For more information please readViking Star Dining Options. What to Pack for a Viking River Cruise - Bon Traveler 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. I cut my foot on the bathroom door (dont try it!) Award-winning company Viking consistently ranks among the best for both ocean and river cruises. Registered Office: Co-operative House, Warwick Technology Park, Gallows Hill, These different experts offered a variety of talks and smaller Q&A sessions. Well-traveled, active adults, and retirees alike are drawn to Viking Ocean Cruises destination-heavy itinerary. Do bring exercise wear if you plan to work out in the fitness center or on the sports deck. Award-winning company Viking consistently ranks among the best for both ocean and river cruises. Having no formal nights eliminates the burden of packing fancy cocktail wear or accessories that youll only wear once or twice. The regular bartender at the Viking Bar knew our names and morning coffee order by about the third day. Every single passenger room on all nine of the vessels is either a balcony cabin or a suite with a balcony. While he may be obsessed with doing extensive amounts of research on ships and all elements of a cruise, Don enjoys sharing his new found knowledge with fellow cruisers. Your own ear buds will be more comfortable and likely have better sound quality. (These Vionic slip-on walking shoes are supportive and come in a variety of widths, including extra-wide. This feature is known as a French balcony or Juliet balcony (a nod to the balcony of this type made famous in Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet). Some folks like to really dress up for dinner and that is what they do. Try to bring lightweight items that dont add bulk or heft to your suitcase. Planning a cruise? And in the off-chance you forgot to wear your mask, Viking staff were quick to serve a gentle reminder. Want to travel happier? I like to bring a pair of flip-flops with me. All he needs is a couple of, Keeping the weather in mind, take a couple of pairs of, Bring tops that coordinate with your bottoms. On our cruise, we had a historian, an astronomer (literally, a retired NASA engineer), and a cultural expert. From the efficiency of the Viking Cruise breakfast room service to the gelato machines, it is fun to see. However, this also means that you will probably be tired. En-suite bathrooms are just as thoughtful, with underfloor heating, de-misting mirrors and a useful pull-out clothes line on which to hang towels. Request an earlier or later included tour if desired. cruises Earlier access to shore excursion reservations (67 days in advance of sailing versus 60 days). new Cruiseline.check_price({ Pack a pretty shawl to wear at dinner or to an evening lecture or entertainment. If you are debating whether you should book a cruise on this luxury brand, we have put together this list of the 20 things you need to know before taking a Viking Ocean Cruise. Caribbean cruises are the most popular, but you can also visit several seasonal regions like Alaska on a cruise. Cruiseline.ui.init({ Cruiseline.ui.init({ Included tours have more flexibility than optional tours. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. widgetTitle:"Save With the Best Cruise Prices", Do you have any tips to share with those planning a Viking Ocean Cruise? wear It may have stains, bumped corners, creases, Read more Sale ends in: 22h 11m Price: US $8.99 Was US $9.99 Save US $1.00 (10% off) Buy It Now Add to cart Best Offer: Make offer Add to Quick question- how big is the pool enough to swim some laps ( not a regular lap length I understand) and is it fresh or sea water? On another evening, he may wear a collared long-sleeve shirt (we love the look of gingham checks) with the other pair of slacks. Some women wear Bermuda shorts when touring but most times, they arent flattering. While most folks wore to dinner some version of their day-wear, I did see a couple of suits and jackets and some sparkles but for the most part, not. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Viking Sea Cruise: Expert Review (2023) - Cruise Critic Of course you can! While you can certainly purchase a massage, facial, or other treatment, dont forget that the thermal suite is complimentary for all cruisers. We did actually see many gentleman in sports coats, but it is not necessary. Named Nordic Balcony, Deluxe Nordic Balcony and Nordic Penthouse, the cabins of these three categories are slightly smaller than the cabins of the three balcony cabin categories on the traditional Viking ocean ships at 215, 215 and 269 square feet, respectively. Seamless Transfers As always, guests who arrange their flights with Viking Air receive complimentary airport transfers. The thermal pool and whirlpool, as well as a steam room and snow grotto are open to both men and women. I would love to take a Viking Cruise & put some of these tips to work! I just returned from the Viking Sea and did not see a cocktail dress at all. Easy-on, easy-off sneakers are nice for travel. Viking Elegant Casual Dress Code - Viking Ocean - Cruise Critic Ties and jackets are optional. The Owners Suites, of which there is just one on each traditional Viking ocean vessel, are truly sprawling and impressive complexes that measure 1,448 square feet. TIP: I often pack a handful of Bounce fabric softener sheets in my suitcase. If so, Viking could be your line. 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. Don Bucolo, or DB, loves everything about cruising- the ocean, the food, and the atmosphere. (It can be rolled up with its strap or folded into its zip pocket.). widgetTitle:"Search and Save on Viking Ocean Cruises", Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. This cruise has be re-considering my wardrobe for our December Med cruise--but I still have plenty of time for planning. What Its Like on Viking Ocean Cruises Right Now Thanks! 1. Including When ships leave ports, wifi works well in the rest of the ship. Mask Wearing unless we were eating or enjoying a cocktail, Viking required everyone aboard the ship to wear masks. The afternoon session was booked very early. They come in a wide range of colors and prints (actually 85 different ones). Even if you experience none of the following things to do on Viking cruises, you will still have a great time. I order spinach for my omelet, which is not in their rotation, but the chef found some. Insert foam ear plugs while walking the decks. They range in size from 757 to 1,163 square feet, including balcony space, and bring even more enhanced amenities and services. Along with the standard drink menu, this venue features specialty cocktails, many with champagne or cognac. The balcony is a good size and includes two chairs and a table. That pretty much summarizes the official dress code. However, in the execution, there is plenty of room for interpretation -- and each sailing I ha Should I bring a bathing suit?? None of these drinks will be covered in the Silver Spirits Package. So pack a, Ever since my husband first began wearing, In addition to your medications, toiletries, and other essentials on these lists, remember to bring. We learned, though, that the talks are recorded and available to watch on the stateroom television system. This is one advantage of small ship cruising with a crew to passenger ratio of 1 to 2! You can dress casual every night. verandas and Scandinavian-inspired designs are common features in Vikings ocean Check here before booking an award fare. So, I grab a plate of salad from the Pool Grill and fill up with other World Cafe buffet goodies (like grilled prawns). 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. You will occasionally find a trivia session, but there will be no Bingo or belly flop contest on these cruises. Be cautious about wearing flip-flops outside your cabin but if youre inside your stateroom, you wont have to step on carpets that have been stepped on by countless other travelers. Other little touches in Viking cabins that show the line's attention to functionality include the large and clear lettering on the Freyja toiletries that youll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. That said, if someone wants to go that route, why not! The Travel Village Group T/A Southampton Cruise Centre is a member of The Co-operative Consortium which is part of Midcounties co-operative Limited registered in England and Wales with registered number IP19025R. viking cruise [emoji1]. domain: "cruiseline.com", Coffee For our early fall cruise in the Baltic Sea, the roof was always closed. Terrific tips Charles. WebLadies can wear a dress, skirt or slacks with a blouse or sweater, while men can don trousers and a collared shirt. Vikings ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. I especially love the two-piece models with tankini tops. Also see ourViking River Cruises Danube Waltz Highlights. Treat yo self! What You Need to Know Before Taking a Viking Ocean Cruise. As I mentioned above, I ordered grilled prawns from the main World Cafe and had it added to a spicy pasta dish here. In addition to your medications, toiletries, and other essentials on these lists, remember to bring sunglasses and sunscreen. See also8 Great Tips for Selecting a Cruise. Request basic supplies from the spa or Medical Center. You will also need it for entering your room. What Should I Wear on a Cruise? A Guide to Cruise Line Dress The port talks in the Star Theater are popular and informative, plus a chance to see the fabulous Heather Clancy live. You can not make reservations ahead of time. Havianas are the classic flip-flops that were created in Brazil in the 60s. (Figure-flattering Miraclesuits are a favorite of mine. Ever. No need to pack an Some travelers find a pre-printed packing list to bea helpful tool. Include these attire for the evening on Cruise. This helps avoid the need for multiple dress shoes. Enjoy! Including ties and jacket or blazer 2. If youre looking for a room that is big and open on an ocean cruise (and are willing to pay extra for it), Viking has plenty of options. Does that mean heels and a cocktail type dress? By After dinner on many nights, my wife and I played backgammon in the Atrium. Most public spaces on cruise ships tend to be chilly. I noticed the nearby Pool Grill has bowls of arugula and better looking mixed salad. However, World Cafe usually only has romaine and mixed salads. Lululemon Black High Waist Align Tights were perfect for lounging around on the ship and could have been worn with anything I had. We highly recommend booking them on Day 1 as they do fill up quickly. Two times on our latest cruise, cooks set up stations in the back of World Cafe. We usually dined around 6:30 pm and waited only about 5-10 minutes to be seated. This 60-page Packing List offers a checklist of last-minute reminders to trigger your memory. Youll need them for swimming in the heated pool, or during the time you spend in the Nordic Sauna or Snow Grotto. Additionally, try to do a bridge tour and the video art tour. There is also the infinity pool located at the aft of Deck 7. Viking Ocean Cruises If you arrive about 20 minutes early, you should have no problem finding a seat. Bottled water is included at no extra charge on Viking Cruises and youll probably want to carry a bottle of water with you on shore excursions. From a clean T-shirt and jeans to a jacket and tie, cruise line dress codes run the gamut from hyper casual to elegant (and don't forget Hawaiian shirt night, of new Cruiseline.check_price({ 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. For those who are looking for entertainment past 11 pm, the nightclub Torshavn will be your go-to spot. I met some very nice people on the last few days while dressed like that. A wide selection of teas are featured each day. Through the many years of cruising We find Elegant Casual a fine way to describe the modern day dress codes on the ships. For longer cruises, dont go overboard with the packing as there are self-service launderettes available for use. Be sure to take a look at these comprehensive lists to determine those that suit your fancy. Viking currently operates seven traditional ocean ships aimed at the English-speaking market and two oceangoing expedition ships. WebApril 22, 2023. Women should pack a bathing suit and for men, bathing trunks. Pack light for your Viking ocean cruise and leave these items at home: binoculars, robe, slippers, umbrella, toiletries. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Your room key card is needed to enter and exit the ship. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. The sixth ship in the brands ocean fleet, this vessel offers several of the same features as its predecessors. For breakfast, the World Cafe on Viking Cruises chefs prepare made to order omelets and turkey bacon. If ships are like people, then Viking Star just makes you smile. Later tours generally have the most empty seats. I am always impressed with Viking Cruises! Just curious. The rolling of the dice, though, I thought might bother them. 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. Good. } A mid-length sundress with a cap or flutter sleeve is also a nice look for the daytime. Most people flock to the Explorers Lounge (levels 7 and 8) but the QuietVox set still works on the Sports Deck in case you want to hear the lecture. Complimentary clothes pressing and shoeshine services. Sometimes the airlines force us to check even our carry-on (for weight or size) but we take with us only what we can manage on stairs, escalators and public transportation. We only link to products and services we recommend. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One nightgown or pair of pajamas should be sufficient (Ive forgotten to bring sleepwear more than once). Cruise Wifi also works better during big shows, when most people are on excursions, and in the middle of the night. There was usually one white wine and one red wine, which did vary from day to day, and the draft beer Carlsbad. They weigh almost nothing, so they are easy to pack in the space at the side of your suitcase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Your voyage may be headed to warm climates, cooler ones, or some mix of the two. There is only so much room in one carry-on and one "personal item" per person--and the camera gear, other gadgets and meds have first priority, so that doesn't leave much room for clothing--and his shoes take up so much space!!!!. Do laundry last at night or during an excursion day. Located between the Aquavit bar (say hello to Eddie!) I also recommend bringing a pair of comfortable rubber-soled (deck) shoes to wear around the ship. I'm not a dressy dresser at all. I don't consider myself a heavy packer but the idea of trying to heft a carry-on bag with clothes etc for even a week makes me shudder. Working on the list at least a couple of weeks before your voyage will help you remember and keep track of everything you want to take. Coffee machines with premium coffee and tea selections in the room. Although your stateroom has a safe, why bring jewelry that youll have to worry about possibly losing or misplacing? The main theater on Deck 2 will feature entertainment most nights of your trip. }); Just back from our cruise and the dress code in action was casual and comfortable--and quite varied. Like this McCool Travel article? WebThough there are no formal nights on-board Viking River cruises, evening dress is elegant casual across all dining venues, performances and special events. }); Packing the right clothing was a challenge (how chilly is it actually going to be and how much rain are we going to get are hard to guess in advance) but I think that in the end we did an okay job of choosing exactly what went into the suitcase. While youre out exploring, youll want comfortable shoes and tons of layers for the colder months. A good, wool sweater is often a benefit when the weather is cold and damp. And will make a more formal appearance with a collared shirt. There was a quick passport check, and we were then ushered into a small line to receive our key cards, shore excursion tickets, and other necessary information.