If you’re planning a Viking Ocean cruise ship vacation, it really helps to understand all the places you can enjoy a drink on board and what your options are before you sail.
When you know what each bar and lounge offers, you start to see what is actually available to you throughout your cruise. And that knowledge plays a big role in deciding whether the Silver Spirits beverage package is worth it for you.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every bar and lounge on Viking Ocean Cruises, explain what drinks are included in your fare, break down the Silver Spirits package, and help you decide if it makes sense based on your travel style.
We’ll also share our honest opinion and practical tips based on our own experiences sailing multiple times with Viking Ocean Cruises.
Bars and Lounges on Viking Ocean Cruise Ships
Viking Ocean ships share a very similar layout, so this guide applies across the fleet. Whether you are sailing on the Viking Star, Sea, Sky, Saturn, or newer ships like the Vela, you’ll find these same venues.
Let’s start with a look at the main bars and lounges on board.
Aquavit Bar (Deck 7 Aft)
The Aquavit Bar is located aft of the World Cafe on Deck 7.
This is one of the most convenient places to grab a drink because it sits between the indoor buffet and the outdoor Aquavit Terrace.
On newer ships, this area has been expanded with additional seating and buffet serving stations, making it feel more open. Some guests prefer the older, more intimate feel, but the added space does make it easier to find seating.
What stands out here is the casual atmosphere. You can sit inside with views of the wake or take your drink outside and enjoy the open air. It’s one of the best spots on the ship for a relaxed drink during the day or at sunset.
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| Photo Courtesy of Viking Cruises |
Pool Bar (Deck 7 Midship)
Located between the World Cafe and the main pool, the Pool Bar is open during the day and offers a more lively atmosphere.
The retractable roof over the pool means this space stays bright and enjoyable regardless of the weather. You can grab a drink at the bar or have one delivered while relaxing in loungers or chairs around the pool.
This is a great place to unwind, get some sunlight, and enjoy the energy of the ship.
Wintergarden (Deck 7 Forward of Pool)
The Wintergarden is one of the most beautiful and relaxing spaces on the ship.
With a glass ceiling and abundant natural light, it feels like a quiet conservatory. It is best known for its daily afternoon tea service, but you can also enjoy drinks here.
This is one of our favorite spots to sit and read during the day. It’s calm, bright, and a perfect place to relax between activities.
See our full video review on YouTube by clicking below!
Explorer’s Lounge and Pap’s Bar (Deck 7 Forward)
The Explorer’s Lounge is located at the very front of the ship and offers stunning panoramic ocean views.
The bar here, Pap’s Bar, is named after the father of Torstein Hagen.
This is one of our favorite places on board, especially before dinner. There is often live music in the evening, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting.
We especially love the seating along the windows, where you can enjoy incredible views. The Scandinavian design, with fur throws and a fireplace, makes this space particularly cozy on colder itineraries. Nearby Mamsen’s is a great place to grab a hearty snack!
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| Photo Courtesy of Viking Cruises |
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| Photo Courtesy of Viking Cruises |
The Viking Living Room (Deck 1 Midship)
The Viking Living Room is the central hub of the ship and truly feels like its heartbeat.
Located near Manfredi's and The Chef's Table, it’s a popular place for pre-dinner drinks.
You’ll often find piano music, social gatherings, and even special events here. It’s also one of our favorite spots to grab a coffee after a day of touring.
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| Photo Courtesy of Viking Cruises |
Additional Bars (Deck 2)
There are also smaller bar areas near the restaurants and theater on Deck 2.
These are convenient for a quick drink before dinner or a show, even though they are not as prominent as the main lounges.
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| Photo Courtesy of Viking Cruises |
Tórshavn (Deck 2 Midship)
Tórshavn is Viking Ocean’s late-night venue, featuring live music and dancing.
It tends to have one of the best selections of spirits on board. We recommend stopping here early in your cruise to see if there are any unique options not listed on menus elsewhere.
If you find something you like, you can try requesting it at other bars. Sometimes it is available, and sometimes not, but the crew is always willing to help.
Your Stateroom
Don’t forget that your stateroom is also a place to enjoy drinks.
You can bring beverages back to your room or order drinks through room service. If you are staying in a Penthouse Veranda stateroom or above, your minibar will be replenished daily with beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Viking Silver Spirits Beverage Package Explained
The Silver Spirits package costs about $27 per day per guest and must be purchased for the full cruise.
It includes:
Premium wines by the glass
Cocktails and spirits up to $18
Drinks throughout the day across the ship
If a drink exceeds $18, you receive a discount but pay the remainder.
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Break-Even Analysis: Is It Worth It?
The average drink on board is about $11.
This means your break-even point is roughly:
2 to 3 drinks per day per person
If you typically enjoy:
Cocktails during the day
Wine with dinner
Drinks in the evening
Then the package can make financial sense.
Comparison to Other Cruise Lines
Compared to other cruise lines:
Packages on lines like Oceania Cruises can run significantly higher
Luxury lines like Seabourn may include drinks in the fare
Viking’s pricing is relatively competitive, especially considering the quality.
What’s Included Without the Package
Even without the package, Viking includes:
Wine and beer with lunch and dinner
Rotating wine selections
Soft drinks and basic beverages
You can also bring your own alcohol on board with no corkage fee, which is a major advantage. If you plan to bring wine onboard, we usually use Wine Diapers to pack bottles in our luggage.
Our Honest Opinion
As drink packages go, we think the Silver Spirits package is one of the better values among luxury cruise lines.
For us, the biggest benefit is the upgraded wines and the premium wine pairing at The Chef’s Table.
We have never felt limited by the selection, and most cocktails fall within the included price range.
That said, many guests are perfectly happy without the package, especially since wine and beer are already included at meals.
Tips to Maximize Value
Take a photo of the premium wine list early in your cruise
Visit Tórshavn early to discover unique spirits
Watch for promotions that include the package
Consider your minibar benefits before purchasing
Final Thoughts
Viking Ocean Cruises offers a wide variety of bars and lounges that make it easy to enjoy a drink in different settings throughout your cruise.
Whether you choose the Silver Spirits package or not, there are plenty of ways to relax and enjoy the experience.
Need Menus?
Throughout our videos, we show many menus, but we know they can be difficult to read on YouTube.
If you would like clearer photos or full menus from specific venues, feel free to email us at:
Menus can change over time, but they will give you a very good idea of what to expect.
Join the Conversation
Would you purchase the Silver Spirits package, or do you have a favorite bar on Viking Ocean ships?
Your experience can help other travelers decide what is right for them, so feel free to share in the comments.
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