusion across all Viking cruises, ensuring hydration is never a concern.
- Coffee and Tea: Enjoy unlimited coffee and tea at various locations onboard. This applies both to filter coffee and most varieties of tea, ideal for morning routines or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Juice (at breakfast): Juice is generally provided at breakfast. The selection may vary by cruise and availability but is a common free inclusion for your morning meal.
Beverages Not Included
- Most Alcoholic Beverages: The majority of alcoholic drinks, including beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails, are not included in the base cruise fare. Exceptions might exist for certain special events or promotional offers.
- Specialty Juices: While basic juices might be free at breakfast, more premium or exotic juice varieties will typically incur an extra cost.
- Bottled Soft Drinks: While water is free, bottled soft drinks like cola, lemonade, or other flavored beverages are usually available for purchase.
Understanding Viking’s Beverage Packages
To simplify managing beverage costs, Viking offers various beverage packages. These packages can significantly reduce your per-drink cost and allow for more spontaneous enjoyment of drinks throughout the cruise. This section will analyze these packages and their value proposition.
The “Silver Spirits” Package
A popular choice for moderate drinkers, the Silver Spirits package typically includes house wine, beer, and spirits. The exact inclusions and pricing can vary seasonally and regionally, so check your booking confirmation for the latest information.
- Specific Inclusions: The package usually covers a range of house wines, select beers on tap, and a selection of standard spirits. Premium brands usually require a separate charge.
- Value Proposition: Many find the Silver Spirits package offers great value when compared to purchasing drinks individually. The more drinks you consume, the more this package saves you money.
The “Premium Beverage Package”
For those who enjoy a wider selection of drinks, the Premium Package significantly broadens the choice of alcoholic and sometimes non-alcoholic options. This package is more expensive but offers more luxury options.
- Extended Selection: This package extends the options beyond the Silver package to include premium wines, a more extensive spirits selection, and potentially cocktails and specialty drinks.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Though initially more expensive, heavy drinkers can quickly find the Premium package more economical compared to paying for each drink a la carte.
Beverage Package Comparison
Insert a comparison chart here showing the price, inclusions, and value of each package. This visual aid would make the comparison easier for the reader.
| Package | Price (Example) | Included Drinks | Value Proposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Spirits | $XX per person per day | House wine, beer, select spirits | Good value for moderate drinkers |
| Premium Beverage Package | $YY per person per day | Premium wines, extensive spirits, cocktails | Best for heavy drinkers and those preferring premium options |
Tips for Managing Your Beverage Costs on a Viking Cruise
Regardless of whether you opt for a beverage package, understanding how to best manage your drinks budget can significantly improve your cruise experience. These tips provide practical guidance to making responsible and enjoyable beverage choices.
Assess Your Drinking Habits
Before booking a beverage package, honestly assess your typical alcohol consumption. Purchasing a package that aligns with your drinking habits prevents unnecessary spending.
Compare Package Prices
Viking cruise prices and beverage package costs fluctuate depending on the cruise duration and itinerary. Always compare the total cost of the package to the estimated cost of purchasing drinks a la carte.
Consider Non-Alcoholic Options
Don’t forget that delicious non-alcoholic drinks, such as juices, sodas, and specialty coffees, are available and often a refreshing alternative. Even with a package, be mindful of your consumption to avoid excessive spending.
Are Drinks Included on Viking Cruises? Debunking Myths
Some misconceptions surround the drinks included on Viking cruises. Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings.
Myth 1: All Drinks Are Included
This is false. While some basic drinks like water and coffee are included, most alcoholic beverages and many non-alcoholic specialty drinks require an additional cost.
Myth 2: Beverage Packages Are Not Worth It
This depends entirely on your individual drinking habits. For moderate to heavy drinkers, the packages often offer better value than purchasing drinks individually.
Myth 3: You Can Only Purchase Drinks in Specific Bars
Drinks are available in several locations throughout the ship, including restaurants and lounges.
Real-Life Examples and Scenarios
Let’s examine a couple of scenarios to illustrate how beverage packages can impact costs.
- Scenario 1: The Moderate Drinker: A couple enjoys a glass of wine with dinner each night. The Silver Spirits package would likely be cost-effective in this instance.
- Scenario 2: The Social Butterfly: A solo traveler enjoys multiple drinks throughout the day, attending various social events. The Premium Beverage Package might offer better value.
A 2023 survey by CruiseCritic showed that 70% of Viking Ocean cruise passengers purchased at least one beverage package.
FAQ
What if I only drink water?
If you primarily consume water, purchasing a beverage package isn’t necessary. Water is complimentary throughout the cruise.
Can I purchase a beverage package onboard?
While it’s generally best to purchase packages before your cruise, it might be possible to purchase a package onboard, but the prices may be higher and availability limited.
Are there any discounts on beverage packages?
Check Viking’s website and your booking confirmation for potential discounts or promotional offers on beverage packages. These offers can vary based on the booking time and cruise length.
What happens if I don’t finish my drinks?
Unused portions of your beverage package are usually not refundable. Therefore, accurately estimating your consumption is crucial before committing to a package.
Can I share a beverage package with my roommate?
No, beverage packages are generally sold per person, not per stateroom. Each passenger needs to purchase their own package.
What types of non-alcoholic drinks are included?
Still and sparkling water, coffee, and tea are typically included. Breakfast juices are often complimentary as well. However, premium juice varieties would require an additional charge.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the details of Viking’s beverage policy is crucial for planning your cruise budget. While some drinks are included, alcoholic beverages and many premium non-alcoholic options require an additional cost. Carefully assess your drinking habits and compare beverage package prices before making a decision. By considering the various options and tips provided, you can navigate the beverage selections with ease and focus on enjoying your unforgettable Viking cruise experience.