Viking Riverboat Cruise Wardrobe- The Final Mix
Here’s the final installment in what I wore for our Viking River Boat cruise and two weeks traveling in Europe. Part one is here, part two is here. The red cord of my audio-tour guide box is not my favorite accessory but I wore on almost every day. I packed everything into an 18″ wheeler carry-on plus a small handheld. I’m working on a wrap-up post with lists which will make it easier to replicate with your wardrobe. This now feels so long ago but it’s only been a few weeks. Vacations wear off too fast:)
Day 9- Passau, Germany
Our last stop on the cruise was the most charming little town. Passau is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities. It sits at the intersection of the Inn, Danube and Ilz rivers.
I wore my belt bag plus carried my tote. My shoulder was getting sore and the waist belt held enough to lighten the weight of the tote:) I buttoned the top button of my cotton cardigan to protect the skin on my chest because sunscreen can only do so much. Next time I’m bringing my sun parasol.
We did a walking tour of the city and topped it off with an organ concert in St. Stephens Cathedral.
It’s has of the largest pipe organs in Europe with over 17,000 pipes. Every seat in the church was filled for the concert which was breathtaking.
The church itself was simply stunning. The weather was insanely hot so after lunch, we stayed aboard and packed to leave the next day.
For dinner that evening I changed into my other cardigan (anyone tired of leopard cardigans yet? I am:) Changed to the wristlet strap for my handbag and added $12Ā earrings.
Day 10 – Prague
We left the ship early and boarded a luxury coach for a 4-hour drive into Prague. It was a twisty, hilly, narrow road. I kept thinking we were going to get sideswiped by the huge trucks that we were passing but the worse thing to happen was a violent case of motion sickness for me.
We stayed at the new Hilton which was undergoing some renovations. Couples from our ship were furious about the inconvenience but we didn’t hear a thing.
Day 11 – Prague
I have no idea what I wore this day but you can assume it was black, ivory or featured a leopard cardigan;)
We took our normal hop-on-hop-off bus which was a disaster. The weather was stifling hot and muggy and many of their buses were out of commission. The city is amazing so it was fun to get a tour of it but it would have been better with narration and air conditioning.
Day 12- Prague
We toured Prague castle and saw the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral.
It was still hot and muggy. By this point, I would have been happy to stay in the air conditioning but we had a special lunch planned I did not want to miss.
I was not that tourist who stands next to the ceremonial palace guards for the cheesy photo op. I didn’t want to stand next to the serious fellow with the gun either. Go figure.
One of the highlights of our trip was a privileged access tour of Lobkwicz castle. We were treated to an elegant lunch in the original private living quarters and a private concert in the Lobkowicz baroque concert hall.
It was magical. If you take this Viking Cruise I highly recommend this extra tour. It’s exclusively for Viking guests and elegantly spectacular.
Day 13
Our last day we took a bus to Kunta Hora. Our first stop was a seriously creepy spot called Sedlec Ossuary. It’s a Roman Catholic Church decorated with human skeletons. Next, we took a guided tour of the gothic St. Barbara Cathedral. It took over 500 years to build because of the town’s economy. The cobbled stone streets are tough on your feet so although it was hot, I opted for sneakers.
We had a traditional Czech lunch followed by a walk around the little town.
Day 14- Travel Home
It’s funny how much more space dirty clothes take up in your suitcase..kidding. I wore the same exact outfit to fly home that I did to fly to Zurich at the start of our trip.
I did not have laundry done on this trip but I did rinse a few things out aboard the cruise. More to come on that later.
Thanks for reading and have a great day.
I wish you could come and supervise my packing! I always take too much, even when I try to minimize. You seem to have it down to a science! (Side note: Please start carrying Bonine for your trips. I get motion sickness on flights and busses too and itās been a lifesaver.)
Bonine is magical stuff! If in doubt, leave it out of your bag. You can always rinse things out in the sink or get laundry done.
Thank you so much for your post. Leaving next week on first Viking River cruise and stressing about what to pack. Great job! You look terrific and comfortable. Love all your shoes! Very helpful!
Have a fabulous trip!
My husband and I just spent a beautiful week in Sweden. As I crossed a canal to get to an airport train to go home, I thought about just dumping my carry-on suitcase in the murky water. Iād packed black and navy pants that I liked , t-shirts, scarves, pink sweater, grey jacket, and an olive linen midi skirt for a break from the pants routine. After a week of mix-n-match I wanted to wear something bright and fun and I didnāt have the option. Next time I wonāt be quite so practical.
I totally understand! Thatās how colorful scarves and accessories can rescue us from boredom. Iāll pack more next time. And try not to lose any.
I enjoy all your packing posts and even though we have very different styles, I have found some good clothes and shoes through your links. I look forward to your upcoming summary. Thanks.
When I first saw your cool tone leopard cardigan, I made a bee-line to Banana Republic to check it out. I was very surprised to learn that what I thought were black spots are actually dark blue. This was a thrilling discovery for me since navy – not black – is my go-to color. My question for you is: is yours blue also, and, if so, do you wear it with black solids (pants/tops) or navy? BTW, I’m very impressed with how much you were able to pack in that little bag. We will be in Mexico for six weeks later this year and I intend to take only one small bag too. My travel colors are navy, gray, and raspberry/purple/pink. It makes packing a breeze… the only bummer is that I’m wearing the same clothes in all my travel pictures… even years apart.
Mine is the white leopard. In answer to your question, I would absolutely wear navy with black. They are low contrast and look fabulous together. I like your color combos!
I had a laugh about you having to wear the red lanyard while touring. I need to wear a lanyard with ID badge everyday for work. This might be an interesting post – How to style your ID badge for work! LOL!
If I had to wear one everyday Iād likely change the cord to something I liked.
Could you list an inventory of what you took, including the travel outfit? You may have already but I missed it. We travel a bit, (4 trips/year) and I always over pack. I’m getting better, but just a carry on would be my goal next time.
I am working on a list and will post it soon.
Love that checked duster!
When you wear your hair with a banana clip, would you please take a picture from the back? I want to see how your hair looks styled in that way. I’m interested to try the clip but I need to see how it looks on others with hair about the length of yours. Thanks.
Will do. It’s not glamorous but it works when I need to get it off my neck.
When you’re making that list, could you include one telling us what you carry in that heavy-looking tote? When out and about on similar trips, I try to carry as little as possible. Just curious as to what you consider essential.
I would be interested to see what your packed suitcase looks like. Iāve learned to roll my clothes and use cubes, etc. Iāve done island/beach vacations with just carryon luggage, but not one where youāre wearing āstreet clothesā and visiting cities. That is my goal! Thanks for all your advice.
I will try to get a snap for you, or make a video. I fold rather than roll and don’t use cubes
Iād love to see that and Iām sure other readers would, too. Thank you.
Me too! Please.
Thank you Jennifer for you packing tidbits!!! Very informational. I/we cruise ALOT and since we do ācheck on ā a bag…..I tend to pack more. I usually wear everything I pack and my husband is just as bad! We also take a lot of shoes (we pack a separate suitcase for them) !! Thank you for sharing your trip and pics with us…..Iāve been to a few of these places myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed your posts on your travel wardrobe for the riverboat trip. I am going to Dublin and London in September and may just copy you on your black/white/leopard color scheme! You always looked so pulled together. I have overpacked in the past and it was miserable to lug a heavy suitcase around. Lesson learned. Now I go light with an 18″ carry on.
I think I told you already, but Iām going on a Baltic Cruise in late July and your posts are really helping me organize my wardrobe. Our advantage is that we can take a big suitcase on the cruise ship, but we have planned a side trip to Norway with a folding duffel bag for a few things (and pajamas).
I’ve so enjoyed hearing about your trip and your pictures were amazing! Also learned so much about packing. It seems tricky but you looked great.
I’m enjoying reading about your trip and your packing hits or misses. Is there anything you’d do differently on your next river cruise?
It is so easy to get tired of wearing the same clothes over and over on a trip. I am packing for Boston and then onto Paris for a week! How warm was it on your trip? I am taking some Bermuda shorts to wear since it can be very hot in Boston and warm in Europe in July. I cannot tolerate wearing long pants when it is hot! Taking pants to wear at dinner. I also am taking a pair of capris. I am sticking to a black/navy/white color scheme. I am of course, taking a few of my Hermes scarves to wear in Paris! On our trip to Ireland last year, I did wash out undies and socks and a few tee shirts in the sink at the hotel. Hotels charge an exorbitant fee for laundering!!! Highlights in Paris will be: Eifel Tower, Versailles, Giverney (which is Monet’s garden) and Louvre! Also plan to visit Montmartre for the art.
Thanks again for let us have a view of trip and wardrobe. Great pictures. You always looked great.
Really have enjoyed all of the beautiful pictures and what you wore each day on your trip! Have always wanted to take a river boat cruise. Yours was magical, indeed!
This post was so interesting for me. Iāve visited several of these places but all my travel between was byvtrain not bus so no highway stresses! It was a decade or so ago so I also have zero recollection of my clothes. Probably neutrals though. I love your pics! Despite the heat you always look so energized! I have never been good at pulling that off. Iām not a great traveler……