Viking · On board
What is the dress code?
The answer
Checked 2026-09-21Casual by day, “elegant casual” in the evening, and no formal nights
- Daytime: shorts, slacks or jeans, with comfortable shoes for walking tours.
- Swimwear, cover-ups, robes and exercise attire belong in the fitness, pool and spa areas only.
- Evening “elegant casual” applies to all dining venues, performances and special events. Ladies: a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse. Gentlemen: trousers and a collared shirt.
- A tie and jacket are optional. Jeans are not permitted in the evening.
- The World Café is the exception — dress stays casual there after 6:00 PM, jeans and boots included.
- On polar expeditions the onboard dress code is more casual, and a detailed packing list is provided.
In one sentence — Viking: Casual by day, “elegant casual” in the evening, and no formal nights. Daytime: shorts, slacks or jeans, with comfortable shoes for walking tours. Swimwear, cover-ups, robes and exercise attire belong in the fitness, pool and spa areas only. Evening “elegant casual” applies to all dining venues, performances and special events. Ladies: a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse. Gentlemen: trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional. Jeans are not permitted in the evening. The World Café is the exception — dress stays casual there after 6:00 PM, jeans and boots included. On polar expeditions the onboard dress code is more casual, and a detailed packing list is provided. Read from Viking's own published policy on 2026-09-21. Cruise lines change policies without notice — confirm with Viking before relying on this.
Why this one catches people out
Two questions really: what is expected at dinner, and what happens on formal or gala nights.
Where this came from
https://www.vikingcruises.com/expeditions/frequently-asked-questions.htmlWe read these policies from each cruise line's own pages and record the date we read them. Lines change their rules without notice. Always confirm with the cruise line before you rely on anything here.