OP here with mini-review follow-up. our first Viking cruise is complete. We went on the ship to search for Northern Lights and found them, so we are happy campers.
Our Viking vs SB review:
1. Like smaller size of SB, but we were not bothered by Viking.
2. Enjoyed the Chef's Table food much more than SB’s TK.
3. Our V ship much more modern than those on SB we have sailed. Had a huge shower in their PH suite, much bigger than SB.
4. Felt the staff were uniformly customer-service oriented, which was better than our last SB cruise. However, they were constrained by bureaucracy. and the guest services folks did not seem to have the same level of ability to understand and resolve problems without referral to corporate.
5. Food in buffet restaurant superior to Colonade. Loved the noodle and sushi bars.
Overalll, a positive experience and we would not hesitate to consider V on a unique itinerary.