Does Viking offer frequent cruiser perks?

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.

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.

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?

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. ;)

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.

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

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.

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?

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]

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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]

 

 

 

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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.

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.

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. :)

Silent

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.

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 where would Viking fit into our cruising mix and what "special attractions" would we look forward to experiencing that we aren't already?

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 where 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]

 

 

 

 

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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.

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?

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.

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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.

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.

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!