Below is a list of frequently asked questions related to the Viking Health & Safety Program. Should you have additional questions about your voyage, please visit the Viking Expedition Cruises FAQ.

Health & Safety


All Viking crew are fully vaccinated.

For departures on or before October 31, 2023, Viking will continue to require that all guests be vaccinated against COVID-19. We suggest carrying your physical vaccine records at all times.

Viking will not require COVID-19 vaccination for voyages departing on or after November 1, 2023. For added protection, we recommend that guests stay up to date with all relevant vaccines, including COVID-19, in accordance with their healthcare provider.

Every stateroom is cleaned and sanitized daily. In addition, every stateroom goes through a “deep-cleaning” sanitization process between each cruise.

Restaurants are sanitized between every service; all other public spaces are fully sanitized at a minimum every 24 hours, with high touchpoints sanitized more frequently every day.

Viking will test symptomatic guests to confirm presence of COVID-19, if a guest requests a test or if the medical staff determines testing is necessary for treatment.

Our fleet of modern, small ocean and river ships feature independent air handling units, which means each stateroom has “fresh” external air that is not shared with other staterooms or public spaces. Just like in a hospital, we have also designed a solution to implement short-wavelength ultraviolet (or UV-C) lights and new high-density filters that will sanitize the air on our vessels. This solution will ensure that:

  • 99% of viruses and bacteria in the air are killed.
  • We maximize the possible number of air changes.
  • We provide a risk-free solution for the crew when cleaning filters, as viruses are killed and not simply trapped in the filters.

Guests with a positive COVID-19 test may be isolated on board or ashore—depending on local guidelines and symptoms, if any. Should the destination where the ship is located require those who test positive be disembarked—or should guest choose to isolate ashore—Viking will help the guest arrange accommodations to recover ashore and help coordinate their travel home. Any expenses incurred are the guest’s responsibility. Upon their return home, Viking Customer Relations will contact the guest and their travel advisor directly regarding any necessary refunding or rescheduling.

We recommend that, ahead of departing, guests check with their provider to ensure their travel protection policy covers any necessary medical, quarantine or repatriation expense related to COVID-19.

Please Note: Guests who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 10–90 days should bring either a physician certificate of recovery or a positive PCR test result from within that time window.