After a day on your feet, youll appreciate having an open shoe to wear in the hotel room. One day the spa gave me a Band-Aid. In terms of outerwear, we prefer packable down jackets because they can squish into a suitcase without wrinkling, taking up space, or adding weight. The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin, The best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise, How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade, The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries, 7 reasons you should splurge on a suite for your next cruise, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Two guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant on board, which can be made 70 days in advance. Terrific tips Charles. This large facility holds the main swimming pool. Your voyage may be headed to warm climates, cooler ones, or some mix of the two. Watching the Bridge Cam on your TV provides the scoop on what is coming up so you can leave when the scenery gets good. Viking also offers many balcony cabins and suites on its river ships something that isnt always the case in the river cruise business, where space on vessels is at a premium. katmu, May 29, 2016 in Viking Ocean. While these tours are complimentary, you do still need to make reservations. Jeans or shorts are not recommended for the dining room. For our early fall cruise in the Baltic Sea, the roof was always closed. WebOn day 6 of the cruise I put on a long billowy white linen button down and red lipstick and suddenly people were MUCH friendlier to me, like a night and day difference. These excursions are typically walking tours or city bus tours. 862 817 892. We have just returned from a sailing on Viking Ocean Cruises newest ship, Viking Jupiter. The bathrooms are large, too. 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? 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. ), and went to bed earlier than we typically do on a cruise. shipSlug: "viking-sea" domain: "cruiseline.com", But wifi is not the primary reason for a Viking ocean cruise. T-shirts and capris are acceptable. We learned, though, that the talks are recorded and available to watch on the stateroom television system. We did hear many cruisers trying to request certain tables or sections to have the same waitstaff, but it is not always possible. The only exception: If you are headed to a warm-weather Caribbean destination. You also have a writing desk, plenty of outlets, including USB ports on each side of the bed, a flat screen television with simple controls, and a coffee maker. No need to pack an It is sooooooo good. On a Viking Ocean Cruise, most passengers dress casually and aim for comfort. Ever since my husband first began wearing travel vests on our trips, hes been addicted to them. They will pack a box for you with a sandwich, apple, and goodies. Those who book a Deluxe Veranda (D2) or higher can make reservations at each restaurant pre-cruise. Women should pack a bathing suit and for men, bathing trunks. I'm hoping that the attitudes that I've encountered on the Viking river cruises have carried over to the ocean-liners. callback: function() { Just like a typical vacationing US resident in Europe, I ordered a hot dog and apple pie. Still, even on Vikings river ships, most cabins are balcony cabins. I then made two trips to the Viking cruises Medical Center, where they gave me some one-time use antibacterial ointments and bandages (no charge). The recent reviews are good with new leadership that was brought in last year. Pack a pretty shawl to wear at dinner or to an evening lecture or entertainment. We only link to products and services we recommend. widgetTitle:"Save With the Best Cruise Prices", Caribbean cruises are the most popular, but you can also visit several seasonal regions like Alaska on a cruise. TIP: Some churches ask that women not wear anything too revealing and to cover their shoulders. Free laundry on board means we were able to pack light and do laundry mid-cruise. This pool is long enough for swimmers to enjoy their morning laps, but most cruisers will love that you can slip into Limited to 12-14 people and it is a hands-on class. 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. While the cruise fare does cover quite an extensive list of amenities and dining, there is still a daily service charge for each guest. Weather was cool on our cruise as we cruised up the Norwegian coast and above the Arctic Circle. How far in advance you can make reservations and how many reservations you can make at each restaurant is dependent on your cabin category. I usually take a pair of black, white and khaki slacks. Complimentary clothes pressing and shoeshine services. And get an apron and recipes as well as meet chefs. 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. Before sailing on Viking Ocean Cruises, you do need to know that there is a recommended dress code for dinner. WebApril 22, 2023. Viking keeps it simple with the array of balcony cabins on its ocean ships. A nice look is a tank top with a matching shirt on top. Dinner is served from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm every night in the main dining room. There are three hot tubs on the ship -- one at the covered pool, one by the infinity pool and a couple in the spa (never did check out the spa--LOL never even donned the bathing suit I packed-- but it is open to all passengers, not just those who are having spa treatments. Two, when cool stuff happens, people go to the outside deck and block your view. containerId: "cruiseline-horizontal-check-prices-widget", Registered Office: Co-operative House, Warwick Technology Park, Gallows Hill, I am always impressed with Viking Cruises! Earlier access to cabins on embarkation day. I would love to take a Viking Cruise & put some of these tips to work! horizontal: true, Having no formal nights eliminates the burden of packing fancy cocktail wear or accessories that youll only wear once or twice. Is it appropriate for men to wear sandals in the evening? All other rules would be followed So, pack a pair or two of khakis and some collared shirts for men or some dressy outfits for woman. Before you set sail on your next voyage, we cover everything you need to know before taking a Viking Ocean cruise to ensure smooth sailing. WebIt has a maximum 150 capacity and a brand new boat. 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. When leaving port (and other scenic times), people arrive early for the front row chairs in the Explorers Lounge. Call me boring (or bland) but I usually opt for a palette of black, white, and tan. Every Viking stateroom comes with its own balcony, which you know from a prior McCool Travel article: 8 Great Reasons Viking Cruises Are a Fantastic Value. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. A lightweight sweater or sweatshirt is useful for chilly mornings or evenings (even on the ship). Think seasonally and take a close look at your itinerary and the weather predictions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome Aboard! However, you can only see the view on one side of the ship from your balcony. Lots of reasons but mostly that if we always have our luggage in our control then nothing gets lost and we're not waiting for it to be delivered (which at Logan, at least, can be forever). Don't Even Google It. Request basic supplies from the spa or Medical Center. For dinner, women will feel comfortable wearing. 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. For those who are looking for entertainment past 11 pm, the nightclub Torshavn will be your go-to spot. One day lamb curry was on the buffet line and I asked for prawn curry. We have done a couple of river cruises and heading in 2 weeks for the first ocean one. In other words, you will probably see fewer cocktail dresses and more jersey dresses but in the end, it is your vacation, so wear what makes you happy. And bring along a sufficient number of (but not too many) bras and panties. With a port almost every day and late day or even overnight stops at some ports, you will be going from sunrise to sunset. Wonderful tips, Charles. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Business casual attire was the norm, as the atmosphere is laid back. The rooms arent overly flashy, though. The Restaurant has open seating during set times for breakfast and dinner. With a pass through security, we were onboard the ship with a champagne glass in hand within less than 15 minutes. What is Included in a Viking Ocean Cruise, Viking Cruises Sets Sail on the Longest World Cruise, Top Things to Do on a Viking Ocean Cruise, How to Cruise for Cheap: Top Tips and Advice, Complete Guide to Drink Packages on Celebrity Cruises (2023), Everything You Need to Know About Norwegian's Free at Sea in 2023, Complete Guide to Princess Cruises Drink Packages, Complete Guide to Drink Packages on Carnival (2023), Complete Guide to Drink Packages on MSC Cruises. Use your own ear buds for the QuietVox audio set. After walking all day, its nice to have a comfy flip-flop, slide, or another open-style shoe to relax in on the ship, especially when youre in your stateroom or on your balcony. Again, the booking time frame is based on your stateroom category. Request an earlier or later included tour if desired. Opt for layers. You really do have some great secrets! 42 Veranda Staterooms (10% of the total). I just dont remember from before as our cruise was cancelled twice due to Covid. (It can be rolled up with its strap or folded into its zip pocket.). Cost about $69, three hour cooking class and you eat the menu for lunch, served with nice wines. This covers essentially all drinks except specialty cocktails in Torshavn. You will also pay full price for these drinks, unlike most cruise lines where you only have to pay the overage of the drink package allotment. Editorial disclaimer: 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. The dress code is largely relaxed, casual, and comfortable. Design-wise, Vikings cabins are relatively upscale, with soothing, Scandinavian-influenced decor and lots of luxury touches like heated floors in bathrooms. TIP: 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. I recently fell in love with a $16.99 pair of fake diamond studs at TJ Maxx that are larger than any real ones I could ever afford to buy. 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. Some article links may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. ather than enhanceyour journey. I think he visits the main pantry (5 levels below) for these unusual ingredients. There are no additional service fees or gratuities. This means that I may receive compensation if you click a link,at no additional cost to you. Some optional excursions quickly fill up. From our Viking Ocean Cruise sailings and speaking with many Viking cruise veterans and staff, I uncovered many hidden gems and secret things to do on Viking Ocean Cruises. Find blankets for cooler temps and towels for warmer times in the relatively quietsitting area on level 8 aft. WebWhat do I wear on a Viking Ocean Cruise? Minibars with complimentary alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water and snacks. Take a Galley Tour. Tops. Do bring exercise wear if you plan to work out in the fitness center or on the sports deck. When you purchase a drink from a bar or in the main dining room, the stated price is the price you pay. Certainly makes packing light a lot easier. WebViking recommends that guests wear masks while ashore. Others have little interest in it and don't bother with it. In two weeks on the Viking Sea (into the Midnight Sun), the only sport coat I saw was the one I packed and seldom used. Mamsens is located at the starboard entrance to the Explorers Lounge. Registered Office: Co-operative House, Warwick Technology Park, Gallows Hill, Will I be Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. The rolling of the dice, though, I thought might bother them. Of course, there is also the therapy pool located in the thermal suite of the spa. I keep it at my bedside so its always handy. All he needs is a couple of collared shirts. Take what makes YOU happy--and only what makes you happy. These include an upscale Italian restaurant, Manfredis, and the Chefs Table. 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. It probably did not but it was cool to find some nearby video game tables. So, you can watch the fabulous Heather Clancy and the other Viking shows 247. Your email address will not be published. Add yourself to waiting lists for popular excursions. This really makes it feel more like a luxury resort than a cruise ship. Or, if you opt to purchase the Silver Spirits Beverage package, you can have cocktails or beers and wine up to $15 a glass any time of day. For women, a nice dress (in the Caribbean a sundress would be great) or a dressy top and pants and sandals like the ones you describe. TIP: Many passengers enjoy relaxing at The Spa on sea days or on the deck in warm-weather climates. For longer cruises, dont go overboard with the packing as there are self-service launderettes available for use. We were waitlisted. Treat yo self! No one thinks about rainy days when they are fantasizing about their next vacation but rain can happen any time, any place. Two problems. 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. Home Cruise Viking Cruises Viking Ocean Cruises What You Need to Know Before Taking a Viking Ocean Cruise. Layering your outfits allows you to put on or take off a top layer so you always feel comfortable. Another time I requested fresh prawns be added to spicy pasta arrabbiata being prepared out back (see below). The Restaurant. That pretty much summarizes the official dress code. However, in the execution, there is plenty of room for interpretation -- and each sailing I ha You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. (The Viking dress code says no jeans but Ive seen some women wearing stylish ones, not the types that are washed out or torn over the knees:-). }); It has been a while since we have seen most cruisers dressed up for dinner. For our 8-night trip, there were 5 included shore excursions. horizontal: true Award-winning company Viking consistently ranks among the best for both ocean and river cruises. Some of these activities include a daily port talk, as well as enrichment seminars and lecturers. McCool Travel note: Viking Ocean Cruises now has several ocean ships and they are pretty much identical. I also recommend bringing a pair of comfortable rubber-soled (deck) shoes to wear around the ship. The black and white print offsets black or white pants. You wont have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed. They are true owners suites in that they are used by Viking founder and chairman Torstein Hagen when he sails on the ships, and they feature some of his personal mementos, including family pictures. You can arrange two tours in one day. You can check items off as you place them in your suitcase. Ever. If you think you can fit more, I always pack a few extra dresses, as theyre great to travel If a destination requires masks be worn, onboard staff and local guides will confirm the local requirements. Thank you so much for the information. Boarding a Viking Ocean cruise is different than your typical mega-ship embarkation process. For women, they can wear evening gowns, casual long maxi, slacks, and formal blouse, skirts, or cocktail dress Shore excursion All rooms also have additional amenities, including premium toiletries that are regularly replenished by your stateroom attendant, larger showers, and heated bathroom floors. I had originally posted this on the Cruise Fashions board but it was suggested that I might get more feedback here. the passengers I see lugging everything on board rather than using checkin for what are clearly items that don't belong on the plane. referral: "s33722.p856.sites.pressdns.com", Check here before booking an award fare. Most of the daywear women and men wear for shore excursions is also worn onboard the ship. On Viking Ocean Cruises, it is always possible to have a pool day. Enjoy your upcoming Viking river cruise. cruiselineSlug: "viking-ocean-cruises" No formal nights! For more information please readViking Star Dining Options. They can wear anything like formal clothes, a suit, tuxedo, golf shirts, and short-sleeved shirts for men. Linen pants, slacks, blousea dress if you want.but nothing flashy and really dressy were the norm. Secret Things to Do on Viking Ocean Cruises McCool Travel Vat No. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Ive bookmarked this for future as I learned a lot. And I detest (sorry folks!) Often times, boarding will occur ship side in tents or temporary buildings. When leaving a port, you will find better views on the Sports Deck (level 9). I brought some casual dresses to wear to the nicer restaurants on board, but formal wear is not required on the Viking cruise line. A mix of, Especially if you are traveling to Europe, adding a, No one thinks about rainy days when they are fantasizing about their next vacation but rain can happen any time, any place. Havianas are the classic flip-flops that were created in Brazil in the 60s. The roof was closed for most of our journey and the pool area was a popular venue on sea days for sitting and some swimming (but never crowded--and the lounge chairs with the view, the ones by the window, do fill up quickly). Through the many years of cruising We find Elegant Casual a fine way to describe the modern day dress codes on the ships. Check for special nights at The Restaurant. Cruiseline.ui.init({ Wicked cool. Our favorites on Viking Jupiter were the Aurora Experience and Hidden Universe. This item is in decent condition with age-related wear. A mid-length sundress with a cap or flutter sleeve is also a nice look for the daytime. Jeans or shorts are not recommended for the For more information see our article on how toSave Money on Cruise Excursions. Related: 7 reasons you should splurge on a suite for your next cruise. With the risks of COVID and norovirus from touchable surfaces, hand sanitizing wipes (and masks if you like) are certainly a good idea when you are immersed in seas of people at many ports. Are you ready to embark on your journey to sea the world, one port at a time? Including ties and jacket or blazer 2. You may be getting on and off tenders, walking over cobblestone streets, and doing more walking than you usually do at home. new Cruiseline.check_price({ In the case of Deluxe Veranda Staterooms, staff replenishes these minibars once per day. Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Soft Cotton Polo. Penthouse Veranda Staterooms offer more space than the latter two categories, at 338 square feet, plus additional amenities and services, including: Vikings two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, also have three categories of balcony cabins with a similar array of amenities and services. [emoji1]. We kept ourselves going with plenty of coffee (Good thing its included! None of these drinks will be covered in the Silver Spirits Package. On the other hand, I didn't see many folks in The Restaurant in shorts. Because of airline baggage weight limitations, Even in the largest hotel suite or cabin on a ship, its always a hassle to have too much stuff. Even if you experience none of the following things to do on Viking cruises, you will still have a great time. You will also need it for entering your room. The balcony is a good size and includes two chairs and a table. Thanks! Priority shore excursion reservations that can be made 87 days in advance of sailing. The toiletries were specifically designed with bigger and clearer lettering than is common for toiletries so that the lines older customers (Vikings core market is in the 55- to the 75-year-old range) would have no trouble differentiating the body wash from the shampoo. We usually dined around 6:30 pm and waited only about 5-10 minutes to be seated. Although your stateroom has a safe, why bring jewelry that youll have to worry about possibly losing or misplacing? containerId: "cruiseline-horizontal-check-prices-widget-viking-sea", While most people envision cruising to tropical locales, cruise ships visit various destinations across the globe. Does that mean heels and a cocktail type dress? Also see ourViking River Cruises Danube Waltz Highlights. Both of the first two categories of balcony cabins come with minibars stocked with complimentary soft drinks, water and snacks. Want to travel happier? Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? In fact, many of the top cruise destinations are seasonal ports. He usually doesnt bring a sports jacket although some men like to wear them for warmth or to look sharp. (This lightweight, water-resistant puffer jacket weighs less than 2 ounces. Viking also offers smaller versions of its Longships that have fewer balcony cabins, as well as a few different types of river ships with varying numbers of balcony cabins. key: "e709d04de53049f94701c1c5a47e3cbb", WebABTA P6710. For a 7- or 10-day journey, three or four shirts of different colors should do the trick. 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!!!!. I'm with you. Creating a Viking Ocean Cruise Packing List involves knowing what to bring as well as what not to bring. There are also a limited number of heated loungers for the ultimate relaxation experience. Your article points to the fine detailing that goes into making it a real value with all the amenities under the umbrella of all-inclusive!! By the way, the bistecca (Florentine style steak) at Manfredis is remarkable. Powered by Invision Community. In addition, each of the complexes has a boardroom with a long table that seats 12 people for meetings and catered dinner parties. The tissue box in the bathroom makes a nice amplifier for your smartphone music. You will occasionally find a trivia session, but there will be no Bingo or belly flop contest on these cruises. . On our cruise, we had a historian, an astronomer (literally, a retired NASA engineer), and a cultural expert. 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. All of these shows are first come, first serve (no reservations are needed). I know this is your busiest time of the day, but do you mind running down a few decks and getting me some of those delicious olives. Really??? And in the off-chance you forgot to wear your mask, Viking staff were quick to serve a gentle reminder. On another evening, he may wear a collared long-sleeve shirt (we love the look of gingham checks) with the other pair of slacks. If you want to look more dressed, scarves and jewelry can upgrade for you. All wonderful ideas, but my favorite was the image of the bistecca (Florentine style steak) at Manfredis. It truly is pretty flexible..mix & match works! In our latest cruise packing list for 2021, we detail what Great tips for a 1st time ocean cruisers Weve enjoyed one river cruise Budapest to Amsterdam amazing experience Remember that youll be storing your suitcases in your cabin. Those eating in the specialty restaurants appeared to have cleaned up a bit but not dressed to cocktail level. Having no formal nights eliminates the burden of packing fancy cocktail wear or accessories that youll only wear once or twice. While you can certainly purchase a massage, facial, or other treatment, dont forget that the thermal suite is complimentary for all cruisers. Two times on our latest cruise, cooks set up stations in the back of World Cafe. In addition, there is an outdoor sports deck all the way forward on Men Trousers and collared shirt with a tie and jacket being optional. Viking operates ships with a very easy-to-understand array of cabins, unlike some of its competitors. During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. Swimsuits, brief This thermal suite is accessible to all guests for no additional costs. new Cruiseline.check_price({ One, a big wooden rail blocks your view. So, I grab a plate of salad from the Pool Grill and fill up with other World Cafe buffet goodies (like grilled prawns). WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Happy Returns Viking Ship Filled With Pansies Ocean Embossed 1909 postcard BQ2 at the best online prices at eBay! These extra amenities and services include: Passengers staying in Deluxe Veranda Staterooms can also access their rooms one hour earlier on embarkation day than those staying in Veranda Staterooms. On our current itinerary there is a lobster night and a scallops night (separate nights!). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Do an optional excursion in the morning and an included excursion in the afternoon. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. This is one advantage of small ship cruising with a crew to passenger ratio of 1 to 2! (These Vionic slip-on walking shoes are supportive and come in a variety of widths, including extra-wide. P.S. For formal nights on Princess Cruises, acceptable formal wear includes an evening gown, cocktail dress, or pantsuit for ladies and a suit, combination, or dinner jacket for gentlemen. Theres an adjacent pantry that can be used by staff serving room service or catering hosted events. Viking Cruises certainly lets you see the world in comfort. We did not see a sequin or cocktail dress during the month we were on board, including a dinner with the captain. E&OE. Binoculars in the room. When it comes to size, even the smallest cabins on Vikings ocean ships are large by cruise ship standards at 270 square feet, and the largest suites measure nearly 1,500 square feet. 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. verandas and Scandinavian-inspired designs are common features in Vikings ocean The Restaurant on Deck 2 has first come, first serve seating. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards of beds, which come in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. You can either bring along a cardigan in your tote or else tuck a folded shawl there it is required. Men also need two pairs of comfortable walking shoes. When leaving the port, go to the spa. Right? Easy-on, easy-off sneakers are nice for travel. This includes: Women Dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse. Why? I like to dress up a bit at dinner, but I'm hoping to leave the cocktail dresses and uncomfortable heels at home if I can. Unfortunately, we never received our luggage tags in the mail, but the airport transfer staff were able to assist in assuring that our luggage got delivered to the proper stateroom. T-shirts and capris are acceptable. widgetTitle:"Search and Save on Viking Ocean Cruises", tempting food and love to go to cruise on day. Including Priority access to spa treatment bookings (60 days in advance). Viking River Cruises also provides this checklist for passengers: Comfortable walking shoes Dressier shoes Collapsible umbrella/lightweight rain gear Lightweight jacket/warm sweater/sweatshirt Sunglasses, sun hat or visor, and sunscreen Warm coat, gloves and water-resistant footwear (as needed for cooler months or colder