Thank you for reserving your next Viking River Cruises journey. We look forward to welcoming you aboard! Here is how to prepare for your river cruise or cruisetour:
Step 1 – Make sure your passport is up to date
Your passport’s expiration date must be at least six months after your return from your trip; if it is not, you must renew your passport. You will need a valid, up-to-date passport for each person in your party in order to accomplish the next two steps.
Step 2 – Complete your Passenger Information Form
You must complete a passenger information form, or PIF, for each passenger in your party. We use this information to create all your travel documents and so forth, and to make sure you receive the information and documents you need in a timely manner. Make sure to give us an emergency contact who will not be travelling with you, just in case.
Click here to complete the PIF online
Click here to download a PIF that you can fill out and fax or mail
Step 3 – Arrange for any needed visas
If you are travelling with us to China, Russia, Egypt, Jordan or Southeast Asia, you will need a visa. You will need to have a valid passport as discussed above before you make these arrangements. For a Russian visa you will need to contact Viking River Cruises for an Invitation Letter. You may download a Request Form for this letter here. Anyone who wishes to obtain their own visas for Southeast Asia should make sure to get a single-entry visa for Cambodia and a double-entry visa for Vietnam. This will enable travel to Vietnam, to Cambodia and back to Vietnam during the course of the itinerary.
Step 4 – Purchase travel insurance, if you haven’t already
We strongly recommend travel insurance; emergencies sometimes arise, and you will want to protect your travel investment!
Step 5 – Consider a pre- or post-cruise land extension
Maximise the value of your overseas flight and enjoy additional days to explore your river cruise embarkation or disembarkation city—or see a new destination altogether, like Hong Kong, Istanbul or Helsinki. A pre-extension is a great way to relax after a long flight and get accustomed to the time zone. Select your itinerary to see which pre- and/or post-trip destinations are available to you, or give us a call to learn more.
Step 6 – Purchase any needed transfers or extras
Transfers are only valid on tour departure and arrival dates. Transfers may be purchased through Viking River Cruises for an additional cost (download a request form here), or you may make your own transfer arrangements. You can also order an onboard gift or beverage package up until 30 days before departure.
Please note, if your itinerary includes any optional tours, these will be offered to you for purchase on board. There is no need to arrange for them in advance.
Step 7 – You have questions—we have answers!
We suggest you start by reading the FAQ, a compendium of questions asked by other travellers like you and our best answers to those questions. Check the On the Ship section to find out what your destination’s weather is like when you’ll be travelling, see packing tips, get lists of recommended reading material and much more.
Step 8 – Check your travel documents carefully
About 3 weeks before your departure date, you will receive a packet containing tickets, vouchers and passenger ticket contracts. Please review all items carefully to make sure everything is correct and that you are clear on your departure date and time. If you have booked through your travel agent, he or she will receive this packet on your behalf.
Step 9 – Confirm your flights and check in online if possible
It is always a good idea to confirm your flights a day or two ahead of time. Also in many cases you can now check in and obtain your boarding passes online. You might also be able to make arrangements to have your return flights confirmed for you by email or directly to your mobile phone.
Step 10 – Have a fabulous trip!
Relax and enjoy yourself on your once-in-a-lifetime Viking journey.