There is room on board for both attitudes, even in the restaurants. 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. The centerpiece of the top deck of each of Vikings ocean ships is the main pool area, which is home to a pool, hot tub and rows of lounge chairs, as well as comfortable seating areas. Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services. 1. Vikings ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. Some of the lines more exotic sailings such as its expedition trips to Antarctica cost even more. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. But probably not outlawed. 1 Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings. Vikings bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. We always keep some of these handy wipes in our bag. A lightweight scarf also makes great layering for sun protection and as a shoulder and head cover for entering places of worship. 1-2 Long sleeved sweaters depending on the season. 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. Big floating resorts, they arent. If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. Viking fares do include port taxes and fees, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per sailing. They can become cumbersome when on the move. Disclaimer Vagrants of the World Travel are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. By taking the extra time to plan, your trip will go smoother and you will know what to expect. Viking also does a Kitchen Table excursion which takes place in two parts. Inspiration and ideas for lovers of travel, through slow travel and iconic journeys. Some people love to dress up for dinner, other don't. As usual Peregrina hit the nail on the headI will simply add that on our forst VO cruise (transatlantic)I took a sports jacket thinking I would wear it aboard when we had a special meal and then use it during the following nomadic adventures through Europe. Looking for practical and stylish travel wear? See our guide to the must-have travel essentials for women for more travel packing list tips for ladies. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its no nickel-and-diming philosophy.). Youll find Viking river ships operating on the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; the Moselle and Elbe in Germany, the Volga in Russia and the Dnieper in Ukraine (as noted above, sailings on the latter two rivers are on hold, for now, due to the war in Ukraine). Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. A credit of $200 per passenger anytime you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. Dry cleaning is available on the lines ocean ships but not on Viking river ships. Flushable, individually wrapped wipes for travel. 16 Biggest Cruise Ships In The World As Of 2023 Never had a problem in Oslo, but in some of the other cities they kept us upright! 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). Since we don't leave until early March, I guess we won't get it until late February. As it gets closer to sign-up day, check to verify which excursions are offered as they are subject to change. If cruising in the warmer months dont get caught without sun protection. ", here is my answer. 1 pair of day shoes for around the boat or casual evenings. We finally tried the Viking cruise room service. With your list ready you will save time by not having to decide on an excursion. 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. 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. If you dont have hills in your area, look for a stadium where you can walk up and down the stairs. If you find you need more charging space for cameras, phones or even a laptop, we recommend bringing apower strip from your home country. Just behind the main pool area on each of the ocean ships is a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden that is home to afternoon tea. Viking also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and it recently began trips on the Mississippi River. 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). Plan Your Hanoi Itinerary. When reviewing the river cruise itinerary, look carefully at any excursions you may want to take or have already booked.