If your ideal vacation includes discovering hidden places, learning about different cultures and adventuring like a local, a trip with Viking Cruises should be on your radar.
You can satisfy your wanderlust by immersing yourself in destinations across all seven continents. Is hopping onboard a small ship exploration right for you? Answer these questions to find out.
It’s not about the casinos and shopping when I travel. I love learning about the history and culture of the places I visit.
You’ll notice very few days at sea on these cruise itineraries and never a casino onboard. Why? Because these trips spend more time at each destination, offering enriching experiences for guests.
Each ship offers access to hard-to-reach locations and many other ways to connect to your travel destination.
I hate hidden fees when travelling.
There is no nickel and diming when it comes to this cruise experience. The pricing offered covers nearly everything you need—and nothing you do not. Wi-Fi? It’s included. Food and drinks? You guessed it, included. Plus, you won’t find pushy salesmen trying to get you to upgrade, buy photos, or visit auction sales.
The cruise line ensures that there are no surprises or hidden fees. The price you pay covers just about everything, including:
- One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner
- 24-hour specialty coffees and teas, and bottled water
- Port taxes and fees
- Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
- Visits to UNESCO sites
- Enrichment lectures and destination performances
![Viking Cruises](https://magazine.caaneo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Aquavit-Terrace_2023-04-25_14-21-01-1024x683.jpg)
While travelling, I always dine on local food and drink.
You can enjoy regional cuisine and tons of al fresco dining space on the ship. The onboard menu includes destination-inspired eats and always available classics that are enhanced with locally sourced ingredients. You’ll be able to explore new cultures through food.
There is the option to immerse yourself further into the experience by joining an onboard cooking class.
![Asian women working in rice field during the morning in Bali, Indonesia.](https://magazine.caaneo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bali_-Indonesia_2023-04-25_14-20-35-1024x683.jpg)
I want to learn about the places and people I visit on vacation.
Every detail on the cruise ship is designed to enrich and enhance your travel experience, helping you fully immerse yourself in the rich cultures you visit. From a thoughtfully curated ship library, guest lecturers and talks with historians to cooking classes with their chef and wine tastings with their sommelier, you’ll be able to connect to your destination in every possible way.
![The Deluxe Veranda Stateroom aboard the Viking Star](https://magazine.caaneo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Deluxe-Veranda_2023-04-25_14-22-22-1024x683.jpg)
On a cruise, I prefer staterooms with a view.
Unlike other cruise lines, you won’t find any inside staterooms onboard, which means every room has a view.
You can enjoy the comfort of king-sized beds, large showers and private verandas as you admire the changing scenery from your room.
![Couple looking out windows of the Explorer's Lounge](https://magazine.caaneo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Explorers-Lounge-_2023-04-25_14-22-43-1024x683.jpg)
I usually leave the kids at home when I travel and prefer travelling with other adults.
This is one of the few cruise lines that completely caters to 18+ travellers. While other ships are great for multi-generational trips, you’ll experience a more mature setting on a Viking cruise. You won’t see any amusement park type rides or waterpark kiddie pools here.
![Hikers resting in Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary in Keweenaw County, Michigan, USA.](https://magazine.caaneo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cooper-Harbor_-Michigan_-USA_2023-04-25_14-23-55-1024x683.jpg)
I’d rather pack my Tilley® hat than evening dress.
Leave the gowns and suits behind (but only if you want to). These ships have less emphasis on white glove treatment and formal nights than a typical cruise experience. Instead, take in a destination lecture, spend time in a 380-square-foot laboratory, or go on an included excursion (there is at least one in every port).
![Mountains and fjord Sognefjord in Norway, Scandinavia with an Old viking boat on seashore.](https://magazine.caaneo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flam_-Norway_2023-04-19_14-11-31-1024x768.jpg)
I can be a little adventurous on my trips.
Each trip features a variety of excursions, virtually all included in your cruise fare, from zodiac landings to tranquil kayak outings. An experienced team, who are skilled in operating in rugged and polar environments, will guide you to hike through magnificent landscapes and access remote areas. Or try a unique experience with one of the exclusive, limited-capacity optional excursions.
Did you find yourself nodding along and agreeing with most of these statements? If yes, you’re a Viking! Book an appointment or call 1-800-705-1803 to speak with a CAA Travel Consultant to plan your next Viking cruise.
Take out the guesswork of trip planning because the only decision you’ll have to make is whether an ocean, river, or expedition cruise is right for you. Thankfully, there is a quick overview online to help you decide.