Understanding Viking Ocean Cruises' Beverage Offerings
For many American travelers planning their next vacation, the allure of an ocean cruise is undeniable. Viking Ocean Cruises, known for its sophisticated and culturally immersive experiences, is a popular choice. A common question that arises when booking such a cruise is, "How much is the drink package on Viking Ocean cruises?" The answer, however, isn't a simple one-size-fits-all price. Viking Ocean Cruises operates with a different philosophy than many other cruise lines when it comes to beverages.
Viking's All-Inclusive Approach to Beverages
One of the most significant selling points of Viking Ocean Cruises is its comprehensive all-inclusive model. Unlike many cruise lines that offer separate drink packages for purchase, Viking Ocean Cruises includes a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in its base fare. This means that for many guests, there is no need to purchase an additional "drink package" at all.
What's Included in the Base Fare?
To truly answer "how much is the drink package," we need to understand what's already covered. The all-inclusive nature of Viking Ocean Cruises means that the following beverages are typically included:
- House Wines: At lunch and dinner in the main dining venues (World Cafe, The Restaurant, and Manfredi's Italian Restaurant), guests are offered complimentary house wines. These are usually a choice of red and white wines, selected to complement the cuisine.
- Beer: Similarly, a selection of beers is often available at no extra cost during meals.
- Soft Drinks: All non-alcoholic beverages, including sodas, juices, and specialty coffees and teas, are complimentary throughout the ship, at any time. This extends to the bars and lounges as well as the dining venues.
- Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water is provided in your stateroom and is also available throughout the ship.
This inclusive approach significantly simplifies budgeting for your cruise. You can enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer at the Explorers' Lounge without worrying about an additional per-drink cost or a daily package fee.
When Might You Need to Pay Extra for Drinks?
While Viking's all-inclusive beverage policy covers a generous selection, there are instances where you might incur additional charges for drinks:
- Premium Wines and Spirits: The complimentary house wines and beers are good quality, but if you have a specific vintage of wine in mind or prefer a premium brand of liquor for your cocktails, these will be available for purchase à la carte or from a separate, more extensive wine list.
- Cocktails Not Made with House Spirits: While basic cocktails using house spirits are generally included with meals, elaborate or specialty cocktails that use premium spirits might incur an additional charge.
- Purchasing Bottles of Wine: If you wish to have a bottle of wine at your table for the duration of your meal or to take back to your stateroom, you would purchase this from the wine list.
- Specialty Coffee and Tea Drinks: While standard coffee and tea are free, if you order something like a caramel macchiato or a particularly elaborate tea blend from a specialty bar, there might be a small charge.
Viking Explorer Society and Special Offers
For loyal Viking guests who are members of the Viking Explorer Society, there may occasionally be special offers or promotions related to beverages, although these are typically enhancements rather than a requirement for basic enjoyment.
The Viking Ocean "Drink Package" Philosophy: Value Over Extras
The absence of a traditional, high-priced "drink package" is a deliberate choice by Viking Ocean Cruises. They aim to provide a transparent and hassle-free experience where guests can enjoy their vacation without constantly tracking their spending on drinks. The included beverages are designed to be of good quality and sufficient for most guests' enjoyment.
Therefore, when you ask "How much is the drink package on Viking Ocean cruises?", the most accurate answer is that there isn't a mandatory or standard drink package to purchase because many beverages are already included in your cruise fare. This significantly reduces the overall cost of your vacation compared to cruise lines where a comprehensive drink package can add several hundred dollars per person to the total bill.
If you are a traveler who enjoys a glass of wine or beer with your meals, or a variety of soft drinks throughout the day, you will find that Viking's inclusions more than meet your needs. For those who prefer a wider selection of premium spirits, specific vintage wines, or elaborate cocktails, these are available for purchase, and you can inquire about the current pricing on board.
Frequently Asked Questions About Viking Ocean Cruise Beverages
How are drinks priced on Viking Ocean cruises if there's no standard drink package?
Drinks are priced individually à la carte for premium selections not covered by the all-inclusive fare. This means you pay for specific bottles of wine, premium spirits, or specialty coffees if you choose them. However, house wines, beers, soft drinks, and coffee/tea are included during meals and throughout the ship.
Why doesn't Viking Ocean cruises offer a traditional drink package?
Viking's philosophy is to be truly all-inclusive. They believe that by including a generous selection of beverages in the base fare, they offer better value and a more transparent pricing structure for their guests, eliminating the need for guests to purchase expensive add-on drink packages.
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard Viking Ocean cruises?
Yes, Viking allows guests to bring their own wine and spirits onboard. However, there is a corkage fee if you choose to consume wine or spirits that you brought onboard in any of the ship's restaurants or bars. Consuming them in your stateroom typically does not incur a fee.
What kind of house wines are typically included?
The house wines included are usually a curated selection of well-regarded wines from various regions. While the specific varietals can change, they are typically a pleasant red and white option, chosen to pair well with the diverse menus offered on board.
Are specialty coffees and teas included in the Viking Ocean cruise fare?
Yes, standard coffees, teas, and hot beverages are included. This means you can enjoy your morning coffee or an afternoon tea without extra charge. However, if you opt for specialty coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, or elaborate tea blends from a dedicated coffee bar, there might be an additional charge.
