It is part of the onboard cultural enrichment program included with your cruise. 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 can find our top-rated womens travel jackets here and mens travel jackets with hidden pockets here. 1. Generic Premium Earbuds/Headphones with Stereo Mic & Remote Control for Smartphones. There are no formal nights in the evening; evening dress is elegant casual for all dining venues, performances and special events. 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. In saying that, consider carefully what shoes you will pack for a river cruise. One thing that can be offensive to many is men with ball caps in the dining room or World Cafe. I avoid gaining weight on a cruise by always taking the stairs and not the elevator when on the ship. Such services are complimentary for passengers staying in certain categories of cabins. Drinks are Included With Lunch and Dinner During meal times wine, beer and soft drinks are included. Passengers will also find finger sandwiches, scones and teas in the afternoon at the glass-topped Wintergarden lounge at the top of every vessel. Viking could be your line. 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. Vikings ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. Shoes take up the most room in our luggage and can sometimes add the most weight. In keeping with Vikings focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places youll be visiting on your sailing. 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. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen. Austin, Texas. 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. Realize the Neptune is a 2022 ship and the Sky is a 2016 ship. Toiletries and all medications (quality shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap and body wash are provided onboard. 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. Lightweight, breathable tops. Most cruises to Iceland depart between the months of May and September. These arent cruises where its all about the ship. In the late afternoon, you will join the culinary team and help to prepare a meal using the local ingredients you helped select earlier. However, if youre fitness-obsessed, Viking river ships may not be the best choice for your river trip. They are disappointed they cant do a shore excursion or eat at a specialty onboard restaurant because they didnt reserve it. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. 1 Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings. Men should wear collared shirts and pants, with ties and jackets . Check here before booking an award fare. There is a laundry service onboard the Viking river cruises. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. Never brought it again to subsequent river and ocean cruises again. 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. Guests on Viking's ocean ships are treated to the Metropolitan Opera's "Live in HD" series, which includes a viewing of . In keeping with the high-end nature of the brand, Viking cabins and suites have a lot of upscale touches, from sumptuous bedding that envelops you to heated floors in bathrooms. 1. They also include a complimentary shore excursion in each port. You want someone who knows all of the lines many itineraries in detail and, preferably, has sailed on or at least inspected some of the lines vessels, too, to understand the various cabin types and onboard amenities. Some of the lines more exotic sailings such as its expedition trips to Antarctica cost even more. An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships. 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. This is one of my favorite features that Viking offers. Theres no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. Thats something that even the most upscale of Vikings ocean cruise rivals including Oceania Cruises, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises cant say. These are things that weigh your bags down and are most likely to leak in your luggage. 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. Some stateroom categories include laundry services, and it is available for a fee through your steward if not included. 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. 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. Once registered, go to the guest information section and fill out the required forms. 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. 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. Plan Your Hanoi Itinerary. 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). Most Viking customers are approaching their retirement years or are already there and theyre eager to finally see all the places they didnt have time to visit when they were raising kids and establishing careers in their younger years. Some even transition beautifully from day to evening. They are also good if visiting dusty areas for covering your face. Take plenty of warm clothing! Unlike its ocean ships, Vikings river ships arent all-balcony-cabin vessels. Bring your headphones I find the earpieces issued with the audio devices for tours very uncomfortable and difficult to attach to my ear. (On a Seine River voyage, you might have a tasting of local French cheeses or French wines, for instance). With this in mind, consider baggage weight allowances if your river cruise includes domestic flights within the country. She was completed for Viking Expeditions in December 2021 and has a capacity for 378 passengers in 189 staterooms. There may be swimming or bathing opportunities, such as the traditional Russian Banya or the therapeutic spas in Budapest, which will require a swimsuit. Exceptions to this are: Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises. I love to cook, and I recently prepared Norwegian-Style Meatballs from the extensive recipe collection on Vikings website. Note when you can begin booking and that it is very specific including the day and hour in your time zone. Winter jacket Lightweight packable puffy down jacket for travel. Totally agree with Clay - I brought a sports jacket for my first river cruise and wore it once. See end of article for more details. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. 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. Another option is Viking TV, which has a variety of programming. But Norway in April will be COLD! 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. You may want to increase this accordingly for each additional week you are travelling. There is nothing worse than a sunburn on your holiday. Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. 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. Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services. Once you book your cruise, there is still quite a bit of planning to do. They are not expensive and can be a lifesaver when you really need that bit of extra battery. Theyre also people who can afford a relatively high-end vacation experience. Select wine and beers are complimentary and available at lunch and dinner only. It will only be something for you to worry about on the cruise. 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. 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. 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. A good, wool sweater is often a benefit when the weather is cold and damp. I also read trip reports. I like a zip up cardigan so I am not hauling the thing over my head. Related: Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sea. 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. What a great resource to begin learning about the different countries you will visit and what you might like to see! Otherwise most everyone displayed common sense in how they dressed for dinner, nice but still casual. Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea. Allow for one heavier, windproof jacket, although leave overly bulky or heavy clothing at home. There was a classical trio on board during our cruise, whose music we really enjoyed after dinners. You will need your booking number to register. Looking for practical and stylish travel wear? When we resumed our travels, we packed lightweight and easy to pack rain jackets . 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. Coffee and tea are always available as well. 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. 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. Posted Friday at 08:20 AM. 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). 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. This can impact your decision as to whether you wish to purchase a beverage package. Personally, we are not dress up people. In the north the sea was frozen. 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin. Of course, you may choose to dress up, but many passengers will opt for elegant casual. 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. Its not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Depending on the type of excursion, you may want to pack specific clothing such as comfortable, versatile hiking/walking shoesfor optional easy hikes. Depending on the season and destination, the weather could be changeable from port to port. sailawayjack, February 7, 2021 in Viking Ocean, How would you describedress options for a viking ocean cruise to Norway in April. 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. There will be no shore excursions offered on the first or last day of each cruise. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Its all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort. 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. 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. Pick out a Viking Recipe and try something new. 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. Taking long walks is a good way to increase your fitness level. 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. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. You can highlight this with one or two pastels or brighter accent colours depending on your style. Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine-lined walls, Scandinavian-influenced wood-veneered vanities, shiny white sinks and chrome fixtures. Viking has been in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera since 2016. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Lastly, review the calendar. In Europe, many people choose to take a river cruise in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn which can mean changeable conditions. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. In addition, in order to ensure fair usage for all, the line limits some heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads and software upgrades. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. 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. Since we don't leave until early March, I guess we won't get it until late February. Personal experiences give you insights that you wont receive on the company website. In my case, it is Viking Homelands, and I went to the section on Resources. Packing a sweater or cardigan is essential on your cruise, even if you're setting sail in the summertime. 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. Viking takes this into account with their dress code, which has no formal nights in the evening. Find the right card for you. Many of the activities on board Vikings ocean ships revolve around cultural enrichment, to use a phrase often used by Viking executives. 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. In my case, it is my husbands retirement from the military, a belated 20th wedding anniversary, and a lifelong desire to visit Russia. What Viking ships dont offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. Too many people forget about sun protection when sightseeing around cities and local attractions. 5 7 Tops to mix and match with bottoms. During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. By Flushable, individually wrapped wipes for travel. Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card spending when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases. (a packable down puffy jacket is good for cold or winter weather). If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount before disembarking at the Explorers Desk. If you dont have hills in your area, look for a stadium where you can walk up and down the stairs. However, weather in Iceland is completely unpredictable, and it's not unheard of to experience all four seasons in one day. Home >> Travel Tips >> Cruises >> Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips. ", here is my answer. 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. Begin by going to the itinerary for your cruise on the website. The lines smaller expedition ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, offer four of the above venues: The Restaurant, World Cafe, Manfredis and Mamsens. ), Hair straightener or curler if you use one You DO NOT NEED a hairdryer. Length: 665 ft. For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. We like the Samsonite wheeled duffel bags because they are lightweight, easy to carry and with changeable packing options, are so easy to pack. You may wish to choose one additional dressier outfit or elegant top to dress up one of your mix and match combinations. Not the low power dryers permanently attached to the wall as you find in many hotels. Its focus is on destinations and enrichment. You must confirm your age with a government-issued ID (we recommend a passport or driver's license) at the pier before boarding the ship. I imagined wearing it to chamber concerts in churches, or other cultural events.well when we returned to the US seven months later, I counted and had worn it three times-only once onboard where I quickly removed it as the dining room was warm. Taking them off and laying them on the table is not appropriate either. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests. Vikings ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. Expect prices between $2.00 $8.00 USD per item. 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. 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. We've done 15 day cruises and I do laundry once or twice during that time. Her work can be found in Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, 253 Lifestyle Magazine, and other regional publications. Once in the middle and once 2 days before the last day so we're packing mostly clean clothes on the way home. Each cabin has two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. Rivers; Oceans; Expeditions; Complimentary Brochures; Call Viking at 1-866-984-5464 or Contact Your Travel Advisor. 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. A common question for first-time river cruisers is how to pack for a cruise? You'll find Viking's 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. You will be doing aconsiderable amount of walking and even some easy to moderate hikes on some excursions. 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. Its also home to the ships Explorers Desk the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships. #1. 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. Another bonus of river cruising is the ample time spent ashore means you can easily pick up any necessary toiletries along the way. Create Your Online "My Viking Journey" Account. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage. A nice scarf or pashmina is the perfect travel accessory for layering when it gets a little cool. Scarf/stole either lightweight for summer or woollen for winter. In fact, the line doesnt even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. Swollen feet from flying is bad at the best of times. A brightly coloured scarf, shawl or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit. They can become cumbersome when on the move. Weve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast. Our favourite travel accessories for wet weather. This provides warmth on the flight and handy pockets. Read our Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel. One thing we love about Viking River Cruise vessels is the ample storage in the cabins. 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. Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites. Most river cruises are between 7 to 15 days. Rivers; Expeditions; Search. 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. Perfect for carrying your phone, lipstick, room card and money without having to pack an extra purse. 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 key piece of information here is that your passport must be valid for six months past your travel dates. There is an extensive list of movies, documentaries, and television shows either filmed in or about your cruise destinations. Save the space in your bag. 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.

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