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. At last count, Viking had more than 80 river ships in its fleet an astounding number that is the result of blistering growth over the past decade. Planning a cruise? to dinner. This was not a Viking cruise. Guests can wear ties and jackets if they desire, but this is not required. Both onshore and on-board the cruise line recommends comfortable, smart-casual clothing including sturdy walking shows for shore excursions. There are t-shirts . Most Viking customers are approaching their retirement years or are already there and theyre eager to finally see all the places they didnt have time to visit when they were raising kids and establishing careers in their younger years. Its also home to the ships Explorers Desk the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships. Comfort is key on your cruise, but that doesnt mean you have to sacrifice style. One of my mentors from years ago said you should always model the behavior you want to see from your children. Filled with comfortable seating areas and home to a bar, the Viking Living Room serves as a central meeting point for passengers throughout the day and night. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. 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. For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests. We love these Adidas sneakers for their cloudfoam lining on both the mid and outsole, providing superior cushion and breathability. Get more of my content about Viking River Cruises at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/viking-river-cruises Vikings ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. If you plan to go on a Viking River cruise, or any river cruise, do you think about your degree of mobility and how active you are. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. These jeans from Spanx with a slight flare on the bottom elongate the look of your leg, while the high-rise gives you support and flattens any problem areas. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Unlike its ocean ships, Vikings river ships arent all-balcony-cabin vessels. For women, slacks or skirt, with nice top; men slacks and a golf, sports or dress shirt. If you have any questions, or would like to know more, call our Cruise Concierge team on 0800 197 0854 for expert advice and award-winning service with your booking. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line, mostly due to the fact that it operates both ocean cruises and river cruises. They simply require guests to come as you are, with no requirements for dining or excursions. It is completely normal to have tummy rolls. These long ships operate on most of the rivers in Europe. When dining ashore, attending special events or concerts men may want to bring a sports jacket and women a cocktail dress or pantsuit ties are optional. Check them out on Spanx! Its not a backyard barb b que. That works out to more than $750 per day for a couple sharing a room. #womenhelpwomen. Viking could be your line. 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. To the rear of the lounge you have the 24-hour tea and coffee making facilities, which are great. In keeping with Vikings focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places youll be visiting on your sailing. I am tired of carrying multiple bags and I am tired of dressing up. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Viking River Cruises is probably the best-known river cruising company in the world, and certainly within Europe they have a large fleet on lots of different rivers. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. The lines ocean ships can be found in nearly every ocean and sea around the world, from North America to Europe and Asia. During the Captains Dinner, guests are advised to dress up a little more in suits and cocktail dresses. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. What I also find when river cruising, and I did find this very true on Viking, is you find a lot of groups of people travelling together. If you're wearing a hat in the dining room, aren't you part of the group being attacked here? COPYRIGHT 2023, BY LADYREFINES. Lunch is a buffet, and there will often be a pasta station and again you can order from a menu. Viking isnt one of them. Big floating resorts, they arent. Hope you had a wonderful cruise! 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. ), https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/viking-river-cruises, Going On 100 Cruises Taught Me 7 CRUCIAL Cruise Tricks, 13 Things I Wish Id Know Before Doing A Disney Cruise, 10 Things European River Cruise Lines Dont Like Talking About, How to Gamble on a cruise to unlock perks How it really works by someone who does it. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. These aesthetic pink sandals from Skechers are my gem of all time. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board. I am not going to use baggage fees for an excuse but I wanted to stick to one suitcase under 50 lbs which was tough since I was packing for an odd season. And fellow vacationers. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. On our four Viking cruises so far, we have not observed anything like what the original poster has described. Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries. Dontgive me the baggage fees excuse. That includes khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts for men and summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops . 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. This is one reason some cruisers do not consider Viking at quite the same level as those other brands. It is where people meet during the day and go for drinks before and after dinner. Youll also find the occasional multigenerational group a retired couple traveling with their working-age adult children, for instance. 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. Its forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Vikings soon-to-debut Mississippi River ships will offer self-service launderettes but no takeout laundry and pressing service. I have heard that Caribbean cruises may be more casual, but we have only sailed in Europe and haven't seen that first hand. 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 CRUISES. Also, unlike some other River cruise companies, it doesnt have a fitness centre, it doesnt have a spa, doesnt have a hairdresser, doesnt have an exercise room and it doesnt We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards, which are in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Started August 27, 2021, By Beverage gratuities are included in the package. Check out them on Amazon! While others enjoy it, I dread it. Americans have become too casual IMHO. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. The next important thing to understand is the passenger mix and what sort of passengers you likely to find on board. Named after Viking founder Torstein Hagens mother (Ragnhild Mamsen Hagen), it offers authentic tastes of Norway such as traditional heart-shaped waffles, specialty cakes and the brown goat cheese that is found around the country. We don't need to look like we are doing yard work all of the time. An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships. Is there anywhere you would draw the line? Viking and Scenic river cruises are popular vacation destinations and are an exciting way to see new and beautiful sites. 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. But the truth of the matter is, with the possible exception of a Farewell or Captain's Dinner, river cruises are intended to be more casual than ocean cruises. What Are The Biggest YouTube Cruise Vlogger Channels Right now? Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Find the right card for you. 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. I was surprised that there was absolutely no dress code for the dining room. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. It operates in the premium end of river cruising, so not on the ultra-luxury end its in the premium segment. There is no dress up night most everything is geared around the busy daytime tour schedule sneakers shorts etc. Viking Longships 360 Tour Get a panoramic look at our award-winning sister ships showcasing innovative engineering, streamlined Scandinavian design and understated elegance. If you want to do things like send stuff to the laundry or, of course, buy things in the shop that is not included within the fare. However, unlike nearly every other cruise brand, what you wont find are families with young kids. Depending on the season you set sail, you'll want to bring either long or short sleeve tops suitable for both daytime and evening. Sweaters are ideal when visiting religious landmarks as they allow you to cover your body while still feeling comfortable respectful. So, as you look at the rivers that you want to go on theres going to be different itineraries. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. The dress code on a Viking River cruise is pretty casual and relaxed. Watch the video on YouTube, and subscribe to my channel: https://youtu.be/8iUPPAc0ONw. 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 rest of dress code is pretty relaxed. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Sweat and underarm hair definitely impact my dining experience, even if it's just McDonald's. All of the lines vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins. (As recently as 2012, the line operated just 29 river ships.). You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By For a strappier option that is great for evenings, these wedge sandals elevate your outfit and make it look amazing. Note that internet service can be slow at times of heavy use, as is typical on cruise vessels. Riviera Travel Riviera Travel also carries a relaxed dress code, with comfortable and casual clothing alongside walking shoes for the day. Are there COVID-19 related travel requirements I need to meet before leaving on my Viking voyage? 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. Two Weeks Is A Long Time; Pack Accordingly. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Vacay styles come and go but river cruise is here to stay. The line also doesnt charge a corkage fee. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Thats because theres a lot of stuff included. Bear in mind of course, your 24-hour teas and coffees are always available and that is included within the fare. Dress Code If the cruise will feature light hors d'oeuvres, appropriate attire may include a dress, a blouse with pants, or a pair of khakis and a collared shirt at the very least. The Explorers Lounge also is home to Mamsens, the food counter serving tastes of Norway mentioned above. November in Austria/Germany is similar to November where I live (midwest). (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. When you step on board the Longship, the first thing youll notice is the decor. Note that Viking river ships do not have fitness centers, which is relatively unusual for river ships. Its also a big player in the Mediterranean. It has 190 passengers and around about 45 crew. The currency used on Viking ships is U.S. dollars. To Viking, that means a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women, and trousers and a collared shirt for men. Click to view ourfull disclosure. She loves learning about new places and cruise ships coming to market, as well as discovering fun and exciting activities to do while you sail. Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise. Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. River Cruising in Spring - Spring in Europe can bring nice weather but it can also be changeable. Its takes a fewminutes to change your clothes. tailor-made offers in each region, which include voyages on the world's best cruise ships as well (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Your email address will not be published. Though there are no formal nights on-board Viking River cruises, evening dress is elegant casual across all dining venues, performances and special events. I come to realize that social media isnt showing the reality at all. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. . Unlike on an ocean cruise, there are no formal nights on a river cruise. I wasnt surprised that this was the case for breakfast and lunch, but it also held true for dinner. If youre interested in Viking or youre interested in river cruising in Europe, watch many more of my Tips for Travellers videos. Hubbs and I are going on our first Viking river cruise this Sept and plan on dressing for dinner just like we have done on our ocean cruises-dress pants and nice polo/dress shirt with a sports coat for hubbs and dress pants and lacy top for me. over a year ago Back on dining - I love to throw the occasional home dinner party and suggest 'dressing for dinner'. Viking is all about the destination, and on my 15-day cruise, there is only one day at sea. CC Help Jenn Its also where you will have your daily briefings. Make sure you pack at least one cardigan in case of chilly nights or the odd cooler day. Its ideal for taking along during the summer months or layering during cooler seasons. Its very Scandinavian in look and feel, and that of course links back to the original heritage and the founder who come from Scandinavia. River cruising generally still is the slightly older traveller experience, and you are more likely to find people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and even above on river cruises, particularly in Europe. Its also known for an extensive collection of Armagnacs, with one from almost every year of the past eight decades. Every evening there will normally be one activity which could be local singers, dancers or musicians. A den of serenity, its one of our favorite places on these vessels. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Vikings bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. It also has both ocean ships and river ships something that is unusual among major lines. So, when you look at the Viking fare understanding what you are going to get is very important because a lot of people, particularly coming from ocean cruising, take a look at the river cruising fares and think theyre on the high side. Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program. On the level below that you have the Reception area, a small Viking shop, which sells branded merchandise and other products related to the cruise, and then you have the dining room. [Visual guide] What to REALLY wear on a gondola ride in Venice. At 47,800 tons, these ocean ships are less than a fourth the size of the giant megaships being built by the likes of Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, in keeping with Vikings focus on intimate, upscale voyages. Fun fact: The Manfredis restaurants on Viking ocean ships are named after former Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre dOvidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen. While I dont want to go back to ballgowns every night I do wish people would dress appropriately for dinner. The ships also offer some traditional entertainment, including production shows with singers and dancers. 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