When Viking Cruises was founded in 1997, it began with four ships. Today, the enterprise has a fleet of over 70 ships, including vessels for ocean and river cruise lines. Destinations started with European ports, expanded to North American locals, and even voyages to Antarctica.

Viking Cruises has plenty of accolades, including #1 Ocean Cruise Line in the World’s Best Awards 2020 (Travel + Leisure) for the fifth year in a row and Cruiser’s Choice Awards (Cruise Critic) 2016 through 2019.

With so much attention, praise, and destination possibilities, Viking Cruises appeals to a wide variety of vacationers and explorers. But before you set your sights on a trip with Viking Ocean Cruises, you should know the rules. For family trips, Viking Ocean Cruises has set some limits.

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Viking Ocean Cruises are for Ages 18+ Only

Regardless of your chosen destination or vessel, all Viking guests must be 18 years old by their departure date. If you book a seventeen-year-old, they can pack their bags as long as a birthday passes before they hop aboard.

Before 2018, Viking River Cruises allowed kids 12 and up to embark, but Viking Ocean Cruises has always been a kids-free zone. The updated policy reflects the overall attraction of Viking, reflecting the interests of travelers 50 and older.

Since its establishment in 2015, Viking Cruises has cultivated an environment for passengers who appreciate culture, history, music, art, relaxation, exploration, and no babysitting duty. The excursions feature scenery and architectural tours rather than hands-on or taxing physical activity, favoring older audiences.

The push to remove the unclear policy was probably a wise move, as there was little to do for preteen or teenage passengers, even on Viking river vessels. So if your kids are under 18, you’ll have to skip Viking Ocean Cruises or plan an outing for grownups.

What About Kids Over 18?

Unfortunately, for families with underage kids, Viking Ocean Cruises isn’t an option. But what about family groups with adult kids?

Most countries congratulate people on reaching adulthood at eighteen, but they don’t suddenly become independent overnight. Likely, parents and guardians unanimously agree that one birthday doesn’t change how they treat their kids.

But maybe you’re thinking about your newly turned eighteen-year-old joining you on a Viking Ocean Cruise? Is your twenty-something wondering if Viking Ocean Cruises are a fun idea?

Of course, it does depend on the individual. Some young people are described as having an old soul, or maybe their habits seem better suited for a milder venue. You know your kids best, so if you and your kids genuinely enjoy all the same things, chances are you only need to know yourself to tell if it’s a good fit.

However, if there’s room for error, it’s best to have all the facts before purchasing a vacation package. So we’ll go over what families and their young adult members can expect on Viking Cruises.

What Viking Is Not

Viking Cruises gears their trips towards adult cruisers, typically older adults who prefer a slower pace. Nevertheless, some excitement and some ashore adventures are better for people with a fuller range of mobility and higher activity levels. However, as Viking doesn’t accommodate kids, its entertainment offerings are limited.

But, it can be more appealing for larger groups or family cruises because it’s more affordable than alternatives. Viking also promotes casual wear and doesn’t require formal nights. The atmosphere might be more comforting, especially for a broader range of ages and experiences. For example, there are no casinos and no smoking.

For travelers wanting an enjoyable time aboard with the benefit of longer time spent ashore, Viking spends more time in port. However, for adult kids, the excursions can be the best part, especially for anyone who’s immersing in a unique culture for the first time.

Joining a cruise can be a safer way to explore foreign soil. Joining an excursion means meeting with knowledgeable guides and reliable transport. It can be frustrating for spry group members partnered with slower movers. Still, you’ll have the opportunity to see everything just the same.

Another advantage is that you always have a suitable place to sleep at the end of a long day. Or, you can keep your days short and pace yourself. Although, we expect the younger passengers would prefer more time engaging with the port side than the deck side.

Viking Ocean Cruises Destinations

Viking Ocean Cruises has many greatest hits destinations, appealing to any age within the eighteen-plus range. The vessels sail to six continents, with trips to Scandinavia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Alaska, North American, South America, and Africa.

Viking tailors onboard entertainment and onshore experiences to match their destinations, with similar exposure to lecturers, concerts, and local art. For some kids, it might feel like they’re stuck in class, but others might love the engaging approach to culture.

Viking Ocean Cruises Amenities

If all it takes to pacify your young adult is internet access, rest assured that Viking Ocean Cruises provide complimentary Wifi. Although speed will likely be slower due to how many guests share access. As such, Viking doesn’t recommend live streaming or massive downloads.

All staterooms have satellite TV with a variety of channels and on-demand movies. It might not be the most desirable way to spend a cruise, but it can help entertain in between ocean sights and shore excursions. Keep in mind, Viking will curate many of the offerings for older viewers.

Conclusion

Viking Oceans Cruises doesn’t accept kids under 18. The trips can also be hit or miss for those that have recently met the age minimum. Suppose you’re planning a high school or college graduation trip for a kid that loves to travel. In that case, you’ll need to look into the onboard entertainment and port events beforehand.

Some Viking Ocean Cruises might be what your family is looking for, but you know your family best.

We hope we’ve answered some of your questions and Viking and kids. If Viking isn’t the one for you, you’ll find better options. Read some of our other overviews to find your perfect ocean cruise.

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James Brockbank

Founder at The Family Vacation Guide

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

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