One Shore Excursion Is Included in Every Port

On both Viking Ocean and Viking River cruises, one shore excursion in each port is typically included in the cruise fare.

These excursions are designed to introduce travellers to the highlights of each destination and usually include guided tours, transportation, and cultural experiences.  I have heard many people say that these are probably only a city tour on a coach, but I have done most all of the destination included excursions and we have always been pleased, and some are quite extensive.

For example, a river cruise along the Danube might include a guided walking tour through historic city centers, while an ocean cruise in the Mediterranean may include visits to landmarks and historic sites.

Regardless of what you may hear or read, in my opinion, there is great value in the Viking included excursions.

Optional Excursions for Deeper Experiences

In addition to the included excursion, Viking offers optional excursions that can be purchased for travellers who want more in-depth or specialized experiences.

These might include:

• smaller group cultural tours
• culinary experiences
• active excursions such as biking or hiking
• extended historical tours

From my experience sailing Viking, the included excursions are generally well organized and provide a solid introduction to the destination.  We always prefer these to walking around a city ourselves for the first time, because we have a guide to inform us what we are looking at.  When you wander on your own, you don’t always have or gain the same knowledge of the destination.

When Excursions Become Available

Excursions are typically booked through the MyVikingJourney portal before the cruise.

See a short video here on MyVikingJourney

Viking gives earlier access and booking priority of shore excursions to guests in higher stateroom categories.  If you are in a lower category of cabin, you may be last on the list to book.

Now, this seems unfair, but as with many cruise lines, if you pay more, you receive more perks or amenities.  We have never booked above the bottom two cabin categories of a Viking River or Ocean ship and we have never not ended up with the excursions we wanted.  It is true that there is the occasional excursion that is strictly capacity controlled that may not be available at the time your booking window opens, but there are ways to address this.

I often advise clients to review excursions early because popular tours can fill quickly.

But fear not, here is a many time Viking repeat guest hack.  If you cannot secure the shore excursion you want prior to boarding, make one of the first things you do be to visit Guest Services and ask about availability of the specific shore excursion you want.  Often other guests will cancel and open spots.  If this does not work you will meet the Shore Excursion Manager daily in the “Port Talk” and you will find that if you speak with this person they will do their utmost best to get you on that excursion.  Yes, it is a bit of persistence, but it more often than not works.

Part of the Viking Philosophy

Viking has always positioned itself as a destination-focused cruise line. The idea is that the ship is the base from which you explore the region you are visiting.

If you want a broader understanding of how Viking structures its cruise experience, see my guide to what is included on a Viking cruise, where I explain the major inclusions in the cruise fare.

Planning Your Viking Cruise

If you are considering a Viking Ocean or Viking River cruise and would like help choosing the right itinerary or excursions, feel free to reach out.

Having sailed Viking myself many times now, and worked with many clients planning Viking journeys, I am always happy to help travellers plan their next cruise adventure.

Ken Graham
Travel Advisor
TravelOnly With Ken