Streets can be icy in March, especially cobblestone sidewalks. There is a section that is destination-specific and worth checking out. If cruising in the warmer months dont get caught without sun protection. When he is on vacation, he does not even want to wear a sports coat. Typically it is either an orientation walking or bus tour of the port of call. You will find power points next to the bed and near the desk which will more than likely be ample power points for most travellers. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. 1-2 Long sleeved sweaters depending on the season. 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). 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. 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. Depending on the type of excursion, you may want to pack specific clothing such as comfortable, versatile hiking/walking shoesfor optional easy hikes. Viking also includes access to the thermal areas of its spa in its base fares. Soothing, minimalist colors think creams, grays and lighter blues are the order of the day. That pretty much summarizes the official dress code. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. May 5, 2015. I imagined wearing it to chamber concerts in churches, or other cultural events.well when we returned to the US seven months later, I counted and had worn it three times-only once onboard where I quickly removed it as the dining room was warm. We have a 21 day booked for next year with a week long pre-extension. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount before disembarking at the Explorers Desk. 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. You will find an example 7-10 day packing list at the end of the article to use as a starting point for your packing. And will make a more formal appearance with a collared shirt. The handover ceremony for Viking Saturn took place at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy. As Viking founder Torstein Hagen likes to say, a Viking cruise is the thinking persons cruise, not the drinking persons cruise., Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentaryway to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. Make an appointment with yourself to book these options. Both long and short-sleeved. 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin. 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. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses no matter the season. Find Out More . Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style. The ships also offer some traditional entertainment, including production shows with singers and dancers. Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at theorchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board. Many of the activities on board Vikings ocean ships revolve around cultural enrichment, to use a phrase often used by Viking executives. Perfect for carrying your phone, lipstick, room card and money without having to pack an extra purse. 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 . It is your vacation, your money, your choice (as long as you are within the guidelines). Viking takes this into account with their dress code, which has no formal nights in the evening. We have reviewed some of the best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here, but these are a few of our favourites. ", here is my answer. In my case, it is Viking Homelands, and I went to the section on Resources. Learn more Cruise Day Wear Cruise Day Wear There is no need to bring a hairdryer. It should be okay in the World Cafe, but Ive never seen men in sandals in any of the dining rooms. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets. But Norway in April will be COLD! Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. ), Hair straightener or curler if you use one You DO NOT NEED a hairdryer. Viking fares do include port taxes and fees, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per sailing. A scarf or shawl is great for layering in minor changes in weather and a must if cruising in the winter months. Just this year, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home. There is a laundry service onboard the Viking river cruises. You will be doing aconsiderable amount of walking and even some easy to moderate hikes on some excursions. Viking also offers lots of balcony cabins and suites on its river ships, something that isnt always the case in the river cruise business, where space on vessels is at a premium. Check Your Passport's Expiration Date. As it gets closer to sign-up day, check to verify which excursions are offered as they are subject to change. 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. 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. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage. 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. This is one of my favorite features that Viking offers. 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. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Also, choose shoes with a good grip. Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants. As part of this society, you will receive: Note that the credits mentioned above cannot always be combined with promotions the line offers. And its not a line for the party crowd. Offer ends 5/3/23. We always like to take a pair of flip-flops or a similar comfortable sandal for relaxing in the cabin or making those quick trips to the snack and coffee station. Questionable. Nevertheless, don't let the winter intimidate you as it is one of the most attractive cruise periods for wildlife lovers. Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Web Stories, 20142023 Vagrants Of The World Travel | Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited | Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Pleasant temps, however. Each day of your cruise is listed with options to book spa treatments, dining reservations, and shore excursions. Comfortable walking shoes will be very important. Each cabin has two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. Dandelion Travel Adapter with 2 USB Ports, Power strip with 3 AC Outlets, 2 USB Ports, The Smallest and Lightest High-Speed Power Bank. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! It also has both ocean ships and river ships something that is unusual among major lines. You will be doing a lot of walking around towns and cities on a river cruise. In general, youll find a lot of couples on Viking ships and some solo travelers. Windproof & Lightweight Folding Travel Umbrella. We prefer a soft duffle style bag with wheels and a telescopic handle. 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). You can find our top-rated womens travel jackets here and mens travel jackets with hidden pockets here. As part of Vikings no nickel-and-diming philosophy, the line offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers on all its ships throughout sailings. However, weather in Iceland is completely unpredictable, and it's not unheard of to experience all four seasons in one day. 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. People typically book their Viking cruises many months - or even a few years - before the actual trip. By taking the extra time to plan, your trip will go smoother and you will know what to expect. Also review the Passport and Visa Requirements. This means if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Depending on the season and destination, the weather could be changeable from port to port. The launderettes are stocked with detergent for the washing machines that, unlike on many cruise ships with launderettes, do not come with an extra cost. Easy care, wrinkle-free, breathable fabrics are best. A good, wool sweater is often a benefit when the weather is cold and damp. If you could see my husbands sandals, as compared to mine, you, and Viking, might change your minds! Unless of course, you need a specific product. Of course, you may choose to dress up, but many passengers will opt for elegant casual. Posted Friday at 08:20 AM. While a certain level of dress is expected, and always appreciated, on a Viking River Cruise, you will not find the need for formal wear as you might on a big cruise line. 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. For our early fall cruise in the Baltic Sea, the roof was always closed. 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. The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships. Whenever your cruise is planned, these are the important items to help you prepare for it. It's not "business casual". If youve seen one, youve seen them all. I am very intrigued by some of the shore excursions that involve biking and kayaking. The evening dress excludes World Caf where the dress remains casual after 6:00 PM. A beginners guide to picking a cruise line, several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River, The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship, The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites, The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea, Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship, Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board, Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services, Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise, The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program, 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style, How to book a cruise with points and miles, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Save the space in your bag. The upscale cruise brand has carved out a niche since its founding in 1997, catering specifically to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler who is looking to explore the world and learn a thing or two along the way. Perfect for cruises. Most cruise lines qualify seniors as 55 and older. Preparing a themed dinner can be a fun way to build excitement for your upcoming cruise. 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. Pair winter shoes opt for lightweight over heavy boots. As an obsessive reader, I delve deep into the options and small print so we wont miss anything important. The first thing you should do is review the Viking Inclusive Value webpage. A bucket-list trip is a perfect way to celebrate major milestones in your life. This recipes use of ingredients produced a light flavorful meatball. Viking is all about the destination, and on my 15-day cruise, there is only one day at sea. You may not be able to get a replacement should you forget one. Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board. See our guide to the must-have travel essentials for women for more travel packing list tips for ladies. Sweaters are ideal when visiting religious landmarks as they allow you to cover your body while still feeling comfortable respectful. There is also a small shop on board should you require something urgently. Not the low power dryers permanently attached to the wall as you find in many hotels. In keeping with Vikings focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places youll be visiting on your sailing. There are some cruise lines that try to be all things to all people. Bluffworks Ascender 5 Pocket Travel Pants, Goodthreads Mens Long-Sleeve Solid Oxford Shirt. Dont forget any medicines you might need for the duration of your cruise, plus additional just in case of any delays. 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. You want to be comfortable and dont want to fall victim to pickpockets. 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. You may want to increase some clothing items depending on the type and duration of the cruise. Its focus is on destinations and enrichment. Categories Cruises, Packing Lists, Travel Tips, Best Things to do in Hanoi Vietnam. They are also good if visiting dusty areas for covering your face. Realize the Neptune is a 2022 ship and the Sky is a 2016 ship. 856. Another good reason to always carry a lightweight travel scarf. We feel your pain, us being from Arizona. Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. Vikings river ships, by contrast, typically offer just two eateries: a main restaurant where passengers eat most of their meals and a smaller, casual buffet with indoor and outdoor seating. You can highlight this with one or two pastels or brighter accent colours depending on your style. Reviewing the shore excursions is particularly important when considering what to pack for a river cruise in Europe, as most cruise itineraries offer a range of cultural evening excursions such as the opera or ballet. See end of article for more details. Youll probably eat most of your meals in one of these eateries. In my case, it is my husbands retirement from the military, a belated 20th wedding anniversary, and a lifelong desire to visit Russia. Thats because the vast majority of Vikings ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it. I love to cook, and I recently prepared Norwegian-Style Meatballs from the extensive recipe collection on Vikings website. You will need your booking number to register. There is an extensive list of movies, documentaries, and television shows either filmed in or about your cruise destinations. 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. To help you with the dress code on a river cruise, we give you some ideas for day and evening wear. Related: 10 Travel Safety Tips to Put in Place Before You Go. We set out in mid-February on a 12-day cruise that took us from Bergen, Norway to Tilbury, England with stops along Norway's west coast. When you decide to explore on your ownlike we did in Molde Norway with a hike to Varden viewpoint (amazing) request a lunch box from Viking guest services. 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. Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program. The line also doesnt charge a corkage fee. Moody's expects this level of cash is sufficient to cover the company's cash needs. This provides warmth on the flight and handy pockets. 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. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Lightweight, breathable tops. A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. See below for the complete list. Posted December 23, 2018. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. We like the Samsonite wheeled duffel bags because they are lightweight, easy to carry and with changeable packing options, are so easy to pack. Since we don't leave until early March, I guess we won't get it until late February. The cruise line's focus on accessible luxury and exotic itineraries is very appealing to me. Comfortable trousers or jeans are best, or if the weather calls for it, shorts or skirts are also appropriate. Guests on Viking's ocean ships are treated to the Metropolitan Opera's "Live in HD" series, which includes a viewing of . The main pool on the ship has a retractable roof. Disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links. A pair of lightweight gloves and hat that can slip easily into your daypack or handbag. 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. Most other lines do not include port taxes and fees in their base fares and add them later in the booking process. They will pack a box for you with a sandwich, apple, and goodies. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. 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 1-800-304-9616 1-800-304-9616 . We've done 15 day cruises and I do laundry once or twice during that time. 2. I also read trip reports. Think about your mix and match. Viking currently operates 10 ocean ships, eight of which are nearly identical. If you prefer a sling bag, weve got the best selection of Sling Backpacks for men & women here. 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. Forsake Davos MidMens Waterproof Outdoor Sneaker Boot, Skechers Mens Relaxed-Fit Memory Foam Slip-On Loafer. There is nothing worse than a sunburn on your holiday. The eight nearly identical ocean ships Viking Mars, Viking Venus, Viking Jupiter, Viking Orion, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, Viking Sky, Viking Sea and Viking Star began rolling out in 2015 and each has the capacity for 930 passengers. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center, pool areas and Sports Deck.