Cincinnati, OH. It should be okay in the World Cafe, but Ive never seen men in sandals in any of the dining rooms. 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. Many of the activities on board Vikings ocean ships revolve around cultural enrichment, to use a phrase often used by Viking executives. 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. In fall and winter, of course, travelers will want to pack these items and then some: weather. Austin, Texas. Winter jacket Lightweight packable puffy down jacket for travel. The Viking Saturn. Pair winter shoes opt for lightweight over heavy boots. While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentaryway to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. You may not be able to get a replacement should you forget one. 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. When it debuted in 2017, it originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun. Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea. 1-2 Long sleeved sweaters depending on the season. Consider any places of worship you may be visiting where respectful dress is required. 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. 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. Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services. While this is an open invitation to pickpockets, it is also how people often lose phones, wallets and other personal items when travelling. Offer ends 5/3/23. This provides warmth on the flight and handy pockets. The page is worth visiting for an overview of the port city and some videos. The first section to check out is filmography, and you can choose by either country or itinerary. We feel your pain, us being from Arizona. While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. They are also good if visiting dusty areas for covering your face. A scarf or shawl is great for layering in minor changes in weather and a must if cruising in the winter months. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Your packing list should include thick sweaters and jackets combined with warm socks, hats, winter boots and gloves. Also, if youre planning a pre or post-cruise extension trip, you dont want to be burdened with heavy luggage. Moody's expects this level of cash is sufficient to cover the company's cash needs. Dates range from 60 to 107 days before your cruise. 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. Lightweight long sleeved shirts are perfect for hot sunny days. Perfect for carrying your phone, lipstick, room card and money without having to pack an extra purse. Dandelion Travel Adapter with 2 USB Ports, Power strip with 3 AC Outlets, 2 USB Ports, The Smallest and Lightest High-Speed Power Bank. Questionable. A nice scarf or pashmina is the perfect travel accessory for layering when it gets a little cool. Drinks are Included With Lunch and Dinner During meal times wine, beer and soft drinks are included. ), Hair straightener or curler if you use one You DO NOT NEED a hairdryer. 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. Our favourite travel accessories for wet weather. You may want to increase some clothing items depending on the type and duration of the cruise. If youve seen one, youve seen them all. Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Perfect for cruises. This can impact your decision as to whether you wish to purchase a beverage package. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Whenever your cruise is planned, these are the important items to help you prepare for it. Viking also does a Kitchen Table excursion which takes place in two parts. 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. Some people love to dress up for dinner, other don't. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. 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. You will be doing aconsiderable amount of walking and even some easy to moderate hikes on some excursions. Did fine with Nikes but they were soaked when we got back to the ship. Viking does not allow children under the age of 18 on its vessels and thus has no childrens programs on any of its vessels. In the north the sea was frozen. Another bonus of river cruising is the ample time spent ashore means you can easily pick up any necessary toiletries along the way. 2. They can become cumbersome when on the move. 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 . For our early fall cruise in the Baltic Sea, the roof was always closed. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link. However, weather in Iceland is completely unpredictable, and it's not unheard of to experience all four seasons in one day. Cruise Packing Tips How Much to Pack - If you are creating a packing list for a seven day cruise, select five to seven tops to compliment three to four bottoms. 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. 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. Layering is the best way to combat changeable conditions when travelling even from morning to night or when transiting in airports. If you prefer a sling bag, weve got the best selection of Sling Backpacks for men & women here. Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. Weve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast. However, even with all the great packing hacks we mention here, the secret to packing for a cruise is still to pack light. Exceptions to this are: Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises. This is the first time Viking Ocean Cruises has offered a . Also, choose shoes with a good grip. Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. One of the less desirable aspects of travel is having to use public conveniences, something you will often do on a river cruise. We were in Bergen September, 2019 on Viking Sun and did lots of walking about. I was blown away by the selection for the Viking Homelands itinerary which included everything from a Nordic cookbook and The Complete Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales to War and Peace. Its focus is on destinations and enrichment. A bucket-list trip is a perfect way to celebrate major milestones in your life. There is an extensive list of movies, documentaries, and television shows either filmed in or about your cruise destinations. 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. 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. Even in the shoulder seasons the sun can be very harmful so always be prepared with at least the basics. The historian hosts lectures on the history and culture of the ports you will visit. Depending on the time of year and destination, I like to fly wearing a tweed jacket. It's not "business casual". - A brightly coloured scarf, shawl or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit. Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at theorchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board. A common question for first-time river cruisers is how to pack for a cruise? Evenings have an official dress code, but its not too formal. If you choose one of the evening excursions, you may want to pack something a little dressier. Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it. In my case, it is my husbands retirement from the military, a belated 20th wedding anniversary, and a lifelong desire to visit Russia. Women can wear sandals, so Id be surprised if men couldnt. If you are booked in a suite, you should be able to get all your choices. Theyre also people who can afford a relatively high-end vacation experience. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount before disembarking at the Explorers Desk. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Temperatures during this period range from lows of 40F (4C) to highs of 57F (14C), while rainfall is lowest in June and July. Is it appropriate for men to wear sandals in the evening? Easy care, wrinkle-free, breathable fabrics are best. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards, which are in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. Alcohol/Drinks Onboard a Viking Ocean Cruise. Another resource I like to use is reviews. Early word by email or regular mail on new Viking Cruises itineraries and new ships, as well as special limited-time offers. Viking has a beautiful premium range of products designed exclusively for them by Freyja. Whether at an airport or on a shore excursion, throw a few in your bag, and you will never get caught out. (On a Seine River voyage, you might have a tasting of local French cheeses or French wines, for instance). You want to be comfortable and dont want to fall victim to pickpockets. Viking fares do include port taxes and fees, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per sailing. One of the great advantages of a river cruise is being able to unpack once and relax for the rest of your cruise. Just be careful some years are far more expensive than others.). the Star has a very nice laundry room. Packing a sweater or cardigan is essential on your cruise, even if you're setting sail in the summertime. In one sense, a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: It's what you make of it. What a great resource to begin learning about the different countries you will visit and what you might like to see! DH has worn a suit and tie for work most every day of his working life. Its how I imagine Norway would smell. While Viking doesnt market itself as a luxury line, some would call it that. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. Powered by Invision Community. Fun fact: The Manfredis restaurants on Viking ocean ships are named after former Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre dOvidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen. Another option is Viking TV, which has a variety of programming. 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. A lightweight travel scarf is great for additional sun protection on the neck and shoulders and comes in very handy when visiting places of worship. You will need to plan for how long you are away taking into consideration clothing, medications and toiletries. Its also a big player in the Mediterranean. Theres no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. 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. Are there lots of hills or steps on a tour? The Chief Historian has curated an extensive list of books to enjoy prior to your cruise. 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. 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. Taking long walks is a good way to increase your fitness level. Unless of course, you need a specific product. #1. I have to admit I have been obsessing over which shore excursions to pick, and I cant book until March 2021. Thankfully today, you can find some very stylish, practical and more importantly, lightweight walking shoes on the market. Pack some long-sleeved sweaters or cardigans as well as short and long-sleeved tops and shirts. 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. Or, pack a separate anti-theft clutch that wont take up much room in your bag. 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. Thats because the vast majority of Vikings ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. 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. Most cruises to Iceland depart between the months of May and September. When planning what to bring on your cruise, visit Life on Board for the dress code and tips on what to pack. Some key things to consider with each excursion is the intensity level, which can range from easy to demanding. 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.. 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. Otherwise, there are fees comparable to what youll pay cleaners at home. In lieu of a sport coat, my husband took a tie but never wore it after the first time at the Chef's Table. 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 also read trip reports. Some stateroom categories include laundry services, and it is available for a fee through your steward if not included. The lack of fitness centers on Viking river ships. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. You wont have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed. That works out to more than $750 per day for a couple sharing a room. See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile perfect for river cruising. If youre looking for a big open room on an ocean cruise (and are willing to pay for it), Viking offers you plenty of options. What it is is a line that has focused very specifically on thinking persons cruises that offer a deeper dive into the destinations that its ships visit than is typical at many lines. Some of the lines more exotic sailings such as its expedition trips to Antarctica cost even more. Related: 10 Travel Safety Tips to Put in Place Before You Go. Guests on Viking's ocean ships are treated to the Metropolitan Opera's "Live in HD" series, which includes a viewing of . Check out TravelAwaits contributor Judy Freemans advice on how to make the most of your Viking cruise. 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. Pack for 10 days or a week and do laundry as needed. When we resumed our travels, we packed lightweight and easy to pack rain jackets . There is nothing to see in the neighborhood, no window shopping.To walk anywhere, there are major roads to be crossed. This cruise packing list is for a seven to ten-day cruise. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and it has several older river vessels that predate the Longships that operate in Russia and Ukraine. Viking is all about the destination, and on my 15-day cruise, there is only one day at sea. Related: How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade. Flushable, individually wrapped wipes for travel. What kind of luggage is best for a cruise? A den of serenity, its one of our favorite places on these vessels. This excursion is offered at multiple ports. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Select wine and beers are complimentary and available at lunch and dinner only. This is where your research in cultural immersion will pay off in helping to decide what you want to do. The best bag for a shore excursion is one that is not too bulky, comfortable to wear, practical and has goodanti-theft features. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests. They are not expensive and can be a lifesaver when you really need that bit of extra battery. It is your vacation, your money, your choice (as long as you are within the guidelines). Big floating resorts, they arent. Once registered, go to the guest information section and fill out the required forms. Terms and Conditions Apply. 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. 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. That pretty much summarizes the official dress code. Sweaters are ideal when visiting religious landmarks as they allow you to cover your body while still feeling comfortable respectful. 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. 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin. 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. The line asks passengers to keep things elegant casual when heading to any of the ships dining venues, performances or special events. To help you with the dress code on a river cruise, we give you some ideas for day and evening wear. An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships. Classified by Cruise Critic as "small ships," Viking's ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light . When considering how you should dress for a Viking river cruise, depending on the cruise you have chosen, first, think about the season and what weather you may expect. Viking actually has a Resident Historian Program. 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. 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. In the morning you will travel by mini-coach with the executive chef to visit a local food market to pick out ingredients for an evening meal. When he is on vacation, he does not even want to wear a sports coat. I love to cook, and I recently prepared Norwegian-Style Meatballs from the extensive recipe collection on Vikings website. Vikings ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. 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. Bon voyage! Viking currently operates 10 ocean ships, eight of which are nearly identical. Allow for one heavier, windproof jacket, although leave overly bulky or heavy clothing at home. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. The allspice, ginger, and nutmeg when blended together has such a wonderful scent. 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. On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage. Home >> Travel Tips >> Cruises >> Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips. They also come in different sizes depending on your requirement. Once you book your cruise, there is still quite a bit of planning to do. There are no formal nights in the evening; evening dress is elegant casual for all dining venues, performances and special events. These arent cruises where its all about the ship. There is also a small shop on board should you require something urgently. River cruise cabins may not be as spacious as a hotel room or on an ocean-going vessel, so you dont want to clutter it with unnecessary stuff. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. The rooms arent overly flashy, though. A brightly coloured scarf, shawl or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit. Lightweight jacket/cardigan for cooler days. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Travelon Addison-Anti-Theft-Convertible Crossbody/Belt Bag, Travelon Origin Anti-Theft Waistpack/Sling Bag treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology. On board, Vikings programming revolves heavily around what the line calls cultural enrichment lectures by experts on topics related to the places its ships visit, as well as cultural and culinary offerings that often have a local tie-in. For example Viking provides beer and wine with lunch and dinner at no additional charge. By taking the extra time to plan, your trip will go smoother and you will know what to expect. You want someone who knows all of the lines many itineraries in detail and, preferably, has sailed on or at least inspected some of the lines vessels, too, to understand the various cabin types and onboard amenities. Save the space in your bag. 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. To begin, go to your cruises itinerary page. The name of her travel blog came about from her friends constantly asking her, "Peggy, Where Should I Go?". It really will enhance your experience. Its not a line for families with young children. The handover ceremony for Viking Saturn took place at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Happily, for the most part, this is not the case. Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants. Stephanie Vermillion captures the spirit of Viking Cruises in her article 9 Reasons to Visit Norway by Cruise.. And will make a more formal appearance with a collared shirt. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. The lines smaller expedition ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, offer four of the above venues: The Restaurant, World Cafe, Manfredis and Mamsens. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? Like the US, Europe had become much more casual so I didnt need it when I thought I would. On Viking River Cruises, there is no need to bring basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, or body lotion. 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. Its also known for an extensive collection of Armagnacs, with one from almost every year of the past eight decades. Viking has been in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera since 2016. You will need your booking number to register. Posted Friday at 08:20 AM. Viking provides good quality, powerful hairdryers in each cabin. A lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler weather. A smart dress shirt or polo can quickly dress up a casual look for men, and a lovely shawl and change of shoes can quickly transform a casual outfit for ladies. Especially when considering some mens shoes. Comfortable walking shoes will be very important. ", here is my answer. 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. A pair of lightweight gloves and hat that can slip easily into your daypack or handbag. 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). On these occasions, required attire for ladies includes a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. Youll probably eat most of your meals in one of these eateries. My brother stayed there on his Viking extension and did not like it. There really is something for everyone. Oceans. You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Viking ships. A credit of $200 per passenger anytime you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. There are no "formal nights" in the evening; evening dress is "elegant. Learn more Cruise Day Wear Cruise Day Wear Coffee and tea are always available as well. 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. If cruising in the warmer months dont get caught without sun protection. Most cruise lines qualify seniors as 55 and older. Think practical anti-theft crossbody purses that cant be overfilled (for comfort), dont stand out yet still look good. If you are creating a packing list for a seven day cruise, select five to seven tops to compliment three to four bottoms. Check Your Passport's Expiration Date. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. The exceptions are two recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft. Ten-night Greek Odyssey voyages to the Greek Islands start at $3,799 per person. Viking Cruises are known as The Thinking Persons Cruise, and you can see why with all the cultural resources they offer. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Anatomie Skyler Travel Pant (use code GET15OFF for 15% off your order). For daytime, men and women will want to bring hats (a sun hat or warm hat, depending on the destination) and sunglasses. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels. Break in your walking shoes before you leave on your cruise. They will pack a box for you with a sandwich, apple, and goodies. 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. Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. For ladies Dresses, skirts or pants witha blouse or sweater are appropriate. Put together outfits and take pictures of them on your phone - this is super helpful and a great way to simplify things. A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center, pool areas and Sports Deck.

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