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For evening excursions, it’s worth considering packing one pair of dressier shoes to complement your attire for formal nights or when visiting more upscale establishments. When packing for a river cruise, it’s important to consider the activities and destinations you’ll be exploring. While river ships tend to have a relaxed atmosphere, a few occasions may call for slightly dressier attire. During the day, the dress code on Viking Cruises is casual and comfortable. You can wear smart casual attire, such as slacks, jeans, skirts, dresses, and collared shirts. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you may be doing a lot of walking during shore excursions.
Why Do Most Viking Longships in Europe Look Exactly Alike?
Bring plenty of layers, including a waterproof jacket, sweater and something warm to sit outside in the evening, along with a hat. The best clothing for a Viking River Cruise depends on the time of year and the climate of your destination. In general, you should pack layers that you can easily remove or add as needed. For example, a long-sleeved shirt or sweater can be layered under a light jacket or coat on cool days. In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide to what to wear on a Viking River Cruise. We’ll cover everything from packing essentials to dressing for different activities.
Cabins and suites
Viking has more ships than any other major cruise brand in the world, more than 90 in all. It also has both ocean ships and river ships — something that is unusual among major lines. Pack warm layers for a winter river cruise in Europe, including a waterproof jacket, thermal clothing, and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on potentially icy or snowy terrain. When preparing for a river cruise, it is crucial to review the itinerary to understand better the excursions and unique outings offered at each port. This information will help you plan your activities and determine additional items to pack. In some instances, some river cruise itineraries may require guests to have specific vaccination records.
Packing Tips
All of the line's vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins. 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. 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.
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In addition to the drawers, there are cupboards in the cabin where you can hang your formal attire or other garments that must be kept wrinkle-free. These cupboards provide a convenient space to store your clothing items, giving you easy access whenever you need to dress up for formal nights or special occasions. Regarding storage options on board a river cruise vessel, you’ll find ample drawer and cupboard space in the cabins to keep your belongings organized. Despite the limited space in the cabins, cruise ship designers have ensured enough storage to minimize clutter and ensure a comfortable living space. This means that guests can wear comfortable clothing like jeans, shorts or casual dresses. However, it’s important to note that swimwear or workout attire is not permitted in any of the dining venues.
River ships are cashless and any onboard spending, including gratuities if they are not covered as part of your fare, will be added to your final account to be settled by credit card. To avoid unnecessary stress from flight delays or cancellations plan to arrive at least one day before your cruise departs. You should also allow plenty of time for airport transfers at the end of your voyage, especially if you're going to be traveling during the morning rush hour. They tend to be cruises at the beginning and end of the season, so fewer peak times.
There's 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 Explorers' Lounge also is home to Mamsen's, the food counter serving tastes of Norway mentioned above. 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. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards, which are in addition to the lamps on bedside tables.
It's a particularly charming place to eat when the weather is nice and the glass walls come down, opening the entire area up to al fresco dining. Tables here are smaller, so if you're traveling with a friend or partner, you don't have to sit at a table with strangers. It's a nice choice if you've had a long day touring and only need a small nosh. While it's not what we'd consider a "foodie" experience and doesn't have as much regional focus as you might expect, Viking's river ships have menus that appeal to a wide range of palates. You'll always be able to find staples such as prime rib, chicken and salmon. Reviewing this will ensure you pack the appropriate attire and, more importantly, feel comfortable among your fellow passengers during your cruise.
What are some essential items to pack for a river cruise in Europe?
Viking offers a variety of itineraries on Europe's rivers -- but what doesn't change much are the cruise ships themselves. Known as "Longships," Viking's fleet of river cruise ships on most rivers all carry 190 passengers, with a similar Scandinavian decor and sensibility, as well as inclusions and programming. Due to changeable conditions along the rivers, it’s wise to pack a lightweight jacket or sweater to layer up and adjust to the weather. Remember essentials like sunglasses and a sun hat to shield yourself from the sun’s rays during those leisurely days on deck.
A lightweight travel scarf can also be a versatile accessory, providing extra warmth when needed or adding a pop of color to your outfit. Remember to pack clothing items that you feel comfortable and confident in, as you’ll spend ample time exploring and socializing onboard the river ship. When it comes to Rhine River cruise tips the single most important item is a comfortable pair of shoes as you will be walking -- a lot. Leave behind any formalwear as river cruises are much more casual than ocean cruises and there is no formal dress code.
What it is is a line that has focused very specifically on "thinking person's cruises" that offer a deeper dive into the destinations that its ships visit than is typical at many lines. Viking currently operates 11 ocean ships, nine of which are nearly identical. When I say what I said, I am not talking about well fitting, clean, relatively new and in good condition t-shirts, shorts, and sweatshirts.
Each passenger is only allowed to make one to three reservations per cruise at the eateries, depending on which category of cabin they have booked. In keeping with the high-end nature of the brand, Viking cabins and suites have a lot of upscale touches, from sumptuous bedding that envelops you to heated floors in bathrooms. Soothing, minimalist colors — think creams, grays and lighter blues — are the order of the day. In general, you'll find a lot of couples on Viking ships and some solo travelers.
River cruising generally in Europe is pretty all-inclusive, however, there are nuances and differences based on the different brands. The focus of the Longship is very much on the hotel experience, the dining experience and very much around the destinations and the excursions. They simply require guests to come as you are, with no requirements for dining or excursions. Lastly, always double-check the luggage restrictions and guidelines provided by the cruise line to ensure you comply with their specific requirements. It’s also a good idea to weigh your luggage before leaving for the airport to avoid any surprises or excess baggage fees.
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. On-board, the only advisories are that shorts are not allowed at dinner. In the evenings, you may want to carry a slightly larger clutch or small handbag to complement your dressier attire. Choose a bag that matches the color and style of your evening outfit, adding a touch of elegance to your ensemble. When it comes to bags, a small crossbody or shoulder bag is convenient for carrying essentials during daytime excursions. Look for one that is lightweight and has enough space for your phone, wallet, sunscreen, and other small items.
