If you are researching Viking for the first time, you may also want to see my guide to what is included on a Viking cruise, where I explain the full range of inclusions in the cruise fare.

Wine and Beer with Meals

Across both Viking Ocean and Viking River ships, wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner.

This allows guests to enjoy a glass of wine or beer with their meals without needing a beverage package.

From my own experience sailing Viking Ocean, this works very well for most travellers because meals are relaxed and often last longer than typical cruise dining. We tend to linger in the dining room as there is no second seating that they are chasing you out to set up for.

Soft Drinks and Specialty Coffees

Coffee and tea are available throughout the day on Viking ships, with self-serve machines in venues such as the World Café and coffee is available in restaurants and lounges. River ships also provide espresso machines where guests can make specialty coffees such as cappuccinos or lattes.

Soft drinks and bottled water are typically included during meals, while additional beverages ordered outside mealtimes can be purchased individually or are included with the Silver Spirits Beverage Package.

This approach keeps the onboard experience simple and relaxed, allowing guests to enjoy many beverages without needing a package, while still offering optional upgrades for those who prefer a wider selection of drinks throughout the day.

Minibar in Staterooms

On Viking Ocean ships, all veranda staterooms include a minibar with soft drinks and snacks that are may be replenished daily and this depends on the cabin category you have reserved.

Some cabin categories include additional items such as wine and spirits.

The Silver Spirits Beverage Package

For travellers who prefer cocktails, drinks outside mealtimes, or premium wines, Viking offers the Silver Spirits beverage package.

In my article Is the Viking Silver Spirits Beverage Package Worth It, I explain when the upgrade might make sense depending on your travel style.

Understanding Viking’s Inclusive Approach

Viking’s philosophy is to include the drinks most travelers enjoy with meals while offering an optional upgrade for those who want additional options.

If you want a broader explanation of everything included in your cruise fare, see my guide to What Is Included on a Viking Cruise.

Personal Perspective

Having sailed Viking River and Ocean on over 14 different itineraries now, I find that many travelers are perfectly satisfied with the included beverages. The atmosphere onboard tends to be relaxed rather than focused on nightlife or drinking simply to get the value out of the beverage package.

We have purchased the Silver Spirits Beverage Package in the past but have also not purchased it on some of our cruises. We are completely satisfied with the included wines that Viking offers, and we are not big cocktail drinkers.  If you do enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner, then the Silver Spirits Beverage Package might be right for you.

I will say, that as a Travel Advisor that books clients on many different cruise lines the Viking Silver Spirits Beverage Package is one of the most affordable and best value on the rivers and oceans.

Bringing Your Own Wine or Spirits Onboard

Another feature many travellers appreciate about Viking is that guests are allowed to bring their own wine or spirits onboard.

Unlike some cruise lines that prohibit outside alcohol, Viking generally allows guests to bring bottles onboard when they embark or when returning from shore. These can be enjoyed in your stateroom or in most public areas of the ship.

If you choose to bring a bottle to the restaurant, Viking will open and pour for you and in my experience without any corkage fee. Many guests simply enjoy their own wine in their stateroom or on their veranda.

From my own experience sailing Viking, this policy contributes to the relaxed atmosphere onboard and gives guests additional flexibility if they prefer to bring a favourite bottle with them.

Friends of our love to have a Gin and Tonic before they leave their stateroom for dinner and they bring their favourite bottle of Gin with them for each cruise.

 

Planning Your Viking Cruise

If you are considering a Viking cruise and want help understanding cabin categories, itineraries, or onboard options, I would be happy to help you plan the right sailing.

Ken Graham
Travel Advisor
TravelOnly With Ken