Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. 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. Once in the middle and once 2 days before the last day so we're packing mostly clean clothes on the way home. Check any travel advice for the countries you will be travelling to regarding prohibited medications lists. In every other sense, though, it's unmatched, especially when . 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. We like the Samsonite wheeled duffel bags because they are lightweight, easy to carry and with changeable packing options, are so easy to pack. 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. The Explorers Lounge also is home to Mamsens, the food counter serving tastes of Norway mentioned above. With this in mind, consider baggage weight allowances if your river cruise includes domestic flights within the country. Pair winter shoes opt for lightweight over heavy boots. In fall and winter, of course, travelers will want to pack these items and then some: weather. In my case, it is my husbands retirement from the military, a belated 20th wedding anniversary, and a lifelong desire to visit Russia. 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. As you look through each day, note what the included shore excursion is. You may not be able to get a replacement should you forget one. 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. Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses no matter the season. You want to be comfortable and dont want to fall victim to pickpockets. When we resumed our travels, we packed lightweight and easy to pack rain jackets . A travel umbrella works equally as well as a sun parasol. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. A good, wool sweater is often a benefit when the weather is cold and damp. Both long and short-sleeved. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. A scarf or shawl is great for layering in minor changes in weather and a must if cruising in the winter months. Perfect for cruises. Especially cashmere which is light in weight in the suitcase but keeps you as warm as a more bulky weight of yarn. Theres also live music at night in the Explorers Lounge, a two-deck-high observation lounge and bar area at the very top of the ship. The evening dress excludes World Caf where the dress remains casual after 6:00 PM. 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). As part of Vikings no nickel-and-diming philosophy, the line offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers on all its ships throughout sailings. You will be doing aconsiderable amount of walking and even some easy to moderate hikes on some excursions. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. 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. Many posts on this site also contain links to accommodation, travel and activity booking sites. During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. 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). On cold-weather cruises, you'll need scarves, gloves and waterproof gear. Such services are complimentary for passengers staying in certain categories of cabins. Pick out a Viking Recipe and try something new. 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. Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea. 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. Read Our Guide to the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel, Read Our Guide to the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel. Viking calls them Nordic balconies. As noted above, almost all of Vikings river ships are of the same basic design and are known as the Longships a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages. 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. 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. Travel tips and destination guides by experienced travellers from all over the world. 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. The Viking Saturn. Comfortable trousers or jeans are best, or if the weather calls for it, shorts or skirts are also appropriate. The allspice, ginger, and nutmeg when blended together has such a wonderful scent. Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it. Personal experiences give you insights that you wont receive on the company website. Comfortable walking shoes will be very important. Then work your way through each day and read all the offerings. 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. The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships. Looking for practical and stylish travel wear? 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. 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 love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards, which are in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. This evening dress code is not enforced at the casual World Cafe eateries on Viking ocean ships, where passengers can go even more casual in the evenings. 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. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. 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. For example Viking provides beer and wine with lunch and dinner at no additional charge. While this is an open invitation to pickpockets, it is also how people often lose phones, wallets and other personal items when travelling. Bergen was very windy when we visited in early October. Is a balcony something you cant live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? 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. Viking takes this into account with their dress code, which has no formal nights in the evening. 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. Inspiration and ideas for lovers of travel, through slow travel and iconic journeys. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Powered by Invision Community. When reviewing the river cruise itinerary, look carefully at any excursions you may want to take or have already booked. We prefer a soft duffle style bag with wheels and a telescopic handle. Dry cleaning is available on the lines ocean ships but not on Viking river ships. 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. Also, if youre planning a pre or post-cruise extension trip, you dont want to be burdened with heavy luggage. 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. Viking can be defined as much by what it isnt as what it is. 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. Bring your headphones I find the earpieces issued with the audio devices for tours very uncomfortable and difficult to attach to my ear. Each cabin has two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Like the US, Europe had become much more casual so I didnt need it when I thought I would. Viking has a well-earned reputation for delivering an upscale river cruise experience. As Viking founder Torstein Hagen likes to say, a Viking cruise is the thinking persons cruise, not the drinking persons cruise., Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line. An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking 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. Pack some long-sleeved sweaters or cardigans as well as short and long-sleeved tops and shirts. A nice scarf or pashmina is the perfect travel accessory for layering when it gets a little cool. Author. The line also doesnt charge a corkage fee. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style. Find Out More . The eight nearly identical ocean ships Viking Mars, Viking Venus, Viking Jupiter, Viking Orion, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, Viking Sky, Viking Sea and Viking Star began rolling out in 2015 and each has the capacity for 930 passengers. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels. If you choose one of the evening excursions, you may want to pack something a little dressier. 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 . Whenever your cruise is planned, these are the important items to help you prepare for it. That works out to more than $750 per day for a couple sharing a room. It should be okay in the World Cafe, but Ive never seen men in sandals in any of the dining rooms. Questionable. On Viking River Cruises, there is no need to bring basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, or body lotion. So many places I have put on my list to tour are based on movies, books, or artwork that I love. I love to cook, and I recently prepared Norwegian-Style Meatballs from the extensive recipe collection on Vikings website. 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. 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. 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. 1-2 Long sleeved sweaters depending on the season. On Viking Ocean Cruises, it is always possible to have a pool day. Put together outfits and take pictures of them on your phone - this is super helpful and a great way to simplify things. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. 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. Are there lots of hills or steps on a tour? This recipes use of ingredients produced a light flavorful meatball. Nevertheless, don't let the winter intimidate you as it is one of the most attractive cruise periods for wildlife lovers. Generic Premium Earbuds/Headphones with Stereo Mic & Remote Control for Smartphones. Of course, you may choose to dress up, but many passengers will opt for elegant casual. 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. Our favourite travel accessories for wet weather. Many of the activities on board Vikings ocean ships revolve around cultural enrichment, to use a phrase often used by Viking executives. Theyre also people who can afford a relatively high-end vacation experience. This is the first time Viking Ocean Cruises has offered a . Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. 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. You can check our guide for the best dual-voltage travel hair dryers if you have onward travel. The currency used on Viking ships is U.S. dollars. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. A bucket-list trip is a perfect way to celebrate major milestones in your life. 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. Menu. 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. 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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. You may be denied entry ifyou are considered to be inappropriately dressed. Happily, for the most part, this is not the case. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its no nickel-and-diming philosophy.). Youll also find live piano music in the evenings in river ship lounges. Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship. Lastly, review the calendar. Viking actually has a Resident Historian Program. Shoes take up the most room in our luggage and can sometimes add the most weight. The page is worth visiting for an overview of the port city and some videos. 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. Thats because the vast majority of Vikings ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. Otherwise most everyone displayed common sense in how they dressed for dinner, nice but still casual. 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. Your cabin size will determine when you can book these options. They will pack a box for you with a sandwich, apple, and goodies. Flushable, individually wrapped wipes for travel. In addition, in order to ensure fair usage for all, the line limits some heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads and software upgrades. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center, pool areas and Sports Deck. These lines qualify seniors as 60 and older. If sailing on Viking ocean cruises, there are numerous guest laundries available to use free of charge on each deck. 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. Viking Cruises are known as The Thinking Persons Cruise, and you can see why with all the cultural resources they offer. Bluffworks Lightweight Travel Utility Scarf. But Norway in April will be COLD! Even the summer months in some parts of Europe can be unpredictable. 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. 1. Taking long walks is a good way to increase your fitness level. In my case, it is Viking Homelands, and I went to the section on Resources. See our guide to the best wheeled underseat luggage so you can still travel light and have emergency clothing for a few days. Once registered, go to the guest information section and fill out the required forms. I went in March and the streets were a sheet of ice. 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. 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. I am very intrigued by some of the shore excursions that involve biking and kayaking. 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. Doesit rain a lot and that is why it was so icy? I have to admit I have been obsessing over which shore excursions to pick, and I cant book until March 2021. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Toiletries and all medications (quality shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap and body wash are provided onboard. 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. That pretty much summarizes the official dress code. Never had a problem in Oslo, but in some of the other cities they kept us upright! While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. 1 pair of dressy shoes for special evenings. Its all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort. Select wine and beers are complimentary and available at lunch and dinner only. Big floating resorts, they arent. I pack clothing that can be worn day or evening and tend to be closer to business casual in my choices than elegant casual. 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. These are things that weigh your bags down and are most likely to leak in your luggage. Dandelion Travel Adapter with 2 USB Ports, Power strip with 3 AC Outlets, 2 USB Ports, The Smallest and Lightest High-Speed Power Bank. These arent cruises where its all about the ship. To Viking, that means a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women, and trousers and a collared shirt for men. 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. (On a Seine River voyage, you might have a tasting of local French cheeses or French wines, for instance). Vikings ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. Viking has more ships than any other major cruise brand in the world, more than 90 in all. Things fill up fast, and you dont want to miss out. She was completed for Viking Expeditions in December 2021 and has a capacity for 378 passengers in 189 staterooms. You will need your booking number to register. 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. 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. You maximise the room in your cabin this way and only have to worry about one case while you are travelling. 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. 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. Among the lines voyages, youll find everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages. So this is less a "souvenir" and more a thing purchased that created a memorable moment: A small container of Orkney Island milk from a tiny local downtown grocery that I chugged right there on the spot. A lightweight scarf also makes great layering for sun protection and as a shoulder and head cover for entering places of worship. Viking longships have 110 / 220-volt outlets and USB ports in every cabin so you shouldnt need a power adapter unless you have hotel stays included in your cruise itinerary or either side of the cruise. DH has worn a suit and tie for work most every day of his working life. There is room on board for both attitudes, even in the restaurants. Its also known for an extensive collection of Armagnacs, with one from almost every year of the past eight decades. Make an appointment with yourself to book these options. Most cruise lines qualify seniors as 55 and older. Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board. Moody's expects this level of cash is sufficient to cover the company's cash needs. Save the space in your bag. If youve never kayaked, try an hour rental to see if you like it. Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. River cruise cabins may not be as spacious as a hotel room or on an ocean-going vessel, so you dont want to clutter it with unnecessary stuff. When planning what to bring on your cruise, visit Life on Board for the dress code and tips on what to pack. To begin, go to your cruises itinerary page. 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. 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. 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. Some stateroom categories include laundry services, and it is available for a fee through your steward if not included. On any given day, you might find an expert on one of the destinations youre visiting lecturing in the theater, or a classical musician performing in the central atrium, known as The Living Room. I like that Viking provides excursions that cover a wide variety of fitness levels and interests. There is also a small shop on board should you require something urgently. (Not every cruise company will have this so you should check in advance if cruising with a different company). The handover ceremony for Viking Saturn took place at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy. I feel like food is such an important part of travel and can give you an insight into the local culture. In lieu of a sport coat, my husband took a tie but never wore it after the first time at the Chef's Table. 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 1-800-304-9616 1-800-304-9616 . The first section to check out is filmography, and you can choose by either country or itinerary. Typically it is either an orientation walking or bus tour of the port of call. Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. The unique and luxurious amenities they offer on their ships make Viking Star the top-of-the-line for couples and solo travelers longing for a relaxing, rejuvenating voyage. Vikings two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are smaller than the above vessels, as is typical for expedition ships, and carry 378 passengers at maximum occupancy. If its a floating celebration youre looking for in a vacation, this isnt the line for you. There is a laundry service onboard the Viking river cruises. This is one of my favorite features that Viking offers. At each port, you will have numerous shore activities and excursions to choose from including lots of free walking tours. Here's what to pack for a Viking river cruise: Bottoms 1 blue jean, 1 black jean, loose casual-to-formal pants, one skirt, and denim shorts. In keeping with Vikings focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places youll be visiting on your sailing. This cruise packing list is for a seven to ten-day cruise. 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. Packing for a Viking Ocean Cruise: What NOT to pack Here is our advice on 6 things you should definitely NOT take: 1) NO formal evening attire There are no formal nights on Viking so there's no need for long dresses for women or dinner jackets for men (even neckties are discretionary).
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