viking cruises no casino

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• No waiting in lines
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'No kids, no casinos': What a Viking cruise is really like

By Kristine Tarbert | 1 year ago

It's a special moment when you experience something you've never done before, and sitting inside a snow-filled room inside a cruise ship as it sails across the ocean was definitely something I won't forget anytime soon.

The snow room in question can be found on board the Viking Mars, first launched in May 2022, and the seventh ship in Viking's near identical fleet of ocean vessels.

The 930-passenger adult-only vessel sets itself apart from other cruise lines by steering clear of casinos, pool parties, onboard photographers, and over-the-top entertainment.

Instead, the cosy interiors are littered with personal touches chosen by Viking founder Torstein Hagen, including curated book collections, as well as tunes of live music – mostly classical, blues, and jazz.

READ MORE: The six questions to ask yourself before you book a cruise

Viking Cruises are known for being luxurious and on the higher end of the pricing scale. So when I was invited to sail from Sydney to Brisbane I was keen to see what you got for your money.

Here are five things I absolutely loved about my recent experience cruising on board the Viking Mars.

The snow room and Nordic spa

As I mentioned right off the bat, sitting in a snow room on a cruise ship was something special. Not only have I not seen snow for a long time (!) but I'm also not a fan of ice baths.

In Scandinavia hot and cold therapy is a big thing so it was nice to be able to jump from the thermal spa or sauna into the snow room, instead of working up the courage to plunge into icy water.

The other things that stood out for me with Viking Mars' LivNordic Spa, is that it is one of the most inclusive we've seen on a cruise ship. The thermal suite is open – and complimentary – to all passengers. You only pay extra for spa treatments like massages and facials.

All rooms have balconies

You'll never be without a few or natural light on board Viking, as all 465 cabins have balconies. All levels of cabins are uniformly well-appointed and decorated in tasteful, muted tones across all six categories.

We stayed in a Penthouse Veranda Stateroom, which measures 338 square feet. There was an array of charging plugs (including fast-charge USB-C), a free and well-stocked mini bar, a hidden vanity mirror in the desk, and the biggest cruise ship shower I've ever seen. Plus the bathroom floors a heated!

Are cruise ship cabin walls still thin? Yes. Will you hear your neighbours' TV if it's up too loud? Yes. But once you're cuddled in the cushions not much can disturb you.

READ MORE: The ideal length of time for a cruise holiday

The restaurants are included

Just like with the spa access, all on-board speciality restaurants are also included for every passenger. You just need to make a booking for some of them.

World Cafe is the usual buffet-style option with plenty of choices, including fresh sushi, and warm cookies for dessert.

The main dining venue, The Restaurant, doesn't need a reservation and is walk in. It offers regional cuisine and always available classics enhanced with locally-sourced ingredients, so you can explore new cultures through food.

Manfredi's requires a booking and offers the best of Italian cuisine, whether the farm-inspired heartiness of Tuscany or the famed flavours from Rome. You'll likely visit more than once if you have the time so it's worth trying the specials!

The Chef's Table is where sommeliers and culinary masters combine to offer a degustation and paired wines.

There's high tea daily in the Wintergarden and you can't go past trying the waffles for breakfast at Mamsen's on plates marked by intricate designs reminiscent of Torstein's grandmothers crockery.

The service

Given there were less than 1000 guests on board and a crew of 470, you were never far from great service. Rarely did I round a corner and not pass a smiling member of the crew wishing me a good day or offering me a drink. 

I was greeted by my lovely stateroom attendant as soon as I was on board, who made sure I knew where to find everything. Later that day I was even surprised by a new bookmark placed in the pages of the novel I'd left on the bedside table.

It had also been a while since my last hair cut, so in the spirit of trying things I treated myself to a wash, cut and blowdry at the spa's hair salon. Thanks to Simi from South Africa for taming my tresses.

READ MORE: The ultimate guide to solo cruising

One of Viking's big selling points is 'no kids'. And as someone who is not yet a parent and enjoys the chance to holiday without children it was a welcome rule.

Not once did I get pulled out of my slumber by little feet stomping down the hallway, or have to worry about how many tiny hands had reached into the dessert bar.

Oh, and I basically had almost every pool and hot tub to myself almost every time I went.

Most of what I experience made it clear that Viking Cruises is a cut above and it's no surprise that some cruise-lovers remain on board as long as they do. While I only enjoyed three short days, the trip continued on to Bali, with some guests telling me they were doing holiday after holiday on board Viking Mars all the way to Athens in Europe.

If you have the cash to splash or want to make it a goal to save for, you'll definitely get your money's worth.

The writer was a guest of Viking Cruises.

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• No children under 18
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• No umbrella drinks
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• No art auctions
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Viking Ocean Cruises Review — Ships, Destinations, Accommodations, and More

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

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Departure ports, private ports/islands, complimentary dining, bars and beverages, accommodations, viking explorer society, final thoughts.

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Viking Cruise Line is probably more well-known for river cruising, but did you know that they offer ocean cruises, as well?

Since 2015, Viking Ocean Cruises has been a leader in “small ship” cruising. You’ll notice lots of differences between Viking Ocean Cruises and other popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Princess from the moment you step onboard.

First, you’ll notice that the ships are smaller than other cruise lines, carrying only 930 passengers each. Compare that to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships which can each carry over 5,000 passengers! There won’t be any children onboard either — all guests must be at least 18 years old . You’ll also notice the absence of many traditional cruise line features like art auctions, casinos, waterslides, and photography setups.

Another huge difference is that Viking includes a shore excursion complimentary at each port of call and there are no specialty restaurants that charge additional fees !

Name: Viking Ocean Cruises

Parent Company: Viking Cruises

Number of Ships: 9

Destinations: 200+

Loyalty Program: Viking Explorer Society

Credit Card: None

Viking Ocean Cruises currently operates 9 ships. These are all identical sister ships that are classified as “small ships,” carrying only 930 passengers.

• Viking Jupiter
• Viking Mars
• Viking Neptune
• Viking Orion
• Viking Star
• Viking Venus

Hot Tip: Viking has one of the newest fleets around. The oldest Viking Ocean cruise ship is Viking Star, which debuted in 2015.

Viking Ocean Cruises travels to over 200 destinations on 6 continents from 30 departure ports.

Viking Ocean Cruises does not have a private port or island.

Hot Tip: Not sure where to go to book your cruise to get the most bang for your buck? Check out our guide to the best websites to book your cruise at the lowest prices .

Onboard Activities

The onboard activities on a Viking cruise are a little different than what you’ll find elsewhere. You won’t find casinos, bingo or art auctions . You won’t find multiple pools with waterslides or splash pads. You won’t find a rock climbing wall or ice skating rink.

What you will find is programming designed to support your onshore activities . Dubbed “The Thinking Person’s Cruise,” Viking aims to educate, enlighten, and inspire you.

Here are some of the activities you may find on a Viking Ocean cruise:

• Guest lectures
• Live classical music
• Multimedia presentations about each port
• Munch Moments featuring artwork by Edvard Munch
• Nordic art collection
• Outdoor movies
• Performances based on your destination
• Pool with a retractable roof
• The Kitchen Table cooking school
• The Met: Live in HD
• Viking Resident Historians

During the day, casual attire including shorts and jeans is acceptable. Swimsuits, cover-ups, and exercise clothes should only be worn around the pool, sports deck, and fitness center.

There are no formal nights on a Viking Ocean Cruise. However, after 6 p.m., “elegant casual” attire is required in dining facilities (with the exception of World Cafe), special events, and evening performances. For women, elegant casual includes dresses or skirts/pants with a blouse or sweater. Men should wear trousers and a collared shirt.

Bottom Line: Cruising with Viking Ocean Cruises is a bit different. There aren’t any casinos, art auctions, photography sales, or children. You won’t pay extra for Wi-Fi or to use the launderettes . There are no formal nights and smoking isn’t allowed anywhere onboard.

Dining and Beverages

One of the big differences between Viking Ocean Cruises and other cruise lines is dining. You won’t find any restaurants on a Viking Ocean ship that come with an additional charge. Plus, house wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with your lunch and dinner.

• Aquavit Terrace
• Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant*
• The Chef’s Table*
• The Restaurant

*Denotes an “alternative restaurant” that requires reservations

There are beautiful spaces on a Viking ship to relax with friends and have a drink. You’ll enjoy the 2 story panoramic windows in the Explorer’s Lounge or you can listen to live music in Torshavn .

If afternoon tea is what you’d prefer, stop by Wintergarden for tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts.

Unlike most other cruise lines, Viking Ocean Cruises offers house wines and beers along with soft drinks complimentary with lunch and dinner. Specialty coffees and teas plus bottled water are also available for free at any time.

While many drinks are included in your cruise fare, you can also purchase a beverage package to include even more.

The Silver Spirits Beverage Package is available for  $19.95 per person per day and includes any drinks (except Champagne) up to $15 per glass. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, liquors, and soft drinks.

You must be at least 21 years old to purchase a Silver Spirits Beverage Package, and both adults in the stateroom must purchase the package.

If you’d prefer to bring alcohol onboard, you can do so for free . There is no limit to what you can bring onboard and there is no corkage fee charged regardless of where the alcohol is consumed.

Hot Tip: Curious about award travel on cruises? Check out our complete guide to using miles and points to book a cruise.

The base-level accommodation on a Viking Ocean ship isn’t the interior room you might expect. That’s because there are no interior rooms on Viking! All staterooms have a private veranda.

The Veranda Stateroom comes with a king-size Viking Explorer bed, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with on-demand movies, and a mini-bar stocked with soft drinks, water, and snacks.

A Penthouse Veranda Stateroom includes a mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, a large bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower and a heated floor, a welcome bottle of Champagne, and 2 guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant.

Hot Tip: While embarkation is at 11 a.m., the time you’ll be able to access your stateroom is based on the type of room you select. All suites come with the earliest access time of 11 a.m.

A Penthouse Junior Suite is a step up in luxury. This type of room comes with 3 priority reservations at each alternative restaurant, priority shore excursion reservations, and priority spa reservations.

The bathroom comes with dual sinks, a heated floor, and an anti-fog mirror. Plus, you’ll enjoy extras like a welcome bottle of Champagne, in-suite binoculars, in-suite coffee maker, and twice-daily housekeeping.

The largest stateroom onboard a Viking Ocean ship is the Owner’s Suite. This luxurious multi-room suite has over 1,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space plus tons of perks. There is a master bath with a glass-enclosed shower and all the bells and whistles, plus 2 guest bathrooms. There’s a separate dining room that seats 6 people plus a private library, oceanview dry sauna, a boardroom for business meetings, wine and music collections, and more. Plus you’ll have the earliest access to reserve shore excursions and spa treatments and 4 guaranteed reservations in each of the alternative restaurants.

Bottom Line: Every stateroom on a Viking Ocean Cruises ship has a private veranda — there are no inside staterooms!

As soon as you’ve sailed with Viking once, you are a member of the Viking Explorer Society.

Unlike other cruise ship loyalty programs, there are no tiers of membership in the Viking Explorer Society. Unfortunately, the benefits are minimal.

As a Viking Explorer Society member, you’ll receive an onboard credit when you book your next Viking cruise within 2 years of your last one.

• Book your next Viking cruise within 1 year and you’ll receive $200 per person in shipboard credit.
• Book your next Viking cruise within 2 years and you’ll receive $100 per person in shipboard credit

When you cruise as a Viking Explorer Society member, you’ll also be able to attend a members-only cocktail party with the ship’s staff.

Hot Tip: Get the most bang for your buck by using the right credit card to book your cruise.

Sailing on a Viking Ocean cruise is not like a cruise on any other cruise line. These cruises are for the sophisticated traveler looking for more of a cultural experience.

All of Viking’s ships are considered “small ships,” carrying only 930 passengers each. You won’t find casinos or kids on a Viking cruise. However, you will find luxury accommodations, serene community spaces, live classical music, and lectures to educate and inspire.

If you’re looking for a party ship or traveling with kids , Viking Ocean cruises won’t fit the bill (check out Carnival , Disney Cruise Line , or Norwegian instead). But, if you’re looking for a more intimate experience that focuses on luxury and cultural experiences, Viking Ocean Cruises could be a great fit for your next vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does viking have a loyalty program.

Yes, the Viking loyalty program is called Viking Explorer Society. You’ll be enrolled automatically after your first Viking cruise. Unfortunately, the benefits are minimal — a shipboard credit if you book another cruise within 2 years and a members-only cocktail party.

Which Viking cruise ship is the best?

All of the Viking Ocean cruise ships are identical sister ships, so it’s really hard to determine which one is the “best.” Viking Neptune is the newest ship, which debuted in 2022.

Can you bring your own alcohol on a Viking cruise?

Yes, any guest 21 years or older can bring alcohol onboard with no charge.

Are Viking Ocean Cruises all-inclusive?

Viking Ocean cruises are about as all-inclusive as you can get on a cruise. You won’t find any additional charges for the alternative restaurants, Wi-Fi, or even wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. Specialty coffees, teas, and use of the launderettes are included as well. They even offer 1 complimentary excursion at every port of call!

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Cruise ship casinos: Everything you need to know about gambling at sea

Cruise ship casino gambling is a big deal to some cruisers. You know how you often hear people on a cruise ship planning their day around the entertainment, tours and mealtimes? Last night, I eavesdropped on a conversation where a group of six people was planning their entire next day around time in the ship's casino.

For other cruisers, the casino is more of an onboard curiosity than anything else. What are all those table games? Do people actually win money — or free cruises — playing in cruise ship casinos?

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you're curious, I've compiled answers to the most common questions people ask about cruise ship casinos. Some of the answers may surprise you.

Do all cruise ships have casinos?

Most large, mainstream cruise ships have casinos, including the ships of Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line (other than Pride of America), Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages.

Specialty cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Paul Gauguin and most expedition cruise ships do not have casinos. Premium cruise lines Oceania Cruises and Cunard have casinos, while Viking, Azamara and Windstar Cruises do not. (Windstar and Azamara actually removed casinos from their ships and repurposed the space.)

Among the luxury cruise lines, Silversea and Seabourn have casinos on their non-expedition ships; Regent Seven Seas has casinos on all its ships. Smaller luxury ships like those belonging to Ponant, Ritz-Carlton, Scenic and Emerald do not have casinos. River cruise lines do not have casinos on board, even on U.S. rivers where "riverboat" gambling is reserved for casino boats, not river cruise ships.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Are cruise casinos open in port?

With a few exceptions, cruise casinos are not open while ships are in port. They are generally limited to operating while the ship is in international waters. This is why Norwegian's Pride of America doesn't have a casino. Since the ship cruises exclusively in Hawaii, it never leaves U.S. waters.

Cruisers are also often surprised to learn that the casino is closed on some nights during Alaska cruises . Cruises that sail from Victoria, British Columbia, to Seattle on the final night are a good example. The ship goes straight from Canadian waters to U.S. waters without ever reaching international open waters, so the casino closes the night before arrival in Victoria and does not reopen during the cruise.

Ports that currently allow the cruise lines to operate their casinos while the ship is in port include Bermuda and Malta, which require cruise lines to apply for a gaming license. Bermuda has allowed casino operations for licensed ships between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. since 2013. It's an ideal situation as Bermuda has no land-based casinos, and many cruise ships overnight in port on Bermuda cruises. Malta, which does have land-based casinos, allows ships that have been approved for licenses to open their casinos between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Which casino games are on cruise ships?

Gaming in cruise ship casinos usually includes a mix of slot machines and table games, such as three-card poker, Caribbean stud poker, craps, blackjack and roulette. Regionally popular table games like Texas Hold 'em and pai gow may also be available on some sailings.

Can you win money in a cruise ship casino?

Most cruise ship casino games operate under the same rules and payout percentages you would find in a land-based casino; therefore, the answer is yes, you can win money in a cruise ship casino.

Social media posts and casino announcements would indicate that at least a small handful of people win four- and even occasionally five-figure slot machine payouts on a regular basis. But just as in a land-based casino, it's far easier to lose your stake than it is to win that kind of money.

How many casino points do you need to get a free cruise?

As at land-based casinos, each cruise line offering gambling on board sets its own criteria for earning perks through the line's casino loyalty program or players club. Points are generally tied to the time played and the amount of money you gamble, including the money you win and recirculate.

Much like an airline loyalty program, casino points usually accumulate over a year, earning you better perks as you work toward increasingly higher status levels. Annual free or discounted cruises are one of those perks, often beginning with complimentary (aka comped) inside cabins at relatively low status levels.

Many casinos also let you match casino status from land-based casinos (or even other cruise lines), giving you a leg up. For example, I haven't cruised with Carnival in a while, and I've never played in the line's onboard casinos, but I signed up for the Carnival players club via its Fun Match program. When I registered, I uploaded an offer from a competing cruise line and a players club card from MGM. Now when I log in to Carnival's website, I am shown casino offers that include free and discounted cruises.

Related: How to earn free cruises and perks with casino loyalty programs on land and at sea

Some cruise lines also issue instant awards for the number of points earned (i.e., money spent) on an individual cruise, regardless of status. That would be like an airline awarding free future flights to passengers who spent the most money on their flights, no matter their loyalty status.

Most mainstream cruise lines use comped cruises to fill cabins on dates they anticipate having a surplus of vacancies. These extra offers often appear random, but are generally targeted for marketing purposes rather than as rewards for high amounts of play. New players may receive these comps after low levels of play because cruise lines are always interested in attracting new casino players.

All of that adds up to the possibility of receiving a free cruise for a small number of points earned for cruising, as well as guaranteed free cruises as your points rise to the levels of play set out in the cruise lines' casino loyalty programs.

What is the best casino game to play on a cruise ship?

The best casino game to play on a cruise ship is the one that is most entertaining for you. Ultimately, you play to have fun, right?

The games that require a combination of skill and luck are the ones where the odds of winning are in your favor. For example, the overall odds on blackjack favor the casino by only 1%, while the casino has a 25% edge overall when it comes to slot machines.

Those odds mean the cruise lines operating casinos will favor slot machine players over card players, both in terms of the number of games provided and the loyalty perks awarded.

In summary, for winning money, the best games are skill games. For earning loyalty perks like free cruises, slot machines are the best choice.

Are drinks free in the casino on cruise ships?

Historically, drinks have not been free to cruise ship casino gamblers the way they usually are in land-based casinos. There are exceptions, however.

Free drinks in the casino are a perk of casino loyalty on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line. Reach the required level, and you'll earn free drinks from the casino bar, usually for a full status year. Carnival, Princess and Virgin Voyages also often throw in free drinks (either in the casino or throughout the ship) for individual comped cruises. Everyone actively gambling in the casino gets free well drinks on Celebrity cruises.

In addition, drinks are free in the casinos of luxury cruise lines like Silversea, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas because all onboard drinks are included in the cruise fare. On the big-ship lines, anyone who purchases a drinks package or cruises on a fare that includes drinks will also be drinking "free" in the casino.

Are cruise ship casinos regulated?

Cruise ship casinos are regulated in two ways. They typically adhere to the laws of the ship's country of registry. But because gambling normally only takes place while the ship is in international waters, cruise lines that sail from U.S. ports also adhere to the rules set out by the Cruise Lines International Association. Those rules state that all equipment purchased and installed on the vessels of member cruise lines will meet the regulatory standards of the Nevada Gaming Control Board or other licensed jurisdiction for payback and internal software.

Additionally, house rules must be made available in every casino. Each member cruise line is to post at every gaming table minimum and maximum betting limits for each game, and only adults are allowed to play the slots or the tables.

What's the age minimum to gamble in a cruise ship casino?

The minimum age for gambling in a cruise ship casino is 18 in most cases, but there are exceptions. MSC Cruises has a minimum gambling age of 21 on any cruise with a U.S. port; otherwise, the age is 18. Some cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, raise the minimum age to 21 on Alaska sailings.

Related: The 6 best cruise lines for young adults

Do ships run casino tournaments?

Cruise ship casinos on mainstream cruise lines often host tournaments on board featuring various casino games. The list includes slot tournaments, as well as card game tournaments for blackjack and Texas Hold 'em.

Some tournaments are invitational, offered to casino loyalty members of a certain level only. These are often held on cruises hosted specifically for players who have reached that level. For instance, Royal Caribbean holds Signature cruises designed to pamper and entertain these top-level players.

Can you smoke in the casino?

Casinos are often seen as the last bastion of cruise ship smoking freedom (beyond small, designated areas on deck). But the number of ships that offer nonsmoking casinos is steadily growing.

Celebrity Cruises does not allow smoking in its ships' casinos, and the relatively small casinos on luxury ships are generally nonsmoking, as well.

Several lines have hybrid options. For example, some Carnival ships have separate smoking and nonsmoking casinos. Norwegian has separate smoking rooms on some ships; however, cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use are allowed in casinos on ships that don't have separate smoking rooms. Princess does not allow smoking except at designated slot machines, and Holland America also has designated smoking areas in the casino.

Related: Is smoking allowed on cruise ships? A line-by-line guide

Do cruise ship casinos take cash?

Cruise ship casinos accept cash at both slot machines and table games. As an example, you can sit down at a slot machine and feed in a $20 bill, which is then converted into "credits" on the machine's screen. The value of the credit depends on the denomination of the machine. Alternatively, you might walk up to a roulette table and lay down $20 and exchange that for chips.

The exchange of cash at machines and tables is a one-way deal, even when you win. Slot machines and dealers in cruise ship casinos don't dispense cash. When you finish playing, you may be issued a paper credit slip to take to the cashier's cage for cash, or you may have your winnings loaded directly onto your onboard account on some cruise lines. At the tables, you will take chips to the cashier to exchange back into cash.

If you don't travel with cash, you can find ATMs in the casino or at guest services. Alternatives to cash in cruise ship casinos are paper credit slips, which can be played as cash at either machines or tables, onboard credit or casino free play loaded on your stateroom account, or lines of credit arranged with the casino.

You can also charge gambling money directly to your onboard account like you would charge a drink at a bar or anything else on board. Fees for gambling charges vary among cruise lines, but in most instances, table games charge a service fee, and slot machines do not.

For example, my husband recently requested money from his onboard account at a blackjack table and was charged a 5% surcharge. The ship we were on was not set up to charge onboard accounts directly from the slot machines (sometimes they are), so I had to go to the cashier for a credit slip to play. I was not charged a surcharge, although if I had asked for cash, I would have been. Both of our charges were added to our final onboard bill.

Because there is no fee added to money for slot play, onboard casinos will usually put rules in place about how quickly you can cash out of the machine. The rules are designed to keep cruisers from using slot machines as ATMs to get either cash for the table games or to cash out onboard credit they've been given from the cruise line or their travel agent.

Bottom line

If you like to gamble, cruise ship casinos provide a fun way to spend a sea day or evening on the ship. You can take lessons to learn the games you don't know how to play and even participate in tournaments.

Besides the fun of playing on board, many cruise lines have players clubs that offer onboard perks and even free cruises. And since the odds of winning are about the same as in a U.S. land-based casino, with similar regulations in place, cruise ship casinos are a safe bet for fun and entertainment — though we always encourage you to play responsibly.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• Viking Ocean

Does Viking offer frequent cruiser perks?

By Ken the cruiser , March 11, 2018 in Viking Ocean

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Ken the cruiser

The other cruise lines we sail with offer incentives for cruising multiple times with them, whether it's through accruing cruise points based on cruise days and cabin level (Celebrity or HAL) or just simply based on the number of cruise legs (Oceania or Crystal). Does Viking offer any incentives to cruise multiple times with them? I've searched their website, but couldn't find anything other than getting some "travel credits" for referrals.

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Once you've sailed with Viking, you're part of their Explorer's Society. https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/why-viking/community/viking-explorer-society.html That's it, however. It doesn't matter how many times you cruise with Viking as the discount will always be the same. You can't move up through the ranks as you can with Celebrity or Royal Caribbean, for example.

It's something anyway. Of course you have to book within 2 years to get it. Are the travel credits taken off of your cruise fare or are they added to your ship board account as nonrefundable OBC?

The discount is taken off your invoice when you book. Another way of getting some nice $$ off your invoice is to book on board. That discount varies with length of cruise but it can be substantial. On our 14 night Trade Routes cruise we received $200 off as Explorer's members, and another $400 off for booking on board. This is per person, not per cabin. It blows our Azamara, RCCL, and X loyalty discounts out of the water and we're at the top of the food chain with them. ;)

Cool! We'll definitely keep all this in mind when looking at any future cruises we might find interesting.

sunbrookgal

We'll give up our Princess & Celebrity Elite status. If Viking sails where we want to go, they will be our choice for now.

stretchcruz

Us too!! We are Elite on Princess, almost Diamond Plus on RCI, and lower levels on other cruise lines. When we sailed Viking last year we booked our next cruise while onboard (32 night back to back NZ to Australia and Bali in 2019) We got $400 off per person for past guest, and $900 off per person for the cruises as well. Since beer and wine is included with lunch and dinner, and we can bring on as much wine or beer or liquor as we want, the Elite perks that we get on the mainstream lines (mostly free cocktail hours and some $$ off of balconies, and some free laundry) seem to not be worth as much. Granted, Viking is more expensive, but boy is it worth it. We cancelled the RCI Australia cruise that we had booked for this year and decided to skip a cruise in 2018 so that we could go on Viking in 2019. Being treated like grownups and having no children, casino, photographer, or T shirt sales is so worth it to us.

So how are the evening shows in the main theater and are there plenty of things to do on sea days? Also, are there formal nights as we really don't like getting dressed up while we're on a cruise?

No formal nights!!! Love, love, love that! No jacket or tie ever required. My husband wears khakis and a polo or a button down shirt, no tie. I wear leggings and a tunic top. At the World Cafe you can wear whatever. The restaurant manager told us that jeans were allowed in The Restaurant, some people wore them, nice jeans, but I understand that there is now something written somewhere about no jeans. Don't want to start a fight.

As far as the shows, we are not really "show people"...they did an Abba show that was fine, there were a few comedians. They did a "Rat Pack" show one night that was good, in Torshavn, and our cruise director, who sang on Broadway (I believe, I'd have to look it up) did a show and it was really good. They also did a show in the atrium with the singers doing songs from Broadway. A lot of times there were historians speaking. The port talks were excellent...professional, with pictures and video and no "recommended shopping".

Sea days...we only had a few on our 3 week cruise and they were mostly accidental due to high seas. I think they had trivia and the historians and maybe they added a few lectures. My husband went to a few movies. There was a chef demo one day I remember. No hairy leg contests or belly flop contests. A lot of folks paired up and played cards or games.

Thanks everyone for your insights. Not sure Viking is our cup of tea, but maybe we'll give them a try if they have a unique cruise we like.

If you can give up the big production shows and all the razzle dazzle, Viking has a lot in it’s favor.

There are only 930 passengers on the ship, which means no long lines or crowded spaces. Every room has a balcony.

There are different cabin categories. Some are larger and there are suites. These larger rooms also have better in-cabin amenities, like included booze in the mini bar, 2 TVs, more storage, bigger balconies, double sinks in the bathroom. They also get first crack at booking excursions (included and optional) and reservations for the specialty restaurants. But outside of the room, the ship and amenities are open to all. There are no exclusive, closed off areas of the ship, like there are on other lines.

Viking includes 1 basic shore excursion in each port, beer and wine with lunch and dinner (and mimosas at breakfast), WiFi, specialty coffee 24/7 and free or discounted air fare. They do sell an upgraded beverage package, that is very reasonable compared to other lines and you can BYOB with no dirty looks and no corkage fees.

Viking cruises are very port intensive, so there generally aren’t a lot of sea days - we have none on our upcoming West Indies Explorer - so there really is no need for games and contests, art auctions, gold-by-the-inch or 2 for one tee shirt sales, parades or that sort of thing.

They do have electronic games built into some of the tables in the seating areas around the ship, a gym, 2 pools, and a wonderful spa that’s available to all.

There are no photographers or photos to buy, but any member of the crew is happy to take a photo with your phone or camera. Viking limits the number of children on board, so you don’t have parents who bring their children but leave their parental responsibilities home running amok everywhere.

And to answer your original question, their frequent cruiser program - the Explorer Society - has only one level. One cruise and you’re in. It’s all very egalitarian. There are no different color cards to flaunt. No one looking down their noses because the color of your card indicates that you haven’t done as many cruises as someone else.

Explorer Society members get $200 pp off cruises booked within a year of the prior cruise. We booked 2 cruises - one in the beginning of the period and one at the very end (by days) and got the $200 off both times.

After that first year, you get $100 pp off your next booking. You also get $100 off for each person you refer who books a cruise through their referral program.

There is a past guest party - which I’ve heard is very lovely. We will be attending our first shortly. And currently there is a program where you get to pick a gift shortly before your next cruise. They send an email and a list of items you can pick from.

Viking is different. They don’t try to be everything to everyone. For us it’s a good fit. As they say, “Your mileage may vary.” [emoji16]

Sent from my iPad using Forums

If you can give up the big production shows and all the razzle dazzle, Viking has a lot in it’s favor.   There are only 930 passengers on the ship, which means no long lines or crowded spaces. Every room has a balcony.   There are different cabin categories. Some are larger and there are suites. These larger rooms also have better in-cabin amenities, like included booze in the mini bar, 2 TVs, more storage, bigger balconies, double sinks in the bathroom. They also get first crack at booking excursions (included and optional) and reservations for the specialty restaurants. But outside of the room, the ship and amenities are open to all. There are no exclusive, closed off areas of the ship, like there are on other lines.   Viking includes 1 basic shore excursion in each port, beer and wine with lunch and dinner (and mimosas at breakfast), WiFi, specialty coffee 24/7 and free or discounted air fare. They do sell an upgraded beverage package, that is very reasonable compared to other lines and you can BYOB with no dirty looks and no corkage fees.   Viking cruises are very port intensive, so there generally aren’t a lot of sea days - we have none on our upcoming West Indies Explorer - so there really is no need for games and contests, art auctions, gold-by-the-inch or 2 for one tee shirt sales, parades or that sort of thing.   They do have electronic games built into some of the tables in the seating areas around the ship, a gym, 2 pools, and a wonderful spa that’s available to all.   There are no photographers or photos to buy, but any member of the crew is happy to take a photo with your phone or camera. Viking limits the number of children on board, so you don’t have parents who bring their children but leave their parental responsibilities home running amok everywhere.   And to answer your original question, their frequent cruiser program - the Explorer Society - has only one level. One cruise and you’re in. It’s all very egalitarian. There are no different color cards to flaunt. No one looking down their noses because the color of your card indicates that you haven’t done as many cruises as someone else.   Explorer Society members get $200 pp off cruises booked within a year of the prior cruise. We booked 2 cruises - one in the beginning of the period and one at the very end (by days) and got the $200 off both times.   After that first year, you get $100 pp off your next booking. You also get $100 off for each person you refer who books a cruise through their referral program.   There is a past guest party - which I’ve heard is very lovely. We will be attending our first shortly. And currently there is a program where you get to pick a gift shortly before your next cruise. They send an email and a list of items you can pick from.   Viking is different. They don’t try to be everything to everyone. For us it’s a good fit. As they say, “Your mileage may vary.” [emoji16]       Sent from my iPad using Forums

Great summary of Viking ocean cruises and their distinctions from other cruise lines even when it comes to repeat customers.

Coming from Celebrity I appreciate the differences.

These electronic games, are they very loud, beep-ing and boop-ing? Or are they silent? I imagine that could really ruin the quiet mood in those parts of the ship? Yes I realize there are probably *people* making noise too. :)

We were just on the Star last month, and I will add that the attire around the ship in the evenings (The Restaurant, alternative restaurants, World Cafe, lounges) was indeed quite relaxed - for both men and women. We witnessed jeans and sneakers in all dining venues, as well as attire up to "business casual" type clothing. A very few men wore a sport coat, and even fewer wore a tie. If you are looking for a relaxed and casual atmosphere, you will be at home on Viking Ocean. :)

Thanks Cyber Kat. Sounds enticing. I just wish they had some unique long itineraries that caught our eye as we do like a combination of port and sea days. For us right now we like Celebrity for their evening fun times and shows and multiple lectures on sea days. We like Oceania for their GREAT food and longer itineraries that go to some cool places around the world. We like Crystal every once in awhile when we just want to be wowed, especially on sea days with over 50+ things to do plus some great lecturers. We also like Disney and Princess when we go on family cruises with our grandkids.

As you said Viking is different and they don't try to be everything for everyone and we can appreciate that. What we're trying to figure out is w here would Viking fit into our cruising mix and what "special attractions" would we look forward to experiencing that we aren't already?

lackcreativity

Thanks Cyber Kat. Sounds enticing. I just wish they had some unique long itineraries that caught our eye as we do like a combination of port and sea days. For us right now we like Celebrity for their evening fun times and shows and multiple lectures on sea days. We like Oceania for their GREAT food and longer itineraries that go to some cool places around the world. We like Crystal every once in awhile when we just want to be wowed, especially on sea days with over 50+ things to do plus some great lecturers. We also like Disney and Princess when we go on family cruises with our grandkids.   As you said Viking is different and they don't try to be everything for everyone and we can appreciate that. What we're trying to figure out is w here would Viking fit into our cruising mix and what "special attractions" would we look forward to experiencing that we aren't already?

In terms of the quest for unique and long itineraries, I suggest you check their category World & Grand Itineraries on the website. Among others, there is a 36 day cruise from Athens to Bangkok that is my unlikely ever to happen dream cruise.

With my grand total of one ocean cruise experience, I doubt my advice is of much value. I never actually was interested in an ocean cruise based on what I had heard from people I know. What they enjoyed was not appealing to me. So, without wanting to sound at all negative, we chose Viking for what it did not have, and it was a perfect fit for us. It is not a big ship, never feels crowded, no casino, no children, no frantic atmosphere, no silly contests and the such.

It is a port focused vacation on a beautiful ship with fabulous crew, educational lectures, good to great food, where we met friendly and interesting people. With your wide variety of cruise experiences, I don't know if Viking offers you anything you cannot already find elsewhere. So perhaps it goes back to your question about itineraries. Check the website and see if there is one that might tempt you to give Viking a try.

If you can give up the big production shows and all the razzle dazzle, Viking has a lot in it’s favor.   There are only 930 passengers on the ship, which means no long lines or crowded spaces. Every room has a balcony.   There are different cabin categories. Some are larger and there are suites. These larger rooms also have better in-cabin amenities, like included booze in the mini bar, 2 TVs, more storage, bigger balconies, double sinks in the bathroom. They also get first crack at booking excursions (included and optional) and reservations for the specialty restaurants. But outside of the room, the ship and amenities are open to all. There are no exclusive, closed off areas of the ship, like there are on other lines.   Viking includes 1 basic shore excursion in each port, beer and wine with lunch and dinner (and mimosas at breakfast), WiFi, specialty coffee 24/7 and free or discounted air fare. They do sell an upgraded beverage package, that is very reasonable compared to other lines and you can BYOB with no dirty looks and no corkage fees.   Viking cruises are very port intensive, so there generally aren’t a lot of sea days - we have none on our upcoming West Indies Explorer - so there really is no need for games and contests, art auctions, gold-by-the-inch or 2 for one tee shirt sales, parades or that sort of thing.   They do have electronic games built into some of the tables in the seating areas around the ship, a gym, 2 pools, and a wonderful spa that’s available to all.   There are no photographers or photos to buy, but any member of the crew is happy to take a photo with your phone or camera. Viking limits the number of children on board, so you don’t have parents who bring their children but leave their parental responsibilities home running amok everywhere.   And to answer your original question, their frequent cruiser program - the Explorer Society - has only one level. One cruise and you’re in. It’s all very egalitarian. There are no different color cards to flaunt. No one looking down their noses because the color of your card indicates that you haven’t done as many cruises as someone else.   Explorer Society members get $200 pp off cruises booked within a year of the prior cruise. We booked 2 cruises - one in the beginning of the period and one at the very end (by days) and got the $200 off both times.   After that first year, you get $100 pp off your next booking. You also get $100 off for each person you refer who books a cruise through their referral program.   There is a past guest party - which I’ve heard is very lovely. We will be attending our first shortly. And currently there is a program where you get to pick a gift shortly before your next cruise. They send an email and a list of items you can pick from.   Viking is different. They don’t try to be everything to everyone. For us it’s a good fit. As they say, “Your mileage may vary.” [emoji16]         Sent from my iPad using Forums

Cyber Kat, you have yet to sail on Viking Oceans (so you wouldn't know) but there are a few differences between what you have experienced on your river cruise and what you will get on your Oceans cruise.

Unless you have the Silver Spirits package, you will not be given Mimosas at breakfast as you would on a Viking longship.

You will have the opportunity to play trivia if you'd like. Not as frequently as you might have on other mainstream cruise lines perhaps. We enjoyed a really fun game that the Cruise Director hosted on the Star in January, complete with prizes. There are, as you say, electronic table top games available--like maybe 2 of them on the entire ship, found only in the seating area that surround the atrium. Most of the other atrium table tops have either a scrabble or backgammon set up.

As to no crowded spaces or long lines--wait until you see the bottlenecks around the elevators after an excursion comes in! Really the only design flaw that we have noticed on Viking Oceans but an annoying one as you find yourself elbowing your way to the stairs through the throngs of people. And the lines at the ice cream counter...well-deserved given how delicious the ice cream is but you'll find them every day. Viking may carry less than a thousand people and it really is easy to be on their ships but it's not realistic to think that it's 100% not crowded.

Finally, please don't think you will be giving up big production shows and razzle dazzle. Well, maybe you'll have to give up the "big" part, but Viking Oceans does have wonderful evening entertainment! The Beatles tribute has plenty of razzle dazzle and dancing. And the other concerts and variety shows are lovely, and there's movies under the stars (weather permitting). True, there's nothing wildly over-the-top, but I'd hate for you to think that just because Viking Oceans is so port intensive that they drop the ball when it comes to entertainment, because they don't.

In my opinion, Viking doesn't yet know what to do with passengers during sea days or in the evening. Reviewed at https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2582323

"My biggest gripe remains the poor entertainment package. On some nights it consisted solely of a movie in the theater that was also available on your TV. How does the movie “Some Like it Hot” qualify as ship-wide entertainment after dinner? We had only one couple for dancers and three male and three female singers. They were talented and put on a good show, except three of the shows set in the theater were previously done on earlier cruises as specialty acts in Torshavn, the inadequately small, windowless box of a nightclub with a very tiny dance floor. The two production shows were fine. Guest entertainers were limited to two. Mel Mellers is credible funny-man magician who did 2 acts, and Lee Bradley wowed us twice with his operatic tenor singing. He was outstanding. But…that’s it for 22 days. Oh, they threw in two sessions of Balderdash and one of Majority Rules. Seriously, do audience participation games really make up a credible evening main entertainment? Surely not for the prices paid for this cruise they don’t. Sea day afternoon activities were also seemingly light."

Cyber Kat, you have yet to sail on Viking Oceans (so you wouldn't know) but there are a few differences between what you have experienced on your river cruise and what you will get on your Oceans cruise.           Unless you have the Silver Spirits package, you will not be given Mimosas at breakfast as you would on a Viking longship.           You will have the opportunity to play trivia if you'd like. Not as frequently as you might have on other mainstream cruise lines perhaps. We enjoyed a really fun game that the Cruise Director hosted on the Star in January, complete with prizes. There are, as you say, electronic table top games available--like maybe 2 of them on the entire ship, found only in the seating area that surround the atrium. Most of the other atrium table tops have either a scrabble or backgammon set up.       As to no crowded spaces or long lines--wait until you see the bottlenecks around the elevators after an excursion comes in! Really the only design flaw that we have noticed on Viking Oceans but an annoying one as you find yourself elbowing your way to the stairs through the throngs of people. And the lines at the ice cream counter...well-deserved given how delicious the ice cream is but you'll find them every day. Viking may carry less than a thousand people and it really is easy to be on their ships but it's not realistic to think that it's 100% not crowded.       Finally, please don't think you will be giving up big production shows and razzle dazzle. Well, maybe you'll have to give up the "big" part, but Viking Oceans does have wonderful evening entertainment! The Beatles tribute has plenty of razzle dazzle and dancing. And the other concerts and variety shows are lovely, and there's movies under the stars (weather permitting). True, there's nothing wildly over-the-top, but I'd hate for you to think that just because Viking Oceans is so port intensive that they drop the ball when it comes to entertainment, because they don't.

I have found from reading Cruise Critic, that one will read lots of conflicting information. I have read reviews and answers to questions that sparkling wine is available at breakfast for mimosas as it is on river cruises. We have the Silver Spirits package so it’s not an issue for us.

Personally, I can take or leave trivia games. If we are in the mood we participate, but it’s not something we seek out. We have no sea days to fill.

I saw quite a few tables with electronic games in photos people have posted. Perhaps it’s one of those small differences from ship to ship. In any case, it’s not something we would seek out either. I was just pointing out what I had noticed, in case others were interested.

I can’t imagine that any “crowd” on a Viking ship will be anything like those on a mega ship with 4, 5 or 6 thousand people. Again I have read many reviews that have described the lack of crowds. I shall see for myself next week.

I will gladly give up big production shows and razzle dazzle. It’s not something we are looking for, so it doesn’t matter to us. Lack of entertainment is a complaint I’ve heard frequently, but we never find the need to be entertained. We are quite capable of entertaining ourselves [emoji12]

We enjoyed our river cruise and have another one booked. I know the experiences have little in common. I keep telling people that the only thing river cruises and ocean cruises have in common are a vessel and water [emoji16]

We have enjoyed all of the previous cruises for reasons that are probably different from the reasons most people enjoy a cruise. Sometimes it was ports; other times a particular ship, but mostly it was being at sea and having some interesting fellow cruisers.

As far as our upcoming Viking Sea cruise, at this point if I don’t see snow for 10 days, it will be a success!

I’m hoping for good food, warm tropical breezes, turquoise water, lovely islands with fabulous scenery and lots of photo ops. I’ve seen the pictures so I know the ship is gorgeous. Our roll call group has some compatible members, so I’m looking forward to a few drinks and some interesting conversations after a wonderful day on an island.

We didn’t pick this itinerary for phenomenal port experiences, though I am looking forward to some islands I have yet to visit. We are hoping to relax and get away from the cold and snow on a ship that’s not a floating theme park/shopping mall/entertainment complex.

I'll have to look for the mimosas they were not evident on the Viking Sky. I only saw 2 of the tabletop games as well in the atrium.

In my opinion, Viking doesn't yet know what to do with passengers during sea days or in the evening. Reviewed at https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2582323 "My biggest gripe remains the poor entertainment package. On some nights it consisted solely of a movie in the theater that was also available on your TV. How does the movie “Some Like it Hot” qualify as ship-wide entertainment after dinner? We had only one couple for dancers and three male and three female singers. They were talented and put on a good show, except three of the shows set in the theater were previously done on earlier cruises as specialty acts in Torshavn, the inadequately small, windowless box of a nightclub with a very tiny dance floor. The two production shows were fine. Guest entertainers were limited to two. Mel Mellers is credible funny-man magician who did 2 acts, and Lee Bradley wowed us twice with his operatic tenor singing. He was outstanding. But…that’s it for 22 days. Oh, they threw in two sessions of Balderdash and one of Majority Rules. Seriously, do audience participation games really make up a credible evening main entertainment? Surely not for the prices paid for this cruise they don’t. Sea day afternoon activities were also seemingly light."

Interesting review. Thank you for sharing it.

The main "frequent cruiser perk" is the ability to enjoy some of the most beautiful cruise ships ever built - more often. We love sea days and the long cruises offer many of them.

If you don't see mimosas, ask for it or better ask for orange juice and sparkling wine and made your own mimosa with proportions you like ;)

We don't get silver spirits. The post was saying that mimosas were included. We never saw them but no big deal probably wouldn't have them anyway!

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Do Viking Cruise Ships Have Casinos

Don't miss, best cruise excursions in alaska, what is the best mexican riviera cruise line, prague to budapest river cruise, where is celebrity edge cruise ship now, how much is cruise insurance, holland america cruises in europe, how to find the right cruise, is a cruise right for you.

Alright, lets talk about FAQ. The question that I was asked most often during this trip was simply whether or not we would recommend cruising in general especially in Europe, especially with Viking, and especially as a 30-something. ) To be sure, everyone has different traveling styles and budgets to work with. But in general, I would say that a Viking cruise is right for you if:

Know What Youre Paying

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

As we mentioned earlier, Viking cruises arent cheap, but that doesnt mean that you cant travel frugally.

Viking River Cruises offer a 3.3 percent discount for travelers who pay via e-check, so if youre looking for a way to reduce your expenses, thats a great place to start. You should also research tipping policies for your vessel while tips are voluntary for both ocean and river cruises, Viking ocean cruises have a discretionary hotel and dining charge of $15.00 per day .

For river cruises, tipping recommendations vary depending on your location. The Viking River Cruises website contains gratuity recommendations for various cruises, along with currency recommendations.

While youll want to show your gratitude to the ships staff, youll want to know what youre paying, particularly if youre traveling on a ship that doesnt use your typical currency. Planning in advance should help you avoid a costly mistake .

What Types Of Machines And/or Tables Will I Find In The Casino

All cruise ship casinos have numerous slot machine options, and most have table games as well, including blackjack and a variety of poker games that you play against the dealer. For Texas Hold’em played against other players, some ships will have dealer-dealt tables , while others will use electronic Poker Pro tables . Still other ships will not offer Texas Hold’em at all Silversea doesn’t offer poker of any variety. There’s usually also at least one roulette table and one craps table, and a rare few will have Baccarat.

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Youll Need To Use Your Phone

Part of the fun of a cruise is getting away from the stresses of your everyday life, and for many of us, that means turning off the smartphone for a while. However, Viking offers a few apps to make your cruise more enjoyable, and if you dont install them, youll miss out.

The Viking Art Guide offers a self-guided audio tour of the artwork throughout the public spaces of the ships, with insightful commentary from your host, Vikings Senior Vice President Karine Hagen, as well as a variety of curators and experts, our source says.

Another essential download is the Viking Voyager app, which lets you see daily events, plan your cruise program, and book shore excursions, spa appointments, and dinner reservations. Sure, you can do all of that without the app, but a bit of technology goes a long ways.

As one of the apps reviewers puts it: This app is an essential tool for getting the most out of your cruise.

Do Virgin Voyages Cruise Ships Have Casinos

All cruise ships from Virgin Voyages will have casinos onboard. The casinos will be relatively small compared to some other cruise lines but will contain a variety of slot machines and gaming tables.

Scarlet Lady is the first cruise ship from Virgin Voyages, she does have a casino onboard and can be seen in the photos below.

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What Is In The Casino On Scarlet Lady

The casino will include a mix of slot machines and table games.

From the Virgin Voyages FAQs:

What type of machines and games will there be in the casino? Feelin lucky? Hope you said yes because our casinos will have a mix of traditional, vintage, and modern games available. So make sure to wear your lucky knickers .

The casino will include:

115 Slot Machines

10 Gaming Tables

Craps: 1 Craps Table They do allow side bets/ bonus bet up to 5xs off

Roulette: 2 x Roulette Tables

Texas Holdem: 1 x Electronic Texas Holdem

Blackjack: 1 x single deck blackjack

And More: 5 x tables that include- blackjack , three card poker, Ultimate Texas Holdem and Baccarat.

These Are The Ultimate Casino Cruise Ships

Gambling in the casino is a popular cruise ship activity, with many of the major ships and cruise lines having onboard games as part of their adult entertainment. The most luxurious ships have casinos that rival those on the land in style, sophistication, and even size. Not everyone goes on these cruises exclusively for gambling, but the option is there for those who love taking chances.

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Everything You Need To Know About Cruise Ship Casinos

Whether youre an avid poker player or just like to try your luck on the slot machines, cruise ship casinos offer a little something for everyone, without a flight to Las Vegas.

While some cruise lines offer more games than others, blackjack, poker, roulette, and slots are standard on all ships except Silversea Cruises, which dont allow poker. Heres what cruise lines offer in their casinos so you can take a gamble on your next cruise:

Best Small Cruise Ship

The first cruise line to stop sailing when COVID hit last year, Viking immediately started looking at ways to ensure their guests would be safe when they started again. We saw what was happening, realized we were not prepared for it and just turned the ship around, remembers Hagen. It was an obvious decision to make. The health and safety of our guests has to come first.

All Viking passengers undergo daily PCR testing

They called in experts like Vice Admiral Raquel C. Bono, M.D. and started studying the situation, paying special attention to the massive outbreak on the Diamond Princess, where, according to Japanese researchers, the seven deaths and almost 700 infections aboard the ship most likely stemmed from one infected person.

The conclusion was that the only way to stop the spread was by testing daily, says Hagen. So the protocol we developed was based on those early findings.

According to Dr. Bono, We knew at the time that the technology and science really supported PCR labs because that was the type of testing that most reliably caught the virus the earliest. So then it just became a matter of configuring the space onboard the ships to accommodate the labs and make sure we had the right kind of equipment and the right kind of lab techs who we trained ourselves. These labs are truly state of the art.

But thats only part of it.

Viking has already done almost 200,000 PCR tests

The UV-C robot disinfecting the World Cafe

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Five Things You Should Know About Viking Ocean Cruises

Last year I had the great opportunity to experience something completely new in the world of ocean cruising when I spent 11 days on a journey around the Mediterranean on the Viking Star the first vessel in what will eventually be an entire fleet operated by Viking Ocean Cruises. You may be more familiar with Viking thanks to their river cruises not only in Europe, but also around the world, and of course those now iconic commercials many of us grew to love while watching Downton Abbey . Many were skeptical when this river cruise giant took to the high seas, but in their first year they proved everyone wrong not just thanks to the feedback of their passengers, but also to the many awards they have earned. From my own experience, Viking Ocean Cruises forever changed the way I look at cruising and brought me back to the fold of enjoying this style of travel. A few weeks ago I once again joined the Viking Star on a sailing, as it repositioned from New York to the Caribbean, its new home now that the second ship in the Viking fleet has entered the waters of Europe. Looking back at that very brief cruise, I thought Id share a few aspects of sailing with Viking Ocean Cruises that may not be widely known but really should be. Viking revolutionized the way the world looks at river cruising and theyve done it again in the competitive world of ocean cruising. This is no mean feat and bears a closer examination.

Quiet luxury

Robust Itineraries

No nickel and diming

Amazing food

Can I Use Cash In The Casino Or Is Everything Charged On My Cruise Card

On most cruises, you’ll be able to use both cash and your cruise card . At the tables, your cash will be turned into chips or you can charge the price of the chips on your cruise card. Most slot machines will just take your cruise card, but some will also take cash. Very few cruise ship casinos are cash-only but a few do exist. Though most big ships will have an ATM, the fee to withdraw money is usually pretty high bring some bills if you’re unsure of how the casino on your chosen ship works.

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Tour The Bridge And The Galley

If youre on an ocean cruise, you can actually take a tour of the bridge and galley, but youll need to act quickly in order to get a spot.

At least once during your sailing, the ship will offer behind-the-scenes tours of the bridge, where the captain and crew manage the direction and speed of the ship, and the galley, the kitchen, a Viking representative says.

These are limited capacity and can only be booked once onboard, so talk to the guest services team once you arrive and watch your Viking Daily newsletter to make sure you can secure your spot.

That might not interest every traveler, but if youre interested in the inner workings of a major cruise vessel, its well worth the time.

Are Drinks Free In A Cruise Ship Casino The Same Way They Are In A Land Casino

Drinks are only free in casinos on ships where drinks are always free, such as luxury lines including Crystal, Silversea and Regent. On most ships, you’ll have to pay for your drinks just like you do at the bar or in the dining room. Pit bosses do have the authority to buy a round for the table a couple of times a night, so make friends with the pit boss if you can. If you’re a member of a cruise ship’s casino loyalty program and have racked up enough points, you might earn free drinks but most programs require you to bet a significant amount of money before all drinks are on the house.

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Will There Be A Casino On My Cruise Ship

That depends on which cruise line you’ve chosen. Most large cruise ships, and even some of the smaller ones , will have an onboard casino. The major exception to the big ship rule is Disney Cruise Line, which does not have a casino on any of its four cruise ships. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America also does not have a casino. Most expedition ships and river boats do not have casinos.

Can You Smoke In The Casino On Virgin Voyages Cruises

Guests cannot smoke in the casino on Virgin Voyages cruises. Virgin Voyages have strict rules about where smoking is allowed and cruisers who break these rules will incur a fee and possible disembarkment.

From Virgin Voyages terms and conditions:

Smoking areas are provided around the vessel. A Guest found smoking anything, to include vapes, in their room or other non-designated areas onboard, agree to a $1,000 fee to be added to their onboard account, and may be disembarked from the voyage, which may be at a port of call.

If the above does happen you are responsible for all costs which might happen when you are getting home. If youre under 21 an adult would have to be disembarked with you too which could get seriously expensive.

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Ships Without Cruise Ship Casinos

Sorry, but if you are thinking about booking a sailing on Disney, Viking, or Voyages to Antiquity youll have to find other ways to keep yourself entertained at night since none of these lines ships have a casino . Some passengers enjoy escaping the clamor of slots and the buzz of voices as the roulette wheel spins and the dice roll, while others thrive on the nightly energy.

Would you book a trip on any of these cruise ship casinos? Let us know in the comments below!

You Can Avoid Overpaying For Drinks

If youre planning on drinking regularly no judgments here, were talking about a vacation there are a couple of ways to keep your budget in check.

The most obvious: Pay for the Silver Spirits beverage package, which offers unlimited beers, cocktails, premium wines, juices, espresso drinks, and mineral water for the entire cruise. Prices vary depending on the length of the cruise, but for around $19.95 per night per guest, youll never have to worry about what youre spending.

Is that worth it? If youre planning on drinking several glasses of wine per night , its certainly a decent purchase. If that doesnt sound like a great value , theres another option.

You can also buy local wine and bring it onboard, a Viking Cruises representative tells TravelAwaits via email. Each stateroom on Viking Longships and Vikings ocean ships have a refrigerator, and a corkscrew is also available onboard.

As with all other aspects of your cruise, the trick is to plan ahead. Make a list of planned expenditures, then do the math to see whether you can justify the Silver Spirits package. If not, you can always grab a few bottles of the good stuff during a shore excursion.

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What Is The Minimum Age To Play Or Hang Out In The Casino

On most cruise ships, the minimum age to be in the casino is 18. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara raise that age to 21 on sailings in Alaska, while MSC raises it to 21 in the Caribbean. Princess Cruises, Windstar and Seabourn Cruises are among the few lines that require passengers to be 21 in the casinos on all sailings. In many cases, casinos are located along main thoroughfares, so kids will be walking through although they’re not supposed to linger. If you wish to gamble, but think you might be too young, check with your travel agent or the cruise line before booking.

Cocktails And Premium Alcohol

If you would like to enjoy alcoholic beverages beyond the included beer and wine at lunch and dinner, Viking Ocean Cruises offers a drink package for an additional cost. The Silver Spirits Beverage Package allows you to enjoy unlimited beverages in all dining venues and bars throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise for any drink up to $15. Both guests in a stateroom must purchase the package for the full length of the cruise. A 15% service charge per person is included with the price.

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Is There A Casino Loyalty Club Through Which I Can Earn Points And Perks

Most big ship casinos offer a loyalty program that is separate from the general cruise line loyalty program . As you bet money, you earn points toward rewards, usually free drinks and cruise sailings. You have to bet a lot of money to rack up a significant number of points, so don’t gamble in the casino just to try and earn rewards you’ll end up spending more money than the reward is worth. The rewards you earn on one cruise ship do not always transfer to another ship, even within the same fleet. If earning casino points on multiple cruise ships is important to you, check with the cruise line ahead of time to get specific rules of the casino loyalty program.

Are There Poker Blackjack Or Slot Tournaments In The Casino

Most cruise ships with a casino will offer tournaments of some kind. Most common are slot and blackjack. Most tournaments are buy-ins where you pay a certain amount to enter and then don’t actually spend money during the tournament. Some cruise lines allow you to rebuy during blackjack and poker tournaments, so winners tend to be whichever player is willing to continually rebuy. Winners of tournaments typically win money but on some ships, namely Royal Caribbean, winners of the Texas Hold’em tournament are also eligible to receive a free cruise for two on which the final Royal Poker Tournament is held, for which a prize pool of $100,000 is guaranteed.

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How Can I Find Out More About Cruise Ship Casinos

You might also like the following article:

• Casinos at Sea: Win Big with Free Cruises and Perks From Cruise Ship Play

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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