Viking's cruise loyalty program: Everything you need to know about the Viking Explorer Society
Does Viking Cruises have a loyalty program? Yes, but it's not like most other cruise line loyalty programs.
Dubbed the Viking Explorer Society, the Viking cruise loyalty program isn't a loyalty program in the traditional sense — one where passengers earn points every time they travel with the brand and progress through multiple tiers that bring an ever-expanding array of perks.
Instead, the Viking cruise loyalty program offers just a few basic perks that are available to anyone who has taken at least one voyage with the line.
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The Viking Explorer Society's main perk is a travel credit of up to $200 that you can get every time you book a new Viking ocean, river or expedition cruise within two years of sailing with the line. Note that travel credits are different from onboard credits. You only can use a Viking Explorer Society credit to pay for a cruise, not for onboard spending.
Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise
How does the Viking Explorer Society work?
Once you travel with Viking for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society program and become a Viking Explorer Society member. As part of this society, you will receive:
- $200 per passenger travel credit any time you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit. As noted above, the credit only can be used to pay for a trip with Viking.
- An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships.
- Early word by email or regular mail on new Viking Cruises itineraries and new ships, as well as special limited-time offers.
Note that the credits mentioned above are not always combinable with promotions the line offers.
In addition to the above, Viking has a referral program that can get you additional travel credits. Once you are a Viking customer, you can use your customer number to refer an unlimited number of other people to Viking. If they book a trip with Viking within a year, both you and the person you refer will receive a $100 travel credit.
Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained
If you manage to refer 13 people to Viking who take a first Viking cruise within one calendar year (an almost impossible task in our view, but more power to you if you can pull it off), you will get a much more lucrative perk: An entirely free cruise (valued up to $3,300).
Note that if the person you refer to Viking shares a cabin with you on her or his first cruise, you only will get the referral credit if you are already a Viking Explorer Society member.
Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites
Eager to learn more about cruise line loyalty programs? Don't miss our comprehensive beginner's guide to cruise ship loyalty programs.
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- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
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- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 11/2/22.
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.
- See Rates & Fees