Viking for seniors
The short answer
Viking's ocean ships take guests 18 and over only, with elegant-casual evenings and no formal nights. Gratuities are added daily if not prepaid, and a beverage package is sold separately. It is a popular choice for travelers who want a quiet ship.
Viking: the rules, from Viking's own pages
- Minimum age
18 and over on the day of embarkation
All guests must be 18 years old on or before the day they embark.
Viking does not maintain facilities or services on board for younger guests.
Source: Viking, checked September 21, 2026
- Dress code
Casual by day, “elegant casual” in the evening, and no formal nights
Daytime: shorts, slacks or jeans, with comfortable shoes for walking tours.
Swimwear, cover-ups, robes and exercise attire belong in the fitness, pool and spa areas only.
Evening “elegant casual” applies to all dining venues, performances and special events. Ladies: a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse. Gentlemen: trousers and a collared shirt.
Source: Viking, checked September 21, 2026
- Daily gratuities
$20 USD per person per night, added automatically if not prepaid
Viking calls it a recommended rate and it can be changed or paid in cash at Guest Services.
Separately, Viking suggests $3 per person per day for local guides and $2 for local drivers.
Source: Viking, checked September 21, 2026
- Drink packages
Silver Spirits Beverage Package — $27 per guest, per day
House beers, wines and soft drinks are already complimentary with onboard lunches and dinners. All-day coffees and hot teas are complimentary too.
Silver Spirits is a flat daily fee and adds unlimited global beers, select wines, champagne and spirits.
Source: Viking, checked September 21, 2026
- Canceling
Flat fee far out, rising to 100% inside 29 days
Standard cruise tours booked on or after August 1, 2018: 120 days or more out, US$100 per passenger; 119–90 days 20% of full fare; 89–70 days 35%; 69–50 days 50%; 49–30 days 75%; 29 days or fewer 100%.
Grand and World Cruise Voyages over 35 days: 180 days or more out, US$1,000 per passenger; 179–150 days 20%; 149–120 days 40%; 119–90 days 60%; 89–60 days 80%; 59 days or fewer 100%.
Cancellation fees also apply to changes of departure date and substitutions of itinerary.
Source: Viking, checked September 21, 2026
Viking on the Mississippi
What the rules say
Viking also sails Europe's rivers. See European river cruises for seniors and river cruises for seniors.
Rather talk it through? Kathryn Lyn answers the phone.
Call (239) 357-0814Why Viking appeals to older travelers
- Adults only — no children on board.
- No formal nights; evenings are elegant casual.
- Ocean ships and river ships, including on the Mississippi.
Compared with other adults-only lines
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Viking | 18 and over on the day of embarkation | September 21, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | 18 and over — every sailing is adults only | September 21, 2026 |
| Oceania Cruises | 18 and over on new bookings made from January 7, 2026 | September 24, 2026 |
Tips on the adults-only lines
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Viking | $20 USD per person per night, added automatically if not prepaid | September 21, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | $22 per Sailor per day, or $20 if you prepay before you sail | September 21, 2026 |
| Oceania Cruises | Included in the fare for all guests | September 21, 2026 |
Common questions
Questions, answered.
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