River Cruise Dress Codes: What To Pack? | RiverVoyages.com (2024)

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River Cruise Dress Codes: What To Pack? | RiverVoyages.com? ›

So comfortable, casual wear will make up the majority of your wardrobe. Comfortable trousers or jeans are best, or if the weather calls for it, shorts or skirts are also appropriate.

So comfortable, casual wear will make up the majority of your wardrobe. Comfortable trousers or jeans are best, or if the weather calls for it, shorts or skirts are also appropriate.

Bring casual clothes that are comfortable – that's your main priority. Unlike ocean cruises where guests often dine in ballgowns and tuxedos, the dress code on a river cruise is much more relaxed and informal.

Breathable fabrics are a must, as are hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent and a swimsuit (if your ship has a plunge pool or if you're planning a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay). Pack light colors in loose layers and pack sturdy sneakers or walking sandals.

There are no formal nights on a river cruise, though some guests may choose to dress up for events such as the Captain's Welcome Dinner.

Though there are no formal nights on-board Viking River cruises, evening dress is elegant casual across all dining venues, performances and special events. This includes: Women – Dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse. Men – Trousers and collared shirt with a tie and jacket being optional.

Casual attire includes jeans and collared shirts for men and sundresses or pants with blouses for women. No caps, tank tops or bathing suits are permitted in the main dining room or specialty restaurants, and footwear is always required. Shorts are not allowed during dinner.

At night for dinner guests can go for casual or smart casual clothes at most of the restaurants. Although for specialty restaurants in cruise ships a formal dress code is suggested. The cruise line does not have any kind of formal nights but 'Norwegian's night out' can be considered as the formal night.

There are no formal nights on Viking so there's no need for long dresses for women or dinner jackets for men (even neckties are discretionary). Instead, the dress code is “elegant casual,” meaning anything from a sundress in the Caribbean—to slacks and a blouse for women cruising in colder climates.

Minibars that include complimentary alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks, water and snacks (replenished once daily). Complimentary clothes pressing and shoeshine services.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a river cruise? ›

Bottom line: On a river cruise, a balcony may offer good value when it means an upgrade to a larger suite, but not when a French balcony gives you more interior space, or when you will be spending little time in your cabin.

Cruise casual clothing – including jeans and shorts for men and jeans, casual dresses and shorts for women – is acceptable at the buffet and most specialty restaurants anytime during the day. Guests can wear swimwear at the buffet and outdoor restaurant as long as they have a shirt or cover-up and footwear.

Elegant casual is also known as “ casual elegance” and is typically similar to something you would wear to a country club or upscale restaurant. A step above resort evening, with this dress code, men are expected to wear a long-sleeve dress shirt with slacks and dress shoes—no shorts, t-shirts, or sandals.

Meals on a Viking River Cruise

Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 am. Lunch: 12:00-2:00 pm. Dinner: 7:00 pm.

River Cruises for Seniors

Increasing in popularity with new ships added each year, river cruising is ideal for seniors. Ports are usually close to cities, sailing is smooth, ships are small (with usually no more than 200 passengers), and most shore excursions offer several levels of walking intensity.

While serving times can vary depending upon excursions and cruise schedules, they are generally: Breakfast: 7:00 AM–9:30 AM. Lunch: 12:00 PM–2:00 PM. Dinner: 7:00 PM.

You will need comfortable clothes and walking shoes for excursions, some surfaces can be over uneven terrain. Shorts are perfectly acceptable, as are jeans. A light water resistant jacket can be useful even in the summer!

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.

Although there is a mix of ages on the Viking River ships, most passengers are 60 plus, and many are retired, especially those favoring the longer voyages.

Image description. Smart casual includes items like blazers, sports jackets, dresses, sweaters, trousers, khakis, skirts, blouses, button-down shirts, polos, dress shoes, boots, heels, flats, scarves and jewelry.

What is smart casual on a cruise? ›

Smart casual: Jeans or slacks with a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes. Tank tops for men, flip flops, baseball caps, visors and jeans that are overly faded with holes or tears and worn below the hips are not permitted in main dining rooms or specialty restaurants.

Jeans are appropriate. On dress-up nights(short cruises), and optional semi-formal and formal nights (longer cruises), elegant attire is suggested. This includes suits and jackets for men and dresses, pantsuits or co*cktail dresses for ladies.

T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. In addition, shorts and flip-flops are not permitted during the evening hours.

Many luxury cruise lines, higher-end river lines, and some British and Australian lines have a no-tipping policy, and gratuities are not required. You can always tip at your discretion, though some crewmembers are not allowed to accept monetary gifts.

1. What is the dress code? Comfortable “Country Club Casual” is the recommended attire for daytime, and to pack something a little dressier for the Captain's night/Farewell Dinner – similar to how one would dress to dine at a 5-star restaurant.

Most lines — including Royal Caribbean, Disney, Celebrity, Cunard, Seabourn and Viking — do allow guests to bring flat irons or curling irons on board.

A 15% tip is automatically added to bar, beverage and deck service tabs. The cruise line suggests you may also wish to give your local guides a cash tip at the end of each tour. Details: See under What is the tipping policy? on Viking Cruises' website.

Depending on your stateroom category, laundry and pressing may be complimentary. If your stateroom category does not include these services, they may be purchased for a modest fee. A full listing of amenities by stateroom category can be found on each ship page.

Are Viking Ocean Cruises all-inclusive? Viking Ocean cruises are about as all-inclusive as you can get on a cruise. You won't find any additional charges for the alternative restaurants, Wi-Fi, or even wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.

How much is laundry on Viking River Cruise? ›

Paid laundry services are available on all Viking River Cruises' ships. The fees for European river cruises range in price from $1 per item to $6 per item. In Asia these services range from $2 per item to $5 per item; however, the list of what can be laundered or pressed is more limited on river cruises in Asia.

You want to be as close to the pivot point as possible to feel the least movement. Avoid cabins near the front (bow) or back (stern) and on decks higher than the middle deck of the ship. So, on a ship with fourteen passenger decks, your best options are below deck seven.

French Balcony cabins have floor-to-ceiling glass doors, while Verandah cabins have larger outdoor spaces with chairs and tables where guests can relax in the fresh air and enjoy their own private view of the river.

When you arrive at the Port Authority Security in the cruise terminal, you will pass a security checkpoint where all carry-on luggage goes through X-rays and other baggage is checked in. All checked bags on cruise ships are scanned.

Generally, it's best not to go barefoot outside your cabin unless you're on the lido deck. There are too many floor hazards that you can avoid by just wearing sandals or flip-flops. The public restrooms are no different.

Cruises are air-conditioned so best to pack a shawl, a cardigan, blazer or hoodie. A light jacket is also recommended. Make sure you have a large beach towel so you can lay out on the beach or poolside. Travel cruise clothing tip: No need to over pack!

special conditions. Dining time: Lunch: 11:00am - 2:30pm (last reservation slot at 1:30pm) Dinner: 5:30pm - 10:00pm (last reservation slot at 9:00pm) - Buffet rates are subject to 5% service charge - Eatigo discount is only applicable to adult rate - Please present your eatigo reservation code upon arrival.

Viking closely monitors luggage restrictions. You are permitted one carry- on, dimensions not exceeding 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and weight not exceeding 15 lbs (7 kg). You are also permitted one checked bag, dimensions not exceeding 16 x 23 x 39 in (40 x 60 x 100 cm) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs (23 kg).

It's extremely rare for anyone to get seasick on a river cruise. First, there are virtually no waves on a river. Sure, it can get windy, but waves and rocking are almost non-existent. If your river ship is tied up in port at night, you might experience a slightly gentle sway now and then when a cargo boat goes past.

We offer reduced senior prices only on selected sailings exclusively for guests who are 55 years of age and older. We also offer special rates for police and firefighters on select ships and sailings. We do offer special rates on selected sailings for military personnel.

Is there a doctor on Viking River Cruises? ›

Medical Services

Each of our ocean and expedition vessels has always had a state-of-the-art Medical Center; those facilities have now been upgraded with more specialized equipment. We have also launched a new 24/7 hotline staffed by doctors, specifically for our river cruises.

For older adults, aka those over 55 or “senior citizens,” cruises are a particularly carefree way to travel. Whether you're a first-time or seasoned cruiser, you may be a bit more discerning when it comes to what you're looking for in a cruise vacation.

So comfortable, casual wear will make up the majority of your wardrobe. Comfortable trousers or jeans are best, or if the weather calls for it, shorts or skirts are also appropriate.

Bring casual clothes that are comfortable – that's your main priority. Unlike ocean cruises where guests often dine in ballgowns and tuxedos, the dress code on a river cruise is much more relaxed and informal.

Are free drinks available onboard Viking Ocean cruises? Related: What's Included in My Cruise Fare on a Luxury Cruise? Viking Ocean Cruises serves complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine is offered on embarkation day.

Dress Code

During the day, passengers can wear shorts, pants or jeans and shoes that are comfortable for walking tours and excursions. Itineraries don't include formal nights, and evening attire is classified as "elegant casual" after 6 p.m. in all dining venues except World Café.

Meals on a Viking River Cruise

Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 am. Lunch: 12:00-2:00 pm. Dinner: 7:00 pm.

Passenger Profile

Although there is a mix of ages on the Viking River ships, most passengers are 60 plus, and many are retired, especially those favoring the longer voyages.

Face masks are optional while moving about the ship. Please note: Viking's Medical Team continually monitors conditions and may deem face masks to be necessary while moving about the ship, based on conditions at the time of travel.

Minibars that include complimentary alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks, water and snacks (replenished once daily). Complimentary clothes pressing and shoeshine services.

What time is breakfast on Viking Cruises? ›

While serving times can vary depending upon excursions and cruise schedules, they are generally: Breakfast: 7:00 AM–9:30 AM. Lunch: 12:00 PM–2:00 PM. Dinner: 7:00 PM.

Viking River Cruises offer two ways to manage your gratuities: you can relax and enjoy your journey by pre-purchasing gratuities on My Viking Journey at our standard recommended rate of US$18 per guest per day; or, we will automatically add a discretionary service charge of €15 per guest per day to your shipboard ...

The standard Suite is designed to accommodate up to 2-3 guests. There is a private bedroom in this suite which features a hotel-style queen-size bed and access to a French balcony.

Viking River Cruises are adults-only and on several rivers.

Discover Our Ships

Viking Ocean Cruises boasts a fleet of new, all-veranda, state-of-the-art ocean ships. Each identical sister ship carries only 930 guests and is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports.