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). I am very intrigued by some of the shore excursions that involve biking and kayaking. A tie and jacket are optional; jeans are not permitted. 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. 1. This is one reason some cruisers do not consider Viking at quite the same level as those other brands. Some key things to consider with each excursion is the intensity level, which can range from easy to demanding. Related: Avoid lost luggage issues. Ten-night Greek Odyssey voyages to the Greek Islands start at $3,799 per person. Then there are the river ships. Bluffworks Wrinkle-Free Travel Zenith Dress Shirt. Then work your way through each day and read all the offerings. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Viking is all about the destination, and on my 15-day cruise, there is only one day at sea. An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships. 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. This means if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Temperatures during this period range from lows of 40F (4C) to highs of 57F (14C), while rainfall is lowest in June and July. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Exceptions to this are: Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises. Learn more Cruise Day Wear Cruise Day Wear It's not "business casual". The line also doesnt charge a corkage fee. 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. The Viking Saturn. Viking ships also dont cater to the party crowd. A travel umbrella works equally as well as a sun parasol. The handover ceremony for Viking Saturn took place at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Consider any places of worship you may be visiting where respectful dress is required. 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. When he is on vacation, he does not even want to wear a sports coat. 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. Foldable and Packable Sun Hats for Travel, Foldable & Packable Fedora Panama Straw Hat. Taking long walks is a good way to increase your fitness level. We politely asked him not to do this and his reply was that since nobody else complained, he'd do as he pleased. All of Vikings oceangoing ships, which are much bigger than its river ships, have at least four and usually more outlets serving food of some sort. They are easy to pack, easy to carry and pack flat when not in use. Youll probably eat most of your meals in one of these eateries. 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. Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. Viking is all about the destination, and on my 15-day cruise, there is only one day at sea. Length: 665 ft. Vikings bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. 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. 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. Theres also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining). In my case, it is my husbands retirement from the military, a belated 20th wedding anniversary, and a lifelong desire to visit Russia. 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 to know! Once you have planned your activities, look at the physical requirements for each. 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. 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. The Explorers Lounge also is home to Mamsens, the food counter serving tastes of Norway mentioned above. To begin, go to your cruises itinerary page. It also has both ocean ships and river ships something that is unusual among major lines. Viking provides good quality, powerful hairdryers in each cabin. 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. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen. On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. 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 . That works out to more than $750 per day for a couple sharing a room. This isn't just in the main restaurants, you can also get the drinks from the buffet or if you are eating at places like the poolside grill you will be offered drinks. Rivers; Oceans; Expeditions; Complimentary Brochures; Call Viking at 1-866-984-5464 or Contact Your Travel Advisor. Nevertheless, don't let the winter intimidate you as it is one of the most attractive cruise periods for wildlife lovers. Viking also does a Kitchen Table excursion which takes place in two parts. 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. As you look through each day, note what the included shore excursion is. When reviewing the river cruise itinerary, look carefully at any excursions you may want to take or have already booked. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. This way you can be warm in the cooler mornings and evenings and shed easy to carry layers as required during the day. Ties and jackets are a personal choice. 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. Especially when considering some mens shoes. 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 first section to check out is filmography, and you can choose by either country or itinerary. Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the most popular mainstream cruise lines in the industry. Ladies, forget your fabulously bulky shoulder tote bag that looks great in any season. A river cruise schedule can be quite busy. 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin. Whether at an airport or on a shore excursion, throw a few in your bag, and you will never get caught out. 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. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Generic Premium Earbuds/Headphones with Stereo Mic & Remote Control for Smartphones. Related: Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sea. The historian hosts lectures on the history and culture of the ports you will visit. (As recently as 2012, the line operated just 29 river ships.). Start with a predominantly neutral colour scheme -black, white, beige, tan and grey. Disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links. March 25, 2012. Read our Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel. Never had a problem in Oslo, but in some of the other cities they kept us upright! Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link. You will be doing aconsiderable amount of walking and even some easy to moderate hikes on some excursions. Note when you can begin booking and that it is very specific including the day and hour in your time zone. Oceans. 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. If you are booked in a suite, you should be able to get all your choices. Its focus is on destinations and enrichment. If youve never kayaked, try an hour rental to see if you like it. Most cruises to Iceland depart between the months of May and September. By Look at what shore excursions you are taking and plan accordingly. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. 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. Just be careful some years are far more expensive than others.). 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. 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. 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. Coffee and tea are always available as well. Did fine with Nikes but they were soaked when we got back to the ship. There is an extensive list of movies, documentaries, and television shows either filmed in or about your cruise destinations. Its not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. 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. Scarf/stole either lightweight for summer or woollen for winter. Comfortable trousers or jeans are best, or if the weather calls for it, shorts or skirts are also appropriate. 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. 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. That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us we always recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises. Viking does not allow children under the age of 18 on its vessels and thus has no childrens programs on any of its vessels. 1 pair of day shoes for around the boat or casual evenings. 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. The Chief Historian has curated an extensive list of books to enjoy prior to your cruise. Offer ends 5/3/23. 1 Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings. 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. This provides warmth on the flight and handy pockets. 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. Streets can be icy in March, especially cobblestone sidewalks. Allow for one heavier, windproof jacket, although leave overly bulky or heavy clothing at home. 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. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels. Your cabin size will determine when you can book these options. On Viking Ocean Cruises, it is always possible to have a pool day. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses no matter the season. My brother stayed there on his Viking extension and did not like it. 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. See end of article for more details. We were in Bergen September, 2019 on Viking Sun and did lots of walking about. 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. Make an appointment with yourself to book these options. The ships also offer some traditional entertainment, including production shows with singers and dancers. #1. There will be no shore excursions offered on the first or last day of each cruise. Stephanie Vermillion captures the spirit of Viking Cruises in her article 9 Reasons to Visit Norway by Cruise.. One thing that can be offensive to many is men with ball caps in the dining room or World Cafe. It should be okay in the World Cafe, but Ive never seen men in sandals in any of the dining rooms. Swollen feet from flying is bad at the best of times. Dresses 1 evening dress, 1 loose-style dress, and a flowy dress. 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. There is room on board for both attitudes, even in the restaurants. And will make a more formal appearance with a collared shirt. The upscale cruise brand has carved out a niche since its founding in 1997, catering specifically to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler who is looking to explore the world and learn a thing or two along the way. Thats because the vast majority of Vikings ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. In fact, the line doesnt even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. That pretty much summarizes the official dress code. Soothing, minimalist colors think creams, grays and lighter blues are the order of the day. A bucket-list trip is a perfect way to celebrate major milestones in your life. Viking sailings arent inexpensive. In general, youll find a lot of couples on Viking ships and some solo travelers. A brightly coloured scarf, shawl or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit. Book your Athens to Athens ocean cruise through Viking Cruises. Packing a sweater or cardigan is essential on your cruise, even if you're setting sail in the summertime. I went in March and the streets were a sheet of ice. Certain hotels have resort fees. Shoes take up the most room in our luggage and can sometimes add the most weight. The line asks passengers to keep things elegant casual when heading to any of the ships dining venues, performances or special events. We have reviewed some of the best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here, but these are a few of our favourites. Early word by email or regular mail on new Viking Cruises itineraries and new ships, as well as special limited-time offers. It is your vacation, your money, your choice (as long as you are within the guidelines). Bluffworks Ascender 5 Pocket Travel Pants, Goodthreads Mens Long-Sleeve Solid Oxford Shirt. Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it. A tie and jacket for men are optional. Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services. As part of this society, you will receive: Note that the credits mentioned above cannot always be combined with promotions the line offers. Terms and Conditions Apply. Even the summer months in some parts of Europe can be unpredictable. Viking isnt one of them. You wont have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed. We did not have icy conditions but did walk through lots of slush. Ha, the "yankees" on board made fun of us complaining of being so cold but then I told them they would melt in Phoenix in the summer. There are no "formal nights" in the evening; evening dress is "elegant. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. These lines qualify seniors as 60 and older. Realize the Neptune is a 2022 ship and the Sky is a 2016 ship. The best bag for a shore excursion is one that is not too bulky, comfortable to wear, practical and has goodanti-theft features. Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board. 2. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage. There are some cruise lines that try to be all things to all people. When planning what to bring on your cruise, visit Life on Board for the dress code and tips on what to pack. There really is something for everyone. We prefer a soft duffle style bag with wheels and a telescopic handle. Even in the shoulder seasons the sun can be very harmful so always be prepared with at least the basics. The name of her travel blog came about from her friends constantly asking her, "Peggy, Where Should I Go?". Too many people forget about sun protection when sightseeing around cities and local attractions. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit. ), Hair straightener or curler if you use one You DO NOT NEED a hairdryer. Fourteen-night Antarctica trips start at $14,995 per person more than $2,000 per day for a couple. 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. Pair winter shoes opt for lightweight over heavy boots. 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. Just this year, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. Put together outfits and take pictures of them on your phone - this is super helpful and a great way to simplify things. Layering is the best way to combat changeable conditions when travelling even from morning to night or when transiting in airports. In addition to a room on board and all meals, the fares include beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; specialty coffees, teas and bottled water around the clock; shipboard Wi-Fi; and (perhaps most notably) a shore excursion in every port. Viking could be your line. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. Most river cruises are between 7 to 15 days. 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 . Comfortable walking shoes will be very important. 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. Passengers will also find finger sandwiches, scones and teas in the afternoon at the glass-topped Wintergarden lounge at the top of every vessel. In saying that, consider carefully what shoes you will pack for a river cruise. Alcohol/Drinks Onboard a Viking Ocean Cruise. You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Viking ships. The other two times I wore it for warmth on land. 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. However, unlike nearly every other cruise brand, what you wont find are families with young kids. 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. You should certainly pack your swimming attire, no matter what region of the world or time of the year you are cruising. The evening dress excludes World Caf where the dress remains casual after 6:00 PM. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. As it gets closer to sign-up day, check to verify which excursions are offered as they are subject to change. So much so, some days will barely allow time to change before dinner. (a packable down puffy jacket is good for cold or winter weather). 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 also assigns flags and icons which further describe the tour. Check here before booking an award fare. Check Your Passport's Expiration Date. 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 has adequate liquidity, including cash of $1.4 billion at June 30, 2022, or $1.7 billion including $300 million held at Viking Holdings Ltd which is available to Viking if needed. For some reason I was craving milk. You can find our top-rated womens travel jackets here and mens travel jackets with hidden pockets here. Viking calls them Nordic balconies. We always travel with one just in case. Its not a line for families with young children. The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships. Create Your Online "My Viking Journey" Account. Note that internet service can be slow at times of heavy use, as is typical on cruise vessels. Have not noticed sandals ever on Ocean cruises at dinner EXCEPT World Cafe where it's definitely fine. The allspice, ginger, and nutmeg when blended together has such a wonderful scent. Each day of your cruise is listed with options to book spa treatments, dining reservations, and shore excursions. If cruising in the warmer months dont get caught without sun protection. Vikings soon-to-debut Mississippi River ships will offer self-service launderettes but no takeout laundry and pressing service. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards, which are in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. Also, choose shoes with a good grip. See below for the complete list. 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 . Walking around Europe on the cobblestones can be perilous at times, especially in the wet. The main pool on the ship has a retractable roof. This excursion is offered at multiple ports. Viking Cruises are known as The Thinking Persons Cruise, and you can see why with all the cultural resources they offer. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Bon voyage! Passports must be valid for at least six months. 1. Viking has more ships than any other major cruise brand in the world, more than 90 in all. See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile perfect for river cruising. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. Not the low power dryers permanently attached to the wall as you find in many hotels. A pair of lightweight gloves and hat that can slip easily into your daypack or handbag. 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. 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. 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). If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. You may be denied entry ifyou are considered to be inappropriately dressed. Another good reason to always carry a lightweight travel scarf. 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. 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. Other interior spaces that are part of the ocean ships include a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels) and a fitness center. The cruise line's focus on accessible luxury and exotic itineraries is very appealing to me. 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. 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. If you use a straightener or curler, you will need to bring this. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests. If you are booked in the different Veranda levels, registration for the majority of the cabins opens up either 60 or 67 days from your cruise.
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