viking cruise tips

The ultimate guide to Viking cruise ships and itineraries

Some cruise lines try to be all things to all people. Viking isn't one of them.

Since its founding in 1997, the upscale cruise brand has carved out a niche catering to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler looking to explore the world and learn a thing or two along the way.

Most Viking customers are approaching their retirement years — or are already there — and they're eager to finally see all the places they didn't have time to visit when raising kids and establishing careers in their younger years.

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For this subset of travelers, Viking offers a wide range of both ocean and river cruise itineraries that have a heavy focus on the destinations visited. These aren't cruises where it's all about the ship.

Viking voyages bring a lot of extended stays in ports where passengers get more time to explore historical sites and experience the local culture than is typical on cruises. Unlike most lines, Viking offers included-in-the-fare tours in every port, allowing every passenger on board to get a guided experience during stops without having to pay extra. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy.)

On board, Viking's programming revolves heavily around what the line calls "cultural enrichment" — lectures by experts on topics related to the places its ships visit, as well as cultural and culinary offerings that often have a local tie-in.

What Viking ships don't offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. In fact, the line doesn't even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. It's one of the only major cruise brands in the world with such a rule.

Viking ships also don't cater to the party crowd. If it's a floating celebration you're looking for in a vacation, this isn't the line for you.

As Viking founder Torstein Hagen likes to say, a Viking cruise is the "thinking person's cruise, not the drinking person's cruise."

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

3 things TPG loves about Viking

• Its focus is on destinations and enrichment.
• The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships.
• Its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy.

What we could do without

• The lack of fitness centers on Viking river ships.

The Viking fleet

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. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

That's because the vast majority of Viking's ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. Ditto for the line's river vessels.

Viking currently operates 11 ocean ships, nine of which are nearly identical. The exceptions are two recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

The nine nearly identical ocean ships — Viking Saturn, Viking Neptune, Viking Mars, Viking Venus, Viking Jupiter, Viking Orion, Viking Sky, Viking Sea and Viking Star — began rolling out in 2015. Each has the capacity for 930 passengers. Six more nearly identical vessels are scheduled to debut between 2024 and 2028, and Viking has options with a shipyard to order four more of the ships for delivery in 2029 and 2030.

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 Viking's focus on intimate, upscale voyages. Big floating resorts, they aren't.

Note that there is one more vessel in this same series, called Zhao Shang Yi Dun, that has been permanently transferred to a joint venture that operates for the China market. When it debuted in 2017, it originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking's 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.

Then there are the river ships. At last count, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — an astounding number that is the result of blistering growth over the past decade. (As recently as 2012, the line operated just 29 river ships.)

As noted above, almost all of Viking's river ships are of the same basic design and are known as the Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long, the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe's rivers. Viking has also built slightly shorter versions of the Longships measuring 262 feet, 361 feet or 410 feet in length specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require a smaller vessel. 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.

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships that operated in Russia and Ukraine until recently. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the Ukraine war.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

Destinations and itineraries

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.

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.

You'll 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; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also operated cruises on the Volga in Russia and the Dnieper in Ukraine. (As noted above, sailings on the latter two rivers are on hold due to the war in Ukraine and may not resume for many years.)

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.

The line's ocean ships can be found in nearly every ocean and sea around the world, from North America to Europe and Asia.

Viking's ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) It's also a big player in the Mediterranean. You'll find Viking's ocean ships in other key cruise destinations as well, such as Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia.

In addition, in early 2022, the line began its first cruises to Antarctica with its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis. That summer, the same vessel launched the line's first voyages in the Great Lakes — a destination that only a handful of cruise operators visit.

You'll find everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages among the line's voyages.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Who sails Viking

Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. The company's core market is people who range in age from 55 to 75 years, although it does draw some passengers who are younger or older.

In general, it's an educated crowd, with many passengers coming from professional backgrounds or a life of running their own businesses. They're often people who have spent years focused on work and building up savings for retirement, and they're finally ready to start enjoying the fruits of their labor by spending some of the savings on travel to places they've long put off visiting.

They're also people who can afford a relatively high-end vacation experience. While Viking doesn't market itself as a luxury line, some would call it that. 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).

In general, you'll find a lot of couples on Viking ships and some solo travelers. You'll also find the occasional multigenerational group — a retired couple traveling with their working-age adult children, for instance.

However, unlike nearly every other cruise brand, what you won't find are families with young kids. As noted above, Viking doesn't allow passengers under the age of 18 on its ships — a key differentiator for the brand as compared to other cruise lines.

Cabins and suites

Is a balcony something you can't live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? Viking could be your line.

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. That's something that even the most upscale of Viking's ocean cruise rivals including Oceania Cruises , Azamara , Seabourn , Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises can't say.

Viking's ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. Even the smallest cabins on Viking's ocean ships are large by cruise ship standards at 270 square feet, and the largest suites measure nearly 1,500 square feet.

If you're looking for a big open room on an ocean cruise (and are willing to pay for it), Viking offers you plenty of options.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites

Viking also offers lots of balcony cabins and suites on its river ships, something that isn't always the case in the river cruise business, where space on vessels is at a premium. Unlike its ocean ships, Viking's river ships aren't all-balcony-cabin vessels.

Designwise, Viking cabins and suites across all categories are modern and elegant in an understated sort of way, with Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and decor that tie to the Norwegian heritage of the company's founder.

You'll 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. Soothing, minimalist colors — think creams, grays and lighter blues — are the order of the day.

Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine-lined walls, Scandinavian-influenced wood-veneered vanities, shiny white sinks and chrome fixtures.

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. The rooms aren't overly flashy, though.

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. You won't have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed.

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 you'll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. The toiletries were specifically designed with bigger and clearer lettering than is common for toiletries on cruise ships and at hotels so that the line's older customers would have no trouble differentiating the body wash from the body lotion and shampoo.

Restaurants and dining

The number of restaurants and other dining options that you'll find on Viking ships will vary greatly depending on whether you are sailing on an ocean or a river ship.

All of Viking's oceangoing ships, which are much bigger than its river ships, have at least four and usually more outlets serving food of some sort.

Every one of the line's 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. There also are casual buffet eateries called World Cafe on every vessel. You'll probably eat most of your meals in one of these eateries.

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.

Each of the 930-passenger ocean ships also has two smaller restaurants with specialized cuisine: Manfredi's, a high-end Italian eatery, and The Chef's Table, which offers a five-course tasting menu themed around a specific cuisine that changes every few days.

There's no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. 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.

Viking's bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. Passengers can grab a snack — with a Norwegian twist — at the forward-facing lounges atop the ships, which are home to a small food counter called Mamsen's. Named after Viking founder Torstein Hagen's 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.

Passengers will also find finger sandwiches, scones and teas in the afternoon at the glass-topped Wintergarden lounge at the top of every vessel.

The line's smaller expedition ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, offer four of the above venues: The Restaurant, World Cafe, Manfredi's and Mamsen's.

Viking's 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.

Fun fact: The Manfredi's restaurants on Viking ocean ships are named after former Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen.

Entertainment and activities

Many of the activities on board Viking's ocean ships revolve around "cultural enrichment," to use a phrase often used by Viking executives. On any given day, you might find an expert on one of the destinations you're visiting lecturing in the theater, or a classical musician performing in the central atrium, known as The Living Room. The ships also offer some traditional entertainment, including production shows with singers and dancers.

On the line's river ships, you'll also find onboard lectures, usually related to the destinations the ships are visiting, as well as destination-related demonstrations and tastings. (On a Seine River voyage, you might have a tasting of local French cheeses or French wines, for instance).

You'll also find live piano music in the evenings in river ship lounges.

Theaters, lounges and shows

Each of the line's ocean ships has a theater at its front that is home to production shows, movie showings (with fresh popcorn available) and enrichment lecturers.

In keeping with Viking's focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places you'll be visiting on your sailing. The line also draws a wide range of interesting and accomplished people from all walks of life to serve as guest lecturers, including well-known academics, diplomats and even astronauts.

In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to musical entertainment at night. It's also known for an extensive collection of Armagnacs, with one from almost every year of the past eight decades. (A fun game is to try the Armagnac from your birth year. Just be careful — some years are far more expensive than others.)

You'll 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. 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. It's also home to the ship's Explorers' Desk — the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships.

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.

The pool deck and other venues

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of Viking's 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.

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.

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. A den of serenity, it's one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

Other interior spaces that are part of the ocean ships include a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels) and a fitness center.

Note that Viking river ships do not have fitness centers, which is relatively unusual for river ships. 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. However, if you're fitness-obsessed, Viking river ships may not be the best choice for your river trip.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's program

Viking does not allow children under the age of 18 on its vessels and thus has no children's programs on any of its vessels.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Viking adds an automatic service gratuity (which it calls a "hotel and dining charge") of $17 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount before disembarking at the Explorers' Desk. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

As part of Viking's "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy, the line offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers on all its ships throughout sailings. Note that internet service can be slow at times of heavy use, as is typical on cruise vessels. In addition, in order to ensure fair usage for all, the line limits some heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads and software upgrades.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Unlike many lines, Viking allows you to bring your own wine, Champagne, beer and liquor onto ships at embarkation with no limits. The line also doesn't charge a corkage fee.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Some Viking ships, including all of the line's ocean vessels (including its one expedition vessel), have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. 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.

In addition, most Viking vessels offer laundry and pressing services. Such services are complimentary for passengers staying in certain categories of cabins. Otherwise, fees are comparable to what you'll pay cleaners at home. Dry cleaning is available on the line's ocean ships but not on Viking river ships.

Viking's recently unveiled Mississippi River ship offers self-service launderettes but no send-out laundry and pressing service.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

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 currency used on Viking ships is U.S. dollars.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Viking ships.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, a short-sleeve shirt and shorts are just fine.

Evenings have an official dress code, but it's not too formal. The line asks passengers to keep things "elegant casual" when heading to any of the ship's dining venues, performances or special events. To Viking, that means a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women, and trousers and a collared shirt for men. A tie and jacket for men are optional. Jeans are not permitted.

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.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Viking cruise loyalty program

Viking doesn't have a loyalty program in the traditional sense — one where passengers earn points every time they travel with the brand and progress through multiple tiers that bring an ever-expanding array of perks. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests.

Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. As part of this society, you will receive:

• A credit of $200 per passenger anytime you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit.
• An invitation to a members-only Viking Explorer Society cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships.
• Early word by email or regular mail on new Viking Cruises itineraries and new ships, as well as special limited-time offers.

Note that the credits mentioned above cannot always be combined with promotions the line offers.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program

How much does a Viking cruise cost?

Viking sailings aren't inexpensive. Ten-night "Greek Odyssey" voyages to the Greek Islands start at $3,999 per person. That works out to roughly $800 per day for a couple sharing a room. Some of the line's more exotic sailings, such as its expedition trips to Antarctica, cost even more. Fourteen-night Antarctica trips start at $13,995 per person — about $2,000 per day for a couple.

Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style

Still, as is typical for cruise lines at the high end, Viking includes a lot in its base price. 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. The latter is something relatively few lines roll into their base fares, and shore excursions can be expensive.

Viking also includes access to the thermal areas of its spa in its base fares. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels.

Viking fares do include port taxes and fees, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per sailing. Most other lines do not include port taxes and fees in their base fares and add them later in the booking process.

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. This is one reason some cruisers do not consider Viking at quite the same level as those other brands.

How to book

If you're 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.

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.

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. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Viking is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all of the line's many itineraries in detail and, preferably, has sailed on or at least inspected some of the line's vessels, too, to understand the various cabin types and onboard amenities.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

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 . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining).

Bottom line

Viking can be defined as much by what it isn't as what it is. It's not a line for families with young children. It's not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. And it's not a line for the party crowd.

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. It's all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Viking Cruise Line | Must-Know Secrets That No One Tells You

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

• Cruises and Sailing
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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

If you’re a savvy traveler, you probably know about Viking Cruises. The cruise line provides luxurious river and ocean cruises, with “luxurious” being the key word; while most people think of a cruise vacation as a by-the-numbers affair, Viking has redefined guest expectations by providing a carefully cultivated all-inclusive experience.

Courtesy of Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking cruises founder and CEO is Torstein Hagen who started with four riverboats in Russia. Today, the Viking ocean ships employ a unique modernist aesthetic that simply feels different from what you’d get from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or any of the other industry leaders, and their approach has paid dividends.

When you’re sitting in the Explorers’ Lounge perusing vintage maps or enjoying a thermal bath on the spa deck, you’ll know why Viking Ocean Cruises are held in such high regard.

Of course, the ships’ features might not matter if the routes were boring. Fortunately, that’s not the case: typical Viking ships are significantly smaller than the ships of major cruise lines, (like Viking Polaris, Viking Octanis, Viking Sun, and Viking Star), which ensures that they’re able to enter smaller ports during Viking expeditions. As a result, Viking Cruises offer incredible itineraries with unmatched onboard amenities.

Viking Cruise Line Secrets No One Tells You

1. the true meaning of “all-inclusive”.

If you’ve cruised before, you know that Viking Ocean cruises are…well, expensive. You can expect to pay several thousand dollars for your trip (although rates vary greatly by route and month), which seems costly compared to the $500-600 rates you’d find from other cruise companies.

However, once you’ve paid, you don’t need to spend much more. Your fare includes a shore excursion in each port of call (including all port charges and government taxes), onboard meals with beer and wine, Wi-Fi access, self-service laundry, spa access, and 24-hour room service.

Viking estimates that their amenities are worth about $200, per guest, per day. To get that value, you’ll have to use as many of the onboard services as possible, but it beats constantly taking out your wallet for things like internet access and port fees.

And not to hammer home the point, but Viking cruises are truly luxurious. Standard features like heated bathroom floors and high-quality wooden deck furniture really help the cruise line stand out from its competitors (and no, we haven’t received payment from Viking for this piece). With that said, some If you want to enjoy a cocktail outside of lunch or dinner service, you’ll have to pay for the privilege. However…

2. How To Avoid Overpaying For Drinks

If you’re planning on drinking regularly — no judgments here, we’re talking about a vacation — there are a couple of ways to keep your budget in check.

The most obvious: Pay for the Silver Spirits beverage package, which offers unlimited beers, cocktails, premium wines, juices, espresso drinks, and mineral water for the entire cruise. Prices vary depending on the length of the cruise, but for around $19.95 per night per guest, you’ll never have to worry about what you’re spending.

Is that worth it? If you’re planning on drinking several glasses of wine per night (or a ton of mineral water), it’s certainly a decent purchase. If that doesn’t sound like a great value (or if you’re not planning on paying for enough beverages to justify the surcharge), there’s another option.

“You can also buy local wine and bring it onboard,” a Viking Cruises representative tells TravelAwaits via email. “Each stateroom on Viking Longships and Viking’s ocean ships have a refrigerator, and a corkscrew is also available onboard.”

As with all other aspects of your cruise, the trick is to plan ahead. Make a list of planned expenditures, then do the math to see whether you can justify the Silver Spirits package. If not, you can always grab a few bottles of the good stuff during a shore excursion.

3. Plan For A Pre-Meal Drink

Ocean cruisers won’t want to miss out on Torshavn.

“Drawing its name from the capital of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn is a lively music venue inspired by the romantic jazz lounges of 1940s Hollywood, and it’s an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks and after-dinner entertainment,” a Viking representative tells us. “This intimate club environment also offers a selection of rare vintage Armagnacs from 1935 through 1965.”

“Don’t miss the opportunity to sample these extraordinary, limited-quantity brandies from France’s Armagnac region in Gascony during your sailing.”

Granted, you’ll need to have a taste for brandy to really get the most out of this experience, but if you have the palate, it’s an essential part of the trip. If that’s not to your interests, you could always relax with a nice afternoon tea.

“Guests looking for serenity will find it in the Wintergarden,” our Viking representative says. “In this elegant space under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood, guests can indulge in afternoon tea service, served daily.”

4. How To Pick Your Stateroom

If you’ve got money to burn, you won’t be disappointed by the premium suites on a Viking cruise. That doesn’t necessarily make them a great value.

For example, river cruises have two 445-sq.-foot Explorer suites with private wraparound verandas, floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, individual climate controls, and a roomy wardrobe. Veranda suites are smaller (275 square feet), but feature large private bathrooms, climate controls, 40-inch flat-panel TVs, and various other amenities. Ocean cruises have similar options, though exact room sizes and features will vary.

However, if you’re looking to save money, think about whether you’ll actually spend much time in your suite. If you’re an active person (or if you’re planning to adopt a slightly more active lifestyle during a two- or three-week cruise), a less expensive stateroom could save you a tremendous amount of money.

Standard staterooms are much less expensive, and while they’re not exactly roomy, that doesn’t matter if you’re just using them as a sort of home base. You won’t have much of a view, but you’ll still get the 24/7 room service, and if you’re feeling claustrophobic, you can always head to a different part of the ship.

5. The Best Time To Travel on a Viking Sea Cruise

When booking your Viking sea cruise, you’ll have an easier time finding staterooms during certain months of the year. For the best possible time, you’ll want to be flexible.

“Guests sailing the rivers in December can experience the traditional European Christmas markets and see the cities in a new way while enjoying local holiday treats and hot mulled wine,” our source notes.

If you’re taking one of the Viking river cruises, do a bit of research on the cities you’ll be visiting. Find out what’s happening, then plan your itinerary appropriately. An easy approach is to sign up for the Viking Weekly, an online newsletter with recommendations, itinerary spotlights, videos, and more. The company also offers print publications designed to get travelers aboard one of Viking ocean ships.

With ocean cruise, timing is less of an issue, but you’ll still want to plan as far in advance as is possible. Viking Ocean Cruises can be booked several years in advance, and for some travelers, that extra planning time can ensure a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

6. How To Make A Viking Cruise Affordable

As we mentioned earlier, Viking Ocean cruises aren’t cheap, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t travel frugally.

Viking River Cruises offer a 3.3 percent discount for travelers who pay via e-check, so if you’re looking for a way to reduce your expenses, that’s a great place to start. You should also research tipping policies for your vessel; while tips are voluntary for both ocean and river cruises, Viking ocean cruises have a discretionary hotel and dining charge of $15.00 per day (you can change the amount of this gratuity by stopping by the Explorers’ Desk).

For river cruises, tipping recommendations vary depending on your location. The Viking River Cruises website contains gratuity recommendations for various cruises, along with currency recommendations.

While you’ll want to show your gratitude to the ship’s staff, you’ll want to know what you’re paying, particularly if you’re traveling on a ship that doesn’t use your typical currency. Planning in advance should help you avoid a costly mistake (or embarrassing faux pas).

7. Don’t Forget Your Cell Phone

Part of the fun of a cruise is getting away from the stresses of your everyday life, and for many of us, that means turning off the smartphone for a while. However, Viking offers a few apps to make your cruise more enjoyable, and if you don’t install them, you’ll miss out.

“The Viking Art Guide (available for free in the App Store and Google Play ) offers a self-guided audio tour of the artwork throughout the public spaces of the Viking Ocean Ships, with insightful commentary from your host, Viking’s Senior Vice President Karine Hagen, as well as a variety of curators and experts,” our source says.

Another essential download is the Viking Voyager app, which lets you see daily events, plan your cruise program, and book shore excursions, spa appointments, and dinner reservations. Sure, you can do all of that without the app, but a bit of technology goes a long way.

As one of the app’s reviewers puts it: “This app is an essential tool for getting the most out of your cruise.”

8. Find the Best On Board Internet Reception

When you are traveling you need to update social media regularly. You can’t just take a cruise, turn off all mobile devices, and not post a single thing. For that reason, Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, but the reception can be spotty. You will typically notice this when going through the innumerable river and canal locks. 

That’s why you’ll appreciate this advice: the best stateroom Wi-Fi reception is in the bathroom because it is closest to the hallway. As for the entire ship, the strongest Wi-Fi signal is in the library located on the Upper Deck.

9. Try Out All Of The Dining Options

On a Viking cruise, diners can visit any restaurant without incurring any additional charge. Many travelers play it safe, sticking with contemporary American fare at the buffet, but our Viking source strongly recommended exploring all of the ships’ culinary options.

A simple place to start: Mamsen’s, a chic deli located on every Viking ocean cruise ship.

“Located in the Explorer’s Lounge, Mamsen’s serves traditional Scandinavian fare inspired by Ragnhild Hagen – Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen’s mother, or ‘Mamsen,’ as she was known to the family,” our source wrote. “The deli, named in her honor, serves cuisine inspired by her kitchen, from sweet rolls with cloudberry jam, salmon gravlax, and open-faced sandwiches to her heart-shaped waffles served with jam or gjetost and Norwegian brown goat cheese.”

You’ll also want to check out Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, the cruise line’s premium restaurants. Some suites come with a guaranteed reservation, but if you’re grabbing a stateroom, try to visit the restaurants early in your voyage.

And if you enjoy your experience at one of those premium restaurants, feel free to head back later in the trip — at The Chef’s Table, the menu changes every three days.

10. Know Your Menu

On the ship restaurant menus, you’ll find the left side featuring daily-prepared chef specialties, often regional seasonal cuisine. Meanwhile, the right side of the menu offers standard options like fish, chicken, and steak. 

You’ll discover first-hand that the standard options take longer to prepare than the chef specialties, because a steak, for example, will be cooked to order while the specialties only require assembly. Keep in mind that if you order from the right side of the menu, your entire table will need to wait to be served until your special order is ready.

11. Tour The Bridge And The Galley.

If you’re on an ocean cruise, you can actually take a tour of the bridge and galley, but you’ll need to act quickly in order to get a spot.

“At least once during your sailing, the ship will offer behind-the-scenes tours of the bridge, where the captain and crew manage the direction and speed of the ship, and the galley, the kitchen,” a Viking representative says.

“These are limited capacity and can only be booked once onboard, so talk to the guest services team once you arrive and watch your Viking Daily newsletter to make sure you can secure your spot.”

That might not interest every traveler, but if you’re interested in the inner workings of a major cruise vessel, it’s well worth the time.

12. Get Off The Boat When You Can

Given the luxurious nature of the Viking vessels, it’s easy to understand why a traveler would want to stay on the boat. That’s fine if you’re on an ocean cruise, but for Viking river cruises, make sure you’re taking advantage of the local culture.

“Unlike Viking ocean cruises, sailing on river cruises puts you in the heart of many of the cities you visit,” our source tells us. “During each port of call, guests can explore the destinations with a short walk from their ship’s dock. Plus, the ships sail smoothly down Europe’s waterways, meaning, no waves for those who get seasick.”

This is where a carefully planned travel itinerary can really elevate your trip. Of course, if you miss a stop, you can still enjoy the cities: Viking’s Culture Curriculum program provides onboard performances and lectures from artists, musicians, and historians, along with “authentic culinary demonstrations.”

In other words, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge of world cultures. Just make sure to make an effort!

13. Don’t Overpack

Remember, Viking cruises provide pretty much everything you need for a great vacation. The worst thing you can do is clutter up your quarters with unnecessary items.

Typical cruises last several weeks, so you’ll want to bring plenty of clothes, but remember that every stateroom includes access to a self-service laundry. 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.

Most rooms are also equipped with hair dryers, so while you might want to bring other electric products — hair straighteners and curlers, for instance — leave the dryer behind.

And even if you’re extremely particular about your shampoo, you don’t need to bring any onboard. Viking Ocean Cruises provide Freyja shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body-wash, replenished daily; frequent cruisers say that the high-quality products are one of the best perks of every trip.

In one sense, a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: It’s what you make of it. In every other sense, though, it’s unmatched, especially when compared with cruises from other major companies. Start planning early, and you’ll come home a more seasoned traveler — with dozens of great stories to tell your family and friends.

Are Pets Allowed on Board A Viking Cruise Ship?

No. Only service animals and certified therapy dogs may be allowed at Viking’s sole discretion. Guests who require the help of a service animal must complete and submit the Service Animal Request Form to Viking before final payment is due. 

What Is the Electrical Voltage in the Staterooms on Viking Cruise Ships?

There are both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. All outlets are European style with a ground, except for two US 110V sockets above the desk and one US 110V socket on each side of the bed. There are no UK 3-pin sockets. 

Are the Viking Cruise Ships Non-Smoking?

They are generally nonsmoking, but to accommodate guests who smoke, there is a designated outdoor smoking area on the starboard side of Deck 8. All other areas of the ship are designated non-smoking areas. Restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes.

Is There a Library on Board a Viking Cruise Vessel?

Yes. Viking ocean and Viking expeditions ships include the library located in The Living Room. Book selection is curated by London bookseller Heywood Hill to enrich and enhance your journey.

Are There Luggage Restrictions On Board Viking Cruise Ships?

All luggage on board a Viking Cruise vessel must be stored in the guest’s stateroom. All information concerning luggage will be available to you with ample time to plan for your voyage. A full list of allowable and prohibited items on board is available on their Prohibited Items List.

Brian Thomas is a professional writer with over 15 years of experience. He’s traveled extensively during that time, frequently touring the American Southwest as both a musician and a tourist. In 2019, he visited Japan and Mexico, and he’s become passionate about spreading a simple message: Traveling isn't necessarily expensive, and it's one of the best paths to self-improvement.

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Viking River Cruise: 15 Things to Know Before You Go

By Helene Sula

The moon shone brightly on the smooth Rhône River as we sailed silently, passing dimly lit chateaus and castles. I took a seven-day Viking River Cruise through France’s Provence and Lyon region and was not only enthralled with the scenery but adored the ship itself. 

If you're considering a Viking Cruise or want to know what it's like to sail on a river, this post will guide you through everything you need to know before you go.

I boarded the Viking Buri on a windy spring day in Avignon, France. Upon arrival, waiters greeted me with a lemongrass scented towel and a glass of ice water. After briefly looking at our passports, the Maître d' himself ushered our luggage into a cozy stateroom and explained the features of the room.

Was this really a cruise? Yes. And it only gets better from here.

Viking Cruises offers excursions on the sea and river. I was delighted to spend seven days along the Rhône River on the Provence and Lyon itinerary .

Viking features a number (over 60 in fact!) of river cruises on their fleet. I've outlined what you can expect on a river excursion.

15 things to know before you take a Viking River Cruise

It’s stress-free..

When I set sail on Viking I was immediately met with many questions, the most frequent, why take a cruise? To me, taking a cruise is probably the most relaxing vacation.

Travel planning usually takes a lot of time: where to stay, eat, sleep, and most importantly, what to see. But when taking a cruise much of this (and more) is done for you. With a Viking cruise, you know they've taken care of everything. You can sit back and enjoy the scenery around you. No need to stress. When I really want to relax I choose Viking.

See my first time cruising with Viking, here:

Stress-Free Travel with Viking Ocean Cruises

Very few “extra” costs

I hate being nickel and dimed. When paying for a vacation, I want to know all of my costs up front. This is one thing I love about Viking. Once you pay for your cruise, you’re pretty much all set. Included is a tour every day, all of your meals, and unlimited beer and wine at lunch and dinner. If you want an alcoholic drink at any other time, you can purchase the reasonably-priced “Silver Spirits” package which includes unlimited top-shelf liquor, specialty beer, and wine — available whenever you want.

Once you book your cruise, you’ll receive extensive details about your journey and options for booking tours. Of course, you can stick to the included tours. We spent more to take a few optional tours. For example, we took a truffle, cheese, and wine tasting tour outside of Lyon — one of my favorite experiences on the trip. We also purchased an additional trip to a Les Baux to see “Carrieres de Lumières” — an incredible display of Van Gogh’s artwork on an old stone quarry wall. Set to music, it felt like walking through a real life “Fantasia” and as if I was part of the artist's masterpieces. I think these tours were all well worth the additional cost. 

At the bottom of this post I share my exact trip itinerary.

It’s surprisingly casual

I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t have enough formal wear for dinner at night, as is required on some cruises, but not to worry. Viking River cruises are somewhat casual.  I loved that I could wear jeans or a dress at dinner. I would suggest packing a nice pair of flats, blouse, and jeans or pants, to wear for dinner (no shorts or t-shirts). You don’t have to wear a long black dress every night. I did also pack a few dresses, leggings, and I ended up buying a Viking fleece on board. I wasn’t anticipating how chilly France would be in May! I always pack my tennis shoes and a few lightweight sweaters. 

You won’t spend tons of time in the room, but opt for a balcony

The itineraries with Viking sometimes mean you might visit one or two places in a day. That means you’ll have lots to see and do. But, when you are cruising, it’s absolutely wonderful to see the sights from the comfort of your room’s balcony. We spotted stately chateaus, vineyards clutching the sides of cliffs, and hilltop towns nestled beside fortresses. You can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as you watch the world sail by. It’s a not-to-miss experience!

For me, one advantage of a river cruise is the luxury of having all your belongings in one place. I travel a lot and am often hauling my stuff from place to place. With a cruise, I can easily visit multiple places across the country, or even countries, and have the convenience of putting everything in one spot and knowing all my meals, transfers, and sleeping is in one convenient and comfy spot.

Bring Your Cruise Documents

This might sound like a no-brainer, but the two things you shouldn't forget are your passport and your cruise documents. The documents outline all the details you need to know about your trip and also include things like handy luggage tags.

You'll also find important information such as currency, language, and flight details if you booked with Viking.

Something to note is that Viking provides transfers to and from the airport, so you won't need to worry about getting to and from. Since I was exploring France a bit before my cruise, I found my own way to the ship. But they provided transfers from the ship to the airport when I was departing.

Leave your converters at home

Another great feature of a Viking River cruise is the ship's electrical outlets. Is that a crazy thing to say?! Yes. But having to pack additional converters or keeping your fingers crossed that your curling iron won't blow up is a nice feature. On the Viking ships you'll find American plugs (as well as European), making it easy to plug in your electronics.

Basically, Viking thinks of everything — just one reason I love this company.

Tell the staff about your special occasions

Michael and I were celebrating our 8th (!) wedding anniversary aboard the ship. I casually let the ship staff know about it. To our delight, on the night of our anniversary, the waitstaff surprised us with a delicious cake, candles, then serenaded us to “It's Now or Never.” It was such a memorable moment!

Viking goes out of its way to make you feel special, especially if you're celebrating an important event. So feel free to let them know.

The ship has WiFi, but it's limited

Yes, they advertise WiFi on board the Viking ships, but it's not going to be lightning fast Internet like you're used to at home. Just something to keep in mind. The Internet is good enough to check your emails or social media, but not quite strong enough to upload a video. This is not the case on ocean cruises, but I did find this on the river.

It's all about the destination

Yes, the cruise ship is incredible. But get off the boat! When you dock ashore, Viking includes an activity each and every day. This makes Viking different from other ships. They want you to get off the ship and find out more about the places you're visiting.

If you want additional help you can also use the onboard concierge to plan additional experiences or things to do. I highly recommend using these services to find unique options, food, and things that interest you.

Seven days isn't enough? No worries! Viking offers trip extensions so you can see even more of the cities and learn more about the history.

The food alone is worth the cost of the trip

All the Swiss-trained chefs prepare the food fresh every day. Viking menus emphasize specialty dishes from the region where you’re cruising. All the delicious food on Viking is included and starts with a breakfast buffet and a choice to order off-the-menu. You can also grab pastries in the Aquavit terrace.

Lunch is served in two locations: the dining room for a more formal order off-the-menu, or pasta and salad from the buffet. The Aquavit terrace grill serves burgers, hot dogs, and more. Dinner is served in the dining room or Aquavit and you’ll order off-the-menu.

You’re encouraged to order a starter, main dish, and dessert. Don’t worry if you can’t choose. They’ll bring you both! I particularly enjoyed the savory soups such as mushroom truffle and French onion. There’s also a coffee and water station with soft, fresh baked cookies. They're dangerous — I couldn’t pass by without grabbing one. The exceptional food on Viking is worth the cost of the cruise alone. 

Almost everyone on the ship has sailed with Viking before

The first night of our arrival we received welcome drinks and listened to music in the Aquavit lounge. The staff went over important information before introducing themselves. Then the guests were asked if they had sailed with Viking before. Nearly every hand shot up! A true testament to the Viking experience. 

There's a reason why Viking consistently receives awards as the best cruise company out there.

The cruise is great for adults of any age

Viking doesn’t allow children on board. You must be at least 18 to book a cruise. Most of the time you’ll find a bit of an older crowd. But that’s not to say younger cruisers will feel out of place. There are activities to appeal to all ages. 

River cruising differs greatly from ocean cruising

Having sailed with Viking on both ocean and river, I can tell you the experience is not the same. Ocean cruises feature a much larger ship, a wider variety of restaurants and entertainment, and a bigger crew. The Viking River cruises are more intimate. You usually dock overnight at many of the ports, leaving you the option to explore in the evening if you choose. 

Leave time to explore your ship

The Viking Longship is an absolute masterpiece of Scandinavian design. Clean lines and beautiful, modern decor are featured throughout the vessel.

We sailed on the Viking Buri — well equipped with everything you could need and more. A glamours marble entryway leads to a lovely staircase toward a library, beautiful dining room, sun deck, bar, lounge, as well as many tucked away corners where guests can relax. 

The staff are world class

One day I mentioned that I preferred Diet Coke over coffee in the morning. Every morning after that, the waiter or waitress brought me a Diet Coke with a fresh glass of ice, I never had to ask again. They specialize in that personal touch, even making a point to remember names!

Intent on making the trip the best ever, the staff are fun, personable, and helpful. They not only cook, clean, organize, and serve, but they also entertain. One reason I and others keep coming back to Viking is because of the incredible staff. One important note: you tip additionally per day, per person. I recommend to also tip any staff you feel went above and beyond. For us, it was the Maître d, bartender, and piano player.

Here’s a look at our exact 7-day Viking Buri Provence and Lyon Excursion:

Day 1 – arrival and avignon.

We arrived in Avignon and headed to the ship where a light lunch was provided. Our luggage was whisked right into the room and we had time to explore the boat and meet our fellow passengers on the ship.

Day 2 Arles

At Arles, known as the place where Van Gogh cut off his ear, we did a walking tour, saw the incredible Roman ruins, and walked the lovely sun-drenched cobblestone streets. Here we also went to Les Baux to see the “Carrieres de Lumières” exhibit in the quarry.

Day 3 Avignon

Heading back to Avignon, we walked through the city walls and explored the Pope's Palace- one of the most important historical sites in France. Now, it's used for a theater festival each year. We also went to the market and sampled oysters and candied fruits.

Day 4 Viviers

Lavender is extremely prevalent in Provence. On a tour of a lavender museum, we learned the many uses of this beautiful flower. Driving through small towns near the area I spotted house after house with blue shutters — a signature color in Provence.

Day 5 Tournon

After exploring the small town of Tournon, we hopped on a steam train! Yes, this was an included tour — incredible. We passed beautiful churches, bridges, and a gorge. Afterward, we took a walking tour of Vienne with its lovely church and Roman temple.

This, my second time to Lyon, reminded me of what makes this city so special — the incredible church, the views all around the city, the intricate and historical murals that explain its history. Because we were docked in Lyon that night, we could stroll the streets and take in the well-lit city after dark.

Day 7 Lyon and Excursion

Today we left Lyon on a bus tour that started with learning and tasting wine in the Beaujolais region. After wine, we had a feast of truffle flavored delights followed by a truffle hunt with an adorable dog. We finished off the day learning about goat cheese making, and we brought home salted caramel sauce.

Day 8 Departure from Lyon

On our final day, we packed up our stuff, had a delicious breakfast, and Viking assisted us straight to the Lyon airport. I was so sad to go, but know I'll be booking another Viking cruise soon!

How to choose a Viking cruise:

First and foremost think about the length of time. You can opt to spend seven days cruising the river or opt for two weeks cruising in the ocean.

Are you adventurous? Do you prefer seeing the sights like castles and walking cobblestone streets? Consider what you like to do or what's on your bucket-list and let the cruise fit your options.

If you're still feeling stuck, just remember, you can't really go wrong. Viking prides itself on going to astonishing and enriching destinations. I find Viking to be really exceptional. We left feeling they made every possible effort to make our trip special. And it was. 

MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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Viking River Cruise Secrets for First-time Cruisers

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For many, a Viking River cruise is the top of a well-curated travel bucket list…for good reason.  The destination offerings are unique, the luxurious accommodations inviting, and the on-board service is world-class.  But…there are certain travelers (like me) who have never been on a cruise and were hesitant to get on a ship. Guess what?!  Not only did I take the cruise, but I loved it!  These Viking River Cruise Secrets for first-time cruisers will change you from non-cruiser to cruise lover too!

{I was a guest of Viking River Cruise but my opinions + photos are my own. May contain affiliate links}

Viking River Cruise Secrets for First Time Cruisers

Confession time:  Although I love to travel and explore new destinations, I was never particularly interested in traveling by cruise.  Concerns about seasickness, tiny cabins with no space to breath, and hidden port and drink fees kept my feet firmly planted on land.   I had zero interest in being on a huge ship with hundreds of people, dressing up for dinner every night, with short port excursions crowded with people.

Still, with so many interesting cruises and cruise destinations, I warmed up to the idea over the years.  A river cruise was one of the cruises I was most interested in, so when I was invited on a Viking River Cruise this winter, I was excited.

Still, some of those old apprehensions resurfaced, and I didn’t know what to expect.  Oh my goodness, was I pleasantly surprised!  My cruise turned out to be nothing at all like I expected and it was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had.  I honestly cannot wait to take another Viking trip!

On the Ship

Smaller & More Intimate |  Unlike large ocean liners, Viking River Cruise ships are smaller, most with a capacity of 200 passengers.   A smaller ship makes time on the ship cozier, with room for dining, excursions, and finding a seat on the tour bus.  A smaller ship also allows guests to get to know other guests and crew more easily.

But…just because one is on a cruise with 200 people does not mean you have to be with those people all the time.  There are plenty of places on the ship for quiet time, including the Aquavit Lounge for more intimate dining, the rooftop sundeck with lounge chairs and breathtaking views, and private stateroom balconies for peaceful reflection.

Intimate Setting = Fun Activities – I traveled right before the Christmas holiday so my ship was festively decorated with a Christmas tree, gingerbread house, and other holiday decorations.  In addition, the staff prepared fun activities to make the season extra special for guests.  The program director (JP) advised me that Viking River celebrates occasions both large and small to make the voyage even more special for guests.  Imagine celebrating your birthday or anniversary with 200 of your closest friends!

The Demographics |  The average age demographic for guests is 35 – 75, but there were guests aged 24 -84 on my particular cruise and everyone had fun interacting. As of August 1, 2018 children under 18 are not permitted on Viking River Cruises.  Most of the cruise activities and tours are geared toward adventurous, active adults, with lots of walking/hiking.

Mobility   | Many of the tours are interactive, with lots of brisk walking, so I recommend guests have a certain level of mobility available.  With that said, there is an easy walking group (more on that below), so people who walk with a cane or walker should have no problem.  There is also an elevator on the ship for people who have trouble with the stairs on the Viking longships. However, the hallways are too narrow for someone who is wheelchair-bound.  Also, getting around the cobblestone-lined streets in the excursion ports might be difficult for wheelchair users.   

Smaller Ship + River Cruising = No Seasickness | One of the best Viking River Cruise secrets of my trip was no seasickness.  I barely even felt the ship move, and when I did, it was a gentle lull.  Even moving through the locks on the Rhine was easy, with just a few little quiet bumps each time.

Safety First | All guests are required to view a safety video on the first day of the cruise and participate in a safety drill with a life jacket for about 15 minutes on the second day.  The drill is a minor inconvenience, and I was impressed with how seriously the crew takes passenger safety, so was not bothered by the drill.

Daily Briefing | Just before dinner each night, the program director hosts a daily briefing for about 45 minutes, highlighting the activities that will take place the following day.  It may not seem important, but the briefing offers valuable information about excursion times, places of interest while in port, and activities that take place throughout the day.  Try not to miss the briefing, it really is helpful in learning more about the destination you are about to see. 

Hint: The briefing takes place in the Observation Lounge, making it easy to meet friends and grab a pre-dinner cocktail while listening to the session.

Tipping | Gratuities are not included in Viking River cruise packages, so be prepared to tip $10-12 per person/per day at the end of the trip to your favorite crew and $2 per day for the program director.  The staff is so accommodating that you will probably want to tip more, so use this guide as a baseline. It is best to tip in cash with the currency most used on the trip.  For example, if you are taking a European river cruise, tip in Euros.

Note:  On my cruise, the crew works 3-4 weeks without a break. Once one group of cruise guests leave, they ready the ship for a new group and set sail.  The staff should be commended (and rewarded) for their friendliness, courtesy, and hard work in making Viking cruises so accommodating for guests.  Be nice to the staff, they are always nice to guests! ♥

• A Viking River cruise is the perfect opportunity to relax and be social or to have one-on-one time, your choice.
• Take time to get to know the other guests, as most everyone is friendly, but also allow quiet time to recharge your batteries.
• Participate in social activities.  They are entertaining, allow you to let your hair down a little, and have fun with the other guests and crew.
• Get to know the staff.  They are friendly, accommodating, and truly want to make your voyage memorable.

Dining On-Board  |  Cruises usually have mixed reviews when it comes to food, but the cuisine on my Viking River cruise was flavorful and appetizing, with a nice variety and beautiful presentation. The chef combines local specialties with traditional Continental flavors to create unique and delectable dishes.  Breakfast was buffet-style (with a wonderful omelet station), but guests can order Eggs Benedict, pancakes, and other specialty items off the menu.  Lunch has three appetizer, entrée, and dessert menu selections, with a pasta and salad buffet.

Dinner is a choice of three appetizers, entrees, and dessert choices, as well as a standard chicken, steak, or fish dish.  Some of the wonderful entrée choices on my cruise included Chateaubriand, grilled prawns saffron, and porcini mushroom ravioli.  For those looking for a more casual dining experience, I recommend the Aquavit Terrace Lounge upstairs, with buffet and casual menu options. Guests with food sensitivities or special diets should advise staff before cruising so the staff can make accommodations.

Note:  There is usually a seafood option for pescetarians, but true vegetarian options are rare without prior arrangement.

Flexible Dining Options | Viking River cruise ships have open seating in the main dining room. This means no reservations are required, no reserved seating, and no dressing up (unless you want to). Honestly, after a full day of shore excursions with lots of walking in the cold, it was nice to go to dinner in a comfy sweater and leggings.  I appreciated not having to go to dinner in formal attire. Goodbye ball gown! (Psst-I even wore slippers to dinner one night and no one was the wiser!)

Breakfast is usually served 7 a.m. – 10 a.m., lunch from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m., and dinner from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. and guests can come any time during those dining hours.  The dining tables seat 6 or 8 people, with a few tables for 12 guests, but with plenty of seating, guests can sit alone or with friends.  My group of six sat together every night in the dining room, but it was nice to sit and visit with other guests at breakfast and lunch.  Seating in the Aquavit Lounge is even more casual, with tables of two and four.

Alcoholic Beverage Options | Beer, house wines, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, but if you want a cocktail or premium wine, you will need to purchase those separately from the bar.  For the price of about 3-4 cocktails/premium wines a day, you may want to order the Silver Spirits package, about $22 a day, per person.  A pricing guide for alcoholic beverages is available here so you can decide which option is right for you.

• Sit at the same table or area each time you dine, as you will likely have the same waitstaff.  This will allow the servers to get to know you and your preferences.  By the third day, your servers will bring drinks without asking, know if you are vegan or gluten-free, or allergic to certain foods.  The wonderful waitstaff added so much to our experience.

• The European butter served on European cruises is ambrosial!  The butter has the consistency of cream cheese and a slightly sweeter, less salty, and creamier taste than American butter.  Give me all the butter!!

• The breakfast yogurt/fruit parfait, sprinkled with a bit of granola is a must.

• Save room for dessert. Delicacies such as Valrhona chocolate tarts, raspberry sorbet, or cream puffs with praline add an elegant finish to a wonderful meal.

Stateroom Variety | Staterooms are available in several sizes and varieties, including staterooms with windows, staterooms French balconies, and veranda, and suite rooms with a separate living room area.  All rooms have standard king-size beds, a large double closet, drawers and desk area, refrigerator, and a separate bathroom with a shower.  The king bed can also be divided into two twin beds with prior notice.

The bed was comfortable, with sparkly clean sheets and plenty of fluffy pillows.  The closet was large enough to fit clothes and a large suitcase, but there was also room under the bed for the suitcase.  The dresser drawers were handy for gloves, hats, and scarves, as well as undies and socks.  Ample storage allowed me to keep my belongings tucked away and have more freedom to move about the room.

Electrical outlets  | The staterooms have sockets for both 110 (US) and 220 (European) voltage, which means that if you are from the United States, you can plug your mobile phone, laptop, and other devices in a regular outlet without the need for a European adapter.

Bathrooms | The bathrooms are small, but easy to move around, with a sink, toilet, shower, and storage area for toiletries.  The shower has doors that fold open to expand the bathroom when not in use, yet easily fold closed to seal in the water when the shower is on.  The shower itself is surprisingly roomy, with a shelf for shampoo and soap. The water took seconds to warm up and had good pressure, and the premium toiletries were a lovely touch.

Note: I have received several questions about bringing curling irons on a Viking ship.  Viking did have a policy that prohibited curling irons for safety reasons, but I understand they have changed that policy as of September 2018.  Please check with your travel agent when booking your trip to make certain the policy to allow curling irons is still in place.

Daily Service | Rooms receive twice-daily maid service.  In the morning, the bed is made, the room cleaned, and fresh towels stocked.  In the evening, attendants turn down the bed, layout the next day’s itinerary, and dim the lights for the evening.

• Lower level rooms are water level, so have smaller windows that do not open.  I recommend a room on the main or upper level to get the best views and add more “room” to your room. A veranda stateroom is definitely worth the extra cost –  I had a veranda stateroom and loved having the veranda balcony to step outside to take photos and take in the scenery.

• Two words:  Heated Floors.  The bathrooms have heated floors to keep toes warm. It does not sound like a big deal, but on a cold winter night, heated floors are a healthy slice of heaven on earth. The room attendants turn the warmers on in the evening so guests have warm tootsies at bedtime, but the heated floors can be turned on at any time.

• If you are doing a pre or post-trip land excursion, you may still need that European electrical outlet adapter .  Bring one just in case.

• The onboard boutique sells clothing (with a Viking logo) but does not sell toiletries, medications, or other supplies.  Be sure to bring your own over-the-counter and prescription medications as a pharmacy may be difficult to find while in port.  Also bring enough toothpaste, razors, etc., although these are easier to find in port.

• Make sure the announcement speaker is turned up in your stateroom so you can hear announcements.  The speaker volume is located on the wall near the television in standard staterooms.  A couple on my cruise inadvertently turned down the volume and missed a morning departure announcement, missing a tour. Oops!

Port Excursions

Included Excursions | One of the best Viking River Cruise secrets is that a daily excursion/guided tour is included as part of the cruise package, while most large ocean cruises do not include any excursions. On my cruise, guided tours included a trip to the Black Forest, with a visit to a cuckoo clock factory and black forest cake demonstration, walking tours to five UNESCO World Heritage sites (including cathedrals, castles, and windmills), and walking tours in the Christmas markets in almost every city.

Optional Excursions | Guests can purchase optional excursions when booking their trip, or book optional excursions while on the cruise (if available).  Optional excursions on my trip included winery visits, museum tours, a private tour to the top of a Cathedral, a visit with a Dutch cheesemaker, and a beer dinner.  The optional cruises offer another way to get a taste of the destination you are visiting, so I definitely recommend signing up for a few optional excursions.  My beer dinner in Cologne was a ball!

• Flexibility – Book every excursion available or plan your own adventure, it’s up to you!  The ship is at each port of call for several hours, so guests may have the flexibility to venture out on their own if they chose.  Also, because many of the docks are located in the center of a city, getting around town is fairly easy.  Guests can even take a guided tour, then venture on their own at the end, and in some cities, shuttle service may be available several times a day back to the ship.  Check with your travel agent or concierge to see if you will have time to venture on your own, and to help arrange transportation and activities.  Note:  Some Viking River Cruises may not be as flexible while in port, depending on the destination, so work with your booking specialist to plan independent touring.

• Many guided tours offer an “easy walkers” tour for guests with slower mobility.  I have lupus and the cold was not kind to my joints, so I signed up for the “easy walkers” tour bus after the first day.  The tours are the same, but the pace is slower and more relaxed.  A bonus in taking this tour option is that it allowed me more time to take photographs at each location.

• Don’t necessarily sign up for every guided tour available, especially if you want a little downtime.  Most of the tours are pretty fast-paced (even the easy walker’s tour), and with some of the tour times 4-5 hours long, it can get exhausting if you are on the go every day.  It’s your vacation time, after all, don’t overdo it!  Keep an afternoon or two open during the trip, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery from the sundeck, read a book, take a nap, or visit with other guests.

• Keep some Dramamine and a water bottle in your day pack for tour bus trips.  The tour buses tend to be warm and some of the routes are winding mountain roads…not a great combination for motion sickness.

• Use the free handheld headphone systems provided in your room for tours.  I forgot mine on a tour and missed half of what the tour guide said.  The headphones are a must!

• For winter travel, wear layers and keep gloves and hats handy.  Weather conditions can change at a moment’s notice, and you may want to shed a layer or two on warm tour buses. Layering is probably a good idea for summer travel too, when moving between an air-conditioned tour bus and warmer outside temperatures.

• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes on the guided tours.  Some of the tours include a lot of walking (even for the slower-paced walkers) and many of the pathways in Europe have uneven cobblestone streets.  Leave the heels for nighttime entertaining.

• Pickpockets can be a problem in Europe, so ladies should wear a small cross-body handbag that sets close to the body, and men should use a neck or waist wallet.  Do not put your phone or wallet in your back pocket. Use an RFID blocking sleeve or wallet for credit cards to block credit card skimmers from getting your personal information.

What are some of your Viking River Cruise secrets? A river cruise is a wonderful way to get your feet wet for cruising (pun intended), especially when cruising on an award-winning river cruise line.  I think you will find, just as I did, that you can’t wait to experience another Viking River cruise. I may even be ready to try an ocean cruise, and thankfully there are Viking ocean cruises as well!  My cruise was a Christmas Markets cruise , be sure to read some of the highlights of cruising during the holidays!  

I hope these cruise secrets were a help, but if you have other questions about my Viking River cruise experience, please leave a message in the comments area below, I would be happy to answer your questions, and if I do not know the answer, I will find it for you.  If you have questions from a travel writers perspective, please email me at jules @ acorkforkandpassport.com 

Travel Advisor Information

I have over 35+ years as a travel advisor. It is more important than ever to have an experienced advisor assist with your travel plans. If you are looking for a travel advisor to help you with a new Viking cruise, please reach out, I am an experienced luxury travel advisor and would love to work with you. Please reach out to me at julie @ wanderbloomtvl.com or visit my Viking page.

***Note: Please only contact me at julie @ wanderbloomtvl.com if you would like to work with me as your travel advisor. I am not permitted to advise on a cruise you booked with another travel advisor or with Viking cruises directly.  Thanks!

Wander & Bloom Travel 

Julie is the chief food, travel, and luxury lifestyle writer/photographer/publisher for A Cork, Fork, & Passport. Julie has 35+ years in the travel business as a writer, travel advisor, and traveler. She is an accomplished home chef, recipe developer, and mixologist, but her proudest job is wife and mom. She loves board games, 80's New Wave, and chasing dachshunds! Julie lived in the Phoenix, Arizona area for 25 years but recently moved back to upstate New York.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Chicken with Mushroom Tarragon Cream Sauce

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I loved your review. I found it interesting to read someone else’s opinion of our favourite holiday company. Almost all of which I agreed with. This year we are taking an ocean cruise with Viking (something my husband said he would never do until Viking started them.

Denise, Thank you so much! I would love to try a Vikings Ocean cruise as well and would never have considered it, if it were not for such a wonderful experience in the river cruise!

Loved your river cruise tips. Interesting that the daily briefing is audio vs a printed itinerary. I’ve been on many (100+) regular cruises but have yet to take a river cruise. One day…

Debra – You do receive a printed itinerary in your room, the daily briefing is more to highlight certain places in each city, what each tour covers, etc.

I haven’t done a cruise for about 10 years, I think it’s about time I got my feet wet again! Viking River Cruises look like something I enjoy it, I prefer smaller & more intimate spaces. Would you recommend going in summer or winter or shoulder season?

Sheena: I went on a winter cruise and other than the temperatures, the trip was lovely, especially since we were able to enjoy the Christmas markets. I have heard from others that summer is a great time to go as well and the sundeck is nice to lounge on. For the best prices, shoulder season is always good but I know Viking has some good specials right now for all year!

I am going on my second river cruise in April. I wish I had read your article long before taking my first one. (I am sharing because it is THAT good!!). I think that sometimes people compare river and ocean cruising so they are in total shock when they arrive for a river cruise. I had ocean cruised 25+ times at that point and I was still blown away by the differences. My stateroom was so small that my roommate and I honestly thought they were Candid Camera’ing us before pulling down the “shelf” that made a bed. We were so close at night we could have held hands across the 6″ that separated us. LOL Anyway, well done, loved the photos, all the facts, and this was amazing!

Thank you so much Melody! For a first cruise experience, I don’t think it could get any better than a Viking cruise!

What a great comprehensive guide. Like you, I’m not a huge fan of cruising, but I tell myself that if I’m going to do one, it’s going to be a Viking Cruise. I love the focus on culture and history. Your tips are great!

Thank you so much Tara, the history and cultural of the areas we visited were one of my favorite parts of the trip!

I’ve never considered a Viking Cruise because I knew about the kids needing to be 12+. I’m now thinking I want to do the cruise for my 50th birthday! That would be so much fun – our kids would be old enough. and the European butter would make me so very happy :-))

You will love it!!

Very nice review. My husband and I have traveled quite a lot, generally independently, but have booked our first Viking Cruise next month and are very excited. Tips and suggestions are very welcome indeed!

Enjoy your trip, you will love the Viking service!

Wonderful information! Is it best to tip as you go so the staff knows you are taking care of them, or just at the end?

It is recommended to tip at the end, but you could probably do extra as you go too.

Hi! Thank you so much for the info! My husband and I just booked our first river cruise for next year…I’m a planner We are so excited! Your tips really helped…can’t wait!

Thank you Tracy– I truly loved my Viking cruise and hope you do too!

We are going on our first Viking River Cruise in October along the Rhine, from Amsterdam to Basel. What kind of outer layers would you recommend for the fall in Europe. I have never been to Europe and am so excited! Also, are there any must-do optional or included excursions? Thanks for the great read!

Sherrie– You will love the trip! I have not been on a Viking Rhine trip in October, but have been to Amsterdam at that time, and the temperatures average about 55-60 degrees. I think long pants and a light jacket will be fine. You should have the same excursions I had on the longship Eir–definitely do all the daily included excursions, including the windmills, Cologne Cathedral, etc. For optional tours, the Top of Cologne Cathedral is a must (unless you are afraid of heights), the beer dinner, the cheese tasting in Kinderdijk, and the military museum near Strasbourg.

Thank you for great information! Getting ready for our first cruise in July (Amsterdam to Budapest and adding Prague) and sooo excited! Just a couple of questions… regarding tipping, can you estimate how many “favorite crew” you tipped? Seems like we’d be interacting with several. I had read another post where it said tips were shared. Just want to be prepared. Also, is there a retractable clothsline in the bathroom?

Sharon: Hi and welcome! Your trip sounds wonderful! I believe I tipped about 4-5 people — our main waiter, the housekeeping staff (which was shared I believe), the program director (which is tipped less–about 3 Euros a day). We may or may not have slipped our waiter a little extra because we know they share the tips. 😉 Also, I tipped the tour guides for each excursion, 1-2 Euros per. There was a retractable clothesline in the shower on my ship–I know because I washed some linens in the sink and hung them on the line to dry. I just checked with a friend who has been a Danube river cruise (the cruise you are taking) and she said there is clotheslines in the bathrooms on those cruises too!

Thank you for all your wonderful tips. My sister-in-law and I (widows) are going on our first Viking River Cruise – Romantic Danube in a few weeks. We are both turning 80 and this is our Birthday gift to us from us!! We are very excited, as we love anything that is educational, historical, and restful!! All that you have indicated certainly fits the bill, perfectly. It was recommended to us, by a friend who is a Viking Cruiser…….that we bring along walking sticks for stability on the cobblestone streets. We are healthy and very capable of walking and we don’t need canes, but what are your thoughts about the walking sticks?? My only concern about this trip…… is that they do not allow curling irons and my hair will be horrible and unmanageable without a curling iron. Have you any suggestions regarding that dilemma??

Hi! I am so excited for you, you will truly have such a wonderful time! The cobblestone streets are definitely uneven, so if your friend recommended a walking stick, I agree that it might be a good idea for balance. Amazon sells collapsible walking sticks, so you could always bring one and just keep it in your purse, just in case. As far as the curling iron, yes, they did not allow them for safety reasons, but I just heard that Viking changed their policy and allows them now. To be sure, please check with the travel agent that booked your trip or call Viking directly to confirm that this is true. Have a great trip!

Great review and tips. I am going on the Danube cruise from Passau to Budapest. We are traveling in October and can’t wait. We are extending in Prague and Budapest. If anyone has any thoughts on this cruise – would love to hear them.

That is great, have fun!

Julie, my spouse and I take a cruise every year (not loyal to any one cruise line at this point), however, we are going back to Viking for our second cruise (first, being the Grand European, which we absolutely loved). Our second cruise with Viking will be Waterways of the Tsars (Russia). We will be the absolute first to say that the staff/crew on all the ships we have been on work their tail feathers off and we are grateful for that. We were taken aback a bit by the suggested daily gratuity for this trip ($25 per day per passenger). While we know that this can be adjusted, just thought it a bit high (considering we also tip on the side as well). Thoughts?

The daily gratuity is usually divided among the staff including the people you don’t see, including the cooks, dishwashers, etc, however, I am not familiar with $25 per day, we were told $10-15 per day. Perhaps because your cruise is a longer cruise? Ocean cruise tipping is similar.

Julie, Thank you for the tips! Most recently I have travelled on a Cunard ship, ergo, was wondering about how casual Viking is. Last Cunard had 3 formal nights! Should I bring long skirts or will I be safe with linen trousers and shirts?

Hi Gretchen! Viking is so much more casual! Yes, you can wear linen pants and shirts, no fancy long skirts/dresses necessary. If you do want to dress up a little for the cocktail lounge, a short little black dress would be fine, but you don’t have to wear formal gowns. If truth be told, I wore black leggings, a tunic, and my bedroom slippers to dinner one night. My slippers were under the table so nobody saw them during dinner. Shhh. 😉

Julie ,, what tid bits can you offer for photo / video taking ,, we are taking a cruise in July ( Budapest to Munich ) ,,,

Thanks Matt ,, Texas

Matt: Can you be more specific in your question? What exactly are you looking for? I have not taken the Budapest to Munich cruise, so am unable to offer any tips on the routing. You can bring a digital camera and equipment with you, there is a safe in the room. Most of the time I used my cell phone to take photos as my camera equipment was heavy to lug around on the cobblestone streets. Thanks.

I read in a post concerning curling irons on Viking river cruise ships that they may have reconsider allowing them. My Viking travel agent states that is not so. However when I call Viking direct a person there stated they would allow battery operated curling irons. I am very confused as what to do!

Last I heard, they allowed curling irons, but you have to abide by what Viking said directly to you.

Hi Julie My husband and I are going on the NOV 2019 8 day river cruise. Loved your insight we think it may help a ton. Our friend’s went a couple of times before us and even told us which cabin to request. My husband needs special water as he has to use a C PAP at night, they have told us that this will be no problem they will have it waiting. Do you know if the Christmas shops are open that early in the year? Thanks again for all the information Donna B

Donna, I am so excited for you, have a great trip. You did not indicate what date in November you are going, but the Christmas markets usually open the Friday before Advent starts, which is four Sundays before Christmas. I hope you get to enjoy them! Here is more information about the Christmas markets. https://acorkforkandpassport.com/christmas-markets-on-a-viking-rhine-river-cruise/

Thanks for writing this! I’m heading to the same cruise you took in June 22 w my mom. I have arthritis, fibro, and hypermobile joints. I expressed a LOT of concern to my mom about my disabilities and mobility issues but…. she might be more optimistic than I. I’m looking into the possibility of renting an electric mobility scooter in the towns we dock in, for a day rental. But if they take you via bus….then it sounds like that is not going to help me, as I’m sure they wouldn’t allow even a portable/travel scooter on the tour bus.

I don’t think I can handle 4 hours of being on my feet, so I’m very very nervous about this trip :/

Did many people, that you were aware of, make their own excursions? Being on a hot bus crammed with other people could potentially be really bad for me, as I also have a mast cell disorder and two big triggers are fragrances and heat.

Of the stops, which did you think was the one most skippable? I want to see as much as I can but also need to be realistic and plan it out. I’d hate to not plan and end up missing one of the prettiest towns, you know?

I would reach out to your travel agent or Viking direct about your concerns.

I don’t believe any of the stops should be avoided, they are all truly wonderful. You would not be on the tour bus for long periods of time–the most time I spent on the bus was going to the Black Forest, it was about a 40 minute drive. The rest of the stops is about a 20-30 minute ride on the tour bus. Also, you would not be on your feet for four hours, the most time spent walking at one time was about one hour–there is plenty of opportunities to rest. I would talk to the concierge on your cruise, they can put you in the “slower” walking group as I did. The pace was slower and more relaxing, with more rest stops.

Good luck, I know this trip will be amazing for you!

we are doing the grand european tour and were going to book a french balcony on the middle deck. Is there a particular room that would be best for us? Also, before we book, does it matter what side the the boat we are on. Will we miss sights because we are across from the Veranda balcony rooms?

If you are able to upgrade your room to a full balcony on the top level, I would do that for the best views. The middle level is fine but you will not have the eye level for views as you would on the top level. Also, when in port, the ships often dock against other ships so you will likely only have a view of the other ship’s windows. If your budget only allows a french balcony, you are better to get a room closer to the back of the ship, on the left side facing the front. Something else to note: Depending on the time of year you are traveling, you will still have the best views from the top deck, so room location is not necessarily a concern. In the winter months the top deck can get chilly but the views are worth it!

In addition to being a travel writer, I am a travel advisor with over 34 years of experience. If you would like assistance booking your Viking trip, it would be my pleasure to assist you. Please reach out to me at [email protected]

Just a quick note, Viking now has a gratuity package for their River cruises so you can opt to pay their suggested tips ahead of time if you’d like.

Thank you for letting me know.

For those who WANT to do the excursions but are afraid of the amount of walking, it might help to do what I did on a previous river cruise: take along a folding 3-legged seat/cane. My problem is more the standing still while the guides give their spiel, and often you are in a place where there is no seating. It is really nice to be able to rest up while they talk. I added a strap so that when walking I could sling it over my shoulder. I had no problem taking it onboard the ship nor the airlines.

Great tip, thank you!

Thanks for your article, we are booked for the Grand River Tour with Viking for next year !Your writing is really informative – thanks agin .

Wonderful, have fun!

Thanks for this information. We are going on our first Viking European Tour the first two weeks of September. What would you suggest for clothing at that time of year? Is it necessary to bring rain gear? Thanks.

I don’t believe you will need to bring rain gear in September, it is a beautful time of year to travel! If you do have rain, it will be minor.

My mom and I are leaving next week on the Amsterdam to Basel Rhine Christmas cruise. I’m sure she will be glad to hear about the “easy walkers” option. I’m very excited hear that you liked the Cologne Beer Dinner – I’m doing that one solo and am really looking forward to it. Great tips!

Thank you so much. I loved the Cologne beer dinner, so much fun. Enjoy your trip!

Hi Julie. Thanks for the comprehensive and very informative information regarding a Viking River Cruise. We will be taking our first Viking River Cruise on the Danube and have a question regarding the timing specified for excursions. If an excursion states ending at 6:00pm and another excursion starts at 6:30pm is their sufficient time between the end of one and the beginning of the other (since they are specified as only 30 minutes apart) to take both excursions. Thank you in advance.

Hi Rich! It really depends on the tour, some are near enough that it wouldn’t be a problem and others need to factor in transportation time. I would check with your travel advisor or Viking representative that you booked your trip with to make certain you will be able to do both tours.

who knew so many people had issues with curling irons- another reason Im happy to be bald. care to elaborate on booking trips before the trip or once your on the ship/boat.

By trips do you mean shore excursions? There are approximately 190 people on the ship but each tour can only take about 20-40 people, so it is best to book the excursions in advance as some may book up/sell out before the cruise. If there are excursions available when you are on the ship, absolutely sign up for them but have a few must-have excursions booked in advance.

Thanks for the great information. Two questions 1. What are the normal cruising times daytime or overnight or both? 2. If I purchase something at local can items be shipped to US easily?

The cruising time really depends on the time of year and the cruise. Summer cruises tend to cruise during the day while you are touring; late fall/winter cruises tend to cruise overnight while you are sleeping. Check your cruise itinerary for more information or ask your travel advisor.

Regarding purchases while on the trip: Many local vendors will assist in shipping items back to the United States and I am quite certain Viking concierge staff on the ship can assist with this as well.

We have not booked yet but are possibly trying to work our trip around a wedding in Germany. Therefore we feel we would have to begin or end our trip with flexible days and flight in order to reach our destination and fly . We are wanting to know about the flight portion of the trip. Do you both directions with a Viking set schedule? Ir could you do one direction in your own?

I am not sure I understand your question but I will try…

You are not locked into booking air with Viking so if you have a wedding, you can do a Viking Cruise before or after the wedding. If you do air with Viking, they can work with you on getting the flights you need but you may not have ground transportation to the cruise location if you come in early or depart late. One of my Viking trips I came in a few days early and I had to arrange my own transportation to get to the cruise ship. Does this answer your question? Your best bet is to talk to an experienced travel advisor (I happen to be one!). Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you need assistance with booking your cruise! Thanks.

Thank you very much. You did answer my question!! It sounds as though you are able to personalize within reason with Viking! Now to sort it out! Thanks

I am looking to cruise as a single…are most people in pairs? Will I feel like a 3rd wheel?

You should not feel like a third-wheel at all! The people who attend Viking cruises are generally friendly and outgoing. Many of the tables for dinner are for larger groups so you will be able to mingle and sit with others during the cruise and get to know people easily and there is after-dinner activities designed to get people socializing. When booking your cruise, see if Viking is offering a single-suppliment special, otherwise you will pay a higher price for a single person in the stateroom.

Our friends and my husband and I are looking at doing a Vikings cruise in the fall. We are interested . In Italy and Croatia. But any other countries are welcome. Looking at pamphlets is quite overwhelming so any help you can give would be greatly appreciated

I am going to reach out to you via your email address to see if I can assist you further through my travel agency.

Thanks for the wonderfully accurate description of the Viking cruises. My wife and I are heading out for our 6th cruise in a few days, and I would echo everything you wrote about your experience. I didn’t see these tidbits in your article, or in the comments.

1. You mentioned the printed itinerary we receive each night for the following days activities, but one of the best tips we got from our cruise director on our first sailing from Basel to Trier was to take a photo of the itinerary on your cell phone. No need to carry any paper with you on the excursions, but it also makes remembering where all the photos were taken on the trip. 2. My wife and I both enjoy nice wine, and one of our favorite perks about Viking River Cruises is that you can bring as much of your own wine and liquor on the ship as you like. Apparently a major departure from other cruise lines. On a trip from Amsterdam to Basel with two of our adult children, we carried a case of wine for the trip that we purchased in Amsterdam before sailing.

Thanks again for the well-written description. I’ll recommend it when people ask us why we are so “sold” on Viking.

Thank you for the additional tips, wonderful!

Hi Julie, Where exactly in Cologne is your photo above taken with that church in the background? we leave for our Viking Cruise in early January and want to see where you were. Thank you!

This photo was taken in COlogne right by the Viking port at the Reingarten Park. Thanks, Joanna!

I was told that river cruise is accessible for wheelchairs. Is this not the case?! My husband can walk short distances but would need wheelchair to go entire length of ship.

My comment was based on my individual cruise and a wheelchair would be difficult to use on some river cruises based on the reasons I listed in my article. However, river cruise companies have several different ship sizes so I would reach out to the cruise line directly with any questions regarding wheelchair size.

What time does the ship shut down for the night? Like how late can one get a drink at the bar/hang out on the decks?

I think it really depends on the ship, the route, and the time of year. For the cruise I was on, the bar was still open until at least 12 midnight.

There are many others excursions available in many cities other than the ones offered by Viking. Are those excursion offices close to the ports so we can book when getting off the ship? Or must we book them prior to our trip? Your article was very informative. Thanks so much.

You should try to book them prior to your trip but it really depends on the time of year and where you are going. You can also ask on the ship with the ship concierge, they can assist with excursions and dinner reservations, etc. For ocean cruises I definitely recommend booking excursions outside of the cruise company but for river cruises, their excursions are always better, in my opinion.

I`m in my early 70s, and single. I plan on going on the Danube cruise in October. Will I have to pay for a double occupancy stateroom? I can“t seem to get any of my girlfriends interested in going, so it will be solo for me! Thank you.

Madeline: Each cruise company has their own policy when it comes to single or double occupancy and I believe Viking always charges for double, unless they have a special promotion. Be sure to check Amawaterways, they sometimes have single occupancy specials. If you need assistance with your trip, I am also a veteran travel advisor, please email me at [email protected] . Thanks!

My hubby and I are booked on the Grand European Tour for June 2024. Im recently recovering from achilles tendon surgery (Jan. 2024),and Physical Therapy and may bring a cane. Thanks for info on asking about the “easy walking” tours. My main question is: are there restrooms on bus in case of emergencies? I have Crohn’s disease and very anxious about traveling in general. Thanks!

Hi Chris! I do not recall if they had restrooms on the coach buses but I do not believe they do. Please check with your travel advisor or Viking to be sure. Thanks.

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Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips (2024)

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: January 4, 2024

Home >> Travel Tips >> Cruises >> Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips (2024)

A common question for first-time river cruisers is how to pack for a cruise . We have learned a lot sailing on Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises over the years. We’ve learned that packing for a river cruise differs from what you would pack for a cruise on one of the bigger cruise lines.

With this in mind, we’ve put together our Viking River Cruise packing list. Our list is loaded with helpful cruise packing tips that help you to get ready for your river cruise.

You will find an example 7-10 day packing list at the end of the article to use as a starting point for your packing.

Table of Contents

How to Pack for a Viking River Cruise

One of the great advantages of a river cruise is being able to unpack once and relax for the rest of your cruise. However, even with all the great packing hacks we mention here, the secret to packing for a cruise is still to pack light.

River cruise cabins are smaller than hotel or ocean vessel rooms, so pack only essentials to avoid clutter.

Related: 10 Travel Safety Tips to Put in Place Before You Go

Storage in Your Cabin

One thing we love about Viking River Cruise vessels is the ample storage in the cabins. While the cabin may not be that spacious, there is plenty of drawer and cupboard space to stow your things. Empty suitcases or bags slide easily under the beds to minimize clutter.

Pack Your Cruise Carry On Bag Wisely

When you set sail on a Viking river cruise, smart packing matters. Remember your essentials: a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and vital medications in your carry-on bag. Having the best wheeled underseat luggage helps you travel light and keeps you prepared for emergencies on your Viking river cruise.

If you’re using a fly-cruise package and the airline misplaces your luggage, it might arrive late or at the next port. This delay could disrupt your Viking river cruise packing plans.

While it rarely happens, if your bags do get delayed on the river cruise, you have no need to worry. Freshen up and explore the ship without waiting for your belongings during your Viking river cruise.

Related : Avoid lost luggage issues. We’ve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast.

Best Time to Take a River Cruise

There are many river cruises in Europe , but there are numerous others aroudn the globe. Consider voyaging along rivers in China, Vietnam, or Egypt for a diverse experience beyond the usual European route.

When preparing your attire for a Viking River cruise, consider the chosen cruise destination and the prevailing weather conditions. Seasons play a crucial role.

Many opt for European river cruises during spring and autumn, characterized by varied weather. Europe’s summer can also be unpredictable, unlike parts of Asia where summer often brings heavy rainfall

Related : Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sea

Review the Shore Excursions

When assessing your river cruise itinerary, pay close attention to planned excursions and those you’ve already reserved.

Consider packing attire suitable for specific excursions, like versatile hiking or walking shoes for comfortable strolls.

Some activities, like the Russian Banya or Budapest’s spas, might necessitate a swimsuit, providing unique bathing experiences.

Shore excursions are pivotal in European river cruises, often offering cultural evening events such as opera or ballet. For these, consider slightly more formal attire.

Help reduce single-use plastic when you travel .

It is extremely important to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your travels. While Viking provides bottled water on excursions, using a reusable filtering water bottle is environmentally conscious, budget-friendly, and ensures safe refills anywhere.

Explore our guide for the best travel-friendly filtering and purifying water bottles that suit your preferences.

Best Luggage for a Cruise

What kind of luggage is best for a cruise?  The best luggage for a river cruise is sturdy, easy to maneuver through airports, and easy to stow under the bed.

We prefer a soft duffle-style bag with wheels and a telescopic handle. They are easy to pack, easy to carry, and pack flat when not in use. They are also more forgiving if you overpack a little or pick up too many souvenirs on your trip.

Samsonite Wheeled Duffel

We like the Samsonite wheeled duffel bags because they are lightweight, easy to carry and with changeable packing options, are so easy to pack. They also come in different sizes depending on your requirement. Perfect for cruises.

Cruise Luggage Tips

• If you are traveling as a couple, we recommend taking one large suitcase or bag between you for a cruise and one carry-on bag each.
• You maximize the room in your cabin this way and only have to worry about one case while traveling.
• With this in mind, consider baggage weight allowances if your river cruise includes domestic flights within the country.

Best Bags for Cruise Excursions

The ideal bag for shore excursions should prioritize comfort, practicality, and anti-theft features while avoiding excessive bulkiness.

For women, consider opting for anti-theft crossbody purses over large shoulder totes. These practical, stylish alternatives prevent overfilling for comfort, blend in discreetly, and offer security.

Given the extensive walking during river cruise town explorations, prioritize comfort to avoid pickpocketing incidents

Read Our Guide to the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel  

Crossbody Bags for Travel 

Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Bag

Sherpani Prima, Anti Theft Crossbody Bag

Travelon Anti-Theft Cross Body Bag

Read Our Guide to the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel  

Anti Theft Fanny Packs

Discover the resurgence of trendy fanny packs, the perfect lightweight companion for day excursions during your river cruise or leisurely days on board.

We have reviewed some of the best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here , but these are a few of our favorites. Some even transition beautifully from day to evening.

Travelon Addison-Anti-Theft-Convertible Crossbody/Belt Bag

Travelon Origin Anti-Theft Waistpack/Sling Bag treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology

Daypacks for Cruise Excursions

When you choose a travel daypack, prioritize features like hidden pockets, secure zippers, and adaptable designs that remain snug against your back. Make sure you can easily shift your bag to the front in crowded settings.

You can avoid the risk of pickpocketing if you opt for a sling bag. These types of bags provide added security. You can explore our curated collection of Sling Backpacks for men & women .

Read Our Complete Guide to Buying an Anti-Theft Backpack

Best Cruise Purse for Evening Excursions and Onboard

If you want to bring an additional purse for evening excursions or evenings on board, consider a handbag for travel with a small anti-theft wristlet or clutch for evenings. Or, pack a separate anti-theft clutch that won’t take up much room in your bag.

Perfect for carrying your phone, lipstick, room card, and money without having to pack an extra purse.

Baggallini womens Horizon Travel Crossbody cross body handbag

Baggallini Women’s Cross Over Bag with Wristlet

Travelon Anti-Theft Boho Clutch Crossbody Bag

Related: A Complete Guide to the Best Anti-theft Travel Gear

Example Viking River Cruise Packing List

Below is a packing list that will give you all the essentials you need. Continue reading beyond this list to understand the best reasons why you should bring these specific clothing items. This cruise packing list is for a seven to ten-day cruise. You may want to increase some clothing items depending on the type and duration of the cruise.

• 5 – 7 Tops to mix and match with bottoms.
• 1-2 Dressier tops for special evenings.
• 3-4 Bottoms to mix and match with tops.
• 1  Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings.
• 1-2 Long sleeved sweaters depending on the season.
• Lightweight jacket/cardigan for cooler days.
• Scarf/stole – either lightweight for summer or woollen for winter.
• Underwear for the duration of your trip.
• Socks for the duration (including compression socks for the flight).
• Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it.
• Travel umbrella.
• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
• Sunglasses and reading glasses.

Seasonal Additions

• Winter jacket – Lightweight, packable puffy down jacket for travel.
• Warm winter hat.
• Pair of gloves.
• Winterweight scarf/woolen stole.
• Pair winter shoes – opt for lightweight over heavy boots.
• Sun hat for summer
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes.
• 1 pair of day shoes for around the boat or casual evenings.
• 1 pair of dressy shoes for special evenings.
• 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin.

Tech and Accessories

• Extra SD cards for the camera
• External phone charger
• Kindle or E-Reader
• Batteries and chargers for all devices
• Travel adapters (if you need them)
• A power strip (if you think you need one)

Personal Items

• Toiletries and all medications – (quality shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap, and body wash are provided onboard.)
• Hair straightener or curler if you use one – You DO NOT NEED a hairdryer
• Electric shaver if you use one

What to Wear on a River Cruise

How should i dress for a viking cruise.

Viking has a well-earned reputation for delivering an upscale river cruise experience. While this is undoubtedly true, many equate this with the need to dress up during the cruise.

Usually, this is not the case. While a certain level of dress is expected and always appreciated, on a Viking River Cruise, you will not find the need for formal wear as you might on a big cruise line.

How to Pack for a Cruise

To avoid overpacking for your cruise, choose clothing that will work for multiple combinations so you can mix and match outfits.

Start with a predominantly neutral color scheme -black, white, beige, tan, and grey. Depending on your style, you can highlight this with one or two pastels or brighter accent colors.

See our top five best women’s travel pants that are stylish, comfortable, and versatile – perfect for river cruising.

Anatomie Skyler Travel Pant (use code GET15OFF for 15% off your order)

Cashmere Classic Cardigan

Round Neck Stripe T

Bluffworks Travel Palma Chino Pants

See our guide to the must-have travel essentials for women for more travel packing list tips for ladies.

Cruise Packing Tips

• If you are creating a packing list for a seven-day cruise, select five to seven tops to compliment three to four bottoms.
• A brightly colored scarf, shawl, or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit.
• You may wish to choose one additional dressier outfit or elegant top to dress up one of your mix-and-match combinations.
• You may want to increase this accordingly for each additional week you are traveling.

See the end of the article for a complete example river cruise packing list.

Bluffworks Ascender 5 Pocket Travel Pants

Goodthreads Men’s Long-Sleeve Solid Oxford Shirt

Nautica Men’s Classic Fit Polo Shirt

Levi’s Men’s Cargo Short

Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. Easy care, wrinkle-free, breathable fabrics are best.

Layer Your Outfits

Depending on the season and destination, the weather could be changeable from port to port. Layering is the best way to combat changeable conditions when traveling even from morning to night or when transiting in airports.

Allow for one heavier, windproof jacket, although leave overly bulky or heavy clothing at home. They can become cumbersome when on the move. You can find our top-rated women’s travel jackets and men’s travel jackets with hidden pockets here .

Pack some long-sleeved sweaters or cardigans as well as short and long-sleeved tops and shirts. This way, you can be warm in the cooler mornings and evenings and shed easy-to-carry layers as required during the day.

Scarves and Shawls

A nice scarf or pashmina is the perfect travel accessory for layering when it gets a little cool. It can also dress up an outfit for evenings.

A lightweight scarf also makes great layering for sun protection and as a shoulder and head cover for entering places of worship.

Bluffworks Lightweight Travel Utility Scarf

Dalle Piane Cashmere Stole

Cruise Day Wear

True to the ethos of destination-focused cruising, you will have plenty of time ashore exploring independently or on one of the many included and optional shore excursions.  So comfortable, casual wear will make up the majority of your wardrobe.

• Comfortable trousers or jeans are best, or shorts or skirts are also appropriate if the weather calls for it.
• Lightweight, breathable tops. Both long and short-sleeved.
• A lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler weather. (a packable down puffy jacket is good for cold or winter weather)
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Hat and sunglasses

Consider any places of worship you may be visiting where respectful dress is required. You may be denied entry if you are considered to be inappropriately dressed.

Another good reason to always carry a lightweight travel scarf .

Looking for practical and stylish travel wear?

Read our Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel .

We’ve put together a collection of the most stylish anti-theft hidden pocket clothing for travel for both men and women.

Cruise Evening Wear

Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at the orchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board.

While the restaurants offer a fine dining experience, the dress code is optional. Of course, you may choose to dress up, but many passengers will opt for “elegant casual”. There are no “formal nights” on a river cruise.

For ladies – Dresses, skirts, or pants with a blouse or sweater are appropriate.

For men – Trousers and collared shirts are acceptable. Ties and jackets are a personal choice.

Look for easy-care, wrinkle-free dress shirts you can wash and not worry about ironing like this travel range from Bluffworks .

Bluffworks Wrinkle Free Azores Blouse

Bluffworks Wrinkle-Free Travel Zenith Dress Shirt

A river cruise schedule can be quite busy. So much so, some days will barely allow time to change before dinner.

Think about your mix and match. A smart dress shirt or polo can quickly dress up a casual look for men, and a lovely shawl and change of shoes can quickly transform a casual outfit for ladies.

There is no need to bring any fancy jewelry. It will only be something for you to worry about on the cruise.

Pack for the Conditions

Cold and Wet Weather

If you are cruising in the shoulder season or taking a winter river cruise, such as a Christmas market river cruise , you may want to prepare for cold and wet weather.

• A pair of lightweight gloves and hat that can slip easily into your daypack or handbag.
• A scarf or shawl is great for layering in minor changes in weather and a must if cruising in the winter months.
• A lightweight rain jacket or quality rain poncho . Consider a jacket that can double as your day-to-day jacket for cooler days, or choose a waterproof jacket that will fold down for easy storage and carrying.
• All river cruises offer complimentary umbrellas on board as just one of the thoughtful cruise accessories on offer . However, they are quite large, so they are not always ideal for taking out for a full day of sightseeing. A small, quality travel umbrella is perfect for keeping in your daypack or handbag, and you always have it in case of an unexpected downpour.

Our favourite travel accessories for wet weather. 

Totes Women’s Reversible, Packable Travel Rain Poncho

The North Face Venture Rain Jacket

totes Women’s Bucket Rain Hat

Windproof & Lightweight Folding Travel Umbrella.

Sun and Hot Weather

If cruising in the warmer months, don’t get caught without sun protection. There is nothing worse than a sunburn on your holiday.

Too many people forget about sun protection when sightseeing around cities and local attractions. Even in the shoulder seasons, the sun can be very harmful, so always be prepared with at least the basics.

• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts are perfect for hot sunny days. Collared shirts are always better.
• A travel umbrella works equally as well as a sun parasol.
• A lightweight travel scarf is great for additional sun protection on the neck and shoulders and comes in handy when visiting places of worship. They are also good if visiting dusty areas to cover your face.

Foldable and Packable Sun Hats for Travel

SunLily Women’s Roll-n-Go Sun Hat

Scala Women’s Packable Cotton Hat

Foldable & Packable Fedora Panama Straw Hat

Best Shoes for a River Cruise

Shoes take up the most room in our luggage and can sometimes add the most weight – See our tips on how to pack shoes to solve these issues. Especially when considering some men’s shoes. In saying that, consider carefully what shoes you will pack for a river cruise.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentary way to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. At each port, you will have numerous shore activities and excursions to choose from, including lots of free walking tours.

You will be doing a considerable amount of walking and even some easy-to-moderate hikes on some excursions. 

Comfortable walking shoes will be very important. Also, choose shoes with a good grip. Walking around Europe on the cobblestones can sometimes be perilous, especially in the wet.

See our guide to the best travel sneakers for comfy, grippy, cobblestone-proof footwear.

Forsake Davos Mid Men’s Waterproof Outdoor Sneaker Boot

Allbirds Men’s Risers Sneakers

Skechers Men’s Relaxed-Fit Memory Foam Slip-On Loafer

Thankfully today, you can find some very stylish, practical, and, more importantly, lightweight walking shoes on the market.

Tip: Break in your walking shoes before you leave on your cruise

ECCO Women’s Soft 7 Sneaker

Skechers Women’s Go Joy Walking Shoe

Allbirds Women’s SuperLight Tree Runners

Additional Day and Evening Shoes

You may like to take a second pair of day shoes for around the ship that can transition to evening and one pair of dressier shoes for evening excursions.

We always like to take a pair of flip-flops or a similar comfortable sandal for relaxing in the cabin or making those quick trips to the snack and coffee station.

Fly – Cruise Tip

If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long-haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. Swollen feet from flying are bad at the best of times.

On a river cruise, you will launch straight into tours and excursions; there would be nothing worse than squeezing swollen feet into shoes for a walking tour.

Personal Items, Adapters & Chargers

Toiletries and personal products.

Embarking on a river cruise grants you ample shore time to easily grab any toiletries you need along the way. With Viking River Cruises, skip packing basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, or body lotion—unless you have specific preferences.

They offer an exclusive, luxurious range by Freyja, supplied in generously sized, refillable bottles, sidestepping leaks and the burden of tiny containers. These premium products are replenished daily or upon request, ensuring you’re always catered to.

Plus, there’s a convenient onboard shop for any urgent needs.

Medications

Don’t forget any medicines you might need for the duration of your cruise, plus additional just in case of any delays.

Tip for Travelling with Medications

Check any travel advice for the countries you will be traveling to regarding prohibited medication lists . If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home.

Additional Handy Toiletries We Recommend

Don’t forget to carry some hand sanitizer with you. We find the ones that clip to your bag are the best as you never leave them behind and are easy to access when needed.

Hand Sanitizer Travel Sized Pump Bottle

One of the less desirable aspects of travel is having to use public conveniences, something you will often do on a river cruise. We always keep some of these handy wipes in our bags. Whether at an airport or on a shore excursion, throw a few in your bag, and you will never get caught out.

Flushable, individually wrapped wipes for travel.

Adapters and Chargers

Travel Adapters

Viking longships have 110 / 220-volt outlets and USB ports in every cabin, so you shouldn’t need a power adapter unless you have hotel stays included in your cruise itinerary or either side of the cruise. (Not every cruise company will have this, so you should check in advance if cruising with a different company)

You will find power points next to the bed and near the desk, which will likely be ample for most travelers.

If you find you need more charging space for cameras, phones, or even a laptop, we recommend bringing a  power strip from your home country. We always travel with one, just in case.

Cruise Excursion Tip

Bring your headphones – I find the earpieces issued with the audio devices for tours very uncomfortable and difficult to attach to my ear.

I have found the plug-in headphones you would typically use with your smartphone are compatible with the audio devices on board. They are much more comfortable to wear for long periods and produce better sound.

Generic Premium Earbuds/Headphones with Stereo Mic & Remote Control for Smartphones

Charging Bank

A quality, fast charging bank is great for travel days and essential for full-day shore excursions, especially for anyone who uses their phone as their primary camera. They are not expensive and can be a lifesaver when you really need that bit of extra battery.

Dandelion Travel Adapter with 2 USB Ports

Power strip with 3 AC Outlets, 2 USB Ports

The Smallest and Lightest High-Speed Power Bank

Do You Have All Your Chargers and Cords?

Always do a final check of all your devices, cameras, and electronic equipment to make sure you have all the right cords, batteries, and chargers. You may not be able to get a replacement should you forget one.