For first-timers, our advice on packing for a Viking ocean cruise…
Preparing for any trip involves planning—as well as careful pruning:
Not only do you need to figure out what to take but you need to determine what NOT to take.
To do a good job, don’t wait until the last minute. Try to think through where you’ll be, and what you’ll be doing, and make lists as reminders to guide your packing.
The perils of overpacking for a Viking ocean cruise or any ocean cruise
Cramming too much in your suitcase increases the odds of additional airline fees for oversized or overweight checked bags. Heavy bags are tricky to manage, too.
As we age, carrying and lifting suitcases can exact a toll on our back and shoulder muscles.
Once onboard, it can be difficult to stow an overpacked bag under your bed easily. Although there is ample storage space onboard Viking Ocean Cruises, bringing too much stuff makes it harder to sift through your belongings to find what you want.
So master the art of packing light!
Oops…I left it home
Of course, there is a downside to extreme minimalism or sloppy packing. Perhaps you’ll leave your sunglasses or swimsuit at home or forget to bring a sweater for chilly evenings.
We were on a shoulder season cruise in the Mediterranean a few years ago. I could have kicked myself for leaving my swimsuit at home when the weather unexpectedly turned warm and sunny! It was impossible to find one to my liking in the department store in Marseille—although I tried.
Packing too little means you may have to do without, or pay the price of purchasing (and finding) replacements while traveling for things you already have at home.
Packing for a Viking Ocean Cruise: What NOT to pack
Here is our advice on 6 things you should definitely NOT take:
1) NO formal evening attire
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.
There are few hard-fast rules for evening dress except to limit shorts and workout attire to daytime use only. Male passengers generally opt for trousers and a collared shirt (short or long-sleeved) in the evening, generally without a sports jacket or tie. A black colored polo shirt (my husband likes the Ralph Lauren slim shirt) is always a great look for men.
I also rarely take precious jewelry on any cruise. It’s something to worry about losing, and fanciful costume jewelry is just as much fun!
2) NO hairdryer
Braun Hair Dryer on Viking Star (Photo credit: Jerome Levine)
Every ocean (or river ship) we’ve ever been on has had a hairdryer tucked in a drawer or closet (although you often have to search for them). I loved the Braun Satin Hair model in my Viking Ocean stateroom so much that I would like to purchase a similar model for home use.
Straightening or curling irons are another story. Neither hotels nor cruise ships have caught up with the popularity of these hair tools. So if you depend on them, bring your own.
The only exception to the no-adapter rule below: Make sure you bring European-style adapters for the plugs, and that the hair tools can run on 220V current (for use near the makeup table in your cabin).
3) No adapters
Bedside outlets on Viking Star (Credit: Jerome Levine)
Electrical outlets in Viking Ocean staterooms run on either 110V and 220V so when packing for a Viking Ocean Cruise, there is no need to bring other adapters—even though you’ll be visiting different countries.
Each cabin has two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. There are also USB ports to charge your cellphone or tablet so all you need to bring are the cables.
4) No shampoo or conditioner
Freyja Toiletries on Viking Ocean Cruises (Credit: Jerome Levine)
Shampoo and conditioner must be packed extra carefully when you’re flying because these liquids can easily leak onto your belongings and are subject to TSA 3-1-1 rules if you bring them in a carry-on.
Unless you are wed to a particular product, you don’t need to bring shampoo or conditioner onboard. Viking Ocean Cruises provides lovely Freyja shampoo and conditioner (designed exclusively for Viking) in nice, easy-to-handle sizes (rather than mini-bottles).
Also note: They come with large print labeling so those over 40 don’t need to take their peepers into the shower.
Leave the soap, body lotion, shower gel and shower cap at home as well. They are also provided by the cruise line and replenished as needed.
More to come below but also read my list of essential Cruise Hacks, for both sea and ocean voyages:
5) No snacks
Norwegian Waffle at Mamsen’s (Credit: Jerome Levine)
No need to bring any foodstuffs because you’ll never be hungry. Aside from three meals a day, snacks are always accessible– whether you miss a meal, wake up late, or have a craving between meal hours.
Mamsen’s is a small Norwegian-style counter tucked in the beautiful Explorer’s Lounge on Deck 7, serving small plates with dishes like smoked salmon, steak tartare and shrimp salad, and Norwegian waffles.
The Pool Grill serves up burgers, hotdogs, and salads throughout the afternoon. The Viking Bar on Deck 1 has sweets and savories available through midnight. And an extensive Room Service menu is available at no extra charge 24 hours a day.
If you think you may be tempted to bring snacks back to the ship from a cruise excursion, do remember to pack a few Ziploc bags. I find the quart-size bags to be the most versatile. (You never know where you might find a special type of chocolate:-)
6) No umbrella
Viking has thought of that, too. You’ll find two large red umbrellas in your stateroom that you can use if the weather is inclement.
Umbrellas on the Viking Star (Photo credit: Jerome Levine)
7) No beach towels
No need for bringing bulky beach towels or taking sand home
Whether you plan to swim onboard or take an excursion to a beach, you won’t need to bring beach towels from home.
You’ll find beach towels near the pool areas and bins by the security exit before disembarking.
Often, a crew member will place towels on your bed the night before if you’ve booked an excursion that might call for beach towels.
This post was so popular that I recently posted a complementary piece:
COVID-19 UPDATE: If you are traveling on land or sea, be sure to read my post on the 6 essential items you need to bring to prevent and treat COVID:
You’ll find some additional cruising tips in our previous article on MoreTimeToTravel:
IF YOU GO
Viking Luggage Tag (Credit: Jerome Levine)
Also on MoreTimeToTravel:
Viking Ocean Cruises Carves Out A Special Niche for Over-50 Travelers
Best Travel Accessories for Men: 28 Great Gifts for Travelers
Disclosures:
- We have been invited guests of Viking Ocean Cruises but any opinions expressed in this post are our own.
- This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Check out a list of items prohibited onboard: Viking Prohibited Items List
Also, be sure to read: Viking Ocean Cruises Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to book (or look)
- Check out Viking Ocean Cruise Deals on Cruise Critic
- Check out Viking River Cruise Deals on Cruise Critic
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46 Comments
Janice Chung
September 29, 2017 at 8:33 pmYou got me on #1, 3 and 6! I thought formal/dressy was the norm on all cruise ships! Guess not. Oh not to bring adapters! More room in my suitcase! And finally the umbrella. My travel one is small but having not to bring one would be great. Super post, Irene.
Irene S. Levine
September 30, 2017 at 4:49 amWe’ve got to get you back into cruising, Janice! Glad you enjoyed the post~
Irene
Lauren M
October 3, 2017 at 9:34 pmIn my experience, this is great advice! Thanks for the reminders.
Irene S. Levine
October 4, 2017 at 1:19 amGlad they resonated with you!
Marsha Dumo
December 11, 2017 at 1:13 pmI’m bring my hair styling tool and want to plug it in to 110v in the bathroom. Will the ship have a adapter for me for the bathroom or is there a 110v plug in there? Thanks
Irene S. Levine
December 12, 2017 at 5:08 pmI suggest that you call Viking Cruises to make sure—but if I recollect correctly, although there were ample 100V outlets, you may not be able to use any appliance in the bathroom except for an electric shaver. Depending on your stateroom, you will probably have a desk or dressing table with a 100v outlet where you can fix your hair.
Have a great time on your cruise!
Robyn Spahr
February 20, 2018 at 6:42 pmI have been told by friends who sail on other lines that I will need a lanyard and pouch to carry ID and room keys, we did not on Viking River Cruises, do we on the ocean cruise?
Thanks
Irene S. Levine
February 21, 2018 at 2:00 pmHi Robin,
Your room key is your ID. It is required each time you get off and on the ship. I usually carry a small purse with that and my phone and a small amount of cash. On the ship, you only need the ID, which you can tuck into a pocket. Some people do prefer lanyards but it’s not necessary.
Hope this helps!
Irene
Rachel
August 22, 2019 at 4:43 pmI’m going on a Viking River Cruise (Paris-Normandy). I wasn’t sure whether or not to bring my usual cruise lanyard and hole punch?
Irene S. Levine
August 23, 2019 at 7:22 amHi Rachel,
Up to you. Not too many passengers use them but it’s light enough to take along in case you want to:-) the only use would be getting on and off the ship.
Bon voyage!
Irene
Jan Lees
April 15, 2018 at 3:46 pmI really don’t want to bring any shampoo but I’m supposed to use phosphate free. I can’t find any info on Fteyja that gives me that info. HELP !!
Irene S. Levine
April 15, 2018 at 11:19 pmI would suggest that you call Viking. I’d be surprised if they couldn’t tell you the answer; my experience is that they are great on the phone!
Robyn Spahr
April 18, 2018 at 2:09 pmJan Lee, I would definitely bring yours, I didn’t on our last Viking cruise and as great as their stuff is, it stripped the color.enjoy your trip.
Irene S. Levine
April 18, 2018 at 2:41 pmThanks for responding, Robyn. Many people prefer to bring their own reliable shampoos/conditioners/toiletries, etc. so they know what to expect when they use them.
Shelley Bouchard
April 21, 2018 at 1:37 amIn our documents from Viking regarding our river cruise in France, it says curling irons and flat irons are prohibited. Has anyone dealt with thus recently? My hair is very unruly and I am mortified at the thought of no heat styling tools! 18 days and counting:)
Irene S. Levine
April 21, 2018 at 9:17 amHI Shelley,
I found this online on the VIking Cruises Q&A site (I couldn’t find a similar statement specific to ocean cruises):
What Is The Electrical Voltage In The Stateroom? What Kind Of Converters Will I Need For My Computer/Curling Iron/Camera Battery Charger?
If you are traveling on a Viking Longship, you will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. The 110V electrical outlets (North American style) are located above the desk and on each side of the bed. Other European ships have 220V electricity, and have the German Schuko safety plug, which has two pins. In China the ships have a 3-pin blade safety plug; an adapter with just the two slanted blades will also work. In Southeast Asia the ships use a 2-pin Euro plug. Some of these plugs are grounded and some are not. Each stateroom will have one or two 115V razor plugs available, generally in the bathroom. See the chart for more details and pictures of the plugs.
My suggestion: It seems like it shouldn’t be a problem to bring your flat iron. I’ve taken mine on multiple Viking river and OCEAN cruises and have never had a problem. I’ve left it out on the counter and the stewards never said anything either. Unlike a hair dryer, flat irons don’t use a lot of current and most are dual voltage (check the tag).
Have a wonderful trip! Have you seen this post? https://www.moretimetotravel.com/cruise-hacks-8-tips-to-help-you-pack-for-a-river-cruise/
Best, Irene
Lynn Davis
June 21, 2018 at 11:32 amHave you been on the Midnight Sun cruise – any thoughts on the type of clothing to bring – I leave in a few days and still struggling with what clothes to take – thanks 🙂
Irene S. Levine
June 22, 2018 at 5:18 amHi Lynn,
How exciting! No, I haven’t been on a Midnight Sun cruise but this article I recently wrote for Forbes.com may offer some general advice that could be helpful:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/irenelevine/2018/05/01/7-packing-tips-to-make-your-european-river-cruise-hassle-free/#43a857661797
Bon voyage!
Irene
Susan Schechinger
June 24, 2018 at 12:20 pmI am also taking that cruise. Maybe we will run into each other. Also trying to decide what to wear.
Carol Eaton
July 9, 2018 at 10:31 amWe just got back from the Viking Rhine River Cruise and these tips were very good. I have to say though that almost nobody dressed up for dinner—I saw one or two men in sport coats. Bring your comfortable easy to pack stuff ladies and bring athletic shoes that allow for socks. In the summer it can be really hot and sweaty feet even in sandals can cause blisters. Even the sharpest dressed had their athletic shoes or keen sandals on during the day. I was told specifically not to bring curling iron or flatiron (fire hazard). If you stay in a hotel before or after your cruise you will need to bring adapters for charging your phone or tablets. I definitely overpacked—shoes and clothes. I liked the hair and cleansing products on the ship, but the hotel had one cleanser for hair and body only. I was really glad I had brought my own shampoo and conditioner.
Irene S. Levine
July 9, 2018 at 1:05 pmHi Carol,
Glad the tips were helpful. Thanks for sharing your tips and experiences!
Jad
August 22, 2018 at 6:54 amHow does Viking Ocean cruises treat solo travellers. Are there any solo travellers on their cruises.
Jad
Meri
February 23, 2019 at 9:30 amDo women really wear pants and a blouse for dinner? I am bringing a few dresses but am also bringing pants and blouses. I’m hoping that other women will be wearing slacks with a nice blouse for our Viking Ocean cruise to the Caribbean
Irene S. Levine
February 24, 2019 at 2:16 amWear whatever makes you feel comfortable but nice slacks and a blouse will be absolutely fine. The dress code on Viking Ocean Cruises is very relaxed.
Mary
March 10, 2019 at 7:36 pmHi Meri,
I just took the Caribbean Amazon cruise and women were wearing slacks and blouses, as did I. Keep in mind that though it may be tropical outside it can get chilly in the a/c. In the theatre it can be arctic.
Also, regarding a curling iron…I had one and used it and had no problem. Definitely needed that in the humidity. Of course as soon as I stepped outside it was all over!
Irene S. Levine
March 11, 2019 at 8:47 amThanks for adding your experience, Mary!
Meri
February 24, 2019 at 9:20 amThank you for your quick reply. We are really looking forward to this cruise and it’s wonderful itinerary. Another question- my husband is thinking about bringing jeans to wear to dinner, but I thought I read that jeans are frowned upon for dinner. What is your advice?
Irene S. Levine
February 24, 2019 at 11:49 amHi Meri,
Jeans are discouraged in the main dining room but if you want to eat and dress in jeans, you can get almost the same foods in the World Cafe, where there is no dress code. I would suggest he bring one pair of khakis.
You will have a wonderful time!
Irene
Meri
February 24, 2019 at 11:50 amThanks again!
MJ Jacobsen
April 27, 2019 at 7:24 pmHi Irene,
Thanks for the tips! I have been or 2 VRCs and leave for my 1st VOC in a week (Baltic Sea – yay!) I will be on the Viking Sky so joined an”unofficial” Viking FB group to ask if all was repaired after the “incident” ~ a month ago (it is!) My #1 tip to people going on their 1st river cruise is “laundry is quick & inexpensive – don’t overpack.” There are laundry rooms on the ocean ships and a friend said do NOT think you will do laundry on the days you are sailing – everybody has that idea. Throw your clothes in a washer when you leave for dinner, then in the dryer afterward.
Lots of controversy on curling irons & flatirons. Viking says they are NOT allowed, but no one will confiscate. Just be sure to unplug when not in use.
Irene S. Levine
April 28, 2019 at 9:11 amThanks for your tip! I’m sure you will have a wonderful cruise!
Best, Irene
Judy Davies
October 26, 2019 at 3:44 amDo viking ocean cruise lines have a hairdresser on board?
Irene S. Levine
October 26, 2019 at 11:13 amHi Judy,
Yes, I believe there is one. You can check with Viking to make sure.
Best, Irene
Peter Gardiner
May 15, 2019 at 11:30 pmRegsrding snacks you forgot to mention that you do not need room service as each room comes with a bar fridge and that snacks like the delicious home baked cookies are readily available ftim the World Cafe. We often take a few with us on tours for snacks on the bus.
Irene S. Levine
May 16, 2019 at 5:46 amPoint well taken! Thanks!
Teri
May 19, 2019 at 10:37 pmThank you for these suggestions and actual experiences! I just received my cruise documents and read through them and was quite upset when I read that I could not bring my hair straightener on board. I laughed out loud at the comments from Shelly and Mary. My hair is unruly amplified. I had mental pictures of all my photos of me enjoying Europe but my hair looking like it did in junior high. Thank you all for your notes that you had no problems bringing them on board. Whew! Thank you Irene for this information!
Irene S. Levine
May 20, 2019 at 7:48 amHoping you will enjoy your voyage and have “good hair days,” too!
Jo
February 3, 2020 at 2:17 pmDoes the ocean cruise provide different pillow?
Irene S. Levine
February 4, 2020 at 8:49 amMy recollection is that Viking Ocean Cruises have fluffy comforters and luxury down pillows. If you have any kind of allergy, you can ask your cabin steward or the guest services manager for a foam pillow. Hope that helps!
Enjoy your cruise!
Irene
Cindy
September 10, 2021 at 3:53 pmI like a foam pillow so I asked for one on my Bermuda cruise with Viking. It arrived promptly that evening while we were at dinner. But I noticed that I had 3 pillows and had to throw the extra one on a chair. Next time I will ask for the extra pillow to be removed. I will also ask for a lighter bed cover. The down comforter is lovely but too heavy. The room stewards are wonderful and treat you like royalty!
Irene S. Levine
September 10, 2021 at 8:14 pmThanks for sharing your experience, Cindy! It will be helpful to others.
Glenise
September 21, 2022 at 12:05 amAre there tea making facilities in room. I like boiled water first up in the mirning
Irene S. Levine
September 21, 2022 at 3:40 pmHi Glenise,
According to the Viking website, coffee machines with premium coffee and tea selections are available in Deluxe Veranda staterooms and above: https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/ships/viking-sky.htmlsin the room. If you like tea, you’ll also appreciate the high tea service in the Wintergarden. Hope this helps. Irene
Linda
October 25, 2022 at 6:37 pmCan we travel with our dog?
Irene S. Levine
October 27, 2022 at 6:13 pm“No pets or other animals are allowed on board the ship, other than service animals and certified therapy dogs as Viking may choose to permit at its sole discretion.” For additional information, see the Viking FAQs.
Best, Irene
Irene S. Levine
October 27, 2022 at 6:59 pmHi Glenise,
To the best of my knowledge, every stateroom has a mini-bar. I checked the website and all in-room amenities are listed under the name of each ship. For example, this was the information for the Viking Star, which shows mini-bars in every category of stateroom: https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/ships/viking-star.html
Since you need the refrigerator for your medicine, I would call the cruise line just to make sure it will be large enough to meet your needs or to see if a larger one can be placed in your cabin. Viking 1-866-984-5464.
Hope this is helpful and have a wonderful cruise!
Irene