In 2022, I embarked on the exciting task of planning my honeymoon. My husband and I had our wedding the year prior, and we spent the following year saving and daydreaming about the possibilities of an adventurous honeymoon. As two people who love to travel, we were eager to see and do as much as possible in our two-week timeframe.
We ultimately chose to take not one, but two Viking cruises back to back. If, like us, you’ve seen Viking’s marketing and advertisements and thought they were exclusively for older travelers, let me happily inform you that’s not the case.
I knew that my husband and I wanted a slower pace onboard, fewer people, less nickel-and-diming, and an all-inclusive experience while seeing and experiencing as much as possible on our European cruise itineraries.
From our research, Viking seemed to offer the atmosphere and overall aesthetic we were looking for. When Viking ran a promotional sale that allowed us to take two voyages back to back, we decided that Viking was the choice for us.
We quickly fell in love with Viking as a cruise brand and are eager to book a future sailing. Let me show you why I think Viking is one of the very best names in the cruise industry and why, as someone in my 20s, this cruise line, marketed for more mature travelers, has become my obsession!
Breaking stereotypes: Why Viking cruises aren’t just for older travelers
Many younger travelers assume cruising is something for older adults. However, I think this perception is shortsighted. Cruising provides an exceedingly easy and efficient way to see many different places in one trip during a shorter timeframe.
Viking has a reputation for being luxurious without the frills and fuss, and I completely agree. Viking offered the perfect compromise of an exceptional experience that felt elevated without the pressure of wearing a ball gown to dinner every evening.
As two travelers in our 20s, we were the youngest onboard both our Viking cruises. However, this didn’t bother us. Since we were focusing on each other and looking to relax while exploring Europe on our honeymoon, the quiet and sophisticated atmosphere onboard fit us perfectly.
While some activities, such as the complimentary afternoon tea, may not be everyone’s cup of tea literally, it was ours! We had so much fun sitting back and relaxing, listening to live music while sipping delicious tea, and eating decadent macarons. It was the perfect way to reflect on everything we had explored that day ashore.
Itineraries and shore excursions on Viking cruises
One of the main reasons we chose Viking was its incredible itineraries. Viking visits some of the most fascinating places and does it with elegance and exceptional service. Viking offers every guest one free shore excursion every single day of the cruise, ensuring all passengers can explore the destinations at no extra cost.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover these complimentary shore excursions were fantastic. Many were even superior to excursions I’ve paid $100 or more for on larger cruise lines.
Viking’s unique offering spans several types of cruising, including ocean cruises, river cruises, and expedition voyages. This diversity means guests can keep returning to Viking for entirely new experiences while staying loyal to a brand they trust.
For our honeymoon, we took an ocean cruise in the Mediterranean during the winter and a Rhine River cruise during the Christmas market season. These back-to-back trips were seamlessly organized by Viking and our transfers, which were also included, between ships went smoothly.
Viking also offers interesting and unique itineraries during the “off-season.” For example, visiting Italy at Christmastime on a cruise isn’t something many large-scale cruise lines offer, as most Mediterranean itineraries run exclusively in the summertime, but Viking does—and does it beautifully.
Affordable luxury: Why Viking is worth the splurge
At this point, you might wonder: How much does a Viking cruise cost? Surprisingly, it’s not significantly more expensive than many other cruise lines when you break down the cost.
Our entire honeymoon cost $9,000. This included a 7-night ocean cruise in the Mediterranean, a 7-night Rhine River cruise, roundtrip airfare from the United States to Europe, all shore excursions, meals (including specialty dining), a beverage package on each ship, balcony staterooms on both ships, shore excursions, thermal spa access, airport transfers, and more.
When comparing these costs to what we’d pay for a similar trip with a larger cruise line like Norwegian or Royal Caribbean, Viking was comparably priced—if not more affordable in some cases—considering the included amenities. While $9,000 is a substantial amount of money, it felt justified given the exceptional experience Viking provides.
Viking’s luxurious touch extends to every element of the cruise. From complimentary specialty dining to beautifully designed staterooms and sophisticated common areas, everything about Viking feels elevated.
One of my favorite features on Viking’s ocean ships is the thermal spa, which is complimentary for all passengers. On other cruise lines, access to a thermal spa often costs hundreds of dollars. We loved visiting the thermal spa, and it quickly became one of our favorite spots onboard.
Pro tip: The smoked salmon eggs Benedict served at the breakfast buffet is amazing! Don’t forget to try the complimentary sushi and homemade gelato, freshly prepared daily on Viking’s ocean ships.
Cultural experiences you won’t find on other cruises
Another big reason we chose Viking was its emphasis on the culture and history of each destination. Viking does an excellent job immersing passengers in the places they visit.
The complimentary shore excursions are a perfect example of this. Many focus on local cultural experiences or deep dives into the history of each port.
Onboard, Viking doesn’t offer large-scale Broadway productions. Instead, they host daily history and cultural lectures. While this might not appeal to everyone, as a history enthusiast, I loved it! Evenings spent sipping wine and learning from resident historians about the next day’s port were a highlight of the trip for me.
Viking also incorporates regional cuisine into its dining experiences. Each day, traditional and locally inspired dishes are served onboard, further connecting guests to the destinations.
What sets Viking apart from other cruise lines
Viking’s approach to cruising is distinctly different from other lines.
You won’t find casinos, lively nightclubs, comedians, or large-scale production shows onboard. Instead, Viking offers infinity pools, complimentary specialty dining, quiet lounges with stunning views, daily afternoon tea, live music performances, history lectures, and complimentary thermal spa access.
Every Viking ocean ship is designed the same and accommodates about 1,000 guests, making them some of the smaller ocean cruise ships in the industry. This consistent design allows passengers to focus on choosing the itinerary of their dreams, knowing they’ll love the ship regardless.
Additionally, Viking is an adults-only cruise line, with a minimum sailing age of 18. This ensures a peaceful and refined atmosphere throughout the ship.
Key insights on Viking cruises
Before experiencing Viking, I thought it might not appeal to someone in their 20s. I worried I might be alone in my love for history lectures, afternoon teas, and immersive shore excursions. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. The immersive experiences and laid-back luxury completely won me over, and I truly believe Viking could appeal to the right younger travelers, too.
Viking’s focus on cultural enrichment and meaningful shore excursions is perfect for travelers who value destination experiences. I felt at home immediately after stepping onboard. Viking quickly became my favorite cruise line, and ever since those first two sailings, I’ve been dreaming about my next voyage.
Splurging on Viking felt like an investment in my travel dreams. The all-inclusive perks, cozy ships, and thoughtful touches made it a trip I’ll never forget. The upfront pricing and lack of nickel-and-diming were refreshing and justified the cost when compared to other cruise lines.
As someone who loves diving into history, culture, and food, Viking gave me the chance to explore the world in a way that felt truly unique and rewarding. The way Viking brought us closer to the destinations we visited felt unparalleled in the cruise industry. Their emphasis on destinations—while letting their luxurious, understated ships speak for themselves—creates a travel experience that’s as enriching as it is unforgettable.
In my 20s, I never expected to fall in love with Viking cruises. But their focus on meaningful travel, cultural immersion, and understated luxury completely changed the way I see cruising.
Whether you’re a curious adventurer, a history lover, or simply someone looking for a travel experience that goes beyond the surface, Viking proves that age is just a number when it comes to exploring the world.
