Viking - A Guide to the Dress Code

Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening

For your 15-day Mediterranean cruise with Viking, daytime attire is all about comfort and practicality for exploration. With port-intensive itineraries visiting historic cities like Rome, Athens, or Dubrovnik, your clothing should be versatile. Think relaxed, casual, and ready for adventure.

General Public Areas (Explorer's Lounge, Atrium, Cafés)

Onboard the ship, the atmosphere is calm and relaxed. Comfortable trousers, shorts, polo shirts, and casual tops are ideal. The ship is beautifully climate-controlled, but bringing a light sweater or pashmina is always a good idea for moving between the sunny deck and the cool interior lounges.

Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces

Swimwear is appropriate for the pool areas. A stylish cover-up is essential for walking through the ship's interior spaces. Given the strong Mediterranean sun, sun protection is crucial—pack a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and quality sunglasses.

Daytime Dining (The Restaurant & World Café)

For breakfast and lunch in any dining venue, the dress is casual. Whether you are dining in The Restaurant or the World Café, your comfortable shore excursion wear is perfectly acceptable.

• A cover-up must be worn over swimwear.
• Shoes are always required.

Evening Dress Codes Explained

Viking simplifies evening wear with one elegant and easy-to-follow dress code. This applies from 6:00 PM onwards in all public areas and restaurants.

Elegant Casual Evenings

Viking's evening dress code is Elegant Casual. The aim is to be comfortable yet sophisticated. Think of it as what you might wear for a nice dinner out at a refined restaurant at home. This code applies every single night of your cruise.

• For Men: Trousers or smart slacks with a collared shirt (polo shirts are acceptable). A sweater is also a good option. Ties and jackets are not required, though some men opt for a sports coat.
• For Women: A dress, a skirt or smart trousers with an elegant top, or a stylish tunic.

What Not to Wear: For the evening dinner service in any restaurant, you should avoid:

• Shorts
• Jeans with tears or holes
• Baseball caps
• T-shirts

No Formal Nights on Viking

One of Viking's defining features is its policy of **no formal nights**. You will not need a tuxedo, suit, or evening gown. The focus is on relaxed luxury and destination immersion, allowing you to pack lighter and enjoy your evenings without the pressure of a strict formal dress code.

Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)

The Elegant Casual dress code is consistent across almost all evening venues:

• The Restaurant: The main dining room adheres to the Elegant Casual standard every evening.
• Speciality Dining Restaurants (e.g., Manfredi's, The Chef's Table): The dress code is also Elegant Casual, though the upscale ambiance might inspire you to dress on the smarter side of this code. Reservations are required, but there is no extra charge.
• The World Café / Lido Marketplace: This venue remains more casual in the evening. If you prefer not to change from your daytime wear, this is the perfect spot for a relaxed dinner.
• The Main Theatre or Show Lounge (Torshavn): Attire reflects the overall Elegant Casual code of the evening.
• Bars and Lounges: The dress code is relaxed but generally follows the ship's evening standard.

Common Themed Nights & Special Events

Viking does not have traditional cruise "themed nights" like Caribbean or 70s disco parties. The focus of the onboard entertainment is on destination enrichment. You can expect events such as:

• Destination-Inspired Performances: Local musicians, singers, or dancers may be brought on board to perform, reflecting the culture of the region you are visiting.
• Lectures and Talks: Onboard historians and guest lecturers often give talks on the art, history, and culture of your Mediterranean ports of call.
• Themed Dining: While not a costume party, some evenings in the World Café may feature a buffet themed around a specific regional cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Viking Dress Code

Can I wear jeans on Viking?

Yes. During the day, jeans are perfectly acceptable. In the evening, smart, dark-wash jeans (free of holes or rips) are generally fine, especially when paired with a collared shirt or elegant top. They fit well within the Elegant Casual dress code.

Are shorts allowed in the main dining venues in the evening?

No, shorts are not considered appropriate for any of the restaurants for dinner. They are fine to wear during the day and for breakfast or lunch.

How many formal nights will be on my cruise?

There are zero formal nights on any Viking ocean cruise, including your 15-day Mediterranean sailing. Viking's philosophy is centred on relaxed luxury, so you can leave the tuxedos and gowns at home.

Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown?

No, not at all. A dinner jacket or sports coat is not required for men, though some choose to wear one. Gowns are not necessary for women. The evening dress code is Elegant Casual, focusing on being comfortable yet sophisticated.

What is the dress code for children and teenagers?

This is not applicable as Viking maintains an adults-only policy. All guests must be 18 years or older to sail on their ocean and river voyages.

Is the dress code strictly enforced?

Yes, the evening dress code is generally enforced in a polite manner to maintain the ship's sophisticated ambiance, particularly in The Restaurant, Manfredi's, and The Chef's Table. The primary rule enforced is 'no shorts at dinner'. The World Café (buffet) offers a more relaxed option if you prefer to remain in very casual attire.

Expert Packing Tips for Your Mediterranean Cruise

Smart packing will enhance your Viking experience. Here are some final tips for your 15-day Mediterranean journey.

• Comfortable Walking Shoes are Essential: You will be walking extensively on uneven surfaces like cobblestones. A well-broken-in pair of comfortable shoes is the most important item you can pack.
• Pack for Modesty: For your Mediterranean itinerary, many excursions will include visits to churches, cathedrals, and other religious sites. Pack a light scarf, pashmina, or cardigan to cover your shoulders and ensure your shorts or skirt cover your knees to show respect.
• Layering is Key: Evenings on the water can be cool, even in the Mediterranean. Pack light sweaters, cardigans, or a light jacket for evenings on deck or in the air-conditioned lounges.
• Check Prohibited Items: Remember that items like clothing irons, heating pads, and surge-protected extension cords are not allowed on board for safety reasons.

Disclaimer: This information is believed to be correct at the time of publishing (September 2025). However, dress code policies can change. It's always best to check the official cruise line website for the most current information before you sail.

For the most up-to-date details, please visit the official Viking Cruises Onboard FAQ page: Viking Cruises Dress Code Information.