Even though there are no formal evenings, the evening dress code for all eating venues, entertainment, and special events aboard a Viking River cruise is elegant casual. Now make a list and pick two or three selections (this gives you a backup if your first choice is booked) for each day so that you are prepared when sign-up day opens. Thankfully today, you can find some very stylish, practical and more importantly, lightweight walking shoes on the market. Drinks are Included With Lunch and Dinner During meal times wine, beer and soft drinks are included. Packing a sweater or cardigan is essential on your cruise, even if you're setting sail in the summertime. The entire main pool area is covered with a glass magrodome that can be opened on short notice on warm and sunny days or closed if the ship encounters inclement weather. A den of serenity, its one of our favorite places on these vessels. These are the following: Dress, skirt, or trousers, and a sweater or shirt are appropriate attire for women. Its focus is on destinations and enrichment. The Viking Saturn. Another bonus of river cruising is the ample time spent ashore means you can easily pick up any necessary toiletries along the way. We always recommend packing a change of clothes (or two), some basic toiletries, and essential medications and documents in your carry-on luggage when you travel. The Viking Saturn is the newest ship in Viking's award-winning ocean fleet of identical sister ships. In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. Posted December 23, 2018. Empty suitcases or bags slide easily under the beds to minimise clutter. I recall one evening when a chap wore sandals and long trousers to the MDR and was requested by the host to change his footware. Have not noticed sandals ever on Ocean cruises at dinner EXCEPT World Cafe where it's definitely fine. You'll find Viking's ocean ships in other key cruise destinations as well, such as Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia. This excursion is offered at multiple ports. The line offers included-in-the-fare tours in every port, allowing every passenger on board to get a guided experience during stops without having to pay extra. Disclaimer Vagrants of the World Travel are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Find Out More . Alcohol/Drinks Onboard a Viking Ocean Cruise. Shoes take up the most room in our luggage and can sometimes add the most weight. Here's what to pack for a Viking river cruise: Bottoms 1 blue jean, 1 black jean, loose casual-to-formal pants, one skirt, and denim shorts. Many posts on this site also contain links to accommodation, travel and activity booking sites. DH has worn a suit and tie for work most every day of his working life. Viking is best known for its river cruises, but its Viking Star ocean line has received enormous accolades since its launch, including being named Best New Ocean Ship by the editors of Cruise Critic with a 5-star rating.. When reviewing the river cruise itinerary, look carefully at any excursions you may want to take or have already booked. What Viking ships dont offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. Dresses 1 evening dress, 1 loose-style dress, and a flowy dress. See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile perfect for river cruising. Ladies, forget your fabulously bulky shoulder tote bag that looks great in any season. See our guide to the best wheeled underseat luggage so you can still travel light and have emergency clothing for a few days. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage. Its not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. The companys core market is people who range in age from 55 to 75 years, although it does draw some passengers who are younger or older. There is a section that is destination-specific and worth checking out. When he is on vacation, he does not even want to wear a sports coat. If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home. Set up your My Viking Journey account. In the late afternoon, you will join the culinary team and help to prepare a meal using the local ingredients you helped select earlier. So comfortable, casual wear will make up the majority of your wardrobe. Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. At 47,800 tons, these ocean ships are less than a fourth the size of the giant megaships being built by the likes of Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, in keeping with Vikings focus on intimate, upscale voyages. As for the big question, "should my husband bring a sports jacket? There is also a small shop on board should you require something urgently. And will make a more formal appearance with a collared shirt. By taking the extra time to plan, your trip will go smoother and you will know what to expect. The best bag for a shore excursion is one that is not too bulky, comfortable to wear, practical and has goodanti-theft features. Check any travel advice for the countries you will be travelling to regarding prohibited medications lists. Once you have planned your activities, look at the physical requirements for each. Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) For example Viking provides beer and wine with lunch and dinner at no additional charge. Start with a predominantly neutral colour scheme -black, white, beige, tan and grey. A lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler weather. The cruise line's focus on accessible luxury and exotic itineraries is very appealing to me. You may wish to choose one additional dressier outfit or elegant top to dress up one of your mix and match combinations. Viking isnt one of them. Big floating resorts, they arent. Youll also find live piano music in the evenings in river ship lounges. March 25, 2012. Vikings two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are smaller than the above vessels, as is typical for expedition ships, and carry 378 passengers at maximum occupancy. See below for the complete list. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. Mix and match your outfits, make sure every piece goes with at least 2-3 other pieces - the only exception to this rule is dresses although I make sure they also go with the jackets I am taking. Viking Cruises are known as The Thinking Persons Cruise, and you can see why with all the cultural resources they offer. This is one of my favorite features that Viking offers. Generic Premium Earbuds/Headphones with Stereo Mic & Remote Control for Smartphones. As noted above, Viking doesnt allow passengers under the age of 18 on its ships a key differentiator for the brand as compared to other cruise lines. 1 pair of day shoes for around the boat or casual evenings. (Antarctica cruises have unique packing lists, so check with your cruise line.) We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Viking ships also dont cater to the party crowd. Youll find Viking river ships operating on the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; the Moselle and Elbe in Germany, the Volga in Russia and the Dnieper in Ukraine (as noted above, sailings on the latter two rivers are on hold, for now, due to the war in Ukraine). See end of article for more details. The centerpiece of the top deck of each of Vikings ocean ships is the main pool area, which is home to a pool, hot tub and rows of lounge chairs, as well as comfortable seating areas. Each of the 930-passenger ocean ships also has two smaller restaurants with specialized cuisine: Manfredis, a high-end Italian eatery, and The Chefs Table, which offers a five-course tasting menu themed around a specific cuisine that changes every few days. Packing for a Viking Ocean Cruise: What NOT to pack Here is our advice on 6 things you should definitely NOT take: 1) NO formal evening attire There are no formal nights on Viking so there's no need for long dresses for women or dinner jackets for men (even neckties are discretionary). Pair winter shoes opt for lightweight over heavy boots. Read our Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel. Once you book your cruise, there is still quite a bit of planning to do. Length: 665 ft. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests. However, in the execution, there is plenty of room for interpretation -- and each sailing I have been on seems to have had its own vibe and its outliers. If its a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and youre bound for the top deck, a short-sleeve shirt and shorts are just fine. Viking is one of the only cruise brands in the world that offers a balcony with every cabin on every ocean ship it operates even the least expensive, smallest cabins. The first thing you should do is review the Viking Inclusive Value webpage. Look at what shore excursions you are taking and plan accordingly. While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentaryway to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. If you could see my husbands sandals, as compared to mine, you, and Viking, might change your minds! The line also doesnt charge a corkage fee. You will be doing aconsiderable amount of walking and even some easy to moderate hikes on some excursions. A scarf or shawl is great for layering in minor changes in weather and a must if cruising in the winter months. In the event of rain (a real possibility in the summer), there are no restaurants close by and you are limited to whatever is in the hotel. For ladies Dresses, skirts or pants witha blouse or sweater are appropriate. While this is undoubtedly true, many equate this with the need to dress up during the cruise. The main pool on the ship has a retractable roof. So this is less a "souvenir" and more a thing purchased that created a memorable moment: A small container of Orkney Island milk from a tiny local downtown grocery that I chugged right there on the spot. To help you with the dress code on a river cruise, we give you some ideas for day and evening wear. There is no need to bring a hairdryer. There will be no shore excursions offered on the first or last day of each cruise. If you are booked in the different Veranda levels, registration for the majority of the cabins opens up either 60 or 67 days from your cruise. Note that Viking river ships do not have fitness centers, which is relatively unusual for river ships. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link. Viking longships have 110 / 220-volt outlets and USB ports in every cabin so you shouldnt need a power adapter unless you have hotel stays included in your cruise itinerary or either side of the cruise. 1 Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings. Sweaters are ideal when visiting religious landmarks as they allow you to cover your body while still feeling comfortable respectful. Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card spending when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases. Viking takes this into account with their dress code, which has no formal nights in the evening. One of the great advantages of a river cruise is being able to unpack once and relax for the rest of your cruise. In my case, it is Viking Homelands, and I went to the section on Resources. For some ports, this will be sufficient for me especially in the smaller towns where I can walk to all the sites I want to visit. Another good reason to always carry a lightweight travel scarf. To avoid overpacking for your cruise choose clothing that will work for multiple combinationsso you can mix and match outfits. To begin, go to your cruises itinerary page. In fall and winter, of course, travelers will want to pack these items and then some: weather. Peggy's writing career began almost 40 years ago when she began working as a photojournalist for the Army Reserve. Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note. Each of the lines ocean ships has a theater at its front that is home to production shows, movie showings (with fresh popcorn available) and enrichment lecturers. The name of her travel blog came about from her friends constantly asking her, "Peggy, Where Should I Go?". They also come in different sizes depending on your requirement. Vikings bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. The Explorers Lounge also is home to Mamsens, the food counter serving tastes of Norway mentioned above. A key piece of information here is that your passport must be valid for six months past your travel dates. Travelon Addison-Anti-Theft-Convertible Crossbody/Belt Bag, Travelon Origin Anti-Theft Waistpack/Sling Bag treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology. They will pack a box for you with a sandwich, apple, and goodies. Personally, we are not dress up people. So many places I have put on my list to tour are based on movies, books, or artwork that I love. These lines qualify seniors as 60 and older. Another option is Viking TV, which has a variety of programming. We find the ones that clip to your bag are the best as you never leave them behind and they are easy to access when you need them. She combined her travel skills, learned moving 33 times to 49 states, Europe, the Caribbean, South Korea, and Australia with her writing experience to become a successful travel writer. The toiletries were specifically designed with bigger and clearer lettering than is common for toiletries on cruise ships and at hotels so that the lines older customers would have no trouble differentiating the body wash from the body lotion and shampoo. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Baggallini womens Horizon Travel Crossbody cross body handbag, Baggallini Womens Cross Over Bag with Wristlet, Travelon Anti-Theft Boho Clutch Crossbody Bag, Related: A Complete Guide to the Best Anti-theft Travel Gear. Note that one of the eight ships in this series, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, has been permanently transferred to a joint venture that operates for the China market. There are no formal nights in the evening; evening dress is elegant casual for all dining venues, performances and special events. In fact, the line doesnt even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. In keeping with the high-end nature of the brand, Viking cabins and suites have a lot of upscale touches, from sumptuous bedding that envelops you to heated floors in bathrooms. You can highlight this with one or two pastels or brighter accent colours depending on your style. Jeans are not permitted. This recipes use of ingredients produced a light flavorful meatball. Most Viking customers are approaching their retirement years or are already there and theyre eager to finally see all the places they didnt have time to visit when they were raising kids and establishing careers in their younger years. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, Southwest unveils stunning new Hawaii-themed aircraft, How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value, IHG Rewards Premier Business card review: The annual fee is justified. See our guide to the must-have travel essentials for women for more travel packing list tips for ladies. Theres no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. Otherwise, there are fees comparable to what youll pay cleaners at home. Bergen was very windy when we visited in early October. You will need your booking number to register. There is no need to bring any fancy jewellery. That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us we always recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises. We always travel with one just in case. We did not have icy conditions but did walk through lots of slush. Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. The unique and luxurious amenities they offer on their ships make Viking Star the top-of-the-line for couples and solo travelers longing for a relaxing, rejuvenating voyage. If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. A pair of lightweight gloves and hat that can slip easily into your daypack or handbag. In keeping with Vikings focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places youll be visiting on your sailing. During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. The evening dress excludes World Caf where the dress remains casual after 6:00 PM. The lack of fitness centers on Viking river ships. While Viking doesnt market itself as a luxury line, some would call it that. Having sailed on a number of Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises, we realise packing for a river cruise differs from what you would pack for a cruise on one of the bigger cruise lines. We have a 21 day booked for next year with a week long pre-extension. Too many people forget about sun protection when sightseeing around cities and local attractions. Terms and Conditions Apply. Youll also find musicians including pianists and guitar players performing at times in the Viking Living Room a three-deck-high, atrium-like space at the center of the ship. Each cabin has two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. Viking calls them Nordic balconies. Passengers can grab a snack with a Norwegian twist at the forward-facing lounges atop the ships, which are home to a small food counter called Mamsens. They are much more comfortable to wear for long periods and produce better sound. Each passenger is only allowed to make one to three reservations per cruise at the eateries, depending on which category of cabin they have booked. Never had a problem in Oslo, but in some of the other cities they kept us upright! Lightweight, breathable tops. Named after Viking founder Torstein Hagens mother (Ragnhild Mamsen Hagen), it offers authentic tastes of Norway such as traditional heart-shaped waffles, specialty cakes and the brown goat cheese that is found around the country. If youve seen one, youve seen them all. These arent cruises where its all about the ship. In addition to a room on board and all meals, the fares include beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; specialty coffees, teas and bottled water around the clock; shipboard Wi-Fi; and (perhaps most notably) a shore excursion in every port. A good, wool sweater is often a benefit when the weather is cold and damp. You maximise the room in your cabin this way and only have to worry about one case while you are travelling. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? The line asks passengers to keep things elegant casual when heading to any of the ships dining venues, performances or special events. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen. For our early fall cruise in the Baltic Sea, the roof was always closed. Break in your walking shoes before you leave on your cruise. Dress is elegant casual with no jeans, but the World Cafe is casual in the evening. On Viking River Cruises, there is no need to bring basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, or body lotion. There is an extensive list of movies, documentaries, and television shows either filmed in or about your cruise destinations. Viking has been called the "thinking person's cruise" because its target audience includes mature adults with interest in geography, history, culture, cuisine, and the arts. The majority of Viking river ships, known as Viking Longships, have 61 balcony cabins broken down into two categories: 205-square-foot Veranda Staterooms and 135-square-foot French Balcony Staterooms. Note when you can begin booking and that it is very specific including the day and hour in your time zone. Read the descriptions of the intensity levels to make sure it is an activity you want to participate in. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) See the end of the article for a complete example river cruise packing list. They can become cumbersome when on the move. Thats something that even the most upscale of Vikings ocean cruise rivals including Oceania Cruises, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises cant say. 856. Viking sailings arent inexpensive. Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it. Its also home to the ships Explorers Desk the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships. There really is something for everyone. Some of the lines more exotic sailings such as its expedition trips to Antarctica cost even more. Viking actually has a Resident Historian Program. Don't forget belts, jewelry and ties for evening dress. As noted above, almost all of Vikings river ships are of the same basic design and are known as the Longships a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages. Nevertheless, don't let the winter intimidate you as it is one of the most attractive cruise periods for wildlife lovers. As part of Vikings no nickel-and-diming philosophy, the line offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers on all its ships throughout sailings. Check Your Passport's Expiration Date. Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine-lined walls, Scandinavian-influenced wood-veneered vanities, shiny white sinks and chrome fixtures. Your cabin size will determine when you can book these options. Cincinnati, OH. We politely asked him not to do this and his reply was that since nobody else complained, he'd do as he pleased. All of the lines vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins. Check out TravelAwaits contributor Judy Freemans advice on how to make the most of your Viking cruise. Viking also does a Kitchen Table excursion which takes place in two parts. There may be swimming or bathing opportunities, such as the traditional Russian Banya or the therapeutic spas in Budapest, which will require a swimsuit. Layering is the best way to combat changeable conditions when travelling even from morning to night or when transiting in airports. If you are travelling as a couple, we recommend taking one large suitcase or bag between you for a cruise and one carry on bag each. Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. Then work your way through each day and read all the offerings. It will only be something for you to worry about on the cruise. Its all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort. Viking Ocean Cruises provide Freyja shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body-wash, replenished daily; frequent cruisers say that the high-quality products are one of the best perks of every trip. Other little touches in Viking cabins that show a line thinking about functionality as much as decor include the large and clear lettering on the Freyja toiletries that youll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. (Not every cruise company will have this so you should check in advance if cruising with a different company). Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center, pool areas and Sports Deck. Some stateroom categories include laundry services, and it is available for a fee through your steward if not included. On our first ocean cruise, one man somehow always sat in front of us in the theater (though we learned to move when he approached). She is the author of 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die, Reedy Press, and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). Most cruise lines qualify seniors as 55 and older. Weve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast. The same vessel this past summer launched the lines first voyages in the Great Lakes a destination that only a handful of cruise operators visit. A travel umbrella works equally as well as a sun parasol. Oceans. Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship. Especially cashmere which is light in weight in the suitcase but keeps you as warm as a more bulky weight of yarn. Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line, mostly due to the fact that it operates both ocean cruises and river cruises. This cruise packing list is for a seven to ten-day cruise. With this in mind, weve put together this Viking River Cruise packing list, loaded with helpful cruise packing tips to help you get ready for yourriver cruise or even your first Viking Ocean Cruise. Having the option to do some laundry can help lighten your packing list. She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. They are not expensive and can be a lifesaver when you really need that bit of extra battery. Unlike its ocean ships, Vikings river ships arent all-balcony-cabin vessels. The main restaurants on these ships are notable for their walls of glass that can slide open to create al fresco dining, something that is unusual in the cruise world. You want to be comfortable and dont want to fall victim to pickpockets. Save the space in your bag. There is room on board for both attitudes, even in the restaurants.
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