These secret things to do on Viking ocean cruises include food options, lesser known cabin features, and Viking Cruises excursions tips.
From our Viking Ocean Cruise sailings and speaking with many Viking cruise veterans and staff, I uncovered many hidden gems and secret things to do on Viking Ocean Cruises. Even if you experience none of the following things to do on Viking cruises, you will still have a great time.
We loved our Viking Ocean Cruises sailings—Into the Midnight Sun itinerary on Viking Sea and Romantic Mediterranean voyage on Viking Star. We also enjoyed one Viking River Cruises Danube Waltz voyage.
McCool Travel note: Viking Ocean Cruises now has several ocean ships and they are pretty much identical.

Secret Things to Do on Viking Ocean Cruises
Food: World Cafe on Viking Ocean Cruises
For World Cafe meals, bypass the buffet crowd at the start and go directly to the middle of the hot food section and check out the chef’s specials. For lunch and dinner, look for fresh prawns, steaks, pasta entrees, and more.
Even better, you can request your own combos. One day lamb curry was on the buffet line and I asked for prawn curry. Another time I requested fresh prawns be added to spicy pasta arrabbiata being prepared out back (see below).
For breakfast, the World Cafe on Viking Cruises chefs prepare made to order omelets and turkey bacon. I order spinach for my omelet, which is not in their rotation, but the chef found some. Same with olives. I think he visits the main pantry (5 levels below) for these “unusual” ingredients.
Two times on our latest Viking cruise, cooks set up stations in the back of World Cafe. Located between the Aquavit bar and the pool area, at these stations cooks prepared super fresh seafood (sea bass and mussels one night) and pasta dishes.
As I mentioned above, I ordered grilled prawns from the main World Cafe and had it added to a spicy pasta dish here. I cause so much trouble!
However, World Cafe usually only has romaine and mixed salads. I noticed the nearby Pool Grill has bowls of arugula and better looking mixed salad. So, I grab a plate of salad from the Pool Grill and fill up with other World Cafe buffet goodies (like grilled prawns).
Food: Other Viking Ocean Cruises Places to Eat
Order 1/2 portions of pasta dishes at Manfredi’s. I ordered a 1/2 portion of seafood paella (an entree) for an appetizer one night in The Restaurant. By the way, the bistecca (Florentine style steak) at Manfredi’s is remarkable.

Check for special nights at The Restaurant. On our latest voyage there was a lobster night and a scallops night (separate nights!). Since Manfredi’s and Chef’s Table reservations are made in advance, you will have to shuffle if they conflict with lobster night.

When you decide to explore on your own—like we did in Molde Norway with a hike to Varden viewpoint (amazing)—request a lunch box from Viking guest services. They will pack a box for you with a sandwich, apple, and goodies.
We tried the Viking cruise room service. Just like a typical vacationing US resident in Europe, I ordered a hot dog and apple pie. It made for a yummy midnight snack.
Oh, definitely order a scrumptious Mamsen’s waffle. Mamsen’s is located at the starboard entrance to the Explorer’s Lounge. They also provide other Norwegian food items, including late night service. But the waffle is the star of the show.
See our completed guide to Viking Star Dining Options.
Personal Entertainment / In Your Viking Ocean Cruises Cabin
Ask your cabin attendant or Guest Services for foam pillows. Ahhhh.
Use your own ear buds for the QuietVox audio set. QuietVox sets are used on many excursions (tours) and for port departure/arrival lectures. Your own ear buds will be more comfortable and likely have better sound quality.
Watch Port Talks in your room. The port talks in the Star Theater are popular and informative, plus a chance to see the fabulous Heather Clancy live. We learned, though, that the talks are recorded and available to watch on the stateroom television system. So, you can watch other Viking shows 24×7.
Watch the Bridge Cam from the comfort of your bed. Every Viking stateroom comes with its own balcony, which is one of our favorite Reasons Viking Cruises Are a Fantastic Value. However, you can only see the view on one side of the ship from your balcony. Watching the Bridge Cam on your TV provides the scoop on what is coming up so you can head to an open deck when the scenery gets good.
Pack light for your Viking ocean cruise and leave these items at home: binoculars, robe, slippers, umbrella, toiletries. Viking even provides laundry soap for the washers. Wicked cool. Just remember to press the button to dispense the detergent, unlike yours truly (duh!).
The tissue box in the bathroom makes a nice amplifier for your smartphone music. Am I the only one who cranks the tunes while showering? Well, now you know how to find out which stateroom is mine.
Things to Do on Viking Ocean Cruises: Excursions
Included tours have more flexibility than optional tours. Request an earlier or later included tour if desired. Later tours generally have the most empty seats. The last bus in a time slot also is most likely to have extra seats.
You can arrange two tours in one day. Do an optional excursion in the morning and an included excursion in the afternoon. Or vice versa. Treat yo self!
Add yourself to waiting lists for popular excursions. Some optional excursions quickly fill up. However, when there is enough demand, multiple tours may open. That happened for us with the Husky Hike. The afternoon session was booked very early. We were waitlisted. Later a morning session was added.
See also our article on how to Save Money on Cruise Excursions
Ship Areas: Leaving Port
In general, avoid crowds by doing things when other people are not. Do laundry last at night or during an excursion day. When leaving the port, go to the spa.
When leaving a port, you will find better views on the Sports Deck (level 9). Most people flock to the Explorer’s Lounge (levels 7 and 8) but the QuietVox set still works on the Sports Deck in case you want to hear the lecture.

When leaving port (and other scenic times), people arrive early for the front row chairs in the Explorer’s Lounge. Two problems. One, a big wooden rail blocks your view. Two, when cool stuff happens, people go to the outside deck and block your view. If you are committed to sitting, try the upstairs front row chairs in the Explorer’s Lounge where people cannot stand in front of you.
When ships leave ports, wifi works well in the rest of the ship. Why? Because most people are in the Explorer’s Lounge listening to the talks. Wifi also works better during big shows, when most people are on excursions, and in the middle of the night. But wifi is not the primary reason for a Viking ocean cruise. Right?
More Secret Things to Do on Viking Ocean Cruises
Find blankets for cooler temps and towels for warmer times in the relatively quiet sitting area on level 8 aft.
Insert foam ear plugs while walking the decks. I do not have the natural insulation (that is, hair!) to protect my ear canal from cold winds. But I still like my walks and level 2 is a perfect 1/4 mile track. I walked 5K (or more) on sea days in the North Sea and the foam ear plugs worked well for me.

Request basic supplies from the spa or Medical Center. I cut my foot on the bathroom door (don’t try it!) and exhausted my emergency Neosporin and Band-Aid stash. One day the spa gave me a Band-Aid. I then made two trips to the Viking cruises Medical Center, where they gave me some one-time use antibacterial ointments and bandages (no charge).
After dinner on many nights, my wife and I played backgammon in the Atrium. On the second floor, we could watch and listen to the classical trio down on the first level. The rolling of the dice, though, I thought might bother them but did not see any sideways glances directed our way.
It was cool to find some nearby video game tables. The video game tables in the Viking cruises Atrium include backgammon, blackjack, air hockey, checkers, and more.
Take a Galley Tour. Over 100 people work in the food operations on a Viking ocean cruise and their workspace is simply amazing. From the efficiency of the Viking Cruise breakfast room service to the gelato machines, it is fun to see. I know of two secret ways to see a Viking ocean cruise galley but ask Guest Services how you can best tour it.
Thank you for reading our Secret Things to Do on Viking Ocean Cruises article and we hope you really enjoy your next Viking cruise.
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We have gone on 1 river and are about to do our 3rd Ocean (We prefer and LOVE Viking Ocean cruises!!) in August. I have been unable to confirm whether the spa services include the tip. I’ve read that they include a 15% tip but wanted to be sure as I am planning things before I go. I just don’t remember from before as our cruise was cancelled twice due to Covid. Viking Homelands, here we come!! 🙂
I am almost positive that spa services do not include gratuities since gratuities are not included anywhere else for Viking. Enjoy!
Thanks for this. We have done a couple of river cruises and heading in 2 weeks for the first ocean one. Quick question- how big is the pool enough to swim some laps ( not a regular lap length I understand) and is it fresh or sea water? Last cruise we took was RC and i jumped in expecting fresh water to be surprised by sea water LOL. Thanks.
I believe fresh water but I do know there is sea water in the spa pool. Pretty small for laps.
Thanks! I swim in a really small pool now only 13 yards in length so it takes a bazillion laps LOL. any swimming is better than none for me.
it is very awesome thought to do these things in cruise trip. thanks for sharing these ideas with us..
Glad you saw them. Travel happy!
wow! tempting food and love to go to cruise on day. Thanks for sharing
When you do, you will know some secrets. Enjoy.
“ I know this is your busiest time of the day, but do you mind running down a few decks and getting me some of those delicious olives.” Really??? I bet they loved seeing you walk through those dining room doors.
You want a plain ole omelette? Just wait until I get my olives. Ha! Thank you for the note!
Additionally, try to do a bridge tour and the video art tour.
Thank you, Eileen.
Do the “Kitchen Tabkw” cooking classes in sea days! Cost about $69, three hour cooking class and you eat the menu for lunch, served with nice wines. And get an apron and recipes as well as meet chefs. I did five or six on my Panama Canal cruise and had a blast. Can’t sign up before your cruise, have to go to the excursions desk. Limited to 12-14 people and it is a hands-on class.
Thank you so much for the information. I would definitely do that Kitchen Table experience on Viking Oceans.
Great tips for a 1st time ocean cruisers We’ve enjoyed one river cruise – Budapest to Amsterdam – amazing experience
Any tips for Viking Orion – Far East & Alaska in April/May ?
I guess you are on this cruise now. Enjoying it?
I am always impressed with Viking Cruises! Your article points to the fine detailing that goes into making it a real value with all the amenities under the umbrella of all-inclusive!!
Thank you, Marilyn. Travel Happy!
Terrific tips Charles. I had no idea that Viking offered laundry services. Certainly makes packing light a lot easier.
Most definitely.
Wonderful tips, Charles. I would love to take a Viking Cruise & put some of these tips to work!
P.S. Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Doreen. I did not even mention the chocolate fondue fountain they have each evening.
All wonderful ideas, but my favorite was the image of the bistecca (Florentine style steak) at Manfredi’s.
It is sooooooo good. I had it twice on this last cruise.
I would LOVE to take a Viking Ocean cruise! I’ve bookmarked this for future as I learned a lot. You really do have some great ‘secrets’!
Thank you, Kelly. Enjoy your upcoming Viking river cruise.