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. It is a personal choice but here are some reasons for bringing one: you always wear a jacket when you eat out; you tend to get cold in air-conditioning and a jacket is your preferred solution to the problem; you need one for activities planned before, during or after the cruise. (Not every cruise company will have this so you should check in advance if cruising with a different company). Viking is one of the only cruise brands in the world that offers a balcony with every cabin on every ocean ship it operates even the least expensive, smallest cabins. You will need to plan for how long you are away taking into consideration clothing, medications and toiletries. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets. As noted above, Viking doesnt allow passengers under the age of 18 on its ships a key differentiator for the brand as compared to other cruise lines. Powered by Invision Community. There is nothing to see in the neighborhood, no window shopping.To walk anywhere, there are major roads to be crossed. Author. 1. By You should certainly pack your swimming attire, no matter what region of the world or time of the year you are cruising. Select wine and beers are complimentary and available at lunch and dinner only. Its not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. We are going next March to Norway and Im a little concerned to hear the streets are icy. They will pack a box for you with a sandwich, apple, and goodies. Good to know! Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. I went in March and the streets were a sheet of ice. Theres also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining). Whenever your cruise is planned, these are the important items to help you prepare for it. The latter is something relatively few lines roll into their base fares, and shore excursions can be expensive. Ditto for the lines river vessels. She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. Each cabin has two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. 1 pair of dressy shoes for special evenings. 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. Never brought it again to subsequent river and ocean cruises again. You may want to increase some clothing items depending on the type and duration of the cruise. Since we don't leave until early March, I guess we won't get it until late February. They are much more comfortable to wear for long periods and produce better sound. Read this over and become familiar with all the extras Viking offers as this will be important when you start booking shore excursions, restaurant reservations, and drink packages. 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. 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). 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. There is room on board for both attitudes, even in the restaurants. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentaryway to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. Viking could be your line. Planning a cruise? Preparing a themed dinner can be a fun way to build excitement for your upcoming cruise. Coming from So California, I am not sure what to expect. 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. Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note. Many posts on this site also contain links to accommodation, travel and activity booking sites. In my case, it is my husbands retirement from the military, a belated 20th wedding anniversary, and a lifelong desire to visit Russia. The Chief Historian has curated an extensive list of books to enjoy prior to your cruise. In addition, in order to ensure fair usage for all, the line limits some heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads and software upgrades. 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. 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. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. For our early fall cruise in the Baltic Sea, the roof was always closed. Check Your Passport's Expiration Date. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. 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. The 47,842 gross . Soothing, minimalist colors think creams, grays and lighter blues are the order of the day. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. On Viking Ocean Cruises, it is always possible to have a pool day. You will need your booking number to register. Expect prices between $2.00 $8.00 USD per item. One of the great advantages of a river cruise is being able to unpack once and relax for the rest of your cruise. 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. Cincinnati, OH. Vikings bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. On 6/24/2021 at 11:57 AM, Jim Avery said: 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. As an obsessive reader, I delve deep into the options and small print so we wont miss anything important. 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 . Having sailed on a number of Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises, we realise packing for a river cruise differs from what you would pack for a cruise on one of the bigger cruise lines. Viking is all about the destination, and on my 15-day cruise, there is only one day at sea. The companys core market is people who range in age from 55 to 75 years, although it does draw some passengers who are younger or older. There are no formal nights in the evening; evening dress is elegant casual for all dining venues, performances and special events. Coffee and tea are always available as well. Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at theorchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board. For this subset of travelers, Viking offers a wide range of both ocean and river cruise itineraries that have a heavy focus on the destinations visited. Pack for 10 days or a week and do laundry as needed. Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style. Taking long walks is a good way to increase your fitness level. 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. 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. These are the following: Dress, skirt, or trousers, and a sweater or shirt are appropriate attire for women. The line also draws a wide range of interesting and accomplished people from all walks of life to serve as guest lecturers, including well-known academics, diplomats and even astronauts. A den of serenity, its one of our favorite places on these vessels. Empty suitcases or bags slide easily under the beds to minimise clutter. Some people love to dress up for dinner, other don't. Foldable and Packable Sun Hats for Travel, Foldable & Packable Fedora Panama Straw Hat. Weve been to Norway in June and it was lovely. Oceans. 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. Find the right card for you. Viking sailings arent inexpensive. Viking also assigns flags and icons which further describe the tour. See our guide to the best wheeled underseat luggage so you can still travel light and have emergency clothing for a few days. Like the US, Europe had become much more casual so I didnt need it when I thought I would. 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. Having the option to do some laundry can help lighten your packing list. Also, choose shoes with a good grip. Unlike its ocean ships, Vikings river ships arent all-balcony-cabin vessels. Totally agree with Clay - I brought a sports jacket for my first river cruise and wore it once. Consider any places of worship you may be visiting where respectful dress is required. You may want to increase this accordingly for each additional week you are travelling. Most people associate river cruising with Europe but you may have chosen a river cruise in China, Vietnam or even Egypt. There are some cruise lines that try to be all things to all people. The main pool on the ship has a retractable roof. Vikings ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. It's not "business casual". If youve never kayaked, try an hour rental to see if you like it. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. 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. Note that Viking does charge extra for two key things that many luxury lines such as Silversea, Seabourn and Regent do not: alcoholic drinks at bars and gratuities. Peggy's writing career began almost 40 years ago when she began working as a photojournalist for the Army Reserve. There may be swimming or bathing opportunities, such as the traditional Russian Banya or the therapeutic spas in Budapest, which will require a swimsuit. Don't forget belts, jewelry and ties for evening dress. 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. As it gets closer to sign-up day, check to verify which excursions are offered as they are subject to change. Bluffworks Lightweight Travel Utility Scarf. Best of all, they are in good sized bottles (not those tiny hotel-style bottles) and are replenished daily or as you need. Otherwise most everyone displayed common sense in how they dressed for dinner, nice but still casual. Viking has been in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera since 2016. I feel like food is such an important part of travel and can give you an insight into the local culture. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. 1 Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings. A scarf or shawl is great for layering in minor changes in weather and a must if cruising in the winter months. 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). Is a balcony something you cant live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? If youve seen one, youve seen them all. Forsake Davos MidMens Waterproof Outdoor Sneaker Boot, Skechers Mens Relaxed-Fit Memory Foam Slip-On Loafer. 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. 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. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year. A river cruise schedule can be quite busy. For men Trousers and collared shirts are acceptable. The Viking Saturn. Dates range from 60 to 107 days before your cruise. Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. So many places I have put on my list to tour are based on movies, books, or artwork that I love. Terms and Conditions Apply. 5 7 Tops to mix and match with bottoms. 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. This way you can be warm in the cooler mornings and evenings and shed easy to carry layers as required during the day. We finally tried the Viking cruise room service. Inspiration and ideas for lovers of travel, through slow travel and iconic journeys. The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. Viking can be defined as much by what it isnt as what it is. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Not the low power dryers permanently attached to the wall as you find in many hotels. There is no need to bring any fancy jewellery. Designwise, Viking cabins and suites across all categories are modern and elegant in an understated sort of way, with Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and decor that tie to the Norwegian heritage of the companys founder. Home >> Travel Tips >> Cruises >> Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips. The cruise line's focus on accessible luxury and exotic itineraries is very appealing to me. Its also home to the ships Explorers Desk the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships. These are things that weigh your bags down and are most likely to leak in your luggage. 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. Did fine with Nikes but they were soaked when we got back to the ship. The line asks passengers to keep things elegant casual when heading to any of the ships dining venues, performances or special events. Depending on the time of year and destination, I like to fly wearing a tweed jacket. These arent cruises where its all about the ship. 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. Unlike many lines, Viking allows you to bring your own wine, Champagne, beer and liquor onto ships at embarkation with no limits. The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships. 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. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen. After talking about it for a few years and lots of research, we decided on a Viking Ocean Cruise 15-day Viking Homelands itinerary. Its also known for an extensive collection of Armagnacs, with one from almost every year of the past eight decades. If sailing on Viking ocean cruises, there are numerous guest laundries available to use free of charge on each deck. Viking ships also dont cater to the party crowd. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Taking them off and laying them on the table is not appropriate either. Perfect for carrying your phone, lipstick, room card and money without having to pack an extra purse. 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. Bon voyage! 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 . sailawayjack, February 7, 2021 in Viking Ocean, How would you describedress options for a viking ocean cruise to Norway in April. Thankfully today, you can find some very stylish, practical and more importantly, lightweight walking shoes on the market. The page is worth visiting for an overview of the port city and some videos. Never had a problem in Oslo, but in some of the other cities they kept us upright! Toiletries and all medications (quality shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap and body wash are provided onboard. Lastly, review the calendar. While this is an open invitation to pickpockets, it is also how people often lose phones, wallets and other personal items when travelling. The entire main pool area is covered with a glass magrodome that can be opened on short notice on warm and sunny days or closed if the ship encounters inclement weather. A hard suitcase is ok; just make sure it is not so big you have trouble sliding it under the bed as there is limited space inside the cabin. If you find you need more charging space for cameras, phones or even a laptop, we recommend bringing apower strip from your home country. There is an extensive list of movies, documentaries, and television shows either filmed in or about your cruise destinations. My brother stayed there on his Viking extension and did not like it. Most river cruises are between 7 to 15 days. Ties and jackets are a personal choice. Menu. A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships. A key piece of information here is that your passport must be valid for six months past your travel dates. To help you with the dress code on a river cruise, we give you some ideas for day and evening wear. 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). 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. May 5, 2015. On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Start with a predominantly neutral colour scheme -black, white, beige, tan and grey. 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin. Related: Avoid lost luggage issues. If cruising in the warmer months dont get caught without sun protection. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests. Read Our Guide to the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel, Read Our Guide to the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel. 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. Women can wear sandals, so Id be surprised if men couldnt. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Viking currently operates 10 ocean ships, eight of which are nearly identical. 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. These lines qualify seniors as 60 and older. The currency used on Viking ships is U.S. dollars. One thing that can be offensive to many is men with ball caps in the dining room or World Cafe. 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping, 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases, Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points), Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status, Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award. This can impact your decision as to whether you wish to purchase a beverage package. It is part of the onboard cultural enrichment program included with your cruise. 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. There really is something for everyone. The rooms arent overly flashy, though. Pleasant temps, however. Viking provides good quality, powerful hairdryers in each cabin. 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. Dresses 1 evening dress, 1 loose-style dress, and a flowy dress. Her work can be found in Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, 253 Lifestyle Magazine, and other regional publications. Especially cashmere which is light in weight in the suitcase but keeps you as warm as a more bulky weight of yarn. See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile perfect for river cruising. Layering is the best way to combat changeable conditions when travelling even from morning to night or when transiting in airports. Things fill up fast, and you dont want to miss out. We carry yak-trac type spikes for our boots in our small day pack and put them on when necessary. #2. They are easy to pack, easy to carry and pack flat when not in use. Here are five important things to do to prepare for your Viking cruise. Its forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. It should be okay in the World Cafe, but Ive never seen men in sandals in any of the dining rooms. When planning what to bring on your cruise, visit Life on Board for the dress code and tips on what to pack. A travel umbrella works equally as well as a sun parasol. 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. Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. Lightweight jacket/cardigan for cooler days. I pack clothing that can be worn day or evening and tend to be closer to business casual in my choices than elegant casual. 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. 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 now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the Ukraine war.). 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. Pick out a Viking Recipe and try something new. However, unlike nearly every other cruise brand, what you wont find are families with young kids. We did not have icy conditions but did walk through lots of slush. Create Your Online "My Viking Journey" Account. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses no matter the season. One thing we love about Viking River Cruise vessels is the ample storage in the cabins. However, weather in Iceland is completely unpredictable, and it's not unheard of to experience all four seasons in one day. Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine-lined walls, Scandinavian-influenced wood-veneered vanities, shiny white sinks and chrome fixtures. Swollen feet from flying is bad at the best of times. The evening dress excludes World Caf where the dress remains casual after 6:00 PM. Personally, we are not dress up people. Depending on the season and destination, the weather could be changeable from port to port. This excursion is offered at multiple ports. Viking has a beautiful premium range of products designed exclusively for them by Freyja. Pack some long-sleeved sweaters or cardigans as well as short and long-sleeved tops and shirts. 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. There are no "formal nights" in the evening; evening dress is "elegant. 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. 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. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount before disembarking at the Explorers Desk. 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. Men should wear collared shirts and pants, with ties and jackets . The best bag for a shore excursion is one that is not too bulky, comfortable to wear, practical and has goodanti-theft features. 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. Drinks are Included With Lunch and Dinner During meal times wine, beer and soft drinks are included. Each day of your cruise is listed with options to book spa treatments, dining reservations, and shore excursions. Whether at an airport or on a shore excursion, throw a few in your bag, and you will never get caught out. Packing a sweater or cardigan is essential on your cruise, even if you're setting sail in the summertime. You wont have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed. Check here before booking an award fare. Guests on Viking's ocean ships are treated to the Metropolitan Opera's "Live in HD" series, which includes a viewing of . They are also good if visiting dusty areas for covering your face. (Antarctica cruises have unique packing lists, so check with your cruise line.) The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to be able to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River. One of the less desirable aspects of travel is having to use public conveniences, something you will often do on a river cruise. Think about your mix and match. 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. 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. A common question for first-time river cruisers is how to pack for a cruise? 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. Are there lots of hills or steps on a tour? See our guide to the must-have travel essentials for women for more travel packing list tips for ladies. 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. Easy care, wrinkle-free, breathable fabrics are best. Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the most popular mainstream cruise lines in the industry. The lines smaller expedition ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, offer four of the above venues: The Restaurant, World Cafe, Manfredis and Mamsens. 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. In one sense, a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: It's what you make of it. When reviewing the river cruise itinerary, look carefully at any excursions you may want to take or have already booked. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit. It can also dress up an outfit for evenings. Allow for one heavier, windproof jacket, although leave overly bulky or heavy clothing at home. 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.
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