All Inclusive Viking Cruise Packages: Plans & Prices
Planning a vacation that’s equal parts adventure and ease starts with choosing the right cruise line.
If you’re eyeing All Inclusive Viking Cruise Packages, this guide breaks down exactly what “all inclusive” means with Viking, lays out realistic 3-, 5-, and 7-day package plans with price ranges, highlights the most popular U.S. destinations, and shows you how to lock in the best deal.What “All Inclusive” Means on Viking
Viking is known for its “Viking Inclusive Value,” which covers far more than the mainstream cruise norm. On both river and ocean itineraries you’ll typically get at least one included shore excursion in every port, all onboard meals, beer/wine/soft drinks with lunch and dinner, specialty coffees and teas, Wi‑Fi, access to enrichment lectures, and port taxes/fees. Ocean ships often include alternative dining venues, 24‑hour room service, and self‑service laundry. See the latest inclusions directly from Viking for river and ocean voyages.
Not typically included: gratuities, premium beverages outside mealtimes, optional (paid) shore excursions, spa treatments, and airfare unless there’s an air promo. Many travelers add Viking’s optional Silver Spirits beverage package (ocean) for premium drinks beyond lunch/dinner pours. Think of Viking as “almost-all-inclusive,” with a few extras you can tailor to your style.
When you see “All Inclusive Viking Cruise Packages” advertised by agencies, it usually means they’ve bundled Viking’s already‑strong inclusions with extras such as roundtrip airfare and transfers, pre/post hotel nights, gratuities, and sometimes a drink package or travel insurance—creating a true one‑price experience.
3‑, 5‑, and 7‑Day All Inclusive Viking Packages (Plans & Prices)
Viking’s published itineraries are most often 7 nights or longer, but many travel advisors build shorter “sampler” packages by pairing partial sailings or city stays around Viking departures. Below are realistic example plans and price ranges to help you budget. Pricing estimates are per person, double occupancy, excluding taxes/fees/air unless noted, and will vary by season, ship, and availability.
3‑Day Lower Mississippi Sampler — Plan & Price
Who it’s for: First‑timers who want a taste of Viking’s U.S. river experience without committing a full week.
- Day 1: Fly into New Orleans; overnight in the French Quarter (hotel + transfer). Evening embarkation welcome aboard Viking Mississippi. Stroll Bourbon Street or enjoy live jazz at a classic club. Explore the region more with New Orleans resources.
- Day 2: Plantations & bayous. Included excursion to a historic plantation; onboard regional cuisine demo.
- Day 3: Baton Rouge call; included city highlights tour. Afternoon disembark or extend a night in the city.
What’s included: Viking’s included excursion each day, meals, beer/wine/soft drinks at lunch/dinner, Wi‑Fi; package adds hotel night, transfers, and prepaid gratuities.
Estimated price: From ~$1,200–$2,400 depending on stateroom and season (derived from typical per‑night fares on the Viking Mississippi plus bundled hotel/transfers). Note: actual Viking sailings are commonly 7–8 days; advisors create 3‑day samplers by combining city stays with partial segments when available.
5‑Day Great Lakes Explorer — Plan & Price
Who it’s for: Nature lovers seeking expedition‑style comfort on the Great Lakes with immersive port days.
- Day 1: Arrive Milwaukee; embark Viking Octantis/Polaris (Great Lakes). Sail‑away dinner and lecture on lake ecology.
- Day 2: Mackinac Island—car‑free charm and Victorian architecture; consider the included island tour. See more at Mackinac Island.
- Day 3: Detroit/Windsor region—maritime heritage and museums. Start with Detroit trip ideas.
- Day 4: Alpena or Georgian Bay—kayaking or RIB excursions (often optional). Evening science talk in the Aula.
- Day 5: Disembark in Thunder Bay or return to Milwaukee (depends on sailing); transfer to airport.
What’s included: Viking’s included excursion most days, meals, beer/wine/soft drinks at lunch/dinner, Wi‑Fi; package adds roundtrip transfers, hotel night if needed, and optional drink package.
Estimated price: From ~$3,500–$6,500 (Great Lakes expedition per‑night fares are higher; see current options at Viking Great Lakes). Shorter packages are commonly built around partial voyages or back‑to‑back port calls with a city stay.
7‑Day Alaska Inside Passage — Plan & Price
Who it’s for: Travelers wanting a classic weeklong ocean cruise with Viking’s destination focus and fewer sea days.
- Day 1: Embark in Vancouver or Seward (varies by itinerary). Sail‑away along the Inside Passage.
- Day 2: Ketchikan—rainforest walks and Native heritage. Trip planning at Visit Ketchikan.
- Day 3: Juneau—glacier flightseeing or whale watching (optional); see Travel Juneau.
- Day 4: Skagway—Gold Rush history and the White Pass rail. More at Skagway.
- Day 5: Scenic cruising—fjords and wildlife; destination lecture onboard.
- Day 6: Sitka or Icy Strait Point—cultural immersion and nature trails.
- Day 7: Disembark; included transfer to airport if air/transfer bundle is purchased.
What’s included: Viking’s standard ocean inclusions; package adds airfare, transfers, and prepaid gratuities for a true “one price” week.
Estimated price: From ~$3,200–$5,600 depending on sail date and stateroom (based on typical weekly ocean per‑night pricing; browse current options at Viking Alaska).
Who Sells These Packages (and Where to Book Safely)
You can book directly with Viking or through reputable travel companies that bundle extras for added value. Trusted options include:
- Costco Travel (member perks like digital Costco Shop Cards on select bookings)
- AAA Travel (local advisors and occasional group space)
- American Express Travel (Fine Hotels + Resorts tie‑ins where applicable)
- Vacations To Go (consolidated deal listings)
- Expedia Cruises, Cruise.com, and Travel Leaders (large agency networks)
Whichever route you choose, look for advisors who are CLIA‑certified and have current Viking training. You can verify credentials via Cruise Lines International Association.
Most Popular U.S. Viking Destinations
- Lower Mississippi River: New Orleans to Memphis (and reverse), calling on historic towns, Cajun/Creole cuisine, and Civil War sites. Plan time in New Orleans and Memphis.
- Upper Mississippi River: Memphis/St. Louis to St. Paul, with scenic bluffs and Americana stops. See St. Louis and St. Paul.
- Great Lakes Expeditions: Milwaukee to Thunder Bay (varies), featuring Mackinac Island, Duluth, and more.
- Alaska & the Inside Passage: Classic glaciers‑and‑wildlife route with calls like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.
- New England & Canada (seasonal): Coastal culture with U.S. calls like Boston, Newport, and sometimes New York City.
How to Secure the Best Deal
- Book during “Wave Season” (Jan–Mar): Historically the richest promos (reduced deposits, air credits, or onboard credit) surface early in the year.
- Target shoulder seasons: For U.S. sailings, look at late April–May and September–early November for better pricing and fewer crowds.
- Bundle smartly: Air + transfers + hotel nights negotiated by agencies can beat DIY costs and create a true all‑inclusive price.
- Leverage past‑guest perks: Viking’s Explorer Society offers returning‑guest savings and occasional onboard credit—ask to have it applied.
- Watch price drops: If you booked refundable and are outside penalty, your advisor can often re‑fare you to a better promo.
- Consider category flexibility: On river, French balcony vs. veranda can swing prices meaningfully; on ocean, lower‑deck verandas are great value.
- Group or affinity space: Agencies with blocked group space may include extras (OBC, gratuities) at the same or lower fare.
- Mind total trip cost: Add gratuities, optional excursions, and insurance to compare apples‑to‑apples vs. “all‑in” competitors.
Best Time to Sail and Book
- Mississippi River: Best weather in spring (Mar–May) and fall (Sep–Nov). For deals, look at early spring and late fall shoulder dates.
- Great Lakes: Sailing window is short (roughly May–Sep). Best pricing: early season (May–early Jun) and post‑peak (early Sep).
- Alaska: Peak wildlife and daylight in Jun–Aug (highest fares). Value dates: May and September; expect cooler temps and more promos.
- New England & Canada: Beautiful foliage late Sep–Oct; book 9–12 months out to secure choice cabins at good rates.
- Booking window: For popular dates, 9–15 months out locks in selection and promos; for flexible travelers, occasional last‑minute values appear 60–120 days out.
Final Tips Before You Book
- Choose the right ship type: River (Mississippi), expedition (Great Lakes), or ocean (Alaska/New England). Each has different inclusions and price bands.
- Decide your “all‑inclusive” must‑haves: If unlimited drinks and gratuities matter, ask an advisor to bundle beverage package + prepaid tips.
- Plan excursions early: Included tours can fill; reserve optional experiences (like Alaska flightseeing) well in advance.
- Protect your investment: Consider comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical and trip interruption for river/ocean/expedition travel.
- Verify accessibility and pace: Viking skews to destination immersion over flashy onboard entertainment—perfect if you love culture, history, and scenery.
With the right plan, All Inclusive Viking Cruise Packages can deliver effortless travel, destination‑rich days, and a clear bottom line. Use the sample 3‑, 5‑, and 7‑day plans above to start budgeting, then compare offers from Viking and a trusted advisor to lock in the sailing—and savings—that fit you best.