River Cruises
What Is Not Included in Viking River Cruises?
When booking a Viking River Cruise, it’s important to know what isn’t covered in the fare.
While the cruise offers many inclusive benefits, there are additional costs to consider.
Drinks outside of meals, gratuities, optional excursions, spa treatments, laundry services, and shopping are not included in the base price.
Planning for these extras will help you manage your budget and make the most of your river cruise experience.
- Drinks Outside of Meals
- Gratuities
- Optional Excursions
- Spa Treatments
- Laundry Services
- Shopping and Additional Amenities
- What Is Included in Viking River Cruises?
- Plan Your Perfect Viking River Cruise

Drinks Outside of Meals
On a Viking River Cruise, your meals come with free wine, beer, and soft drinks.
But if you want drinks outside of meal times, like a cocktail on the deck or a special coffee, you’ll have to pay for those.
You can choose a Silver Spirits drink package if you want to cover all your beverages.
This way, you won’t have to worry about extra costs for drinks.

Gratuities
Gratuities aren’t always included in the Viking River Cruise fare, so it’s important to budget for this extra expense.
While some Viking offerings may include gratuities, it’s generally expected that you will provide a tip for the crew who work hard to ensure your experience is exceptional.
Typically, you should plan to tip around $10 to $12 per person, per day.
This amount is a guideline and helps recognize the efforts of the onboard staff, including your cabin steward, dining servers, and other crew members who contribute to making your cruise enjoyable.
Tipping is a way to show your appreciation for their dedication and service throughout your journey.

Optional Excursions
Your cruise includes one excursion at each port, so you’ll get to explore the local sights.
But if you want to go on extra tours or special activities, you’ll need to pay extra for those.
For example, if you want to join a special wine tasting or a private tour, those are not included in the standard fare.
You can book these extra excursions before or during your cruise.

Spa Treatments
On a Viking River Cruise, you have access to the spa facilities on board, which is a great perk for relaxation.
However, it’s important to note that while you can use the general spa areas, specific treatments such as massages, facials, and other specialty services are not included in your cruise fare.
If you’re looking forward to unwinding with a massage after a day of sightseeing or indulging in a rejuvenating facial, you’ll need to pay for these treatments separately.
The spa offers a range of services designed to help you relax and refresh, but they come at an additional cost.
It’s a good idea to check the spa menu and prices ahead of time, so you can plan and budget accordingly for these luxurious extras.

Laundry Services
Basic laundry services are not included in your Viking River Cruise fare.
If you need to clean your clothes during the trip, you’ll need to pay for these services separately.
For European and Asian cruises, laundry is available at a per-item fee, ranging from $1 to $10 in Europe and $2 to $5 in Asia.
On Mississippi River cruises, though, you can use self-service launderettes with free detergent.
Stateroom categories may affect whether laundry services are complimentary or come with a fee.
So, it’s best to check your stateroom amenities and factor these costs into your budget, especially if you plan to use the services frequently.

Shopping and Additional Amenities
Shopping on the ship and any extra amenities are also not included.
Whether you want to buy a souvenir from the ship’s shop or enjoy additional services, these will cost extra.
Be ready to pay for these purchases if you decide to treat yourself.
Knowing what is not included in Viking River Cruises helps you prepare for your trip.
By planning for these additional costs, you can enjoy your cruise without surprises.
What Is Included in Viking River Cruises?
Viking River Cruises offer a range of inclusions designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Your cruise fare generally covers:
- Meals: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with included wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.
- Excursions: One included excursion per port allows you to explore each destination.
- Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi available on board.
- Entertainment: Experience various onboard activities and entertainment options.
- Accommodations: Your cabin is part of the package, providing a comfortable place to rest during your journey.
- These inclusions make for a hassle-free experience and ensure you get the most out of your cruise.
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