Its very Scandinavian in look and feel, and that of course links back to the original heritage and the founder who come from Scandinavia. For women, slacks or skirt, with nice top; men slacks and a golf, sports or dress shirt. NOTE: I travelled as a guest of Viking Cruises who sponsored my cruise and transfers to and from the ship. The next important thing to understand is the passenger mix and what sort of passengers you likely to find on board. 2023 River Cruise Advice Blog | RiverVoyages.com, 4 best river cruises for families with children, The best river cruises for senior citizens, A Guide To Accessible River Cruises: 7 Things To Consider. Anyway, we still are blessed to have lived a life that affords such discussions. You will find in some places there are optional excursions, which you do have to pay for. 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. Gents, bring comfortable boat shoes or (easy-to-clean) leather walking shoes that can do double duty along with a few button-down shirts. 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. All opinions shared are my own. Is there anywhere you would draw the line? Thats because the vast majority of Vikings ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. Except for a very few restaurants with dress codes people look like they camefrom the pool for a $200meal for 2. Planning a cruise? If its a floating celebration youre looking for in a vacation, this isnt the line for you. That's the dress code aboard a river cruise. I come to realize that social media isnt showing the reality at all. The line asks passengers to keep things elegant casual when heading to any of the ships dining venues, performances or special events. I had had a wonderful day with my sweet wife and we decided to 'dress for dinner', so I donned my favorite bow tie and jacket and she put on a stunning cocktail dress. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Other river cruise company dress codes: Avalon Waterways Emerald Cruises Uniworld Tui River Cruises A-Rosa Viking River Cruises Some of the lines more exotic sailings such as its expedition trips to Antarctica cost even more. This includes: Jeans are not permitted at this time and evening dress excludes World Cafe where the dress remains casual after 6pm. Alcohol/Drinks Onboard a Viking Ocean Cruise. One of my mentors from years ago said you should always model the behavior you want to see from your children. If youre sure that Viking is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. This is a great open space. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. Some Viking ships, including all of the lines ocean vessels (including its one expedition vessel), have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. 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. This informative and in-depth guide offers not only a fascinating overview of the worlds most incredible regions, Just this year, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. Some of your drinks are also included. While others enjoy it, I dread it. In addition to a room on board and all meals, the fares include beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; specialty coffees, teas and bottled water around the clock; shipboard Wi-Fi; and (perhaps most notably) a shore excursion in every port. Leave your bulky high heels and dress shoes behind. 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. Im sure this lack of a dress code for dinner will be welcome by some, and not so welcoming to others. Viking could be your line. As part of Vikings no nickel-and-diming philosophy, the line offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers on all its ships throughout sailings. A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. However, on this cruise, although most dressed as requested, it was very noticeable that morethan a few had no regard for any recommended dress code. 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. I hate dressing up - I carried formal wear for my first couple of dozen cruises and refuse to do so anymore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The A-line shape and comfy paper bag shorts are bound to make you feel THE BEST. Viking sailings arent inexpensive. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Clean up after your day tour. I saw similar on my one and only Viking Ocean cruise. If you're wearing a hat in the dining room, aren't you part of the group being attacked here? Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. No. This is one reason some cruisers do not consider Viking at quite the same level as those other brands. The companys core market is people who range in age from 55 to 75 years, although it does draw some passengers who are younger or older. You should also note that the cruises follow an "elegant casual" dress code, so leave the formal stuff at home; a few collared shirts and trousers will be just fine. Theres no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. A den of serenity, its one of our favorite places on these vessels. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. 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. Best way to get from Heathrow to Eurostar at St Pancras? Plus Ups are excluded. Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style. She has cruised with Princess Cruises, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Avalon Waterways and Royal Caribbean and is looking to get something in her diary for 2024! Can children travel with Viking? Viking River Cruises also provides this checklist for passengers: Comfortable walking shoes; Dressier shoes; Collapsible . We love this cute pineapple Vacay mode quote top on Amazon. While I dont want to go back to ballgowns every night I do wish people would dress appropriately for dinner. Passports must be valid for at least six months. United rolls out free fleetwide Wi-Fi for select flyers. 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. Im not talking about dressy flashy just appropriate. 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. I have lots of videos with lots of tips about river cruising in Europe: http://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers. We are respectful travelers - we are cognizant of and adhere to local norms. Vikings ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. Youll also find live piano music in the evenings in river ship lounges. On any given day, you might find an expert on one of the destinations youre visiting lecturing in the theater, or a classical musician performing in the central atrium, known as The Living Room. The excursions do tend to focus on the historical, the cultural and the arts side of a destination. As Viking founder Torstein Hagen likes to say, a Viking cruise is the thinking persons cruise, not the drinking persons cruise., Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line. Your email address will not be published. If youre sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary and about a dozen other things you can head over to Viking.com and book directly. before you can go on a Viking River cruise. Unlike on an ocean cruise, there are no formal nights on a river cruise. Just back from Amsterdam to Basel river cruise on the Viking Einar. The evening is a full multi-course dinner menu where youll have a regional menu based on where youre cruising through, and a la carte and then some standards which are on every single day. They give you the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to dress them up for a nice dinner or down for a casual day out. But, things do change. Sports coats are optional and no tie is required, Men A blazer or sports coat, chinos and polo shirt, Women Skirt, dressy top or simple dress, Women Dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse, Men Trousers and collared shirt with a tie and jacket being optional. Although having sandals is great, you cant beat the practicality of sneakers. Its not a line for families with young children. We love these Adidas sneakers for their cloudfoam lining on both the mid and outsole, providing superior cushion and breathability. Some lines, such as Vantage, request no shorts or jeans in the main dining room at dinner, but that's as far as it goes. I think you were perfectly fine - I can't imagine that you ruined anyone's meal. Ten-night Greek Odyssey voyages to the Greek Islands start at $3,799 per person. 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? We have this issue in Dallas. it really doesnt take that much effort. Back on dining - I love to throw the occasional home dinner party and suggest 'dressing for dinner'. Viking River Cruises boasts the most extensive fleet of river cruise vesselsthe best in each region where we travel. Its where if theres any entertainment itll also be hosted here. It's fine to wear an open-necked shirt, trousers, or dress if you're going out to dinner in smart casual attire. Guests are free to wear what they wish during their time on-board Scenic River. A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships. Watch the video on YouTube, and subscribe to my channel: https://youtu.be/8iUPPAc0ONw. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. It is completely normal to have tummy rolls. 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. For dinners, cocktails and galas, CroisiEurope advises guests to dress up a little more with gentlemen wearing a jacket and tie. Packing a sweater or cardigan is essential on your cruise, even if youre setting sail in the summertime. Theyre also people who can afford a relatively high-end vacation experience. On every cruise theres a Captains Welcome Drink and Farewell Dinner, for these most guests dress up a little more though theres no need for black tie or ball gowns. Anyway, I guy got on the lift and took one look at me and scowled. It was bad. . I did not go but everyone who went to that event did dress up. It is not enforced because it is only recommended. Keep it simple. Wearing of jeans in the restaurants in the evening does seem to occur sometimes even though they are notsupposed to be, but generally my experience is that people are dressed "elegant casual". Take your pick from our top selection of river cruises and browse our best deals by clicking the button below. (A fun game is to try the Armagnac from your birth year. 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. They got all regular, tall, and petite sizes, no wonder these jeans are the best seller. Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained. We choose to dress appropriately , Dressing well is a form of good manners. Many of the activities on board Vikings ocean ships revolve around cultural enrichment, to use a phrase often used by Viking executives. Wearing of jeans in the restaurants in the evening does seem to occur sometimes even though they are notsupposed to be, but generally my experience is that people are dressed "elegant casual" as requested. By jasardeax, June 7, 2019 in River Cruising. 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. It sounds like you were appropriately dressed consideringthe weather conditions and your personal comfort. Sloppy t-shirts, adorned with US flags, wearing things that the locals just don't wear. By For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. I probably was under dressed compared to others. I have heard that Caribbean cruises may be more casual, but we have only sailed in Europe and haven't seen that first hand. TPG values it at $1,600. This is life-changing! Pack for comfort with one or two pop items like jewelry scarfs etc to dress up basics! 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. In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. 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. Youll also find the occasional multigenerational group a retired couple traveling with their working-age adult children, for instance. In fact, the only real rule that you need to bear in mind when thinking about packing and what to bring, is you are not supposed to wear denim jeans or shorts in the dining room in the evening. An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships. Well, Id say flexibility is key when planning your outfits since you want to pack lightly. When planning what to bring on your cruise, visit Life on Board for the dress code and tips on what to pack. We leave next week on Viking and I will be wearing a dress most evenings. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. These are much more important to think about that when it comes to thinking about a Viking River cruise than which of your Glad rags and smart clothes to wear. In fact, the only real rule that you need to bear in mind when thinking about packing and what to bring, is you are not supposed to wear denim jeans or shorts in the dining room in the evening. Select wine and beers are complimentary and available at lunch and dinner only. Shorts are an essential item to pack; you are going on a cruise after all! Its takes a fewminutes to change your clothes. A credit of $200 per passenger anytime you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. For a strappier option that is great for evenings, these wedge sandals elevate your outfit and make it look amazing. Watch Video Viking Onboard Experience Tour our stylish ships, designed with understated elegance and comfort in mind. Never miss a post by signing up below and every new post will be sent direct to you. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and it has several older river vessels that predate the Longships that operate in Russia and Ukraine. 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). 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. These long ships operate on most of the rivers in Europe. There are t-shirts . Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites. 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. We love them for their perfect dark wash that goes with anything. Whats as important as what the ship does have is what it doesnt have. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to be able to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River. Share Followers 2. Otherwise, there are fees comparable to what youll pay cleaners at home. Viking River Cruises' dress code is described as elegant casual, which means anything from a sundress in the Caribbean to slacks and a blouse in the winter for women. My happiest moments in life had nothing to do with the way my body looked. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. 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