Plan Your Trip

What documentation do I need to bring?

Proper travel documentation is the sole responsibility of the guest. Guests arriving at embarkation without proper documentation may not join the voyage and will NOT be entitled to a refund.

All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. All passports must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip. It is recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport when traveling, as many countries require blank pages.

You are responsible for obtaining and payment of all visas and entry documents prior to travel, and for meeting all health and other requirements and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders, and/or requirements of the countries to be visited. Non-U.S. citizens must consult with appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed and are responsible for obtaining all visas and entry documents independently.

Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain further details. For more information or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 1-877-487-2778.

May I bring children along?

Children above 16 years of age are welcomed to register for the cruise with one accompanying adult. Please keep in mind each stateroom accommodates up to two guests per stateroom.

What is the baggage allowance?

Only one large bag is allowed per guest and one small carry-on per guest as luggage space on the coach is very limited.

Your large suitcase should have dimensions not exceeding 30 x 21 x 11 in. (76 x 53 x 28 cm.), and weight not exceeding 50 lbs. (22 kg.) or less. We regret that we are unable to accept a second suitcase or any luggage exceeding these limits. We recommend you consult your air carrier as size and weight limitations vary from airline to airline.

The hand luggage (small carry-on) should be 12 x 11 x 6 in. or 30 x 28 x 14 cm and no more than 10 lbs.

Porterage for one large suitcase per person is included during bus transfers and hotel stays. Any additional porterage charges will be at your own expense.

What is the "dress code" aboard the ship?

Dress is casual and comfortable, both on board and ashore. Because the weather can be unpredictable, it is best to bring layers. It is recommended that you have a sweater or light jacket for spring and summer, and a heavier jacket for chillier months. Rain can happen at any time, so a collapsible umbrella is a "must." You are likely to do a good deal of walking during shore excursions, so you will definitely want sturdy, comfortable walking shoes; but, since our river cruise ships are much smaller than ocean cruising vessels, you do not have to worry about too much walking on board.

There are no "formal nights" on board, but there is usually a Captain's Welcome Dinner and/or Farewell Dinner. For these evenings, you might like to bring "dressy casual" wear.

What is the electrical voltage in the stateroom? What kind of converters will I need for my computer/curling iron/camera battery charger?

Electricity on the ships is 220V. Our European ships have the German Schuko safety plug, which has two pins. Each stateroom will have one or two 115V razor plugs available, generally in the bathroom.

Will we be able to have laundry done on board?

Laundry service is available on board; unfortunately clothes cannot be dry cleaned. Typical lists of laundry charges are available upon request. Please note that prices are subject to change.

Are the ships nonsmoking? Are there smoking areas?

All Viking ship interiors, staterooms and verandas are nonsmoking; this policy also applies to e-cigarettes. Each ship has an outdoor smoking area, generally on the Sun Deck.

Are there irons and ironing boards in the staterooms?

No, these could create a fire hazard. Clothing can be pressed for you, or you can bring a portable travel steamer.

Will the ship be able to accommodate a disabled passenger? What about the shore excursions?

Viking River Cruises welcomes disabled guests but wishes all guests to understand that challenges will exist on board and during shore excursions. Shore excursions may require movement over cobblestones or up and down stairs; accordingly, a physically challenged guest will require the services of a responsible adult since crew availability is severely limited in most circumstances. Motorized scooters are not typically suited on board cruises and cannot be accommodated. Viking does not accommodate animals except for seeing eye dogs on our international itineraries.

Currency on board and shipboard account

The onboard currency is the Euro. All onboard purchases are billed with a guest check and added to your personal shipboard account. At the end of your trip, you may pay in cash (U.S. dollars or Euros), or by credit card (your bill will be converted at the current exchange rate). Unfortunately, travelers checks cannot be used for payment of your shipboard account. Please review your shipboard bill upon checkout so that we can more easily assist with any questions you may have.

What to pack?

We suggest bringing comfortable, casual clothing. Ties and jackets are not required; there are no formal nights although some guests choose dressier clothing for the Captain's Dinner. Consider dressing respectfully when visiting places of worship and other religious sites where you may be denied entry if wearing clothing considered to be inappropriate or too revealing.

Here is a short list of items you might want to bring with you:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Dressier shoes
- Collapsible umbrella/lightweight rain gear
- Lightweight jacket/warm sweater/sweatshirt
- Sunglasses, sun hat or visor
- Toiletries (including medical remedies)
- Warm coat, gloves and water-resistant footwear (as needed for cooler months)

Pack in your carry-on baggage
We suggest you bring copies of your key travel documents (passport information page, airline tickets, credit card numbers and insurance information) and carry them separately in case you lose your originals.

You might also want to consider packing the following items:
- All needed medications, including prescriptions, in their original, labeled containers
- Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution
- Important papers and travel documents
- Camera gear, film or extra memory cards, extra batteries
- Valuables

Optional items
Here is a list of optional items to consider bringing with you:
- Electric converter/adapter for North American appliances (220V)
- Travel alarm clock, travel flashlight, binoculars, anti-bacterial wipes and/or hand sanitizer
- Small calculator for foreign exchange calculations
- Travel journal/notepad and/or reading material
- Small, basic sewing kit/extra buttons; pack scissors in checked bags
- Address list or pre-addressed labels for sending postcards

NOTE: Most hotels and Reception onboard have hair dryers available for guest use. Also, laundry service (no dry cleaning) is available on board for a fee. See Laundry above.

What NOT to pack?

Make sure you are aware of current regulations about items you should not pack into a suitcase or carry on with you. Here is a link to TSA's list of prohibited items.

Is there fitness equipment on board?

The Viking Beyla does not have fitness equipment on board. Guests enjoy getting their exercise during each day's shore excursions.