How Formal Are Viking Cruises? Dress Code Explained
Photo by Vinicius on Unsplash
If you’re not sure what to pack for a Viking cruise, then you’re in the right place.
Understanding Viking’s dress codes can be confusing, as they often differ from other mainstream cruise lines, with conflicting information shared by cruisers online.
Fear not! In this blog post I will outline the differences between a Viking river cruise and a Viking ocean cruise, and clarify which types of clothing are needed for each voyage. After reading, you should have a full understanding of what is expected from each cruise, including the clothing items that you will and won’t need to pack.
How formal are Viking Cruises?
Viking is considered to be a relatively informal cruise line - especially when you compare them to other brands. Both their river and ocean cruises feature smart casual attire, with no formal nights or black-tie required on any of their cruises.
It’s worth noting that Viking’s ocean ships do tend to be slightly more polished in the evenings than the river cruises. Keep on reading to find out how!
Viking Cruises Dress Code Overview
In general, the overall style for Viking Cruises is relaxed, elegant and practical, with no enforced formalwear. This is because Viking have a strong focus on comfort, and prioritise cultural enrichment over over the formal cruise experience.
While dressing up can he a fun part of a cruise holiday, I love that Viking is different in this way and that I can spend more time wearing comfortable clothes.
Viking River Cruise Dress Code
Daytime: Casual & Practical
The daytime dress code for Viking’s river cruises is purposely casual, designed for joining daily excursions and walking tours.
Typical outfits include light layers, comfortable trainers or walking shoes, as well as weather appropriate clothing. It’s important to be adaptable in order to get the most out of the included excursions; this is particularly relevant to the Danube River and Rhine River itineraries, where the weather can be changeable depending on the time of year.
Evening: Relaxed Smart Casual
The evening dress code on Viking’s river cruises is very low key compared to most other lines. It’s not unusual to spot cruisers wearing jeans at dinner, with other options including polo shirts, chinos, casual dresses, tops and trousers.
Shorts are also acceptable in the evenings, and won’t mean that you are denied service. As long as you’re neat and presentable, you’ll fit right in.
Overall River Cruise Vibe
The overall vibe on a Viking river cruise is informal and easygoing, with a focus on comfort after days spent exploring ashore. It rarely feels dressy, so you won’t need your three piece suit or a cocktail dress.
Viking Ocean Cruise Dress Code
Daytime: Casual Resort Wear
The daytime dress code on Viking ocean cruises is similarly casual, but more holiday style. Expect people to be wearing light, breathable fabrics, especially in warmer weather, as well as shorts, sundresses and swimwear on the pool deck.
During my South East Asia cruse, I just wore the usual shorts and dresses that I would pack for any warm destination, and never felt out of place.
Evening: Elevated Smart Casual
The evening dress code on Viking ocean is slightly more elevated than on the river cruises, without being particularly formal.
Typical outfits inlcude collared shirts and trousers, as well as dresses and blouses with a skirt or trousers. I never saw anyone wearing a suit or a formal dress, as there are no black tie nights.
My advice would be to pack a few dinner outfits that you can rotate throughout your trip, and elevate more casual outfits with nice shoes or a bag. Bear in mind that jeans are generally not permitted either in the main dining room or the speciality restaurants in the evenings, so head to the buffet if you’re after a more relaxed meal.
Overall Viking Ocean Cruise Vibe
The overall vibe is relaxed luxury, which is a bit more stylish in the evenings but still far from formal or black tie. So it’s a little bit more polished than what you will find on one of their river cruises.
What You Don’t Need on Either
You won’t need a suit or tuxedo, formal dress, or any black tie outfits while sailing on a Viking ship. Knowing this is a great way to cut down on your packing and save room in your luggage for other items.
Photo by Ali Choubin on Unsplash
What Clothing to Pack for a Viking Cruise
Here is my list of essential items that you should pack for any Viking cruise.
To read my river cruise packing list, click here.
Comfortable walking shoes
All Viking cruises come with at least one included exursion at each port. With a focus on cultural enrichment, you’ll definitely need comfortable walking shoes to wear while you’re out exploring.
Smart casual evening outfits
While you don’t need to dress particularly formally, make sure you plan a change of clothes for each day that you can wear to dinner. Bear in mind that you can rewear outfits or wash them free of charge in the self service laundry stations.
Layers for changing weather
This is really important as you’re likely to spend lots of time out and about. Light layers can be easy to pop into your bag and whip out if it starts to rain, or if you need to cover up when visiting a religious site.
Light jacket or raincoat
Similarly, a light jacket or raincoat is always a good idea. Weather can be changeable - especially if you are visiting several countries during one cruise.
You don’t need to pack
Overly formalwear, high heels, or bulky, impractical outfits. Comfort is the most important thing on a Viking cruise, so make sure you put that first when packing your suitcase.
Does Destination Affect the Dress Code?
Technically yes, although it’s likely to impact your packing list more than the actual dress code.
For example, when sailing through warmer regions you’ll want to pack lighter, more breathable clothing, and on cooler itineraries you’ll want to bring lots of clothing that you can layer. Think jumpers, cardigans, and a light jacket or a raincoat.
Keep in mind that you might need to bring some more modest dress when visiting religious buildings, like churches or temples, otherwise you may be denied entry.
Why I Love Viking’s Dress Code
On a Viking cruise there’s no pressure to dress up after a long day of exploring. This means that you can feel comfortable throughout the trip, and makes it really easy to pack. While I do sometimes like to bring out my formal tulle dresses, they can be very bulky, and not needing them frees up lots of space in my luggage.
Overall, the dress code really matches the experience offered by a Viking cruise, which has a strong focus on cultural enrichment.
Potential Downsides
Viking Cruises might not be for you if you love a formal night and consider it to be an important part of your cruise holiday. Similarly, there are limited opportunities to get glammed up, and if you do, you might feel a bit out of place.
It’s important to consider these things before booking to ensure you have the vacation you’re hoping for.
Who Viking Cruises Is Perfect For
Viking is the perfect cruise line for so many people - myself included!
You will love a Viking cruise if you prefer a luxurious experience with lots of included extras, such as room service, shore excursions, and spa facilities. First time cruises will also adore Viking, as there are fewer add-ons to budget for and dress codes to consider.
Anyone who loves cultural exploration will also adore Viking Cruises, as this is their speciality, and you will have plenty of opportunities to learn and explore during your trip.
Finally, couples and groups without children are will also appreciate the child-free vibe of a Viking cruise, which is relaxed and sophisticated. If you are a family with young children, then you will need to wait until they turn 18 in order to enjoy a Viking cruise together.
My Top Tips
Pack versatile outfits you can re-wear
One outfit will be suitable for lots of occasions on your Viking cruise. The ships also have a free self service laundry service so you can rewash your clothes as much as you like.
Bring a few slightly dressier outfit for dinners
It’s nice to have a few options that you can rotate for dinnertime, but they don’t need to be particularly formal. I find that I like to change clothes anyway after a day of exploring.
Focus on comfort first, style second
Viking is all about cultural exploration, and you’ll often spend lots of time on your feet during excursions. Make sure you prioritise comfy shoes over cocktail dresses and you’ll be fine.
Check the weather Forecast For Your Itinerary
This might sound obvious but don’t make any assumptions about the weather and check the forecast. I didn’t realise that Hong Kong in April would be a lot cooler than Thailand, and could have benefitted from packing more layers.
Frequently Asked Dress Code Questions
Are there formal nights on Viking Cruises?
Nope, there are no formal nights on any Viking cruise!
Can you wear jeans on Viking Cruises?
Yes you can during the day, however, in the evening on their ocean ships you cannot wear jeans in most of the restaurants. You’d probably get away with it in the evening on a river ship.
Do I need a suit for a Viking Ocean Cruise?
The answer here is no - as there are no formal nights, you won’t get a chance to wear it.
You could of course wear a suit anyway (there’s not a no suits allowed rule) but you might be the only one.
Is the dress code different on Viking River vs Ocean?
Yes; the ocean ships are slightly dressier in the evenings, while the river ships are more relaxed.
What should I wear to dinner on a Viking Cruise?
Whichever ship you’re on, as a general rule you’ll be fine if you wear either trousers with a collared shirt or blouse, a skirt, or a dress.
Final Thoughts
Viking Cruises tends to be a more casual cruise line, with a laid back feel across their river and ocean ships. This not only makes packing easy, but allows for a more seamless transition between day and night.
If you’re looking for a cruise without formal nights or black tie, then Viking is one of the most relaxed options available.
Read more about Viking Cruises
Ship and Cabin Tours
Viking Ocean Ship Tour and Review