I've Booked My Viking Cruise—Now What?

You've Booked. Now the Fun Begins.

Congratulations! Your Viking cruise is officially on the calendar.

Whether this is your first Viking voyage or your fifth, there are several important steps between booking day and embarkation day that can help ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

The good news? Viking makes much of the process straightforward. The challenge is knowing what to prioritize and when.

This guide walks you through the most important milestones.

12 Months or More Before Departure

Review Your Passport

For international travel, passport validity requirements vary by destination. Confirm your passport will remain valid well beyond your travel dates.


Consider Travel Protection

This is often the ideal time for us to evaluate travel insurance options.


Begin Air Planning

If you have not finalized flights, now is a good time for us to discuss:

  • Viking Air
  • Air Plus options
  • Independent flight arrangements
  • Pre- and post-cruise hotel stays


6–9 MONTHS BEFORE DEPARTURE


Create Your My Viking Journey Account at www.MyVikingJourney.com 


This is your online cruise planning portal. Inside you'll manage:

  • Guest information
  • Travel documents
  • Shore Excursions
  • Dining reservations (on Ocean itineraries)
  • Flight details


Verify Guest Information

Double-check:

  • Passport details
  • Emergency contacts
  • Air Travel preferences


Review Air Arrangements

Make sure flight details are correct and understood.


Start Scheduling Excursions

Many guests wait too long. Identify:

  • Must-do activities
  • Reserve included tours so they appear on your daily agenda
  • Reserve optional excursions of interest
  • NOTE - some ocean itineraries may not allow excursion reservations until closer to sailing


120 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE


Flights - make sure that you have reserved your flights through Viking or independently.  Typically, any changes to your Viking Air after this date will incur additional fees.

Insurance - this is the optimal time to purchase Allianz insurance quoted by Cruise Planners as this is when cancellation penalties kick-in with Viking.


30 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE


Consider pre-paying crew gratuities in advance through My Viking Journey by clicking "Before You Go".


Prepare Your Documents

  • Passport
  • Cruise documents (received by email typically 2 weeks before departure)
  • Air confirmations (download airline apps to your phone for easy access to your flights)
  • Insurance information


Plan Packing

Viking is generally relaxed and comfortable.

Focus on:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Layered clothing
  • Weather-specific items
  • "Country Club Casual" for dinner
  • NOTE - Laundry services are available onboard for a nominal fee.


One Final Thought


The guests who enjoy Viking most are usually the ones who arrive informed and prepared.

If you have questions before departure, this is exactly where expert guidance can make a difference.

Need help? Schedule a Viking Insider Planning Session.