Viking Christmas (2024)

FAQs

Is a Christmas Market River cruise worth it? ›

I vote yes, but there are some things you should know before booking a Christmas market cruise. If you've had visiting the Christmas markets of Europe on your bucket list, a river cruise is a great way to explore multiple markets in one trip.

You can pre-purchase gratuities or the cruise line will automatically add a discretionary service charge per guest per day to your shipboard account, which appears on your final invoice at the end of your cruise.

Viking's ships typically remain in port for most of the day and included tours usually last from 2 to 4 hours.

When is disembarkation? All staterooms must be vacated by 9:00 AM. Guests can disembark as soon as the ship has docked.

For daytime and excursions, think shorts or light trousers in warm weather, and jeans with jumpers when it cools down. Dining Dress Code: Lunch is casual, reflecting your daytime attire. Dinner, however, nudges towards smart casual, with shorts, T-shirts, and jeans generally discouraged.

It's down to personal preference and budget. If finances allow, I highly recommend a balcony option. It is worth noting that one morning, you could have an incredible view over the river, but the next day, the view could be of a dock wall and your balcony becomes less important.

Evening Attire

For dinner, you can wear smart casual clothing. Men can opt for slacks or khakis paired with a collared shirt or a polo shirt. Women can wear dresses, skirts, or trousers paired with blouses. Avoid wearing t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, flip-flops, or overly casual attire.

In most cases, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water on a cruise ship.

Viking River Cruises allows passengers to bring a reasonable amount of alcohol on board if it is for a special event like a wedding anniversary or a birthday celebration. However, there are a few important rules to note: The alcohol must be consumed in your stateroom and cannot be brought to public areas.

What is the average age on Viking cruises? ›

The average age of Viking Rurik's passengers has been decreasing every year, according to the ship's hotel manager. While the trip used to draw mostly those in their 70's, passengers are now typically in their late 50's and 60's, with a smattering of younger (for a river cruise) passengers in their 40's.

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

The truth, though, is this: There's no “better” side of the ship. It doesn't matter where you're going, or what river you're sailing on, or even what ship you're sailing aboard. Both sides of the ship are created equal.

With Viking, there are no hidden fees. One price covers most everything—port charges, Wi-Fi, meals, lectures, activities and shore excursions—plus hotel accommodations on cruisetours.

Each night, you'll be presented with several tasty options, including vegetarian choices. Windstar also accommodates dietary restrictions – such as food allergies or gluten-free needs – and prepares special menu items for these guests. Dinner in AmphorA is served between 7 PM and 9:30 PM, all open seating.

The Freyja Collection is a Nordic skin care brand, inspired by Freyja and the nature of her homeland. The collection is offered exclusively on Viking Cruises.

Shore Excursions

Virtually all activities are included in your fare in order to ensure you maximize your discoveries.

Why are Viking cruises so expensive? They're a luxury line that is all-inclusive. The bargain lines (basically, the big party ships doing the tropical island/Mexico port-hopping) are cheap because you get your room and the cheap food alternatives and that's about it.

Your ship has hair dryers for guest use. Most staterooms are equipped with a hair dryer; if there isn't one in your stateroom, you can request one at the Reception Desk and it will be provided to you. Your stateroom amenities include shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, plus a shower cap and vanity kit.

Bottom Line. Cruising over the holiday season gives you lots of choices on where to go and which line to sail with. While each option has its own appeal, every Christmas cruise can be an ideal way to spend time with loved ones while also enjoying the best of a vacation.

What is a Christmas Market river cruise? ›

Embrace the magic of the holiday season aboard a Christmas market river cruise as you discover the Christmas markets in Germany and Austria and participate in age-old holiday traditions aboard your cruise along the Rhine and Danube rivers.

So while we can provide an average age, know that there's great variation involved. This means that the average age varies by cruise line, itinerary and date. With that said, for at least one cruise line, the average age is 55 years old.

Your packing list should include multiple layers and all your winter outerwear essentials like a hat, gloves and scarf. Don't forget comfortable shoes or waterproof boots.