Does Viking Cruises Have Casinos?
If you’re a gambler, you might be used to hitting the tables or slot machines on your cruise vacation. However, Viking Cruises is charting a different course. The luxury cruise line does not include a casino on any of its ships. If you’re someone who loves to play games of chance, you might be wondering whether a Viking Cruise is right for you. Keep reading our article to find out.
Gamblers Beware: A Look Inside Viking Cruises’ Casino-Free Ships
When you think of cruising, you likely picture a flashy casino filled with slot machines and card tables. For many people, gambling is a key part of the cruise experience, just like sunbathing or sightseeing. However, Viking Cruises has taken a different tack, eschewing the traditional casino in favor of other onboard amenities.
According to Viking Cruises, the company’s focus is on cultural enrichment and relaxation, rather than offering a gaming experience. The lack of a casino is just one way that Viking Cruises differentiates itself from other cruise lines.
If you’re worried about getting bored without a casino on board, don’t be. Viking Cruises offers a wide variety of activities to keep passengers entertained. For example, depending on the destination and itinerary, passengers may enjoy:
- Tours of local art galleries and museums
- Onboard lectures and performances from renowned experts and artists
- Cooking demonstrations featuring locally sourced ingredients
- Wine tastings with sommeliers
- Nightly live music and entertainment
- Outdoor sports like bocce and shuffleboard
- Relaxing in the onboard Nordic-inspired spa
- Swimming in the infinity pool
Viking Cruises: The Perfect Fit for Casino-Averse Travelers
Some travelers might be relieved to find out that Viking Cruises doesn’t offer a casino experience. While gambling is a popular pastime for many, for others, it can be a source of stress and anxiety. Not having a casino on board can help those travelers relax and enjoy their vacation without worrying about losing money or feeling out of place in the high-energy casino atmosphere.
Some groups might also appreciate the casino-free environment. Families traveling with young children, for example, may feel more comfortable on Viking Cruises without a casino. Older travelers who are more interested in cultural exploration and relaxation than high-stakes gambling might also be attracted to Viking Cruises’ casino-free ships.
These passengers aren’t alone in their love of Viking Cruises’ casino-free environment. Some repeat Viking Cruises travelers praise the company for its focus on cultural immersion and relaxation, seeing a casino-free environment as an extension of that ethos. As one traveler put it in a review on the Viking Cruises website: “I love that there is no casino on board… [it] allows more of a focus on the cultural experience and not the ‘fun’ of gambling.”
Why Viking Cruises Soars Above the Competition by Nixing Onboard Casinos
There are plenty of cruise lines that offer casinos, so what sets Viking Cruises apart? By targeting cultural immersion and relaxation rather than a traditional big-ship experience, Viking Cruises is carving out a unique niche in the cruise industry. By forgoing the casino experience, Viking Cruises can offer exceptional service, amenities, and adventures that other cruise lines might not match.
For example, because Viking Cruises’ ships are smaller and have fewer passengers, the company is able to offer a more personalized experience. Passengers get to know one another and the staff more easily, leading to a warmer, more intimate environment.
Additionally, Viking Cruises’ focus on cultural experiences sets it apart from other cruise lines. Rather than hitting the casinos or hitting the beach in each port, passengers on Viking Cruises have the opportunity to explore the local art, history, and cuisine of each destination in a more meaningful way. For these reasons and more, Viking Cruises was named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure readers from 2016-2019.
Sail the Seas Without the Slot Machines: A Guide to Viking Cruises
If you’re curious about what a Viking Cruise is like, here’s a quick guide to some of the amenities and features you can expect:
The Ships
Viking Cruises currently has six ocean ships and over 70 river ships. The ocean ships are small, carrying between 930 and 930 passengers and featuring sleek, modern design inspired by Viking history and culture.
The Dining
Viking Cruises’ dining options are world-class, with multiple restaurant options available at each mealtime. Passengers can indulge in regional specialties and global cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
The Destination Focus
Viking Cruises is all about cultural immersion, and the company’s itineraries reflect that focus. Passengers can explore the art, history, and food of destinations around the world, with expert guides and tour options available.
The Amenities
Viking’s ships are chock-full of amenities to ensure passengers’ comfort and relaxation. In addition to the infinity pool, spa, and outdoor sports courts mentioned earlier, passengers can also enjoy a boutique and gift shop, library, 24-hour fitness center, and more.
Why Viking Cruises’ Casino-Free Policy is a Refreshing Change for the Travel Industry
The travel industry has long relied on casinos to offer entertainment to passengers. In fact, some cruise lines have several casinos on board, each more elaborate and extravagant than the last. However, Viking Cruises’ decision to forgo the traditional casino experience signals a new direction in the industry: one where cultural immersion and relaxation are valued over high-stakes gambling.
By leading the pack in this new direction, Viking Cruises is showing that there is a market for travelers who don’t want to spend their vacation in a noisy, crowded casino. Instead, they want to explore their destination’s culture, taste local cuisine, and relax in a peaceful, intimate environment. Other cruise lines may be forced to follow Viking Cruises’ example if they want to stay competitive in the future.
Conclusion
If you’re a traveler who loves to gamble, you might be hesitant to try a cruise without a casino. However, Viking Cruises offers an alternative experience that you might find just as satisfying. By forgoing the traditional casino experience, Viking Cruises can offer passengers a more personalized, cultural, and relaxing journey. So why not try something new? Book your Viking Cruise today and see what all the fuss is about.