Find out more on this short tour. Powered by - Designed with theHueman theme, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Viking River Cruises Longships Review And Ship Tour, 9 Good And Bad Things About Celebrity Cruises (And Why! The launderettes are stocked with detergent for the washing machines that, unlike on many cruise ships with launderettes, do not come with an extra cost. Flats and simple dresses are easier to pack for the ladies. Just this year, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. Its all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort. 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 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. Americans have become too casual IMHO. The next key thing to understand, and watch out for, is what is and isnt included in a Viking fare. They really do focus very much on the hotel, the dining and the food experience and immersing you in the places that you go to. The A-line shape and comfy paper bag shorts are bound to make you feel THE BEST. We are respectful travelers - we are cognizant of and adhere to local norms. The excursions do tend to focus on the historical, the cultural and the arts side of a destination. In general, youll find a lot of couples on Viking ships and some solo travelers. There appeared to be no dress code on our Viking river cruises. No dress code on Viking River - Page 2 - River Cruising - Cruise Critic Community. The dress code at Viking River Cruises is business casual. In addition, most Viking vessels offer laundry and pressing services. The lines smaller expedition ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, offer four of the above venues: The Restaurant, World Cafe, Manfredis and Mamsens. Have a blast! We love them for their perfect dark wash that goes with anything. Im sure this lack of a dress code for dinner will be welcome by some, and not so welcoming to others. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. Dress code on a river cruise means "Leave the tux and gown at home." Strictly nice casual. So, what to wear? $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. As we prefer to travel during the shoulder seasons, the weather is much cooler than during the warm/hot summer months - have never seen sleeveless shirts worn in the dining room or, for that matter, on the included tours. From the young gentleman, "Mommy, why are those people wearing pyjamas?" While I dont want to go back to ballgowns every night I do wish people would dress appropriately for dinner. This is the case for corporate positions and roles in their call centers. If you have any foot pain or arthritic (PSA) flare, try these sandals out! It has the early riser breakfast out here and also a lighter breakfast, a lighter lunch and in the evening, you can dine here and its the same menu as in the. Some of your drinks are also included. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. The dress code on a Viking River cruise is pretty casual and relaxed. Think light summer dresses, capris & vest tops, skirts and blouses. 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. 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. Some people may choose to ignore it, and in some cases Viking may neglect to enforce it, but there is still a dress code on Viking river and ocean ships. One more of the vessels is scheduled to debut later this year, with three more ships in the series coming in 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. I work in IT and work with guys. 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. Riviera Travel Riviera Travel also carries a relaxed dress code, with comfortable and casual clothing alongside walking shoes for the day. as stays in a selection of hand-picked hotels. The mock neckline is so preppy. but also some of their most exciting ports and cities as well as all the amazing things you can do there. I do not own torn jeans, I wore a sweater (it was cold - remember November) and often loafers of some sort. Every evening there will normally be one activity which could be local singers, dancers or musicians. Shorts are an essential item to pack; you are going on a cruise after all! Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long, the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europes rivers. Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. Comfortable loose-fit outfit for a summer Viking river cruise Source Comfort is key on your cruise, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Loyalty programmes with river cruise lines, Bruges: A chocolate box city with enduring charm, Guests are not permitted to wear shorts in the Dining Room or Panorama Lounge in the evenings, Bathing suits are worn only on the Sky Deck, Women Blouse, sweater, dress slacks, skirt and dresses, Men Open-collar shirt, collared polo shirt, button-down shirt, dress shirt, dress pants and smart trousers. No problem with that here. I have the largest cruise vlogger channel currently on YouTube, with more than 3 million video views per month. Viking sailings arent inexpensive. NOTE: I travelled as a guest of Viking Cruises who sponsored my cruise and transfers to and from the ship. We have been on 3previous Viking River Cruises, as well as 3 Viking Ocean cruises, On previous cruises it was rare to see anyone dressed as inappropriately. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship. . 9am - 7pm. 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. The line asks passengers to keep things elegant casual when heading to any of the ships dining venues, performances or special events. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. 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. Classy white with lightweight yet sturdy fabric. The focus of the Longship is very much on the hotel experience, the dining experience and very much around the destinations and the excursions. Can someone please tell me which brand is this? A tie and jacket for men are optional. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note. I've never sailed Viking, but I'm surprised by this. Learn more. You have to be over 18 I have heard that Caribbean cruises may be more casual, but we have only sailed in Europe and haven't seen that first hand. When it debuted in 2017, it originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its no nickel-and-diming philosophy.). Beverage gratuities are included in the package. There are some cruise lines that try to be all things to all people. It has 190 passengers and around about 45 crew. 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. Both onshore and on-board the cruise line recommends comfortable, smart-casual clothing including sturdy walking shows for shore excursions. I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. 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. Work out because I love my body not because I hate it. Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services. This is life-changing! The currency used on Viking ships is U.S. dollars. Its forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. 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 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. Its ideal for taking along during the summer months or layering during cooler seasons. The third thing to know about Viking is they offer you an enormous choice of rivers and also different itineraries on those rivers, because theres such a big fleet in operation they have huge permutations. At some point, we started equating comfortable with being slobby. CC Help Jenn (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the Ukraine war.). Youll find at every place you stop theres normally at least one included excursion within your fare. Passengers will also find finger sandwiches, scones and teas in the afternoon at the glass-topped Wintergarden lounge at the top of every vessel. ), *15 real-life outfits! Still, as is typical for cruise lines at the high end, Viking includes a lot in its base price. Their mesh fabric allows for optimal airflow, while their padded insoles cushion and support your feet. Is a balcony something you cant live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? #womenhelpwomen. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. We went on a Viking cruise two years ago and the dress for dinner is casual. Viking River Cruises and also their ocean cruises are an adults-only experience. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Should you get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck? 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. Started June 21, 2021, By I know what we wear will not affect the taste of the food, but it will sure affect the atmosphere. 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. Youre about to discover the six things that you really need to know, and watch out for, if youre thinking of cruising in Europe with Viking River Cruises. Otherwise, there are fees comparable to what youll pay cleaners at home. 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. LauraS During specific Freechoice or Enrich events, bring a pair of smart shoes or heels. Its one of the only major cruise brands in the world with such a rule. They give you the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to dress them up for a nice dinner or down for a casual day out. Vikings two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are smaller than the above vessels, as is typical for expedition ships, and carry 378 passengers at maximum occupancy. Among the lines voyages, youll find everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages. Its focus is on destinations and enrichment. And fellow students. In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. Sweat and underarm hair definitely impact my dining experience, even if it's just McDonald's. By jasardeax, June 7, 2019 in River Cruising. Leave your bulky high heels and dress shoes behind. We are excited ! Packing a sweater or cardigan is essential on your cruise, even if youre setting sail in the summertime. Guests are free to wear what they wish during their time on-board Scenic River. My happiest moments in life had nothing to do with the way my body looked. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. In fact, the line doesnt even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. This could include trousers and shirt for men without the need for a tie or jacket and dresses or trousers with a blouse for women. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. I am not a girly girl. It sounds like you were appropriately dressed consideringthe weather conditions and your personal comfort. I complied this after a European River cruise along the Danube with Viking on the Viking of Vilhjalm as a guest of Viking Cruises, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to share the things that I wish Id known, and the things that I learned, to help you better understand a Viking River cruise in Europe. 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 CroisiEurope advises for guests to don a casual outfit during the day, recommending light suits and swimwear for warm weather and a sweater or jacket for cooler weather. Vacay styles come and go but river cruise is here to stay. She is my forever home and sanctuary. The most important Viking River Cruises tips you should know about. It is not enforced because it is only recommended. Note that one of the eight ships in this series, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, has been permanently transferred to a joint venture that operates for the China market. 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. Other little touches in Viking cabins that show a line thinking about functionality as much as decor include the large and clear lettering on the Freyja toiletries that youll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Most other lines do not include port taxes and fees in their base fares and add them later in the booking process. Share Followers 2. Such services are complimentary for passengers staying in certain categories of cabins. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests. Note that internet service can be slow at times of heavy use, as is typical on cruise vessels. Vikings river ships, by contrast, typically offer just two eateries: a main restaurant where passengers eat most of their meals and a smaller, casual buffet with indoor and outdoor seating. You will find most ladies in slacks w top and sandals. Its very Scandinavian in look and feel, and that of course links back to the original heritage and the founder who come from Scandinavia. Viking has more ships than any other major cruise brand in the world, more than 90 in all. Compare to regular skinny jeans, flared jeans are such a tasteful choice for a carefree cruise trip. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels. They DO seem to enforce the slacks & collared shirt on Viking Ocean dining room. There are no "formal nights" and recommended evening dress is "elegant casual" such as a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for ladies; for gentlemen, trousers and a collared. Not sure why people would chose to wear them in the restaurant. Gents, bring comfortable boat shoes or (easy-to-clean) leather walking shoes that can do double duty along with a few button-down shirts. For dinners, cocktails and galas, CroisiEurope advises guests to dress up a little more with gentlemen wearing a jacket and tie. Except for a very few restaurants with dress codes people look like they camefrom the pool for a $200meal for 2. Its time to pin down your final looks and see all the beautiful sights and make unforgettable memories with your loved one! Agree with hats/caps off at the dining table. Of course, its plus-size-approved as well! This IS the exception, but I notice on Viking that it's becoming more prevalent. Your email address will not be published. Prior to a river cruise, check the dress code suggested by the cruise line. Sloppy t-shirts, adorned with US flags, wearing things that the locals just don't wear. 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. 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). So there you go if you wonder what to wear on a Viking and Scenic river cruise all year round. During the Captains Dinner, guests are advised to dress up a little more in suits and cocktail dresses. These arent cruises where its all about the ship. I don't want to take dresses which means different shoes with each outfit, more luggage and I want tobe able to carry my own luggage. On the top deck you have the Sun Deck which is a big open space where you can sit out and enjoy the weather and the scenery. The line also doesnt charge a corkage fee. Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine-lined walls, Scandinavian-influenced wood-veneered vanities, shiny white sinks and chrome fixtures. I was surprised that there was absolutely no dress code for the dining room. Click to view ourfull disclosure. The Longships do have some cabins for people with mobility issues, however in my personal opinion, river cruises are really best enjoyed by people who are a little bit more mobile. What Are The Biggest YouTube Cruise Vlogger Channels Right now? All opinions shared are my own. to dinner. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Nice Jean's and sweaters with a sweater would be fine and understandable for the season. No problem for us - we are not concerned with what others wear. Bordeaux, they sail on rivers in Holland and Belgium and even on those theres lots of different itineraries. Check them out on Spanx! 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. To the rear of the lounge you have the 24-hour tea and coffee making facilities, which are great. Enrollment required. Youll also find musicians including pianists and guitar players performing at times in the Viking Living Room a three-deck-high, atrium-like space at the center of the ship. Every one of the lines 930-passenger ocean ships has a main restaurant (called, simply, The Restaurant) with rotating menus that include dishes that tie to the destination where the vessel is sailing. April 25, 2019, Viking River Cruises Tips, Must-Knows and Watch Outs. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Even though I'm not a clothes horse and cluelessly oblivious to most style, I'd prefer that someone not wear sweaty sleeveless shirts, etc. Or, for a pop of color, these oversized sunnies with a subtle pink polarized lense and clear frame are sure to lighten up your day. Amazing how many people don't know what that means. This is a great open space. So, a high crew to passenger ratio. Riviera Travel also carries a relaxed dress code, with comfortable and casual clothing alongside walking shoes for the day. Choose a pair that is classic and provides adequate eye coverage without being too heavy. A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships. Each of the 930-passenger ocean ships also has two smaller restaurants with specialized cuisine: Manfredis, a high-end Italian eatery, and The Chefs Table, which offers a five-course tasting menu themed around a specific cuisine that changes every few days. I did not go but everyone who went to that event did dress up. 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. Theres also a pianist who will play often around lunchtime, before dinner and after dinner. Return To River Cruising with the brand new SS Sphinx from Uniworld! I had a similar experience. There is no dress up night most everything is geared around the busy daytime tour schedule sneakers shorts etc. before you can go on a Viking River cruise. The next important thing to understand is the passenger mix and what sort of passengers you likely to find on board. Colours are more likely to be lighter although this also depends on the weather. It is completely normal to have tummy rolls. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link Viking also includes access to the thermal areas of its spa in its base fares. 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. Depending on the season you set sail, you'll want to bring either long or short sleeve tops suitable for both daytime and evening. Just be careful some years are far more expensive than others.). Sorry guys, you seem to be the worst offenders. Men can wear casual open collared shirts, polo shirts and smart t-shirts. Thats because theres a lot of stuff included. Thanks to their elastic waist, pockets, and tailored hemline, these Shorts are one of our favorites. There are no "formal nights" and recommended evening dress is "elegant casual" such as a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for ladies; for gentlemen, trousers and a collared. Youre going to find it is mostly people from the USA, UK and often a lot of Australians. The food tastes the same I guess but I enjoy the experience more when Im dressed for the occasion. Dry cleaning is available on the lines ocean ships but not on Viking river ships. I hate dressing up - I carried formal wear for my first couple of dozen cruises and refuse to do so anymore. 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. "Progress." In addition, in order to ensure fair usage for all, the line limits some heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads and software upgrades. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae6618194185d24c526c8949d2dfdd96" );document.getElementById("gc9d2a8489").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the evenings, the dress code is Crystal Casual which is a dressed-up version of daytime dress code. 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. 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. 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. This evening dress code is not enforced at the casual World Cafe eateries on Viking ocean ships, where passengers can go even more casual in the evenings. Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. TPG values it at $1,600. I can look dashing AND be comfy at the same time. For dinner (I am female) - I often wore jeans, black jeans or tan jeans. 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. That includes khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts for men and summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops . Crystal Casual includes: On-board Emerald Waterways guests are advised to follow a relaxed and comfortable dress code. 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.