But probably not outlawed. We've done 15 day cruises and I do laundry once or twice during that time. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels. 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. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests. We did not have icy conditions but did walk through lots of slush. 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. In my case, it is my husbands retirement from the military, a belated 20th wedding anniversary, and a lifelong desire to visit Russia. Viking has a well-earned reputation for delivering an upscale river cruise experience. Taking them off and laying them on the table is not appropriate either. Each of the 930-passenger ocean ships also has two smaller restaurants with specialized cuisine: Manfredis, a high-end Italian eatery, and The Chefs Table, which offers a five-course tasting menu themed around a specific cuisine that changes every few days. Just this year, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. Read Our Guide to the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel, Read Our Guide to the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel. 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. They are much more comfortable to wear for long periods and produce better sound. 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. Break in your walking shoes before you leave on your cruise. 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. There are no "formal nights" in the evening; evening dress is "elegant. 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. In lieu of a sport coat, my husband took a tie but never wore it after the first time at the Chef's Table. For example Viking provides beer and wine with lunch and dinner at no additional charge. The Chief Historian has curated an extensive list of books to enjoy prior to your cruise. Vikings ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. Its also home to the ships Explorers Desk the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships. In a January roll call there has been mention of a packing/equipment list for the Northern Lights cruise that was just sent by Viking - and yes, it is a little late for those folks. A key piece of information here is that your passport must be valid for six months past your travel dates. Start at Day 1 and click Read More. Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it. 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. I am very intrigued by some of the shore excursions that involve biking and kayaking. Then work your way through each day and read all the offerings. 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. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Many posts on this site also contain links to accommodation, travel and activity booking sites. There really is something for everyone. 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. You will be doing aconsiderable amount of walking and even some easy to moderate hikes on some excursions. What Viking ships dont offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. Find the right card for you. Drinks are Included With Lunch and Dinner During meal times wine, beer and soft drinks are included. 1. 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. If you could see my husbands sandals, as compared to mine, you, and Viking, might change your minds! Coming from So California, I am not sure what to expect. 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. There is no need to bring a hairdryer. If you find you need more charging space for cameras, phones or even a laptop, we recommend bringing apower strip from your home country. 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. The majority of Viking river ships, known as Viking Longships, have 61 balcony cabins broken down into two categories: 205-square-foot Veranda Staterooms and 135-square-foot French Balcony Staterooms. Early word by email or regular mail on new Viking Cruises itineraries and new ships, as well as special limited-time offers. Related: How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade. And will make a more formal appearance with a collared shirt. While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentaryway to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. Bluffworks Lightweight Travel Utility Scarf. 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. So many places I have put on my list to tour are based on movies, books, or artwork that I love. Is it appropriate for men to wear sandals in the evening? Another option is Viking TV, which has a variety of programming. They also are more forgiving if you do overpack a little or pick up one too many souvenirs on your trip. Note that internet service can be slow at times of heavy use, as is typical on cruise vessels. Comfortable walking shoes will be very important. Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. He packs black chinos, button-downs and turtle-necks (for colder weather sailings, which is when we tend to take vacation). Then there are the river ships. Even in the shoulder seasons the sun can be very harmful so always be prepared with at least the basics. Expect prices between $2.00 $8.00 USD per item. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) 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. However, unlike nearly every other cruise brand, what you wont find are families with young kids. Jeans are not permitted. Tweed jackets dont take up space in luggage the way sweaters do which serve the same purpose for me. Planning a cruise? For ladies Dresses, skirts or pants witha blouse or sweater are appropriate. As it gets closer to sign-up day, check to verify which excursions are offered as they are subject to change. If you prefer a daypack for travel, then the best backpack for a cruise is something that has hidden pockets, secure zips, sits firmly on your back and can be comfortably worn to the front in crowded situations. We finally tried the Viking cruise room service. Youll find beds topped with crisp, white duvets and Scandinavian throws, comfortable contemporary sofas and chairs in neutral tones, and light-wood desks and side tables that combine to offer a residential feel in bedroom areas. Viking also includes access to the thermal areas of its spa in its base fares. You may be denied entry ifyou are considered to be inappropriately dressed. Its all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort. Most other lines do not include port taxes and fees in their base fares and add them later in the booking process. Related: Avoid lost luggage issues. Author. Ties and jackets are a personal choice. Its not a line for families with young children. The lines ocean ships can be found in nearly every ocean and sea around the world, from North America to Europe and Asia. You may want to increase this accordingly for each additional week you are travelling. Too many people forget about sun protection when sightseeing around cities and local attractions. Peggy's writing career began almost 40 years ago when she began working as a photojournalist for the Army Reserve. The Explorers Lounge also is home to Mamsens, the food counter serving tastes of Norway mentioned above. However, in the execution, there is plenty of room for interpretation -- and each sailing I have been on seems to have had its own vibe and its outliers. Check here before booking an award fare. One of the great advantages of a river cruise is being able to unpack once and relax for the rest of your cruise. #1. Alcohol/Drinks Onboard a Viking Ocean Cruise. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. 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. Streets can be icy in March, especially cobblestone sidewalks. Temperatures during this period range from lows of 40F (4C) to highs of 57F (14C), while rainfall is lowest in June and July. Plan Your Hanoi Itinerary. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. The Viking Saturn. When we resumed our travels, we packed lightweight and easy to pack rain jackets . Thankfully today, you can find some very stylish, practical and more importantly, lightweight walking shoes on the market. Weve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast. This is one reason some cruisers do not consider Viking at quite the same level as those other brands. There is a laundry service onboard the Viking river cruises. There is nothing worse than a sunburn on your holiday. Pick out a Viking Recipe and try something new. Since we don't leave until early March, I guess we won't get it until late February. Dont forget any medicines you might need for the duration of your cruise, plus additional just in case of any delays. I like a zip up cardigan so I am not hauling the thing over my head. Learn more Cruise Day Wear Cruise Day Wear You maximise the room in your cabin this way and only have to worry about one case while you are travelling. See below for the complete list. This is where your research in cultural immersion will pay off in helping to decide what you want to do. A travel umbrella works equally as well as a sun parasol. 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). 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. That pretty much summarizes the official dress code. Posted Friday at 08:20 AM. Happily, for the most part, this is not the case. Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long, the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europes rivers. Otherwise, there are fees comparable to what youll pay cleaners at home. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) Theres no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. 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. Two weeks is a long time to pack for, but Viking offers self-service launderettes on Decks 3 to 6 which are free to use and even have complimentary detergent. What kind of luggage is best for a cruise? Pack some long-sleeved sweaters or cardigans as well as short and long-sleeved tops and shirts. If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. Allow for one heavier, windproof jacket, although leave overly bulky or heavy clothing at home. Lightweight, breathable tops. 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. We always keep some of these handy wipes in our bag. 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. Both long and short-sleeved. As for the big question, "should my husband bring a sports jacket? Save the space in your bag. In keeping with Vikings focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places youll be visiting on your sailing. Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the most popular mainstream cruise lines in the industry. On Viking Ocean Cruises, it is always possible to have a pool day. This recipes use of ingredients produced a light flavorful meatball. See the end of the article for a complete example river cruise packing list. There was a classical trio on board during our cruise, whose music we really enjoyed after dinners. 1 pair of day shoes for around the boat or casual evenings. 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. In addition, in order to ensure fair usage for all, the line limits some heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads and software upgrades. Some key things to consider with each excursion is the intensity level, which can range from easy to demanding. sailawayjack, February 7, 2021 in Viking Ocean, How would you describedress options for a viking ocean cruise to Norway in April. 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. Set up your My Viking Journey account. Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at theorchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board. I feel like food is such an important part of travel and can give you an insight into the local culture. Guests on Viking's ocean ships are treated to the Metropolitan Opera's "Live in HD" series, which includes a viewing of . 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. Viking provides good quality, powerful hairdryers in each cabin. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Viking has taken delivery of its ninth Ocean-going cruise ship today, April 26. Lightweight jacket/cardigan for cooler days. Menu. Viking sailings arent inexpensive. For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Begin by going to the itinerary for your cruise on the website. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. It can also dress up an outfit for evenings. They also include a complimentary shore excursion in each port. A nice scarf or pashmina is the perfect travel accessory for layering when it gets a little cool. 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.. Most cruises to Iceland depart between the months of May and September. Once you book your cruise, there is still quite a bit of planning to do. My brother stayed there on his Viking extension and did not like it. If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home. 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. 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. A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships. Generic Premium Earbuds/Headphones with Stereo Mic & Remote Control for Smartphones. I like that Viking provides excursions that cover a wide variety of fitness levels and interests. Totally agree with Clay - I brought a sports jacket for my first river cruise and wore it once. Collared shirts are always better. 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. Swollen feet from flying is bad at the best of times. In addition, most Viking vessels offer laundry and pressing services. Packing a sweater or cardigan is essential on your cruise, even if you're setting sail in the summertime. One of the less desirable aspects of travel is having to use public conveniences, something you will often do on a river cruise. In Europe, many people choose to take a river cruise in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn which can mean changeable conditions. If you use a straightener or curler, you will need to bring this. Some stateroom categories include laundry services, and it is available for a fee through your steward if not included. At each port, you will have numerous shore activities and excursions to choose from including lots of free walking tours. Nevertheless, don't let the winter intimidate you as it is one of the most attractive cruise periods for wildlife lovers. Viking has a beautiful premium range of products designed exclusively for them by Freyja. The allspice, ginger, and nutmeg when blended together has such a wonderful scent. 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You will be doing a lot of walking around towns and cities on a river cruise. Weve put together a collection of the most stylish anti-theft hidden pocket clothing for travel for both men and women. Every one of the lines 930-passenger ocean ships has a main restaurant (called, simply, The Restaurant) with rotating menus that include dishes that tie to the destination where the vessel is sailing. Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program. Another bonus of river cruising is the ample time spent ashore means you can easily pick up any necessary toiletries along the way. Soothing, minimalist colors think creams, grays and lighter blues are the order of the day. Depending on the season and destination, the weather could be changeable from port to port. These lines qualify seniors as 60 and older. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center, pool areas and Sports Deck. The first section to check out is filmography, and you can choose by either country or itinerary. The Visa section will let you know if there are any requirements. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites. The first thing you should do is review the Viking Inclusive Value webpage. 1 pair of dressy shoes for special evenings. We prefer a soft duffle style bag with wheels and a telescopic handle. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. With your list ready you will save time by not having to decide on an excursion. Home >> Travel Tips >> Cruises >> Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips. Not the low power dryers permanently attached to the wall as you find in many hotels. 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). 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). If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit. 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. A brightly coloured scarf, shawl or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit. Have not noticed sandals ever on Ocean cruises at dinner EXCEPT World Cafe where it's definitely fine. 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. Just be careful some years are far more expensive than others.). In general, youll find a lot of couples on Viking ships and some solo travelers. We have a 21 day booked for next year with a week long pre-extension. Otherwise most everyone displayed common sense in how they dressed for dinner, nice but still casual. Weve been to Norway in June and it was lovely. 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. 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. This is the first time Viking Ocean Cruises has offered a . Typically it is either an orientation walking or bus tour of the port of call. A river cruise schedule can be quite busy. 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. Create Your Online "My Viking Journey" Account. In one sense, a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: It's what you make of it. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. I have to admit I have been obsessing over which shore excursions to pick, and I cant book until March 2021. Youll also find live piano music in the evenings in river ship lounges. You want to be comfortable and dont want to fall victim to pickpockets. Certain hotels have resort fees. As part of this society, you will receive: Note that the credits mentioned above cannot always be combined with promotions the line offers. Moody's expects this level of cash is sufficient to cover the company's cash needs. In general, its an educated crowd, with many passengers coming from professional backgrounds or a life of running their own businesses. You may not be able to get a replacement should you forget one. They are also good if visiting dusty areas for covering your face. Are there lots of hills or steps on a tour? It should be okay in the World Cafe, but Ive never seen men in sandals in any of the dining rooms. Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine-lined walls, Scandinavian-influenced wood-veneered vanities, shiny white sinks and chrome fixtures. 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). This excursion is offered at multiple ports. Take plenty of warm clothing! Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center, pool areas and Sports Deck. His head must have itched under the ball cap as he continually removed it, scratching his head as he waved the ball cap in the air. 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. 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. Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants. To help you with the dress code on a river cruise, we give you some ideas for day and evening wear. I avoid gaining weight on a cruise by always taking the stairs and not the elevator when on the ship. 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. Unless of course, you need a specific product. Note when you can begin booking and that it is very specific including the day and hour in your time zone. Each cabin has two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. While Viking doesnt market itself as a luxury line, some would call it that. You should certainly pack your swimming attire, no matter what region of the world or time of the year you are cruising. 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. 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. Its not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. 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. Find Out More . Or, pack a separate anti-theft clutch that wont take up much room in your bag. Put together outfits and take pictures of them on your phone - this is super helpful and a great way to simplify things. Baggallini womens Horizon Travel Crossbody cross body handbag, Baggallini Womens Cross Over Bag with Wristlet, Travelon Anti-Theft Boho Clutch Crossbody Bag, Related: A Complete Guide to the Best Anti-theft Travel Gear. (On a Seine River voyage, you might have a tasting of local French cheeses or French wines, for instance).
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