In keeping with Vikings focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places youll be visiting on your sailing. Think about your mix and match. Ties and jackets are a personal choice. Weve put together a collection of the most stylish anti-theft hidden pocket clothing for travel for both men and women. Inspiration and ideas for lovers of travel, through slow travel and iconic journeys. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Dates range from 60 to 107 days before your cruise. Always do a final check of all your devices, cameras and electronic equipment to make sure you have all the right cords, batteries and chargers. 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. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Is it appropriate for men to wear sandals in the evening? Its been a while since I have been on a bike, so my training will involve some cycling to build up to the 10 miles I will need to ride. 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. I also read trip reports. Walking around Europe on the cobblestones can be perilous at times, especially in the wet. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its no nickel-and-diming philosophy.). 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. Bluffworks Lightweight Travel Utility Scarf. We were in Bergen September, 2019 on Viking Sun and did lots of walking about. Viking sailings arent inexpensive. 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). Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. Offer ends 5/3/23. When reviewing the river cruise itinerary, look carefully at any excursions you may want to take or have already booked. I pack clothing that can be worn day or evening and tend to be closer to business casual in my choices than elegant casual. 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. In fall and winter, of course, travelers will want to pack these items and then some: weather. 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. Perfect for cruises. Viking also does a Kitchen Table excursion which takes place in two parts. They are easy to pack, easy to carry and pack flat when not in use. Note that internet service can be slow at times of heavy use, as is typical on cruise vessels. Begin by going to the itinerary for your cruise on the website. Check out TravelAwaits contributor Judy Freemans advice on how to make the most of your Viking cruise. Viking has been in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera since 2016. Another bonus of river cruising is the ample time spent ashore means you can easily pick up any necessary toiletries along the way. A tie and jacket are optional; jeans are not permitted. In my case, it is my husbands retirement from the military, a belated 20th wedding anniversary, and a lifelong desire to visit Russia. You may not be able to get a replacement should you forget one. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage. 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). Some stateroom categories include laundry services, and it is available for a fee through your steward if not included. You will be doing a lot of walking around towns and cities on a river cruise. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Lightweight, breathable tops. Our favourite travel accessories for wet weather. 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. Coffee and tea are always available as well. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home. We feel your pain, us being from Arizona. Viking is all about the destination, and on my 15-day cruise, there is only one day at sea. Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile perfect for river cruising. There is room on board for both attitudes, even in the restaurants. You should certainly pack your swimming attire, no matter what region of the world or time of the year you are cruising. The ships also offer some traditional entertainment, including production shows with singers and dancers. However, if youre fitness-obsessed, Viking river ships may not be the best choice for your river trip. Are there any obvious differences as the Sky has a very attractive pric. 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. 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. The handover ceremony for Viking Saturn took place at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy. There will be no shore excursions offered on the first or last day of each cruise. 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. 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. Home >> Travel Tips >> Cruises >> Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips. He packs black chinos, button-downs and turtle-necks (for colder weather sailings, which is when we tend to take vacation). There may be swimming or bathing opportunities, such as the traditional Russian Banya or the therapeutic spas in Budapest, which will require a swimsuit. If you could see my husbands sandals, as compared to mine, you, and Viking, might change your minds! Windproof & Lightweight Folding Travel Umbrella. As it gets closer to sign-up day, check to verify which excursions are offered as they are subject to change. I like that Viking provides excursions that cover a wide variety of fitness levels and interests. 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. They also include a complimentary shore excursion in each port. We carry yak-trac type spikes for our boots in our small day pack and put them on when necessary. Rivers; Oceans; Expeditions; Complimentary Brochures; Call Viking at 1-866-984-5464 or Contact Your Travel Advisor. To avoid overpacking for your cruise choose clothing that will work for multiple combinationsso you can mix and match outfits. I love to cook, and I recently prepared Norwegian-Style Meatballs from the extensive recipe collection on Vikings website. We've done 15 day cruises and I do laundry once or twice during that time. ), Hair straightener or curler if you use one You DO NOT NEED a hairdryer. This is where your research in cultural immersion will pay off in helping to decide what you want to do. What Viking ships dont offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. 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. Coming from So California, I am not sure what to expect. Viking currently operates 10 ocean ships, eight of which are nearly identical. Toiletries and all medications (quality shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap and body wash are provided onboard. For daytime, men and women will want to bring hats (a sun hat or warm hat, depending on the destination) and sunglasses. You maximise the room in your cabin this way and only have to worry about one case while you are travelling. The first thing you should do is review the Viking Inclusive Value webpage. At last count, Viking had more than 80 river ships in its fleet an astounding number that is the result of blistering growth over the past decade. The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships. 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. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? The allspice, ginger, and nutmeg when blended together has such a wonderful scent. 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. Viking has more ships than any other major cruise brand in the world, more than 90 in all. For example Viking provides beer and wine with lunch and dinner at no additional charge. There are no formal nights in the evening; evening dress is elegant casual for all dining venues, performances and special events. Ultimate Guide to Cruise Packing Pre-Cruise Planning Checklist Documents Photo ID (passport preferable) / birth certificate Photocopies of ID and credit cards Cruise boarding pass Printed. Jeans are not permitted. Powered by Invision Community. The rooms arent overly flashy, though. You may want to increase some clothing items depending on the type and duration of the cruise. Learn more Cruise Day Wear Cruise Day Wear Unless of course, you need a specific product. 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. Also, if youre planning a pre or post-cruise extension trip, you dont want to be burdened with heavy luggage. In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. Save the space in your bag. Viking has a well-earned reputation for delivering an upscale river cruise experience. Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. Read Our Guide to the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel, Read Our Guide to the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel. Start at Day 1 and click Read More. She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. Viking voyages bring a lot of extended stays in ports where passengers get more time to explore historical sites and experience the local culture than is typical on cruises. 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. The historian hosts lectures on the history and culture of the ports you will visit. 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. I recall one evening when a chap wore sandals and long trousers to the MDR and was requested by the host to change his footware. See below for the complete list. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center, pool areas and Sports Deck. Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants. 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. Viking has a beautiful premium range of products designed exclusively for them by Freyja. By Its all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort. So many places I have put on my list to tour are based on movies, books, or artwork that I love. 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. These arent cruises where its all about the ship. Alcohol/Drinks Onboard a Viking Ocean Cruise. March 25, 2012. Named after Viking founder Torstein Hagens mother (Ragnhild Mamsen Hagen), it offers authentic tastes of Norway such as traditional heart-shaped waffles, specialty cakes and the brown goat cheese that is found around the country. 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. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen. 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. Then work your way through each day and read all the offerings. Even the summer months in some parts of Europe can be unpredictable. Its also home to the ships Explorers Desk the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships. For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board. Related: How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade. Temperatures during this period range from lows of 40F (4C) to highs of 57F (14C), while rainfall is lowest in June and July. 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. Guests on Viking's ocean ships are treated to the Metropolitan Opera's "Live in HD" series, which includes a viewing of . Questionable. Break in your walking shoes before you leave on your cruise. For ladies Dresses, skirts or pants witha blouse or sweater are appropriate. 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. If you are cruising in the shoulder seasons or taking a winter river cruise such as a Christmas market river cruise, you may want to prepare for cold and wet weather. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) This cruise packing list is for a seven to ten-day cruise. 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. 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin. They also are more forgiving if you do overpack a little or pick up one too many souvenirs on your trip. If youre sure that Viking is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. A lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler weather. Just be careful some years are far more expensive than others.). 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. On cold-weather cruises, you'll need scarves, gloves and waterproof gear. Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise. 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. Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at theorchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board. While a certain level of dress is expected, and always appreciated, on a Viking River Cruise, you will not find the need for formal wear as you might on a big cruise line. Too many people forget about sun protection when sightseeing around cities and local attractions. 1 Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings. We politely asked him not to do this and his reply was that since nobody else complained, he'd do as he pleased. Ten-night Greek Odyssey voyages to the Greek Islands start at $3,799 per person. 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. Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack, Pacsafe Anti-Theft Backpack with Detachable Pocket, Read Our Complete Guide to Buying an Anti-Theft Backpack. Bergen was very windy when we visited in early October. 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. #1. 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. 2. If you prefer a sling bag, weve got the best selection of Sling Backpacks for men & women here. Start with a predominantly neutral colour scheme -black, white, beige, tan and grey. Many posts on this site also contain links to accommodation, travel and activity booking sites. There is no need to bring any fancy jewellery. The evening dress excludes World Caf where the dress remains casual after 6:00 PM. If sailing on Viking ocean cruises, there are numerous guest laundries available to use free of charge on each deck. 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. We had rain, snow, sleet, and sun All in the same day! There is a section that is destination-specific and worth checking out. Another good reason to always carry a lightweight travel scarf. Realize the Neptune is a 2022 ship and the Sky is a 2016 ship. Viking actually has a Resident Historian Program. It really will enhance your experience. The first section to check out is filmography, and you can choose by either country or itinerary. Don't forget belts, jewelry and ties for evening dress. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. You wont have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Expect prices between $2.00 $8.00 USD per item. It is your vacation, your money, your choice (as long as you are within the guidelines). Even in the shoulder seasons the sun can be very harmful so always be prepared with at least the basics. I like a zip up cardigan so I am not hauling the thing over my head. In fact, the line doesnt even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. Viking also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and it recently began trips on the Mississippi River. Set up your My Viking Journey account. 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. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. You may want to increase this accordingly for each additional week you are travelling. Unlike its ocean ships, Vikings river ships arent all-balcony-cabin vessels. 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.