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What to Pack for a Cruise

What to Pack for a Cruise: At Sea

Once upon a time, almost all cruise ships were pretty dressy, including some events calling for full formal wear. Now only a few upmarket ships still require a bit of fussing, but most of the mass-market ships, like those in the Royal Caribbean and Princess stables, are about as casual as you like. In any event, as long as you’re not out on deck, you’ll be in a comfortably air-conditioned space virtually all the time.

The first job of your cruise packing list is to determine just where on the formal-casual scale you want or have to be in, or if you want to prepare for both ends of the scale. Luckily, business casual attire (pantsuits, maxi dresses, khaki pants, and button-up shirts tend to fair just fine these days). And for those cruise lines that do have more formal nights, there are typically still buffet options for meals if you want to avoid fancier dress.

Then, decide how you want to play your wardrobe. I pack the minimum I’ll need to comply with the lowest degree of dressiness required. On the other hand, other couples I know are fully engaged with dress: The wife doesn’t want to be seen in the same outfit at dinner on any two different days, and the husband even packs his tux for the “Captain’s Dinner” event. But that’s not how everyone travels. Ultimately, it’s your call what’s most comfortable for you to wear on vacation, and therefore to pack.

In any case, layers will be your best friend. Moving between the air conditioned interior of the ship and the potentially much balmier surroundings can feel like packing for two totally different climates. Light shawls, thin cardigans, and linen pants all walk the line between warm and cool, and can be dressed up or down to fit your wardrobe strategy.

Beyond the basic daily wear, pack whatever special recreational wear and accessories you’ll need. Even if you never leave the ship, you will probably want swimwear, and possibly some other specialized clothing and equipment as well.

Where to Buy Formal Wear for a Cruise

While many may want to take advantage of the rare opportunity to dress up, few people have a closet full of formal attire at their disposal. Clothing rental services are an affordable way to get glam on the high seas without overspending or cluttering up your closet with an outfit you’ll only wear once. Rent the Runway offers one time rentals for special occasions and monthly subscriptions (cancel anytime) in 5, 10, and 20 item bundles for those who want to round out their cruise wardrobe.

For those looking to make a more permanent purchase, Suitshop has a large selection of sturdy suits that will last a lifetime and Nordstrom offers dresses at varying levels of formality, from beachy maxi-dresses to true formal options.

What to Pack for a Cruise: In Port

The situation here is obvious: You need to pack for the climate in your cruise destination—and, for most people, being active in each port. You’ll be walking around during shore excursions, and many call for specialized equipment. That means you need to pack comfortable walking shoes and clothing on your cruise, even if you won’t need them on the ship itself. Make sure you pack appropriately for any off-shore excursions.

As to how heavy/light to travel, the Caribbean is hot and steamy pretty much all the time, and the Mediterranean in summer can come close. But weather in other popular areas such as Alaska, New England, and inland European rivers is a bit more variable. Your best bet is to check the weather forecasts just before you pack for your cruise, and always be prepared for rain. For Europe and Bermuda, you should aim for more resort-casual clothing (fair warning: Golf courses in Bermuda have strict dress codes). Some other cruise itineraries that are more casual than the norm include Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean, and French Polynesia.

What to Pack for a Cruise: Everything Else

Beyond the perfect wardrobe, there are a few key items that will ensure your cruise vacation is nothing but smooth sailing. Add these items to your cruise packing checklist before you embark:

Day Trip Gear

When putting together a packing list for a cruise, think about what you’ll need for your planned activities. A daypack is a necessity for a spending a full day off the boat. Stock it with a reusable water bottle (collapsible for the ultimate space-saver), sun hats, sunblock, insect repellent, and anything else you’ll need to get through the day. Make sure to download the port city’s map so you can access it offline in the event you lose access to WiFi. Drop a pin in your ship’s docking location and set an alarm well ahead of your departure time to signal its time to head back to the ship.

Toiletries

Travelers sometimes forget that they don’t need to pack a full closet full of personal-care products and accessories in their travel toiletry kit. You can buy toothpaste, batteries, and tissues in most places around the world—and also on the cruise ship, albeit at stiff prices. Ships vary in what toiletries they offer onboard.

However there are a few things you don’t want to leave off your cruise checklist, like prescription medications, glasses or contact lenses, and any specialized skincare or hair products that you can’t live without. It’s also a good idea to have a few OTC medications handy from the start in case of seasickness or minor aches and pains from a long flight.

Unlike air travel, cruise ships don’t place an upper size limit on your liquid personal items, so unless you’re flying to your port of departure, your containers can exceed 3.4oz. 

Technology

The latest packing challenge is with gadgets. I, for one, would have withdrawal symptoms if I couldn’t get online every day, so I would select a cruise ship with the latest internet connectivity and pack my laptop. On the other hand, if you want to get away from it all, a cruise ship is the ideal place—and you don’t have to pack any devices, converters, and such. Don’t forget your camera, and a travel extension cord can also come in handy.

As mentioned above, any critical devices you can’t live without should come along in your suitcase, be it a laptop, tablet, or just your smartphone. In addition to any necessary chargers, make sure you have an international adapter that works with any port city on the itinerary.

In-Flight Essentials

When packing for your pre- and post-cruise flights, figure out what goes in your carry-on and what gets checked. If you’re big on collecting souvenirs and buying local handicrafts, leave room in your suitcase for what you bring home. You don’t want to get hit with paying for another checked bag or hauling both your regular carry-on and a shopping bag of loot on your flight home.

Cruises are all about relaxing, soaking up the sun on the ship’s deck and catching up on a good book or finally catching up on that podcast. Make sure you don’t use up the leisure activities you packed for the cruise while bored in the terminal or during the flight. Download multiple books on your e-reader or library app, some for the flight and some for the trip. If you prefer paperback, pick up an in-flight read at one of the terminal kiosks or see if your airport has a library loan program.

Important Documents

Make sure you have your passport, ID, credit cards, and any cash (USD and local currency) you plan to spend. Bring along photocopies of important documents and your cruise itinerary. Make sure to leave any vital documents you don’t need for an excursion locked up safely in your cabin.

Can I Do Laundry on a Cruise?

Do you need to pack for the full cruise, or can you have your clothes washed or dry cleaned during your sailing? Although most big ships provide some kind of service, the specific answer to that question varies wildly among different ships: Some charge for laundry the way hotels do, some set a fixed price for a laundry bag full, some sell laundry packages prior to sailing, and a few offer self-service washers and dryers.

But no matter how you do it, you’ll definitely pay more for doing laundry while cruising than you pay at home. In general, large ships offer more options than small ones, and 200-passenger river cruises may provide only limited services. Again, check what your cruise ship offers before you decide how much you need to pack. If you’re unsure what your cruise line offers or don’t want to pay the fee, pack some travel laundry detergent packets and a travel clothes line to wash light items like undergarments and t-shirts in your cabin sink. 

What Not to Pack for a Cruise

Like any form of travel, there are a few prohibited items. These include obvious candidates like firearms, fireworks, knives, and any illegal substances. But there are a few surprising items on the list as well. On Carnival Cruises, passengers are not allowed to bring along curtains or large radios and travel clothing steamers are banned from coming aboard any Royal Caribbean ship. Other common prohibited items include scissors, alcoholic beverages, meat, and fish. Make sure to check your specific cruise line’s list of restricted items.

It’s worth noting that cruise ships are governed under federal law, so all marijuana products, including medical marijuana, are generally prohibited onboard regardless of port of departure. Alcohol policies vary by ship (so do your research with your cruise line directly).

Cruise Packing Tips

Packing for any trip can be tricky, but packing for a vacation that is essentially three trips in one is a monumental task for even the most efficient traveler. Maximize your organization and luggage space with these cruise packing tips.

Bring Spare Clothes in Your Carry-On

Having a change of clothes and a few day-to-day necessities in your carry-on can also be a lifesaver in the case of lost or delayed luggage. If you find yourself with no idea where your bags are or waiting to have them shipped to your next port of call, you’ll be glad to have a few extra items on hand to hold you over. It’s also great for that stretch of time between boarding the ship and your luggage showing up in your cabin.

Get a Personal Item That Does Double Duty

Save packing space by bringing along a personal item for the flight that can double as a daypack for excursions. This Lite Daypack from Bellroy is minimalistic and functional while this option from Got Bag is even more compact and comes in four neutral colors.  A foldable wet bag is a great additional to any daypack—it can be used to organize small items on your pre-departure flight and to store your wet swimsuit on the way back to the ship after a day in port.

Take Advantage of Packing Cubes

Keep yourself extra organized by packing for your “sub-trips” in packing cubes. Designate one for your formal wear, one for your onboard resort wear, and one for anything you plan to wear in port. This keeps your wardrobe organized without having to unpack everything or dig through a upturned suitcase looking for that one shirt you just know you packed.

My most essential recommendation for what to bring on a cruise: Don’t get obsessive about it. Do your best and plan to cope with whatever problems you encounter along the way.

Where to Book a Cruise

When booking a cruise you have two options—booking directly with the cruise line on their site or hunting down the best deals through an online travel agency. Check out our round-up of the best site to book a cruise to find the best deals and easiest processes.

Download Our Cruise Packing List Before You Set Sail

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016 by SmarterTravel’s Ed Perkins. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The Ultimate Cruise Packing List: What to Pack for a Cruise appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The cruise sets sail from Istanbul on November 1, 2023, and visits destinations where “we will always be in summer,” says Ethem Bayramoglu, COO of Miray Cruises. The ship will stay in each port of call for multiple days, allowing travelers time to get off the ship and explore. 

The itinerary includes iconic destinations such as the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and the Taj Mahal. 

Depending on how much your monthly rent or mortgage is, this cruise could wind up being cheaper than your current cost of living. Prices start at $38,513 per person per year for an inside cabin (based on double occupancy) and include all meals, weekly housekeeping, weekly laundry service, high-speed internet, and unlimited visits to the onboard hospital (which is equppied with a pharmacy and dentist). 

More spacious balcony cabins start at $98,226 per person, per year. Remote workers are encouraged to join the cruise, and the ship’s former casino has even been transformed into a spacious business center featuring meeting rooms, co-working spaces, and offices. 

Although the ship, the MV Laura, has 627 passengers, the cruise will only sell to 80 percent capacity to avoid a crowded feel. Onboard amenities include co-working spaces, a spa and wellness center, gym, sundeck, and a pool and hot tub.

The post This Three-Year Cruise Visits 148 Countries and 7 Continents appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Skimp on Hand Hygiene

On a cruise, you’ll see constant reminders about keeping your hands clean, from big signs to hand sanitizer stations. If you want to avoid getting sick, it’s important that you maintain impeccable hand hygiene. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a helpful guide for keeping your hands clean on a cruise ship. The CDC advises cruise ship passengers to “use warm water and soap to wash their hands. Washing is always best. If water and soap are NOT available (perhaps on excursions), use an ethanol alcohol-based hand sanitizer, preferably in a gel form. The sanitizer should be at least 60% ethanol.”

Always wash your hands after using the restroom and before eating. 

Disregard COVID-19 Protocols

While many cruise lines have done away with vaccination and testing requirement, there are a few providers that still have policies in place. Don’t plan on skipping a mandatory pre-cruise COVID test and think you’ll be able to talk your way out of it once you’re at the departure port. If a cruise line requires a pre-trip COVID test and you don’t have one, you won’t be allowed to board. 

Furthermore, particular itineraries may have different requirements than the overall cruise line. For example, both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests embarking on Royal Caribbean cruises from Australia must present a negative COVID test taken within two days of departure. Most cruise lines have very limited options for day-of tests, so don’t plan on being able to get one at port. 

Leave Your Data Plan On

Forgetting to switch off your cellular data at sea will be an expensive mistake. Many cruise ships have their own roaming network that guests can connect to (for very pricey rates). Even if you’re not making calls or texting, the apps on your phone will still auto-refresh and use data. Be sure to put your phone on airplane mode (or turn off your data) before you pull out of port. 

Overindulge 24/7

A cruise vacation is definitely the time to treat yourself. You want to sample all the delicious food and drink that’s available around-the-clock at the restaurants and buffets. However, it’s important to treat eating and drinking on a cruise as a marathon, not a sprint. If you deviate from your normal diet and eat large amounts of rich food at every meal, you’re going to be feeling pretty sick midway through the cruise. 

Try to pace yourself and eat a mix of healthy food and treats in moderate portions so that you won’t spend your whole trip lying in your room with a stomach ache. 

Arrive Late

Planning your own off-ship excursion that arrives back to the cruise five minutes before its scheduled to leave is a very dangerous gamble. Whether you’re planning out when to arrive before your cruise begins or how early to get back after a day out, you’ll want to leave lots of extra time. Remember that ship time is often different from local time, and change your clocks accordingly!

If you do miss the ship, you’ll have to pay (and arrange) for your own transportation to the next port to meet the cruise, or give up and head home early. 

Overpack

Cruise ship cabins are notoriously small, so you can bring a massive checked bag—but then you’re just going to be tripping over it your entire trip. A duffle bag, or other soft carrier, is ideal as you can easily unpack and stash it away in your cabin. Smaller carry-ons are also a good choice, as they won’t take up too much space in your room. 

Become Drunk and Disorderly

It’s tempting to overindulge if you’ve purchased a drink package and have unlimited access to alcohol, but it’s also an easy way to wind up in the brig (aka, cruise ship jail). Extreme intoxication can also result in accidents on a cruise ship (such as falling overboard) so take it easy at the ship’s bar.

The post 7 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Ship appeared first on SmarterTravel.

From minor inconveniences like seasickness to bigger disasters, here’s how to avoid falling victim to five terrifying ship-specific scenarios.

Getting Stuck in a Waterslide Over the Ocean

Anyone with even the smallest amount of claustrophobia started sweating watching the recent video of a woman getting stuck in a section of the cruise ship’s enclosed water slide that was suspended over the ocean. However, the solution to not getting trapped in a waterslide might scare you even more—wear as little clothing as possible. 

According to Royal Caribbean, the trick to smoothly and quickly making it down a slide is opting for a small swimsuit (like a speedo) as more fabric (like rash guards or bathing suits with more coverage) will cause more friction and slow you down. 

Missing the Boat

You’ve spent hundreds or thousands of dollars on your dream cruise, but if you miss the boat, all that money will go down the drain—and you’ll have to pay even more to get yourself home. 

Cruise ships wait for no passengers, so never fly into port on the day that your cruise ship is scheduled to depart—if your flight is delayed or canceled, it’s highly likely that you’ll miss the boat. Always fly in a day or two early to give yourself a buffer (and to be able to explore the port city).

Likewise, when you’re off the boat for an excursion, be sure to double-check what time you have to be back, and plan to arrive well before the departure in case you run into traffic or other unexpected delays.

Falling Overboard

Man-overboard incidents are extremely rare on cruise ships. Cruise ships are specifically designed to prevent people from falling overboard, with safety measures like high railings and other barriers in plance. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLA), there were 212 man-overboard incidents between 2009 and 2019. 

Falling overboard is extremely preventable on a cruise ship. Avoid drinking excessively (which can cause impaired judgment and coordination) and never climb or sit on railings on a cruise ship. Stay inside when there is bad weather or rough seas. 

Getting Seasick

Nauseous, vomiting, and dizzy—not exactly how you want to spend your vacation at sea. Unfortunately, if you’re prone to seasickness, this is how you might feel on a cruise. 

Follow these tips to avoid getting seasick:

• Pick a larger boat that is equipped with stabilizers, to minimize how much you’ll feel motion on board
• Skip itineraries that spend a lot of time crossing open ocean (opt for a Caribbean cruise vs. a transatlantic one, for example) 
• Choose a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck
• Get fresh air
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol
• Try medications—both prescription and over-the-counter medicines are available to combat seasickness, so check with your doctor about which one is right for you before leaving for your trip
• Eat small amounts of bland food

At-Sea Quarantine

Whether it’s COVID-19 or Norovirus, viruses can spread quickly among large groups in enclosed spaces (like a cruise ship). If you come down with a contagious disease, you’ll likely be quarantined in your cabin for the remainder of the cruise, which will definitely put a damper on your vacation.

To avoid getting sick at sea, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines:

• Wash your hands often
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of water
• Leave the area if you see someone get sick
• Wear a well-fitting mask indoors and in crowded spaces
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

The post 5 Cruise Specific Nightmares (And How to Avoid Them) appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Storylines, a new luxury cruise line, is launching the MV Narrative, a residential cruise ship in 2024. Unlike a regular cruise ship, where you rent a cabin for a designated length of time on a specified itinerary, cruisers on the MV Narrative permanently purchase their rooms on a trip around-the-world.

Fully furnished one-to-four bedroom residences are for sale starting at $1 million, and a limited number are also available to lease for 12 or 24 years, starting at $400,000. 

However, there are also mandatory all-inclusive living fees (which cover food, beverage, and amenities on the ship) that range from $65,000 to $200,000 per unit per year (based on double occupancy). 

The MV Narrative is 741 feet long, and will have 547 cabins that range in size from 237 to 1,970 square feet. 

The ship will be on a constant round-the-world tour, circumnavigating the globe every three years. The cruise will stop in ports for around 1-5 days at a time, so homeowners will have plenty of time to explore each destination. The itinerary will change every three years, and residents will be able to vote on ports of call. 

Onboard, the luxury cruise ship will have all the amenities residents could need, including a hospital, microbrewery, pet exercise area, 10,000 book library, movie theater, bowling alley, outdoor running track, golf simulators, and more. 

A spokesperson for Storylines did not disclose how many residences have already been purchased, but said “the company has seen strong sales due to more people having the freedom to work and study remotely.”

The post You Can Now Buy or Rent an Apartment Aboard a Cruise Ship appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Although you may not be up for setting sail right now–especially given the new, ever-changing CDC guidance on cruising–you can still take advantage of these incredible offers by booking sailings through late 2022, 2023, and even 2024. It’s also worth noting that most cruise lines have implemented flexible cancellation policies, including full refunds or future cruise credits. 

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the top 10 best wave season deals of 2022. 

Emerald Cruises

It’s Your Time To Travel with Emerald Cruises. Guests who book select 2022 and 2023 Danube, Rhine, and Rhone river cruises can snag up to $2,500 in savings. Pay your 2022 sailing in full to receive an extra $150 off per person. Similarly, passengers who pay their 2023 sailing in full at least 12 months before embarkation can score an additional 10% off. The fun doesn’t stop there, though: Emerald is also offering up to 25% off select 2022 and 2023 yacht cruises–plus free premium beverage packages. Customers setting sail in 2023 can snap up an added 10% discount if they pay in full one year before embarkation. Both of these promotions expire on March 31, 2022. 

Holland America Line

Holland America Line is kicking off wave season with their Ultimate Upgrade Event. Those who book a qualifying 2022 and 2023 sailing can score a free stateroom upgrade, 50% off deposits, complimentary beverage packages, specialty dining, WiFi, and shore excursions. The promotion officially ends on February 28, 2022.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ annual Best. Sale. Ever.is back just in time for wave season. You won’t want to miss this limited-time sale, which offers staggering savings of up to $695 per passenger based on a six-night cruise. This seasonal sale includes five free perks: The Premier Beverage Package–think: cocktails, wine, beer, bottled water, and more–as well as unlimited wifi, gratuities, stateroom location upgrades (available on a first-come, first-served basis), and one specialty dining meal. Book by March 2, 2022. 

Celestyal Cruises

Escape Back to the Blue with Celestyal Cruises. The cruise line, which is best known for its Greek Isles and Eastern Mediterranean voyages, is offering up to 30% off select 2022 sailings. Among the most notable itineraries include the three-night “Iconic Aegean” (from $449 per person; originally $610) and the seven-night “Three Continents” (from $1,019 per person; originally $1,250). Children 12 years and younger can cruise free on select sailings, while solo travelers can take advantage of reduced single supplements as low as 15%. Book by March 31, 2022.  

Celebrity Cruises

There are, quite literally, 3,000 reasons to sail with Celebrity Cruises this year. Book any 2022 sailing and receive a discount of up to $3,000 per stateroom. Alternatively, experience the Galapagos’ rich wildlife, culture, and stunning scenery: Those who book a 2022 or 2023 Galapagos sailing aboard Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xploration, or Celebrity Xploration will enjoy 20% off cruise fare–plus free round-trip airfare when booking via “Flights With Celebrity.” These deals expire on February 28, 2022. 

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises’ OLife Choice is chock-full of fun perks and added value. The package includes 2-for-1 cruise fares, free round-trip airfare (with transfers!), and one free extra per stateroom. These include up to eight shore excursions, free beverage packages, or up to $800 in onboard credit. This promotion–which is available on nearly 500 sailings through November 29, 2023–ends on April 2, 2022. 

Cunard Line

Cunard’s “Three For All” promotion offers customers up to $2,00 in onboard credit based on their stateroom category, along with specialty dining credits and 50% off deposits. Repeat passengers can save up to an extra $1,200. Additionally, those who book a Grills Suite will receive a complimentary drinks package. Book by 2/28/2022.

Hurtigruten Expeditions 

Up for a fun-filled, action-packed adventure? If so, book your sailing with Hurtigruten Expeditions this wave season. Customers can save up to $2,900 on select 2022 sailings featuring bucket-list-worthy destinations like Galapagos, Antarctica, Alaska, Iceland, Norway, Patagonia, and Greenland. Select 2023 and 2024 cruises–including voyages to the British Isles, Scottish Isles, Iceland, Norway, Greenland, the Panama Canal, South America, the Faroe Islands, and the Canary Islands–are available for up to 30% off. Both of these offers expire on March 31, 2022.  

Azamara Club Cruises

Find Your Journey with Azamara and take your pick of nearly 150 sailings across the globe.  The best part? These itineraries–which run through May 5, 2023–have been slashed up to 30% in celebration of wave season. Destinations include The Canary Islands, Spain and Morocco, and the Caribbean, to name a few. Bonus: Azamara is also throwing in a $500 onboard credit per stateroom. Book by March 31, 2022. 

Seabourn: 

Enjoy The Suite Life with Seabourn this wave season. Book by March 1, 2022, to enjoy a free two-category veranda suite upgrade, as well as a 50% reduced deposit. This offer is available on over 300 voyages setting sail around the world between now and 2023–including awe-inspiring arctic expeditions, Australia and New Zealand itineraries, Caribbean sailings, and many other amazing destinations. 

The post The 10 Best Cruise Deals for 2022 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

How are COVID-19 Cases Identified Aboard a Cruise?

On my recent cruise through the Adriatic Sea, two of the passengers on our ship (the Viking Venus) tested positive for COVID-19 during the embarkation process. The positive cases were identified quickly, because within fifteen minutes of boarding, all guests were expected to give a saliva sample for testing.

The positive cases weren’t publicly announced to cruisers, however, some guests waiting to board the ship saw the clear and obvious sign that positive cases had been identified when they witnessed a team wearing hazmat suits board the vessel. Those passengers told me they saw the hazmat crew quickly board and remove the passengers from the ship. I later learned that the government of Malta (where the cruise was departing from) has an official “quarantine” hotel where the passengers from our ship, any other vessel, or flight would remain for 14 days at the cost of 100 euro per night. However, for the cruisers on my trip, Viking paid the bill. The cruise line also offered the passengers compensation for their missed sailing and flights home.

Will You Have to Quarantine if There Is a Positive COVID-19 Case on Your Trip?

Pandemic aside, not all cruise lines are created equal, so it’s not surprising that health and safety protocols on board vary widely at the moment. On Viking Cruises, all guests are given a GPS tracking device upon check-in that must be worn at all times on and off the ship. This small circular device is used to quickly identify guests who may have encountered any other guest or crew member for longer than fifteen minutes, at a distance of fewer than six feet who tests positive for COVID-19.

The positive passengers were traveling together, both fully vaccinated, and in the same stateroom. Due to the procedures designed to get guests quickly checked-in, on-board, and in their rooms for their first PCR test, there was a low likelihood that the positive passengers would have been in close enough proximity to others to infect them. The team in the lab checked for GPS devices that were close to those being worn by the positive passengers and the result was zero. Thankfully, no one else had been exposed and had to quarantine. 

Do You Have to Take a COVID-19 Test on a Cruise?

On this cruise, all guests were required to take a daily COVID-19 test. During nightly turn-down service medical vials and testing instructions were left in each guestroom. Every morning cruisers had to give a saliva sample. This involved filling one vial with 2ML of saliva for an onboard PCR test.

The test requires a sample that is given right after waking up, before you’ve had coffee or even brushed your teeth. It’s a bit.. gross. I had a few nauseous moments.. and it’s not really something you get used to, but you do realize it’s for your safety and everyone around you, so you power through.

A representative for Viking told me that the requirement for 2ML of saliva is to ensure there’s an additional sample for a re-test, and, in this case, after a second positive result the infected passengers were notified to remain in their stateroom. 

In addition to the daily PCR test and mandatory GPS tracker, we also had to complete a daily health/wellbeing questionnaire either on an app or on via the stateroom TV. Masks were required in all public areas (except for when eating or drinking). Temperature checks were also taken daily for every guest. 

Expect Less Freedom Aboard Cruises

Additionally, because our sailing was scheduled to call on some ports in countries with a surge in COVID cases, passengers were not allowed to disembark the ship and explore the destination on their own. The only way to explore off-ship was to join one of Viking’s excursions.

If you wish to cruise during COVID you should be prepared to accept some responsibility. Before booking you should first explore the cruise line’s procedures to become knowledgeable of what’s expected of you and what you can expect onboard. Read the fine print and learn what would happen if you (or a close contact) tests positive aboard the cruise, and if you would be responsible for paying for your own off-ship quarantine accommodations or early flight home.

The post What Happens if Someone on Your Cruise Tests Positive for COVID-19? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

So it might be surprising to consider that cruising may emerge as one of the most secure modes of travel in 2021 and beyond. To rebuild consumer confidence and avoid future health and optics disasters, cruise companies are setting up rigid protocols to make sure passengers and crew arrive onboard healthy and stay that way for their entire journey.

A Year to Regroup

The 2020 cruise season effectively ended late last spring, when the last COVID-afflicted ships finally found safe harbors. In the interim, the industry has been doing its homework, with the dual task of inspiring confidence and embracing reality. “They’ve spent the year studying the science of how Covid-19 is transmitted,” says Chris Gray Faust, managing editor of Cruise Critic, “and the protocols they need to put in place to make people feel comfortable once they’re on board.”

While a lot of cleaning and sanitizing protocols have actually always been there, explains Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld River Cruises, they are now more front-facing—part of an effort to reassure passengers that they are taking a safe vacation. New protocols, depending on the cruise line, include social distancing measures onboard, staggered seatings at mealtime, and readier availability of handwashing and sanitizing stations. Techier solutions include individual air filtration systems in every cabin, electrostatic sprayers that disinfect large areas, onboard PCR testing, and facial recognition devices that touchlessly take passengers’ temperature every time they enter the ship.

Testing & Vaccines: Mandatory or Maybe?

A clean ship and safe passengers onboard work just fine once the vessel has left port. But how will cruise lines ensure they’re boarding COVID-free passengers, and keep them from being exposed to the virus while they’re out on shore excursions? Like so many of the questions surrounding travel in the era of Covid, the answer is: It depends.

Saga, Virgin Voyages, Avalon Waterways and Crystal are among the more high-profile lines that have made the call—they’ll require passengers to be fully vaccinated in order to sail. Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas, will also require all passengers be vaccinated—that’s part of the reason its maiden voyages are sailing from Israel, which has a very high percentage of its population already vaccinated.

Uniworld has yet to decide on mandatory vaccines for passengers, but Bettridge seemed to suggest it might not be necessary. The line, which suspended sailings in early March of last year and hopes to resume European cruises by May, caters primarily to American tourists. Since most of their passengers will be flying to reach their port of call, the company assumes that most, if not all, will already be vaccinated by the time they undertake a trip. “We’re kind of the second layer of a vacation,” she says, “and we’re watching what the airlines are going to require.” For now, the company plans to have passengers sign a ‘well-being travel declaration’ attesting to their negative COVID status. Many other cruise lines are planning to require proof of a negative COVID test within several days of sailing.

Questions also remain as to how exactly shore excursions will be handled. Expedition cruise lines have it easy—most of their excursions take place in remote, unpopulated natural areas. River and ocean cruises, however, have to deal with letting passengers leave the ship and wander on their own. Solutions may include requiring passengers to take ship-sponsored excursions in order to disembark. “Sponsored excursions protect people by keeping them in a bubble,” says Gray Faust. “Plus, most of the excursions are for things you might want to do anyway.” But will passengers balk at having to stay in an excursion bubble, unable to explore on their own?

“The situation is literally evolving day by day,” says Gray Faust. “Cruise lines are trying to adjust according to what’s happening on land.” A month ago, vaccine requirements and mandatory sponsored excursions may have seemed like extreme, but necessary measures. Six months from now, they may be redundant.

Scenic-Only and One-Country Cruises

Important too is the situation from country-to-country, as the industry looks to individual governments for guidance. Currently, no large operators have sailings scheduled from U.S. ports, in part because the CDC hasn’t issued guidelines for ships that carry more than 250 passengers. In the United Kingdom, where Viking and P&O have recently announced the resumption of cruises, Andy Harmer, director of the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) for the UK & Ireland, says these developments are part of a long-planned, phased-in restart. “UK domestic cruises represent the first stage of this plan. We continue to work collaboratively with the government, including through the Global Travel Taskforce, in order to ensure the safe restart of international cruises in time for the summer season.” For now, these itineraries are only open to UK residents, and the P&O cruises are “scenic-only”—also referred to as “cruises to nowhere.” They have no ports-of-call, but give travel-starved passengers the perks of the cruise experience—minus the excursions.

Bettridge predicts that at the outset of the 2021 season, Uniworld and others may opt for similar single-country cruises in countries that are both welcoming cruise passengers and have been declared Covid-safe. “Then once Europe starts to open up,” she says, they’ll bring back the multi-state itineraries that river cruisers love.

Whatever the timing, industry experts say there’s cause for optimism. Both Gray Faust and Bettridge used the term “gangbusters” to describe prospects going forward. Bettridge says that while this summer might get off to a slow start, “late 2021 looks really strong and 2022 is on fire.” Antarctic cruises—some of the most expensive in the industry—are also selling briskly, especially for this December’s solar eclipse itineraries. And judging from their audience surveys, Gray Faust says enthusiasm is high across all segments of the industry. “Avid cruisers are ready to go.”

The post Could Cruising Become the Safest Mode of Travel? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Like the water that pours into the Danube’s locks, slowly lifting the ship to a new level, river cruising is on the rise. From interesting destinations to high-quality experiences, here are eight reasons to book a river cruise right now in any part of the world.

More Time in Port

Unlike ocean sailing, which is primarily about the onboard experience, river cruising focuses on the very places you’ve traveled so far to get to. According to Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of SmarterTravel’s sister site Cruise Critic, “River cruises are destination-centric, and the ship is a backdrop. It’s like a boutique hotel that moves with you so you don’t have to pack and unpack.”

Most days on my Passage to Eastern Europe cruise, the Viking Longship set sail in the evenings during dinner service and continued moving along until it reached the next port the following morning. It docked right in town and passengers could either join a shore excursion—usually a combined bus-and-walking tour of the town and nearby sights—or wander off on their own.

Of the trip’s 10 days, just one full day was spent on the water, though sightseeing remained on the agenda. Not only did we get to fully enjoy the ship’s amenities (such as basking on the sun deck and having drinks delivered to our favorite reading nooks), but we also had front-row tickets in what felt like a mobile theater. Our program director, Cornelia, narrated our passage through Serbia and Romania’s famed Iron Gates, a dramatic transit between 1,600-foot cliffs with a glimpse of the larger-than-life rock sculpture of Decebalus, king of the Dacians. (Scroll down to watch this epic experience).

Unique Destinations

Given their flat, narrow, and relatively small shape and size, river ships can access places that ocean liners simply cannot reach. They can fit under bridges (sometimes by lowering the captain’s wheelhouse), dock alongside small towns and in the center of major cities like Budapest, and move through river locks (often with mere inches of clearance on either side).

River cruising can also expose you to destinations you hadn’t considered before. Have you heard of Osijek, Croatia; or Kalocsa, Hungary? I admittedly hadn’t until I decided to go on the trip. When I asked my fellow passengers why they chose this Balkan itinerary, most said they never would have otherwise gone to these places—towns in former Soviet bloc countries or socialist republics that have not only survived communism but also recent conflicts such as the Yugoslav Wars. In Osijek, for example, you could still see bullet holes (left from Croatia’s Homeland War in the 90s) scattered over building facades. The cruise was a great way to get a survey of a region that piqued travelers’ curiosities but seemed a bit daunting to plan independently.

And while the Danube and other rivers like France’s Dordogne might be exquisitely beautiful, there’s another fascinating side to life on the water. Cruise Critic’s Brown says, “These aren’t tourist destinations full stop. They are working waterways.” So along the way, expect to see industrial areas with bankside cranes and rugged docks, cargo vessels floating by, and working locks like those by the Iron Gates.

 

More Relaxed, Intimate Experience

With fewer cabins and passengers, river cruises don’t take the same mass-market approach common to larger ships, which can hold upwards of 3,000 to 5,000 guests. The Viking Longship Jarl carried just under 200 passengers and about 50 crewmembers, which is a typical river ship guest-to-crew ratio. Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways, told me his company’s ships host 166 passengers and 43 to 45 crewmembers. With such a small number of people, he says, “You can essentially meet everyone onboard over the course of a weeklong sailing.” Plus, as I discovered on Viking, the crew is able to take time to get to know you and offer more personalized, attentive service (it took the restaurant servers about a day to remember that my go-to drink was green tea).

Like the pace of the ship skimming steadily over glass-like waters, the overall onboard experience is more relaxed. Guests told me how they enjoyed not having to “do the cattle call” they experienced on larger ships when disembarking. In most cases, passengers could leisurely pick up their boarding cards and walk off the ship when in port. There was never a queue or a sense of “hurry-up-and-wait.” Also, while meal service in both the formal dining room and the casual terrace was offered during specific periods, you could enter and eat on your own time (no lines or reservations necessary).

And as an added benefit, because the rivers are calm and you can always see land on each side, passengers don’t have to worry about seasickness.

Cultural Onboard Activities

River cruises tend to attract an educated crowd seeking cultural enrichment. Although guides on shore excursions will give you a thorough download of the regions’ histories while touring, the lessons continue onboard. Several times while still in port, local folk musicians and dancers joined us in the ship’s lounge for mini-concerts. We saw a quartet of Croatian tamburica performers and got to interact via a post-performance Q&A with a Bulgarian children’s ensemble in Vidin. Lectures included talks on modern Serbia, the E.U., and Count Dracula, one of the region’s most infamous characters. And, through an immersive baking demonstration and tasting, Slovakian Chef Robert taught us how to make apple strudel, a sweet pastry popular in Eastern Europe.

On other Viking itineraries and cruise lines, themed programming such as wine tastings and art classes are becoming more and more common.

 

All-Inclusive Value

Many river cruisers become repeat customers because they believe that the cruises offer overall exceptional value and they appreciate not being nickeled-and-dimed. Brown says, “River cruising is a more inclusive experience. The price is higher than a big ship but tends to include more features you would pay extra for on a big ship.” For example, you get at least one shore excursion each day, and food, wine, and Internet service are often part of the up-front cost. Viking also offers options to package together pre- and post-trip hotel stays and airport transfers, which help make your trip more seamless. I only pulled out my wallet to tip tour guides after shore excursions and the crew (in one lump sum) at the end of the cruise.

Avalon’s Clark believes that river cruises deliver a more consistent experience, especially when it comes to the quality of the cabins. He says, “When on a river cruise, you’ll get a nice-sized stateroom. Everyone gets an outside cabin, and just about all of them will have balconies or large windows.”

New Ships

According to Clark, river cruising came to life in the 90s when the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal opened, creating new possibilities for the upscale, barge-like vessels. Since then, growth has been dramatic with itineraries in Europe and in other markets such as Asia and Africa.

To meet this demand, river cruise companies continue to expand their itineraries and add new vessels to their fleets. Viking, for one, has seen rapid growth in its river cruise business in the past five years. And Avalon, which started river cruising in 2004, has been expanding its fleet steadily over the past decade.

Cruise lines are also upgrading onboard amenities to further entice cruisers, like twin balconies, connecting doors, and immersive onboard programming.

 

New Possibilities

As one might expect, the typical demographic of a river cruiser skews toward a more mature set. As a young Gen-Xer, I have to admit that I felt a bit singled out on my Balkan cruise, which tends to attract more repeat Baby Boomers than other itineraries (most first-time customers choose more popular routes like the upper Danube through Germany and Austria). However, change is on the horizon, especially as cruise lines add more active and independent excursions; as well as appealing themed cruises such as those centered on music, food and wine, and holiday events like Christmas markets.

Younger audiences are also getting introduced to river cruising through experience with multigenerational travel and the opportunity to test the waters with shorter cruises (Avalon, for example, offers cruises as short as three days), which they can combine with more free time in port. Ama hosts Adventures by Disney passengers and has family-friendly features such as connecting staterooms and special themed nights for kids. Uniworld, a popular river cruise line, even launched its own brand of river cruising geared towards millennials, called U River Cruises. Even tour companies like G Adventures offers its own line of trips for those looking to river cruise.

You can take a river cruise on just about every continent now with popular river cruise lines offering itineraries along the Amazon, Mekong, Nile, Ganges, Chobe Rivers, and more.

What to Wear on a River Cruise:

SmarterTravel contributors occasionally accept free or subsidized travel in exchange for our unbiased opinions. We never accept compensation in exchange for a positive review.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2015. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ashley Rossi contributed to this article.

Watch: The Jarl’s transit through the Iron Gates locks

The post 8 Reasons You Should Go on a River Cruise appeared first on SmarterTravel.

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Cruisers love Viking for its river cruises, but the company is making a splash with its ocean cruise offerings as well. The Viking Jupiter is the sixth (and newest) ship in the fleet—with a seventh ship, Viking Venus, coming soon. The cruise line is adults-only, so passengers are all 18 or older. With a slightly higher price tag (though still great value) and longer itinerary than many cruises, the majority of passengers are around retirement age. Onboard highlights include the gorgeous Wintergarden space, outdoor infinity pool, fine-dining options, and nearly all-inclusive experience. Cabins are clean, modern, and reasonably sized, with ample closet space and a large bathroom. The ship almost always feels uncrowded, with plenty of places to tuck away, including the upper level of the Explorer’s Lounge and the atrium area.

As the newest ship in the fleet, the Viking Jupiter both set and met high expectations on the Homelands itinerary I joined in 2019. The Viking Jupiter mostly embarks on European (Baltic and the Mediterranean Sea) itineraries, but it’s also making a southern Atlantic crossing this year and heading to South America.

Viking Jupiter Pros

• A smaller ship with less than 1,000 passengers (double-occupancy); never felt crowded
• High crew-to-passenger ratio
• Quiet cabins
• Adults-only
• Cozy spaces like the library and Wintergarden
• New ship (2019) with refined and modern decor
• Attentive and friendly crew
• Outdoor infinity pool and hot tub
• Indoor/outdoor pool with large deck area
• A large cafe/buffet space, three main dining spaces, a pool grill, and two quick-service food areas
• Restaurant with a five-course menu (menu rotates every two to three days)
• Two onboard sommeliers
• Tea time every day from 4 to 5 p.m.
• 24-hour room service
• Musical theater performances, live band every night, instrumental and acoustic performances multiple time per day
• Jazz club, four open area bars, and plenty of lounging areas
• Explorer’s Dome with nightly light shows
• Sports deck with mini-golf, ping pong, bocce, and more
• LivNordic Spa with a snow grotto, steam room, sauna, cold plunge pool, heated pool, hot tub, and treatment rooms
• Nightly presentations on the next day’s port
• Shore excursion (usually a walking tour) included at every port
• Easy disembarkation process (ground transfers included when booking with Viking Air)
• Easy-to-use app and website for itinerary planning
• Heated floors in cabin bathrooms
• USB ports and North American outlets in cabins
• Wi-Fi at no extra charge
• Free use of laundry machines
• Free drinking water

Viking Jupiter Cons

• Reservations required at two of the three dinner restaurants (although generally easy to get in last-minute)
• Expensive shore excursions
• Included shore excursions went at a slower pace
• Windows in the lounge viewing area were tinted dark

What’s Included (And What’s Not) on Viking Homelands

Almost everything is included on the ship and the Homelands tour, making for a stress-free experience.

Cruise rates include all food and meals at all of the ship’s dining areas, bars, and pool deck, and 24-hour room service. Non-alcoholic drinks are also included as well as house beer and wine with lunch and dinner service. There are two dinner restaurants that require reservations: Manfredi’s (Italian) and The Chef’s Table (Fine Dining), but I had no problem getting last-minute reservations when needed.

All entertainment, books and games, and use of the fitness center and spa are included. In each port, there is a free shore excursion included, which is typically a walking tour of the area. There are also free movie screenings and lectures onboard as well as dozens of complimentary movies on demand. Wi-Fi is included in the cruise rate as well. I found the Wi-Fi to be above average, especially for being out to sea. There are also computers onboard for use if needed. There are laundry rooms throughout that are free for guests. Free drinking water is replenished daily in the cabins and bottled water is provided when you disembark in port.

Alcohol, spa treatments, and most shore excursions come at extra charge. The Silver Spirits Beverage package is around $20 per guest per night, which is reasonable in comparison to other lines. This includes all beer, wine, and drinks up to $15 as well as an upgraded wine pairing at The Chef’s Table dinner. If you think you’ll be having a few drinks while on your vacation each day, it’s worth upgrading to this package. Otherwise, drink prices start at $5 per drink. You may also bring your own drinks with you; there is no corkage fee.

For gratuities, Viking automatically adds a discretionary hotel and dining charge of $15 per guest per day to your shipboard account, which appears on your final invoice at the end of your cruise. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine, and deck service tabs. If you want to make changes to the amounts or pay in cash, you can do so onboard. You can also pre-purchase the standard recommended gratuity ahead of time, which is shared among the onboard staff.

Review: Onboard the Viking Jupiter – Amenities, Activities, Entertainment, & ‘The Scene’

• Rating: 4.0

Live music, cozy corners, and a glimpse at Viking culture make for a well-rounded onboard experience.

The Viking Jupiter is an upscale casual ship focused on providing a cultural experience onboard and at every port of call. You’ll find plenty of relaxing spaces onboard in the atrium levels, as well as a library, games for use, and interactive maps. There are also two small exhibit areas featuring Viking clothing and artifacts. Viking hosts a daily series, “Munch Moments,” which showcases several Edvard Munch pieces each afternoon in The Living Room/Atrium area. You can also download a specific app that walks you through the art and design onboard. Don’t miss out on guest lecturers, port talks, streamed TED Talks, destination performances, film screenings, and more onboard. There is also an onboard cooking school, The Kitchen Table, where on sea days, you can learn to cook dishes highlighting an upcoming destination.

Music is an integral part of the Viking experience. The Viking Jupiter has a resident pianist, guitarist, violinist, and cellist that play throughout the day. There is also a band that plays in cast performances as well as nightly at the Torshavn lounge. There’s an onboard cast that puts on shows ranging from Broadway-style musical performances like “Decades” to cabaret.

The ship is on the quieter side, with music ending at midnight each night. Most guests are in their cabin before then. Port arrivals range from 7 to 10 a.m., and on port days, we were required to be back on board between 1 and 9:30 p.m., depending on the day’s itinerary.

The layout of the ship is easy to figure out, and by the second day, you’re likely to have a good feel for it. All of Viking ships are similar, so if you’ve been on one before, you’ll be right at home. Deck 1 is home to the specialty restaurants and spa, Deck 2 is where the main dining and entertainment options are, and Deck 7 is where you’ll find the main pool, pool grill, the infinity pool, World Cafe, Explorer’s Lounge, and Wintergarden.

Overall, the dress is semi-casual, with the only rule being no jeans in the main dining restaurants for dinner. The staff is very accommodating, though, and any sort of enforcement of dining room dress seems to be rare.

Review: The Cabins on Viking Jupiter

• Rating: 4.5

Spacious bathrooms, ample closet space and storage, and comfortable beds are all you can ask for in a cruise cabin.

On Viking Jupiter, you’ll find modern, clean, and brand-new cabins. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, ample closet space with built-in shelves, bathrobes, safes, a small seating area, and a desk with a pop-up vanity. Rooms are serviced twice per day, and a room steward is on duty. I stayed in the Deluxe Veranda Stateroom, which totaled 270 square feet, including the private veranda. On my cruise, I did not experience any noise from the hallways or surrounding cabins.

The bathrooms are thoughtfully designed. There are multiple glass shelves for holding toiletries as well as a drying clothesline, towel racks, and drawers. Additional amenities include a spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floors, toiletries, robes, slippers, and a hairdryer.

Veranda staterooms (there are three tiers: standard, deluxe, and penthouse) come with a King-size bed with an optional twin-bed configuration. Square footage ranges from 270 to 338 square feet and only the standard does not come with a stocked minibar. The penthouse stateroom gets you a welcome bottle of champagne, complimentary pressing and shoe shining, and a larger space.

In the suites category, Viking offers several types of suites, including the Penthouse Junior Suite (at 405 square feet), the Explorer Suite (757 to 1,163 square feet), and the Owner’s Suite, which includes a private library, and wine and music collections curated by Viking’s Chairman Torstein Hagen.

Review: The Food and Drink on Viking Jupiter

• Rating: 4.0

Plenty of free food options that surprise and delight.

Onboard the Viking Jupiter, you’ll find plenty of all-inclusive dining options. On Deck 1 are the specialty dining restaurants, Manfredi’s (serving Italian favorites like lasagna and gnocchi) and The Chef’s Table. The latter offers a five-course themed menu that comes with wine pairings; the menu rotates every two to three days. On the night I went, the theme was West Indies, and I was pleasantly surprised by the flavors and execution of each dish. Reservations—which can be made in advance of the sailing or once aboard—are required for both specialty dining restaurants. On Deck 2 you’ll also find the main dining restaurant, The Restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner. Also on Deck 2 is Torshavn, an intimate lounge with a jazz-club feel that’s a favorite late-night hangout for live music. Dinner attire is elegant-casual, but there was never an overly stuffy feel—or judgment for being underdressed.

On Deck 7, you’ll find the World Cafe, which is Viking’s version of a buffet, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are many stations serving different foods, but favorites include the sushi bar and gelato bar. I appreciated that the food was refreshed constantly and that there were plenty of options for all types of diets. The Pool Grill (also on Deck 7) offered a smaller version of the World Cafe buffet (and a killer burger), but also occasionally had specialty dinner offerings like “Surf and Turf.” The Pool Grill is open for lunch and dinner daily.

For eating and drinking outside traditional meal hours, you can head to The Viking Living Room and Viking Bar on Deck 1. On Deck 7, there’s also the Pool Grill and Bar, Aquavit Bar, Explorer’s Lounge, and Mamsen’s, a Nordic-inspired snack bar of sorts that serves late-morning waffles, mid-afternoon smorrebrods (open-faced sandwiches), and late-night charcuterie. The Wintergarden, also on Deck 7, hosts a lovely tea with finger sandwiches from 4 to 5 p.m. every day.

The onboard liquor is priced fairly, with most beer, wine, and well liquor selling for $5 per drink. Onboard, there are two sommeliers, so the wine selection is always well-considered. (Upgrading to the drinks package offers an even finer selection for lunch and dinner.) In both the Explorer’s Lounge bar and Torshavn lounge, there’s a large selection of liquor ranging from well to premium.

Room service is available for more basic food items and is included 24/7. I only ordered breakfast once, and it was on time and warm when it arrived.

Review: The Spa & Fitness Center on Viking Jupiter

• Rating: 4.5

A Nordic spa and gorgeous fitness center make working out and self-care easy onboard.

The LivNordic spa is an ideal spot to visit during sea days or after a chilly shore excursion in the fjords. Each locker room has a cold plunge pool and sauna, while the joint spa area includes a snow grotto (a cold room with piles of ice that you rub on your body to open up your pores), large hydrotherapy pool, a cold bucket dump shower, a hot tub, and a multi-jetted experience shower that refreshes you with water at various temperatures. The spa itself is free to use for all guests.

Treatment prices at the spa are in line with what you’d find at a high-end spa or luxury hotel, though discounts were available on certain days. There’s also a salon onboard offering blowouts, manicures, and pedicures.

Also included in your cruise rate is the use of the fitness center, which offers excellent views and plenty of brand-new machines and weights. For an additional cost ($10), you can sign up for group classes like Pilates.

Review: Shore Excursions/Itinerary on Viking Homelands

• Rating: 4.0

Plenty to do in each port, but you will need to dish out some extra cash for experiences.

The Viking Homelands trip is a 15-day itinerary that makes port stops in Stockholm (embarkation port), Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Gdansk, Berlin, Copenhagen, Alborg, Stavanger, Eidfjord, and Bergen (disembarkation port). It highlights true Viking culture at each port, with enriching shore excursions like home visits and walking tours with locals. This is an ideal itinerary for seasoned travelers looking to blend new destinations and revisit favorites. It was my second time visiting Berlin and Copenhagen and it was nice to have a relaxing day to enjoy the city and return to some of my favorite spots. Cruising is also the best way to experience Norway’s fjords—many passengers I spoke with named this part of the journey as their favorite. While generally, you need a visa to spend time in Russia, as a cruise passenger, you won’t need a visa if you are booked on one of the cruise’s excursions—a convenient and simple way to visit St. Petersburg. Overall, I thought the itinerary was well-planned, with an interesting mix of cities and the perfect amount of time in each port. There is only one at sea day (on day seven); and the boat stays overnight in Stockholm, St. Petersburg, and Bergen.

I booked two shore excursions with Viking: a RIB boat tour in Stavanger, where we got a closer look at the landscape via a speedboat; and a kayaking excursion in Eidfjord. Both were active and exciting excursions that I probably wouldn’t have booked on my own. I also liked that the excursions were only a few hours long, which left me extra time in port to explore. Viking’s walking tours are also a great option for travelers looking for an introduction to the city; they are followed by enough free time to walk around at your leisure. Viking did a fantastic job explaining the optional activities at each port—you could even book excursions via your stateroom TV if there was still availability, though passengers are encouraged to book in advance. There’s an activity level listed with each excursion. In talking to other passengers, many enjoyed the Flam railway (Eidfjord) and flightseeing excursion offered in Eidfjord and Bergen.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this ocean cruising experience and revisiting a few of my favorite cities in Europe in a completely new way. And, there really is no better way to take in the natural beauty of the fjords than by sailing on them. Plus, the region is the cruise line’s home, so this itinerary is especially thought out and exclusive for travelers.

Interested in finding out more about this ship or this cruise itinerary? Send me an email at editor@smartertravel.com.

More from SmarterTravel:

• What to Pack for a Cruise: The Ultimate Cruise Packing List
• The 10 Best Booking Sites to Book a Cruise
• Cruise Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Ashley Rossi was hosted by Viking Cruises. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

The post Why This Viking Ocean Cruise Is the Best Way to See Northern Europe appeared first on SmarterTravel.