In general, its an educated crowd, with many passengers coming from professional backgrounds or a life of running their own businesses. Packing For A Viking Ocean Cruise: What NOT To Pack - More Time to 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. 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. Passengers will also find finger sandwiches, scones and teas in the afternoon at the glass-topped Wintergarden lounge at the top of every vessel. If youre sure that Viking is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. 5 7 Tops to mix and match with bottoms. It also has both ocean ships and river ships something that is unusual among major lines. I like that Viking provides excursions that cover a wide variety of fitness levels and interests. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Author. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center, pool areas and Sports Deck. A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. What To Wear On A Viking Cruise? - Elite Cruises Preparing a themed dinner can be a fun way to build excitement for your upcoming cruise. There is room on board for both attitudes, even in the restaurants. Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips Story I'd highly recommend upgrading to the Silver Spirits package which covers any drink (minus champagne), including premium wine by the glass, cocktails, house wines, beer . Streets can be icy in March, especially cobblestone sidewalks. Some key things to consider with each excursion is the intensity level, which can range from easy to demanding. 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. 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. Otherwise, there are fees comparable to what youll pay cleaners at home. 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. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? We always keep some of these handy wipes in our bag. 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. Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Whether at an airport or on a shore excursion, throw a few in your bag, and you will never get caught out. There may be swimming or bathing opportunities, such as the traditional Russian Banya or the therapeutic spas in Budapest, which will require a swimsuit. Doesit rain a lot and that is why it was so icy? I avoid gaining weight on a cruise by always taking the stairs and not the elevator when on the ship. 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). 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. Dress is elegant casual with no jeans, but the World Cafe is casual in the evening. 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. (a packable down puffy jacket is good for cold or winter weather). A lightweight scarf also makes great layering for sun protection and as a shoulder and head cover for entering places of worship. Never had a problem in Oslo, but in some of the other cities they kept us upright! March 25, 2012. 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. There is a laundry service onboard the Viking river cruises. Make an appointment with yourself to book these options. Viking Takes Delivery of Newest Ocean Ship 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. We are going next March to Norway and Im a little concerned to hear the streets are icy. Oceans. 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. They are disappointed they cant do a shore excursion or eat at a specialty onboard restaurant because they didnt reserve it. (A fun game is to try the Armagnac from your birth year. #1. See our guide to the best wheeled underseat luggage so you can still travel light and have emergency clothing for a few days. They are not expensive and can be a lifesaver when you really need that bit of extra battery. A bucket-list trip is a perfect way to celebrate major milestones in your life. To Viking, that means a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women, and trousers and a collared shirt for men. Note that one of the eight ships in this series, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, has been permanently transferred to a joint venture that operates for the China market. If youve never kayaked, try an hour rental to see if you like it. 5 Important Things To Do To Prepare For Your Viking Cruise *2023*what to wear on a viking & Scenic river cruise (Summer - Lady Refines Viking River Cruise Packing List with Cruise Packing Tips for 2022 (2023) In Europe, many people choose to take a river cruise in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn which can mean changeable conditions. On the lines river ships, youll also find onboard lectures, usually related to the destinations the ships are visiting, as well as destination-related demonstrations and tastings. The other two times I wore it for warmth on land. 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. In the late afternoon, you will join the culinary team and help to prepare a meal using the local ingredients you helped select earlier. Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line, mostly due to the fact that it operates both ocean cruises and river cruises. At each port, you will have numerous shore activities and excursions to choose from including lots of free walking tours. For example Viking provides beer and wine with lunch and dinner at no additional charge. Its how I imagine Norway would smell. Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. Personal experiences give you insights that you wont receive on the company website. Vikings ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. Some Viking ships, including all of the lines ocean vessels (including its one expedition vessel), have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. There is nothing to see in the neighborhood, no window shopping.To walk anywhere, there are major roads to be crossed. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit. 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. Lightweight long sleeved shirts are perfect for hot sunny days. Other little touches in Viking cabins that show a line thinking about functionality as much as decor include the large and clear lettering on the Freyja toiletries that youll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. I also read trip reports. You can check our guide for the best dual-voltage travel hair dryers if you have onward travel. 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. However, if youre fitness-obsessed, Viking river ships may not be the best choice for your river trip. Most cruise lines qualify seniors as 55 and older. Never brought it again to subsequent river and ocean cruises again. A credit of $200 per passenger anytime you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. The name of her travel blog came about from her friends constantly asking her, "Peggy, Where Should I Go?". I was blown away by the selection for the Viking Homelands itinerary which included everything from a Nordic cookbook and The Complete Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales to War and Peace. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program. So many places I have put on my list to tour are based on movies, books, or artwork that I love. See below for the complete list. They also are more forgiving if you do overpack a little or pick up one too many souvenirs on your trip. The Ultimate Printable Cruise Packing List - Cruise Critic Things fill up fast, and you dont want to miss out. If you are taking a fly-cruise package and your luggage is lost by the airline, it could take time for your luggage to be found and may even have to be delivered to the ship at the next port of call. Bluffworks Lightweight Travel Utility Scarf. It is part of the onboard cultural enrichment program included with your cruise. Once registered, go to the guest information section and fill out the required forms. Swollen feet from flying is bad at the best of times. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Each cabin has two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. Related: Avoid lost luggage issues. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its no nickel-and-diming philosophy.). Have not noticed sandals ever on Ocean cruises at dinner EXCEPT World Cafe where it's definitely fine. Realize the Neptune is a 2022 ship and the Sky is a 2016 ship. 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. The lack of fitness centers on Viking river ships. Offer ends 5/3/23. To begin, go to your cruises itinerary page. Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style. Whenever your cruise is planned, these are the important items to help you prepare for it. Viking currently operates 10 ocean ships, eight of which are nearly identical. Lastly, review the calendar. 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. Viking does not allow children under the age of 18 on its vessels and thus has no childrens programs on any of its vessels. The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships. There is also a small shop on board should you require something urgently. We have a 21 day booked for next year with a week long pre-extension. The ships also offer some traditional entertainment, including production shows with singers and dancers. Especially when considering some mens shoes. Viking takes delivery of the Saturn, names Ann Ziff godmother When we resumed our travels, we packed lightweight and easy to pack rain jackets . You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Viking ships. 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 will be no shore excursions offered on the first or last day of each cruise. That demographic has traditionally included the Greatest Generation and Baby Boomers, but now Gen Xers and even Millennials are finding Viking a perfect fit. Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants. Depending on the type of excursion, you may want to pack specific clothing such as comfortable, versatile hiking/walking shoesfor optional easy hikes. dress code for viking ocean cruises - Cruise Critic Community Break in your walking shoes before you leave on your cruise. Thats because the vast majority of Vikings ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. Put together outfits and take pictures of them on your phone - this is super helpful and a great way to simplify things. They are easy to pack, easy to carry and pack flat when not in use. Has anyone done the post-Homelands extension from Stockholm to Iceland 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. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels. If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home. 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. 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). Just this year, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. Check Your Passport's Expiration Date. DH has worn a suit and tie for work most every day of his working life.