Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants. Especially cashmere which is light in weight in the suitcase but keeps you as warm as a more bulky weight of yarn. Viking takes this into account with their dress code, which has no formal nights in the evening. Its forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. 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. We had rain, snow, sleet, and sun All in the same day! Questionable. A common question for first-time river cruisers is how to pack for a cruise? Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. 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 choose one of the evening excursions, you may want to pack something a little dressier. Vikings bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. I also read trip reports. If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the Ukraine war.). 1 pair of dressy shoes for special evenings. Its not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. Cincinnati, OH. 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. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its no nickel-and-diming philosophy.). Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. Ladies, forget your fabulously bulky shoulder tote bag that looks great in any season. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Otherwise, there are fees comparable to what youll pay cleaners at home. Allow for one heavier, windproof jacket, although leave overly bulky or heavy clothing at home. By So much so, some days will barely allow time to change before dinner. Related: How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade. Also, if youre planning a pre or post-cruise extension trip, you dont want to be burdened with heavy luggage. A scarf or shawl is great for layering in minor changes in weather and a must if cruising in the winter months. Men should wear collared shirts and pants, with ties and jackets . Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained. True to the ethos of destination-focused cruising, you will have plenty of time ashore exploring independently or on one of the many included and optional shore excursions. Perfect for carrying your phone, lipstick, room card and money without having to pack an extra purse. I pack clothing that can be worn day or evening and tend to be closer to business casual in my choices than elegant casual. The Viking Saturn. 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. While this is undoubtedly true, many equate this with the need to dress up during the cruise. Weve put together a collection of the most stylish anti-theft hidden pocket clothing for travel for both men and women. The line also doesnt charge a corkage fee. Viking has taken delivery of its ninth Ocean-going cruise ship today, April 26. 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. We are going next March to Norway and Im a little concerned to hear the streets are icy. 5 7 Tops to mix and match with bottoms. As usual Peregrina hit the nail on the headI will simply add that on our forst VO cruise (transatlantic)I took a sports jacket thinking I would wear it aboard when we had a special meal and then use it during the following nomadic adventures through Europe. They are disappointed they cant do a shore excursion or eat at a specialty onboard restaurant because they didnt reserve it. This excursion is offered at multiple ports. Travelon Addison-Anti-Theft-Convertible Crossbody/Belt Bag, Travelon Origin Anti-Theft Waistpack/Sling Bag treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology. There is a section that is destination-specific and worth checking out. Never brought it again to subsequent river and ocean cruises again. In general, its an educated crowd, with many passengers coming from professional backgrounds or a life of running their own businesses. 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. During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. 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. It will only be something for you to worry about on the cruise. A tie and jacket for men are optional. Jeans are not permitted. Dates range from 60 to 107 days before your cruise. Drinks are Included With Lunch and Dinner During meal times wine, beer and soft drinks are included. Some of the main gathering spaces included: Viking Living Room: A central place to relax, read a book, talk or listen to music each evening. 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 also has both ocean ships and river ships something that is unusual among major lines. There will be no shore excursions offered on the first or last day of each cruise. Taking long walks is a good way to increase your fitness level. If you are creating a packing list for a seven day cruise, select five to seven tops to compliment three to four bottoms. To Viking, that means a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women, and trousers and a collared shirt for men. As an obsessive reader, I delve deep into the options and small print so we wont miss anything important. So comfortable, casual wear will make up the majority of your wardrobe. Your packing list should include thick sweaters and jackets combined with warm socks, hats, winter boots and gloves. Since we don't leave until early March, I guess we won't get it until late February. Too often we see people in tour groups sightseeing with their bag or daypack hanging loosely from one shoulder with zips or drawer string closures gaping wide open. If sailing on Viking ocean cruises, there are numerous guest laundries available to use free of charge on each deck. Best of all, they are in good sized bottles (not those tiny hotel-style bottles) and are replenished daily or as you need. 856. To get the most of your voyage, take advantage of all the tools Viking offers to help you get ready for your bucket-list trip. 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. Is a balcony something you cant live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? 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. 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. Theres also live music at night in the Explorers Lounge, a two-deck-high observation lounge and bar area at the very top of the ship. (As recently as 2012, the line operated just 29 river ships.). Such services are complimentary for passengers staying in certain categories of cabins. A pair of lightweight gloves and hat that can slip easily into your daypack or handbag. Once in the middle and once 2 days before the last day so we're packing mostly clean clothes on the way home. 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. If you could see my husbands sandals, as compared to mine, you, and Viking, might change your minds! 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. Like the US, Europe had become much more casual so I didnt need it when I thought I would. When it debuted in 2017, it originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun. Think about your mix and match. Viking is all about the destination, and on my 15-day cruise, there is only one day at sea. 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 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. 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). Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at theorchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board. Viking has been in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera since 2016. This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). You will be doing a lot of walking around towns and cities on a river cruise. See our guide to the best wheeled underseat luggage so you can still travel light and have emergency clothing for a few days. 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. Weve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast. Gross tons: 30,150. 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. What kind of luggage is best for a cruise? In Europe, many people choose to take a river cruise in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn which can mean changeable conditions. I am very intrigued by some of the shore excursions that involve biking and kayaking. 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. We carry yak-trac type spikes for our boots in our small day pack and put them on when necessary. Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style. 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. 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). 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. ", here is my answer. With your list ready you will save time by not having to decide on an excursion. 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. 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. 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. 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. You may not be able to get a replacement should you forget one. You may want to increase this accordingly for each additional week you are travelling. Just be careful some years are far more expensive than others.). That demographic has traditionally included the Greatest Generation and Baby Boomers, but now Gen Xers and even Millennials are finding Viking a perfect fit. 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. Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board. Viking has a beautiful premium range of products designed exclusively for them by Freyja. 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. Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea. Note when you can begin booking and that it is very specific including the day and hour in your time zone. Even the summer months in some parts of Europe can be unpredictable. 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. You will need to plan for how long you are away taking into consideration clothing, medications and toiletries. 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. Viking actually has a Resident Historian Program. A brightly coloured scarf, shawl or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen. In fact, the line doesnt even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. Viking is all about the destination, and on my 15-day cruise, there is only one day at sea. Make an appointment with yourself to book these options. I like a zip up cardigan so I am not hauling the thing over my head. Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the most popular mainstream cruise lines in the industry. Too many people forget about sun protection when sightseeing around cities and local attractions. Its also home to the ships Explorers Desk the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships. Its not a line for families with young children. If youve seen one, youve seen them all. Check out TravelAwaits contributor Judy Freemans advice on how to make the most of your Viking cruise. Have not noticed sandals ever on Ocean cruises at dinner EXCEPT World Cafe where it's definitely fine. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. 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. 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. Socks for the duration (including compression socks for the flight). Start at Day 1 and click Read More. 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. There is nothing to see in the neighborhood, no window shopping.To walk anywhere, there are major roads to be crossed. Collared shirts are always better. I am exploring the idea of a World Cruise starting December 2023 and see Viking has 2 ships: Viking Sky and the Viking Neptune that will set sail only days apart. 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. DH has worn a suit and tie for work most every day of his working life. A lightweight scarf also makes great layering for sun protection and as a shoulder and head cover for entering places of worship. 1 pair of day shoes for around the boat or casual evenings. Viking does not allow children under the age of 18 on its vessels and thus has no childrens programs on any of its vessels. Filled with comfortable seating areas and home to a bar, the Viking Living Room serves as a central meeting point for passengers throughout the day and night. 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. Vikings ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. A tie and jacket are optional; jeans are not permitted. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. 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. Once you book your cruise, there is still quite a bit of planning to do. In lieu of a sport coat, my husband took a tie but never wore it after the first time at the Chef's Table. (Not every cruise company will have this so you should check in advance if cruising with a different company). We did not have icy conditions but did walk through lots of slush. Anatomie Skyler Travel Pant (use code GET15OFF for 15% off your order). And will make a more formal appearance with a collared shirt. To begin, go to your cruises itinerary page. Youll probably eat most of your meals in one of these eateries. Just this year, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. There are no "formal nights" in the evening; evening dress is "elegant. Viking doesnt have a loyalty program in the traditional sense one where passengers earn points every time they travel with the brand and progress through multiple tiers that bring an ever-expanding array of perks. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. It's not "business casual". The name of her travel blog came about from her friends constantly asking her, "Peggy, Where Should I Go?". Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. We prefer a soft duffle style bag with wheels and a telescopic handle. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. You will be doing aconsiderable amount of walking and even some easy to moderate hikes on some excursions. Viking also does a Kitchen Table excursion which takes place in two parts. 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. At each port, you will have numerous shore activities and excursions to choose from including lots of free walking tours. Even the smallest cabins on Vikings ocean ships are large by cruise ship standards at 270 square feet, and the largest suites measure nearly 1,500 square feet. Read Our Guide to the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel, Read Our Guide to the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel. Read our Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel. If you prefer a sling bag, weve got the best selection of Sling Backpacks for men & women here. 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. Totes Womens Reversible, Packable Travel Rain Poncho. In one sense, a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: It's what you make of it. Set up your My Viking Journey account. Looking for practical and stylish travel wear? Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. What they are is eminently functional, with storage in all the right places, lots of outlets for charging your devices and lighting right where you need it.
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what to pack for a viking ocean cruise