Preparing for Your Viking Cruise: Travel Essentials

Preparing for a Viking cruise is easier when you know what to expect before you leave home. From passports and payment methods to stateroom amenities, recommended items to pack, and things to leave at home, these Viking cruise travel essentials will help you feel organized and prepared for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Review Passport and ID Requirements

Before your trip, locate your passport and take a few minutes to verify the following:

  1. Your passport is valid for at least six (6) months beyond your scheduled disembarkation date. Many countries require this for entry, even if your passport has not yet expired.

  2. The name on your passport exactly matches the name on your Viking Guest Information Form and airline reservation (if Viking has arranged your airfare). This includes your first name, middle name(s), last name, suffix (if applicable), and any hyphens or spaces. A mismatch could result in being denied boarding.

If you notice any discrepancies or have questions about your travel documents, contact me as soon as possible so we can address them before you travel.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, hotels, and aboard your cruise ship. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express and Discover may be accepted less frequently in some destinations. It's still a good idea to carry a small amount of local currency for small purchases, tips, or places that don't accept credit cards.

Before you travel, notify your credit card company of your travel plans if required, verify whether your card charges foreign transaction fees, and know your card's PIN in case it's needed for unattended kiosks such as train ticket machines or parking meters.

Tip: When paying by credit card, choose to be charged in the local currency rather than U.S. dollars. This typically provides a better exchange rate through your credit card issuer.

Local Currency (Europe)

Using Euros & Getting Them

Carry a small amount of euros for small vendors, restrooms, and tipping. Most banks allow you to order currency to your home before departure — request small bills (€20, €10, €5), which are easier to break for coins. You can also withdraw euros from bank ATMs while in Europe. Always notify your bank when and where you’ll be traveling so your debit card works abroad. ATMs are widely available in cities but may be limited in smaller towns.

Where You’ll Use Euros

You’ll need euros for small shops, public restrooms (€1 is common), and tipping tour guides if desired. Some restrooms accept credit cards, but most require coins. Viking does try to plan non-pay restroom stops, but having small change on hand is always helpful.

Off-Ship Tipping

Europe

Should you choose to tip your local Viking Host, Viking Representative, local guides and/or drivers, we recommend doing so in cash. We suggest €3 per person, per day for local guides and €2 per person, per day for drivers.

Please be aware that if you are taking part in an escorted pre- or post-cruise extension, the Tour Director escorting you is not included in the onboard gratuity. We suggest €3 per person, per day.

Please note most restaurants include service in their prices, and it is customary to round up generously for good service.

Egypt, India, and Mekong

Should you wish to tip your motor coach driver for transfers and shore excursions we recommend $1 USD per person, per day. If you are taking part in a pre- or post-extension your local Viking Hosts at airports and hotels, motor coach drivers and the Viking Tour Director are not included in the onboard gratuity. We suggest $2 USD per person, per day for Viking Hosts, $1 USD per person, per day for motor coach drivers, and $10 USD per person, per day for your Viking Tour Director, which is only payable in cash at the destination.

Mississippi

Should you choose to tip your local Viking Host, Viking Representative, local guides and/or drivers, we recommend doing so in cash. We suggest $5 USD per person per, day for local guides and $2 USD per person, per day for drivers.

Please be aware that if you are taking part in an escorted pre- or post-cruise extension, the Tour Director escorting you is not included in the onboard gratuity. We suggest $5 USD per person, per day.

What’s Included in My Stateroom?

  • 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports

  • Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

  • Premium Freyja® toiletries

  • Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

  • Telephone, safe, refrigerator

  • Individual climate control

  • Water replenished daily

  • Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping

  • Under-bed suitcase storage space

  • Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers

Suites may also have:

  • Binoculars

  • Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services

  • Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections (Explorer Suite & Owner’s Suite)

What To Bring

What should I pack in my carry-on?

We advise you carry on: valuables; medications in original, labeled containers; glasses/contacts, etc.; important papers (passport, insurance, medical records), Cruise Documents, emergency contact information; and cameras, memory cards and batteries; and a change of clothes and other essentials you may need during your first day of travel.

What should I pack in my luggage?

We suggest you pack comfortable walking shoes, dressier shoes, a collapsible umbrella/lightweight rain gear; items you can layer like lightweight jackets/sweaters; sunglasses, a sun hat/visor, sunscreen; and toiletries including a travel-size hand sanitizer. Depending on the season and destination, you may also want to add mosquito repellent or a warm coat, gloves and water-resistant footwear.

To visit religious sites, ensure you have modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, or you may be denied entry.

About 10 days before departure, check the weather forecast for your destinations and make any final adjustments to your packing list.

Electrical Outlets & Adapters

Europe

If you are traveling on a Viking river ship in Europe, you will find both 110V (US-style) and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. The 220V outlets accommodate German Schuko two-pin safety plugs. Should you need an adapter for these outlets, they can be found at most electronic or travel stores. In your stateroom, you will also find a USB port to charge cell phones and tablets; just bring the appropriate cable with you.

Most modern electronic devices can accommodate different electrical currents, so you probably will not need a current converter; hair dryers are provided in your stateroom. Please note that heat-producing appliances, such as irons, steamers and heaters, are potential safety hazards and therefore not permitted on board.

Remember that if you’re staying in a hotel for part of your journey, you’ll want the appropriate adapter for that country as well.

Mississippi River

If you are traveling along the Mississippi, you will find 110V (US-style) electrical outlets in your stateroom.

 Nile River

If you are sailing in Egypt, the onboard electrical current is 220V/230V, but the ships typically have one or more 110V/115V outlets. The 220V outlets accommodate plugs with two round, 4-mm pins (Europlugs). If you are purchasing adapters, please note this is not the same as the 4.8-mm, two-prong adapter (Schuko), whose pins are thicker and longer. You may wish to bring one or two adapters that fit the Europlug outlets; these can be obtained at most electronic or travel stores, as well as our onboard shop. Please note that if you are also participating in a cruise extension to Israel or Jordan, you may need different adapters.

 Mekong River

On our Mekong ships, the onboard electrical current is 220V/230V. Outlets on board use the two-pin Europlug, an ungrounded plug with two round, 4-mm pins that works in any socket that accepts 4-mm or 4.8-mm round contacts spaced 19 mm apart. You may wish to bring one or two adapters that fit the Europlug outlets; these can be obtained at most electronic or travel stores.

Laundry Services

River Cruises

Depending on your stateroom category, laundry services, including pressing, may be complimentary. A full listing of amenities by stateroom category can be found on each ship page.

If your stateroom category does not include these services, they may be purchased for a modest fee and arranged through your stateroom steward. Dry cleaning is not available on board.

Mississippi River

On board ships sailing our Mississippi itineraries, self-service launderettes including irons and ironing boards are available free of charge, with detergent available for your use at no additional cost.

Internet Service

European River, Nile River, and Mississippi River

All ships sailing our Europe, Egypt and the Mississippi itineraries offer free Wi-Fi. You may use your personal device or one of the ship’s computers. Our connection relies on a cellular or satellite terminal—the best possible solution for river cruising.

Due to the nature of data bandwidth and latency, as well as potential interruptions in satellite signals based on terrain and weather, you may experience slower online connections than you are accustomed to at home. In order to ensure fair usage for all, we reserve the right to limit heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads or software upgrades so that all our guests have access to Wi-Fi. We suggest that guests limit large uploads/downloads and live streaming. Please download your content prior to your cruise, as bandwidth will affect your service and cannot be guaranteed.

We would be pleased to help you with your device settings once you are on board. We hope you will understand that we will do our very best to provide you with an enjoyable online experience, and remember you will likely be able to access standard Wi-Fi and data roaming services on shore in most towns and cities you visit.

Mekong River

On our Mekong ship, you may use one of the public computers on board to access the Internet; however, please be aware that Internet access across all of Southeast Asia is very limited and Wi-Fi is not available.

Luggage Restrictions

A full list of allowable and prohibited items on board is available below. You may also download our Prohibited Items List (PDF).

Prohibited Items

  • All firearms (working, nonfiring, replicas, imitations & air/pellet guns)

  • All forms of ammunition

  • Stun guns, Tasers, or any electroshock devices

  • Cricket or archery bows & arrows; crossbows; darts; diver's spearguns; catapults; any bats, hockey sticks, etc.

  • Axes, ice picks or cleavers

  • Knives or scissors (if the blade is longer than 3 inches or 7.6 cm)

  • Scalpels

  • Shaving knives or blades

  • Wallpaper knives

  • Martial arts or self-defense gear (pepper spray, knuckle-dusters, rice flails, clubs, nightsticks, batons, etc.)

  • Handcuffs

  • Illegal drugs

  • Hookahs

  • Candles or incense

  • Coffee makers

  • Flammable liquid & all explosives (lighter fluid, fireworks, flares, etc.)

  • Hazardous chemicals (bleach, paint, etc.)

  • Extension cords (USB and laptop charging cables are exempt)

  • Ham radios

  • Aerial drones not allowed to be operated from the ship

  • Any electrical device with a surge protector

  • Any electrical device that produces heat, such as:

    • Clothes irons, including steam irons

    • Hot plates or heating kettles

    • Electrical air humidifiers & refreshers

    • Heating pads

Allowable Items

  • Cigar cutters

  • Disposable razors

  • Knitting needles

  • Crochet hooks

  • Knives or scissors (if the blade is shorter than 3 inches or 7.6 cm)

  • Nail files & clippers

  • Tweezers

  • Syringes for medical use

  • Umbrellas

  • Curling irons

The above list is subject to change without notice. Any such items shall be surrendered to the Ship's Security Officer (or delegate) at embarkation and may be disposed of at the sole discretion of the Ship's Security Officer.

If you are participating in an overland excursion or pre-/post-cruise extension, there may be additional luggage requirements. That information will be forwarded prior to your departure date.

These resources are part of the personalized guidance I provide to my clients before they travel. If you're planning a Viking Cruise, I'd be happy to help you choose the right itinerary and guide you through every step of the planning process. Ready to start planning? Contact me to begin your Viking cruise journey. ~Katie Acland