We Had a Fabulous Cruise Around the World!
We just returned from an unforgettable world cruise with Viking, and I wanted to share some thoughts for anyone considering a journey like this. Whether you’re dreaming of a future voyage or already planning one, here are some lessons learned and insights to help guide your adventure.
- Cabin Size Isn’t Everything
We had a Penthouse Veranda, and it was plenty roomy for a world cruise—even with our tendency to overpack. Some staterooms might feel tight, but the ship itself is spacious, with plenty of areas to spread out and relax. You’re not confined to your cabin, and that makes a big difference. The ship is comfortable with quiet elegance and provides ample private spaces to read, relax and watch the ocean. Even with the ship at full capacity (+930 guests) it never felt crowded and often felt like we had the entire ship to ourselves.
- Demographics: Expect Wisdom, Not Youth
Most guests are in their 70s or 80s. At just over 60, we felt like the “youngsters” onboard. We were able to find people of our age and younger. Everyone had incredible life stories and travel experiences. You will enjoy the conversations and hearing about where people live. Just be prepared for a slower group pace when traveling on a cruise offered excursion with fellow Viking guests.
- It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
It takes a few days to adjust to the rhythm of a world cruise. There’s no need to rush. You’ll quickly realize there’s enough time to do (almost) everything you want, so embrace the pace and let the relaxation set in. The cruise staff is very friendly, excellent and so wonderful, you will get spoiled.
- You Will Find Your Tribe
Whether you’re into music, art, walking, early-morning yoga, trivia, puzzles, or just a pre-dinner cocktails—your people are out there. Give it a few days and show up to group events, even if you’re not socially outgoing around strangers. Join trivia or other social activities, and don’t be afraid to sit down with someone new. Most folks are as eager to connect as you are. It also can be noted that in the restaurant, the dinning tables are close enough that the proximity provides opportunities to meet new people and have conversations.
- Sea Days Become Gold
At first, you might feel like you should be doing something every day. However, soon enough sea days become your favorites. After long days of walking tours and excursions, you’ll appreciate the day or two at sea. On sea days we really enjoyed the enrichment lectures on culture/history, art classes, playing board and meeting others for a friendly card game. The lectures we may have missed were caught up with replays on our cabin’s TV.
- Medical Checkups Prior To Long Cruises Like This
Before your trip, schedule a full check-up with your doctor and dentist. Bring a copy of your medical history and talk through any “what if” scenarios. A world cruise is not the time to discover an undiagnosed condition. Obtain waiver on prescriptions 2-3 weeks in advance of the cruise to have enough medications for the entire trip plus maybe a few days extra for any travel delays. Finally, although expensive, get travel insurance and understand your coverage.
- You Can’t Do It All—and That’s OK
You’ll arrive with a list of 100 things you want to do, but realistically, you’ll have the time and energy for maybe a quarter of them. Stay flexible, focus on what brings you joy, and be open to trying a few new things just for fun. Prior to the Viking cruise, the shore excursions open up and often the favorites are sold out fast – but Don’t fret – often spots open up during the cruise and you can check with shore excursions to get on the wait list once on board. Spa service reservations are often tough to get on sea days, but are possible. Spa appointments are readily available for when in port and around all aboard time (nothing better to wind down from a busy port excursion than a massage).
- Concern of Gaining Weight? It’s Manageable
At first, the food and buffets are irresistible. But over time, you’ll naturally moderate. Many couples said they adjusted to just two meals a day—usually an early lunch and dinner—with morning coffee just to “reach cruising altitude.” Walking the stairs helps too! Eating in Chef’s table where the food portions are small and delicious keeping you on track. Walking on the deck, morning yoga, stretching and water exercise classes coupled with a complete gym allow you to keep fit. Most cruisers find they gain little or no weight during a world cruise.
- Taking Photos – Your iPhone is Enough
Leave the bulky camera gear at home. Today’s smartphones take incredible photos and videos. Just make sure to have an external hard drive or a solid iCloud plan, because ship internet is too slow for big backups. Take a photography class or watch some tutorials—it’s worth it.
- Overpacking Happens—Don’t Sweat It
Even seasoned travelers overpack. Two weeks in, no one cares what you’re wearing (and you’ll wear the same outfits more than once). You’ll collect t-shirts and other casual wear along the way. You don’t need a sport coat or suit unless you really enjoy dressing up. Nice slacks/shirts/simple dress for women is great and no need to bring fancy jewelry. There is self service laundry on most floors and the ship provided laundry service is affordable and quick. The ship even has an expert tailor should you need something fixed or adjusted. As the cruise get closer to disembarkation, we recommend donating clothes to staff. You quickly learn that you can live with less “stuff”.
- Pack a Mini Pharmacy
Beyond basic toiletries, do bring your own medications and a small kit of essentials: Band-Aids, bug spray, Pepto, sea sickness patches, skin creams, sunscreen, a Z-pack/antibiotics (for tummy issues – ask your doctor), Pain relief, Benadryl, allergy medicine and anything else you typically use. Eye drops are recommended since the ocean breezes dry out the eyes and other areas may be simply drier than your used to. Having these on hand can be a lifesaver since they may not be available in other parts of the world.
- Excursions: Viking vs. Independent
Viking’s excursions are convenient and include some exclusive experiences—but they can be crowded and pricey. For a more personalized, faster paces (and budget-friendly) experience, check out third-party providers like Viator, Getyourguide and tours by locals. Just be mindful of return times—though in our experience, it was rarely a problem.
- Currency
Most locations take credit cards for purchases. While plentiful, ATM fees are steep. Major cities with good transit options (Sydney’s ferries, London underground, etc..) allow you tap-on/tap-off using your credit cards the electronic chip embedded. While locals may prefer tips in local currency, the American dollar is widely accepted in well developed tourist areas. If your destination, has not developed tourism sufficiently (i.e.. remote parts of Africa), think of having some cash on hand purchasing currency before the trip and take advantage of favorable exchange rates .
A world cruise is an extraordinary adventure, and Viking does a fantastic job delivering a luxurious, enriching experience. You’ll see incredible places, meet fascinating people, and learn more about yourself than you ever expected. Keep a journal, (even write a blog), take as many digital pictures are you can, collect memorabilia and keep family up to date on your adventure. Just take it slow, pack wisely, and savor every moment.
Happy cruising!
