Check Your Passport's Expiration Date. Theyre also people who can afford a relatively high-end vacation experience. Coffee and tea are always available as well. That pretty much summarizes the official dress code. We finally tried the Viking cruise room service. Whether at an airport or on a shore excursion, throw a few in your bag, and you will never get caught out. Viking isnt one of them. They are not expensive and can be a lifesaver when you really need that bit of extra battery. 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. Bluffworks Wrinkle-Free Travel Zenith Dress Shirt. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards, which are in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. Terms and Conditions Apply. Personally, we are not dress up people. On the lines river ships, youll also find onboard lectures, usually related to the destinations the ships are visiting, as well as destination-related demonstrations and tastings. See our guide to the best wheeled underseat luggage so you can still travel light and have emergency clothing for a few days. Viking takes this into account with their dress code, which has no formal nights in the evening. Posted Friday at 08:20 AM. This cruise line has a large fleet with 18 vessels sailing around the world.While I've mostly sailed with Royal Caribbean in my life, I've been intrigued more recently by Norwegian Cruise Line. Some of the lines more exotic sailings such as its expedition trips to Antarctica cost even more. Viking takes this into account with their dress code, which has no formal nights in the evening. Another bonus of river cruising is the ample time spent ashore means you can easily pick up any necessary toiletries along the way. Viking sailings arent inexpensive. See our guide to the must-have travel essentials for women for more travel packing list tips for ladies. (As recently as 2012, the line operated just 29 river ships.). That works out to more than $750 per day for a couple sharing a room. Once in the middle and once 2 days before the last day so we're packing mostly clean clothes on the way home. Viking adds an automatic service gratuity (which it calls a hotel and dining charge) of $15 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. You may like to take a second pair of day shoes for around the ship that can transition to evening and one pair of dressier shoes for evening excursions. 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. 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. Categories Cruises, Packing Lists, Travel Tips, Best Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam. Put together outfits and take pictures of them on your phone - this is super helpful and a great way to simplify things. People typically book their Viking cruises many months - or even a few years - before the actual trip. One more of the vessels is scheduled to debut later this year, with three more ships in the series coming in 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. I am very intrigued by some of the shore excursions that involve biking and kayaking. See below for the complete list. Never brought it again to subsequent river and ocean cruises again. A quality, fast charging bank is great for travel days, essential for full-day shore excursions, especially for anyone who uses their phone as their primary camera. If youve never kayaked, try an hour rental to see if you like it. We prefer a soft duffle style bag with wheels and a telescopic handle. For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. To help you with the dress code on a river cruise, we give you some ideas for day and evening wear. 2. Ladies, forget your fabulously bulky shoulder tote bag that looks great in any season. A brightly coloured scarf, shawl or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit. Related: 10 Travel Safety Tips to Put in Place Before You Go. When planning what to bring on your cruise, visit Life on Board for the dress code and tips on what to pack. The number of restaurants and other dining options that youll find on Viking ships will vary greatly depending on whether you are sailing on an ocean or a river ship. Otherwise, there are fees comparable to what youll pay cleaners at home. This evening dress code is not enforced at the casual World Cafe eateries on Viking ocean ships, where passengers can go even more casual in the evenings. Tops 2-3 casual t-shirts, 2-3 tank tops for the day, a few blouses like this, this one, and this, and a silk tank top. Related: Avoid lost luggage issues. A tie and jacket for men are optional. I avoid gaining weight on a cruise by always taking the stairs and not the elevator when on the ship. It should be okay in the World Cafe, but Ive never seen men in sandals in any of the dining rooms. In my case, it is my husbands retirement from the military, a belated 20th wedding anniversary, and a lifelong desire to visit Russia. This is where your research in cultural immersion will pay off in helping to decide what you want to do. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage. They are also good if visiting dusty areas for covering your face. This provides warmth on the flight and handy pockets. A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships. 1. Read the descriptions of the intensity levels to make sure it is an activity you want to participate in. (Antarctica cruises have unique packing lists, so check with your cruise line.) Viking actually has a Resident Historian Program. Empty suitcases or bags slide easily under the beds to minimise clutter. As an experienced traveler, I am often amazed by how many people arrive on a trip with no clue how everything works because they didnt read the materials provided prior to the trip. Viking Ocean Cruises Scandinavia & Northern Europe; The Americas & Caribbean; Mediterranean; Quiet Season Mediterranean; Asia & Australia; Grand Voyages; Viking Expeditions Antarctica; Great Lakes & Canada; Grand Journeys; Call Viking at Call Viking at 1-866-984-5464 1-866-984-5464 . 5 7 Tops to mix and match with bottoms. 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. Save the space in your bag. I feel like food is such an important part of travel and can give you an insight into the local culture. 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 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. The Viking Octantis gets into the list as she is the largest or one of the largest purpose-built expedition ships (intended for the Arctic and Antarctic regions). Taking long walks is a good way to increase your fitness level. Note that Viking river ships do not have fitness centers, which is relatively unusual for river ships. Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. Most other lines do not include port taxes and fees in their base fares and add them later in the booking process. Also review the Passport and Visa Requirements. You can find our top-rated womens travel jackets here and mens travel jackets with hidden pockets here. Youll find Vikings 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. Dont forget any medicines you might need for the duration of your cruise, plus additional just in case of any delays. If you find you need more charging space for cameras, phones or even a laptop, we recommend bringing apower strip from your home country. During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses no matter the season. Viking has a well-earned reputation for delivering an upscale river cruise experience. If you are taking a fly-cruise package and your luggage is lost by the airline, it could take time for your luggage to be found and may even have to be delivered to the ship at the next port of call. We politely asked him not to do this and his reply was that since nobody else complained, he'd do as he pleased. We did not have icy conditions but did walk through lots of slush. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Read Our Guide to the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel, Read Our Guide to the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel. Viking has long argued that few of its customers use fitness centers and the space that would be devoted to one is better used for other things. Electrical outlets in Viking Ocean staterooms run on either 110V and 220V so when packing for a Viking Ocean Cruise, there is no need to bring other adapterseven though you'll be visiting different countries. So much so, some days will barely allow time to change before dinner. Preparing a themed dinner can be a fun way to build excitement for your upcoming cruise. Soothing, minimalist colors think creams, grays and lighter blues are the order of the day. You will need your booking number to register. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. 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. There is nothing worse than a sunburn on your holiday. You should certainly pack your swimming attire, no matter what region of the world or time of the year you are cruising. Even the summer months in some parts of Europe can be unpredictable. Layering is the best way to combat changeable conditions when travelling even from morning to night or when transiting in airports. To begin, go to your cruises itinerary page. 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. The evening dress excludes World Caf where the dress remains casual after 6:00 PM. Look for easy-care, wrinkle-free dress shirts you can wash and not worry about ironing like this travel range from Bluffworks. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Read our Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Check here before booking an award fare. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. With this in mind, consider baggage weight allowances if your river cruise includes domestic flights within the country. Some even transition beautifully from day to evening. In every other sense, though, it's unmatched, especially when . Exceptions to this are: Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises. The best luggage for a river cruise is sturdy, easy to manoeuvre through airports and easy to stow under the bed once you have unpacked on board. Its forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. Viking vessels are full of luxury touches, with the pricing to match (see more on what Viking trips cost at the bottom of this story). You may be denied entry ifyou are considered to be inappropriately dressed. 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. During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. Bluffworks Lightweight Travel Utility Scarf. Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. 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. Viking does not allow children under the age of 18 on its vessels and thus has no childrens programs on any of its vessels. Viking has taken delivery of its ninth Ocean-going cruise ship today, April 26. Having the option to do some laundry can help lighten your packing list. Weve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast. 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. See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile perfect for river cruising. Its all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort. My 7 Favorite U.S. Mountain Towns To Visit In The Summer, 5 Unique Stays In Rhodes, Greece With A View, 13 Highs, Lows, And Key Insights From My Years As A Freelance Writer On Travel And Other Themes, 7 Things I Loved About Vikings Paris & The Heart Of Normandy River Cruise, 6 Fascinating Facts About Vikings New Expedition Ship Octantis, 17 Best Things I Ate On My Viking River Cruise, Viking River Cruises Romantic Danube: How To Make The Most Of Every Stop, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, how to make the most of your Viking cruise. If you prefer a sling bag, weve got the best selection of Sling Backpacks for men & women here. Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise. March 25, 2012. Drinks are Included With Lunch and Dinner During meal times wine, beer and soft drinks are included. We carry yak-trac type spikes for our boots in our small day pack and put them on when necessary. 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. Swollen feet from flying is bad at the best of times. Ten-night Greek Odyssey voyages to the Greek Islands start at $3,799 per person. You wont have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed. They also are more forgiving if you do overpack a little or pick up one too many souvenirs on your trip. I went in March and the streets were a sheet of ice. Otherwise most everyone displayed common sense in how they dressed for dinner, nice but still casual. Toiletries and all medications (quality shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap and body wash are provided onboard. I'd highly recommend upgrading to the Silver Spirits package which covers any drink (minus champagne), including premium wine by the glass, cocktails, house wines, beer . Ha, the "yankees" on board made fun of us complaining of being so cold but then I told them they would melt in Phoenix in the summer. I like a zip up cardigan so I am not hauling the thing over my head. Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. Depending on the time of year and destination, I like to fly wearing a tweed jacket. For men Trousers and collared shirts are acceptable. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. In the late afternoon, you will join the culinary team and help to prepare a meal using the local ingredients you helped select earlier. If you are cruising in the shoulder seasons or taking a winter river cruise such as a Christmas market river cruise, you may want to prepare for cold and wet weather. Home >> Travel Tips >> Cruises >> Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips. Lightweight, breathable tops. 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). If you could see my husbands sandals, as compared to mine, you, and Viking, might change your minds! Disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links. I pack clothing that can be worn day or evening and tend to be closer to business casual in my choices than elegant casual. One thing that can be offensive to many is men with ball caps in the dining room or World Cafe. If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home. Of course, you may choose to dress up, but many passengers will opt for elegant casual. A den of serenity, its one of our favorite places on these vessels. Start with a predominantly neutral colour scheme -black, white, beige, tan and grey. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen. All river cruises offer complimentary umbrellas on board as just one of the. If you want to bring an additional purse for evening excursions or for evenings on board, consider a handbag for travel that comes with a small anti-theft wristlet or clutch for evenings. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. When planning what to bring on your cruise, visit Life on Board for the dress code and tips on what to pack. On a river cruise, you will be launching straight into tours and excursions; there would be nothing worse than trying to squeeze swollen feet into shoes for a walking tour. You must confirm your age with a government-issued ID (we recommend a passport or driver's license) at the pier before boarding the ship. If you want a lightweight in-between bag for day excursions or even for days onboard youll be pleased to know fanny packs are back in fashion. See our guide to the best wheeled underseat luggage so you can still travel light and have emergency clothing for a few days. Travelon Addison-Anti-Theft-Convertible Crossbody/Belt Bag, Travelon Origin Anti-Theft Waistpack/Sling Bag treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology. They also include a complimentary shore excursion in each port. In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. The lines smaller expedition ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, offer four of the above venues: The Restaurant, World Cafe, Manfredis and Mamsens. Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services. There is a laundry service onboard the Viking river cruises. Personal experiences give you insights that you wont receive on the company website. Perfect for cruises. We've done 15 day cruises and I do laundry once or twice during that time. While the cabin itself may not be that spacious, there is plenty of drawer and cupboard space to stow your things. We like the Samsonite wheeled duffel bags because they are lightweight, easy to carry and with changeable packing options, are so easy to pack. Menu. There was a classical trio on board during our cruise, whose music we really enjoyed after dinners. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. All of Vikings oceangoing ships, which are much bigger than its river ships, have at least four and usually more outlets serving food of some sort. If you use a straightener or curler, you will need to bring this. 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. If you are booked in a suite, you should be able to get all your choices. Among the lines voyages, youll find everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages. 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. There is room on board for both attitudes, even in the restaurants. Allow for one heavier, windproof jacket, although leave overly bulky or heavy clothing at home. If youre sure that Viking is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. Most cruises to Iceland depart between the months of May and September. The Viking Saturn is the newest ship in Viking's award-winning ocean fleet of identical sister ships. This isn't just in the main restaurants, you can also get the drinks from the buffet or if you are eating at places like the poolside grill you will be offered drinks. When it debuted in 2017, it originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. I also find it useful as a jacket under a rain coat on dreary fifty degree wet days that occur certain seasons of the year. On Viking River Cruises, there is no need to bring basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, or body lotion. Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board. 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. The historian hosts lectures on the history and culture of the ports you will visit. Bring your headphones I find the earpieces issued with the audio devices for tours very uncomfortable and difficult to attach to my ear. You will be doing a lot of walking around towns and cities on a river cruise. You can highlight this with one or two pastels or brighter accent colours depending on your style. Taking them off and laying them on the table is not appropriate either. Find the right card for you. This cruise packing list is for a seven to ten-day cruise. A credit of $200 per passenger anytime you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. This excursion is offered at multiple ports. At each port, you will have numerous shore activities and excursions to choose from including lots of free walking tours. 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. One thing we love about Viking River Cruise vessels is the ample storage in the cabins. So many places I have put on my list to tour are based on movies, books, or artwork that I love. Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. Always do a final check of all your devices, cameras and electronic equipment to make sure you have all the right cords, batteries and chargers. In fall and winter, of course, travelers will want to pack these items and then some: weather. In addition, most Viking vessels offer laundry and pressing services. Totally agree with Clay - I brought a sports jacket for my first river cruise and wore it once. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit. Too many people forget about sun protection when sightseeing around cities and local attractions. The Visa section will let you know if there are any requirements. A travel umbrella works equally as well as a sun parasol. If youre sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary and about a dozen other things you can head over to Viking.com and book directly. You may wish to choose one additional dressier outfit or elegant top to dress up one of your mix and match combinations. Youll also find the occasional multigenerational group a retired couple traveling with their working-age adult children, for instance. Depending on the type of excursion, you may want to pack specific clothing such as comfortable, versatile hiking/walking shoesfor optional easy hikes. Its not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. It will only be something for you to worry about on the cruise. Here are five important things to do to prepare for your Viking cruise. They are disappointed they cant do a shore excursion or eat at a specialty onboard restaurant because they didnt reserve it. The best bag for a shore excursion is one that is not too bulky, comfortable to wear, practical and has goodanti-theft features. Vikings bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. Did fine with Nikes but they were soaked when we got back to the ship. We have a 21 day booked for next year with a week long pre-extension. If sailing on Viking ocean cruises, there are numerous guest laundries available to use free of charge on each deck. Another resource I like to use is reviews. Unless of course, you need a specific product. Your packing list should include thick sweaters and jackets combined with warm socks, hats, winter boots and gloves. Not the low power dryers permanently attached to the wall as you find in many hotels.