
Friday, July 25, 2025

Booking a Viking Cruise is a big investment. For one, it takes a lot of research time. There are multiple itineraries, excursions and ships to consider. The time of year and porting locations of course come into play. Next, you have international flights to worry about.
We have not even spoken about the financial investment of a Viking Cruise. It is no secret that this cruise line is not a discount cruise line.
However, Viking Cruises are worth the investment! Their ships are clean and modern, designed with large windows at the best vantage points. They have no cabins that are below sea level or windowless. In fact, all cabins come with a Nordic Balcony to enjoy.
The dining is regional and crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
Viking has also partnered with various research groups such as:
These research groups have scientists on the Viking Cruises, collecting samples and submitting reports. They often give free lectures on the ship that are relevant to the places you are traveling through!
After making such an important investment, how do you make the most out of your Viking Cruise Trip? You be prepared!
At Imagine Going There Travel, we aim to help prepare you for your next Viking Cruise. We are a free Viking Cruise Travel Agency that offers custom travel planning, weekly webinars, a local person to call with any Viking-related questions, and more! We will also book your flights and set you up with travel insurance.
Continue reading for Imagine Going There Travel’s tips for making the most out of your next Viking Cruise!
Know Where You Are Going
Each Viking Cruise offers a unique day-by-day itinerary. Simply knowing you are starting in the Netherlands, traveling through Germany and Austria, and ending in Hungary (as you would be for the Grand European Tour) is not enough.
After making such an investment, you need to really immerse yourself! Take some time to research the local culture, food, art, history and architecture.
Thankfully, Viking’s website is full of resources to explore to help you learn about your upcoming travels.
If you go to the Viking Website, you will see a search bar in the top, right-hand corner of your screen. See below for an example.

Type your cruise name in that search bar! Click on the first link that pops up. You are now looking at the “Dates and Pricing” Tab for your cruise.
If you have already booked your cruise, you do not need this information. You need to go to the “Itinerary” Tab. This is to the left of the “Dates and Pricing” Tab, and it is denoted by a globe. Use the image below for some guidance (click on the circled Tab named “Itinerary”)

Scroll down to get the day-by-day itinerary for your cruise. This information will tell you where you will be, where you will eat and if you have any excursions or group tours that day.
The day-by-day itinerary will also give you some context for your locations. Make sure to visit the must-see attractions listed here! Often these attractions are suggested to help immerse you in the art and culture of your destinations.
Also, be sure to stop at the recommended restaurants. Some of these hole-in-the-wall places have become our favorites!
Know What to Pack
A good place to start with packing is with the weather! Check out what the average temperature will be during the time of year of your travels. Also, look at how often it rains and how high the heat index and UV will be.
Next, take a look at that day-by-day itinerary on Viking’s Website. If you are going to Europe, it is likely that you will be walking down narrow cobblestone streets. You might consider wearing flat, closed-toe shoes.
Don’t forget to consider your excursions! Some excursions will include a list of items they recommend you bring. This could include a waterproof bag, water shoes, pants, a snorkel etc. We recommend that you listen to this advice. It is always better to bring and not need something than to leave and need it!
For extra packing help, do not be hesitant in reaching out to us! Our goal is to help you with any- and everything Viking cruise related.
At Imagine Going There Travel, all of our specialists are seasoned Viking Cruisers. We have the first-hand experience to suggest what kind of clothes you will need wherever you are going.
If you are like us, and frequently pack too much, we have tips for that too! Hint - think in layers. One bulky sweater takes up more space than three light sweaters and a thermal undershirt. Plus, with the light sweaters and undershirt, you have more options!
Pick Excursions You are Excited About
Each cruise has a multitude of excursions that are designed to attract different interests. Some will be geared towards art and music lovers, some will be tuned for the architects and engineers. Some excursions are super athletic and some excursions involve sitting and listening to a lecture or strolling down a cobblestone street through a European Market.
The point is, there are excursions for everyone! Take some time to really read through this information. Keep in mind that just because you have seen an attraction before, does not mean that you will get the same experience seeing it with Viking Cruises.
Viking Cruises has intimate connections all over the world. They often get privileged access to museums, historic homes, music halls and more!
Some excursions will require prepayment. However, with our recommended travel insurance plan, you are guaranteed to get this money back if you must cancel your Viking Cruise for any reason.
For more information about excursions on your next Viking Cruise, give us a call! All of our travel specialists are seasoned Viking Cruisers, and we would love to give you our recommendations!
Dive Into the Art, History and Culture of Your Destinations
At Imagine Going There Travel, we believe that learning is an integral part of your Viking experience.
You will learn about influential people, places and events while dining on regional delicacies and listening to traditional music. To be able to properly enjoy and immerse yourself in these experiences, we believe that the learning begins before you board.
Once again, head over to Viking’s website. In the search bar in the upper, right-hand corner of your screen, type in your Viking Cruise.
Select the top link to get to the “Dates and Pricing” Tab for your cruise.
We have already checked out the “Itinerary” Tab, so this time click the “Resources” Tab to the right of the “Dates and Pricing” Tab. The “Resources” Tab is circled in Red in the image below.

Under this tab, you can find interesting and informative documentaries and readings to help immerse you in your travels. Also find a 360 degree tour of your ship, FAQs and reviews from past guests.
To make the process of researching easier, Imagine Going There Travel also provides bi-weekly webinars on Viking’s most popular destinations. These videos take a deeper dive into the day-by-day itineraries, excursions and historical value of your destinations.
Imagine Going There Travel will also ship you hand-selected books that will help you learn about your cruise’s journey.
As always, if you or your travel companion want more information or information about a niche subject related to your travels, contact us! We are always happy to help immerse you in your next Viking Cruise.
Consider a Pre- or Post- Cruise Extension
Viking Cruises offers pre- and post- cruise extensions that are sure to take your vacation to the next level. These extensions allow patrons to stay in their cruise’s starting or ending location for two or three extra nights.
These extensions are designed to immerse travelers in local history, religion, art, science etc. They include exclusive access to limited admission hotels, restaurants, museums and art centers.
To find out if your Viking Cruise has a pre- or post- extension, visit the Viking Website, and type your cruise name into the search bar located in the upper, right-hand corner of the screen.
Click the first link, bringing you to that beloved “Dates and Pricing” Tab. Click on the Tab labeled “Itinerary” to the left of the “Dates and Pricing” Tab.
If you have been following along, this page should look familiar. You can scroll down to get the day-by-day itinerary of your trip.
From the day-to-day itinerary, continue scrolling down to find a section labeled “Pre and Post Cruise Extensions.” If your cruise offers pre- or post- excursions, they will be listed here along with an itinerary and a cost outline.
As always, Imagine Going There Travel is here to help you if you want to book a pre- or post- cruise excursion. Let us know and we can schedule a free consultation!
Leave Room in Your Suitcase for a Souvenir
When people get back from their first Viking Cruise, they often tell me their only mistake was trying to stuff so many clothes and shoes into their suitcase that they forgot to leave space for a souvenir!
Of course, shipping a souvenir is almost always an option. However, with shipping you risk valuable memoirs getting broken overseas or smashed in the back of back of a shipping truck.
At Imagine Going There Travel, we recommend saving some space in your carry-on bag. This way, those souvenirs are with you during all port transactions and during all flights.
Take Lots of Pictures
Another common mistake passengers tell us they made is not taking enough pictures!
At Imagine Going There Travel we believe Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most. The best way to share and relive those great memories is with photographs!
If you are going somewhere that rain is common, consider purchasing a waterproof, film camera to take with you on excursions! This might save your phone from encountering water. Plus, retro pictures are in!
Walmart sells a FUJIFILM Disposable Camera with 27 pictures for less than $15.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, booking a Viking Cruise is a big investment, for both your time and wallet. However, Viking Cruises are worth the investment!
At Imagine Going There Travel, we help prepare you for your next Viking Cruise.
We are a free Viking Cruise Travel Agency that offers custom travel planning, weekly webinars, a local person to call with any Viking-related questions, and more! We will also book your flights and set you up with travel insurance.
To make the most out of your next Viking Cruise you need to:
Does that list sound long and daunting? Remember that Imagine Going There Travel is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free Viking Cruise Consultation.
Have you booked with Viking recently? Call us today to find out how you can earn $200 Shipboard Credit!
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