Viking ocean cruises vs Seabourn?

I would sail forever on Viking if I knew Karl was going to be on that ship!

I can't imagine why Seabourn hasn't come up with a way to lure Karl back. He's worth whatever he wants.

Hi all

 

We have done hundreds of days cruising over the last 10 years or so, but have pretty much stayed with what we know - predominantly Seabourn, with several on Regent and Paul Gauguin.

 

We were interested in the feedback you provided recently on the Cunard vs Seabourn query, as we had been planning a 37 day exploration with a group of mostly Seabourners a few of whom decided to take the plunge and try the Cunard experience on the same route. Your feedback was on par with what we have read and knew that we would prefer Seabourn.

 

Does anyone have any experience with the new Viking ocean ships and can comment on the food, service and experience vs Seabourn?

 

Thanks

Having recently completed a 120 day voyage on Viking Sun, we were very comfortable in our Deluxe Veranda cabin. As with any ship cabin you need to be realistic in managing your packing. The beds are king size and very comfy. The bath has one sink but is large and has storage shelves and a drawer on both sides. There is no tub but a nice glass shower stall. The heated floors are a nice touch as well. The ship itself is beautiful and carries the Nordic design throughout unlike some ships with a different "theme" in each area. We found the food and service to be great. The crew is among the very best we have sailed with and that includes Seabourn and SeaDream. Room service can be ordered from the dining room or Manfredi's in addition to the room service menu. Shore ex are all over the place from poor to great but then we are "do our own thing" types and avoid anything that involves large groups or busses. The free wifi and no one under 18 years old are real plusses. Beverages are available as a package at reasonable cost but, as was mentioned above, quite often the beverages and gratuities are tossed in as incentives. It is possible to make a deal. We would certainly sail with them again as we would with Seabourn for sure.

I never understand these threads. Viking competes with Azamara and Oceania, why compare it with Seabourn, Silversea, Regent or Crystal? It’s a different product. If you’re happy with 4 stars, consider it. If you want a real luxury product, avoid it.

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Having recently completed a 120 day voyage on Viking Sun, we were very comfortable in our Deluxe Veranda cabin. As with any ship cabin you need to be realistic in managing your packing. The beds are king size and very comfy. The bath has one sink but is large and has storage shelves and a drawer on both sides. There is no tub but a nice glass shower stall. The heated floors are a nice touch as well. The ship itself is beautiful and carries the Nordic design throughout unlike some ships with a different "theme" in each area. We found the food and service to be great. The crew is among the very best we have sailed with and that includes Seabourn and SeaDream. Room service can be ordered from the dining room or Manfredi's in addition to the room service menu. Shore ex are all over the place from poor to great but then we are "do our own thing" types and avoid anything that involves large groups or busses. The free wifi and no one under 18 years old are real plusses. Beverages are available as a package at reasonable cost but, as was mentioned above, quite often the beverages and gratuities are tossed in as incentives. It is possible to make a deal. We would certainly sail with them again as we would with Seabourn for sure.

Thanks for this, very helpful and of interest to me.

I've been considering Viking for quite some time now, as an alternative option for the times that Seabourn doesn't have a cruise to fit my schedule. (As seems to be the case for the whole of this year).

They're obviously doing something right as most of their cruises are fully booked well in advance, or they were last time I looked a few months ago.

Took a Viking cruise last winter when Caribbean was a mess and SEABOURN changed ports for a meh itinerary. Absolutely loved Viking Sky. Serene, understated, and seamless. Yes, having to pay gratuities and cocktails wasn’t optimal, but shipboard credit covered it all, so we really didnt feel it. The Penthouse junior suite was amazing, the service outstanding, the food excellent and spa treatments were the best I’ve ever experienced at sea. We would absolutely return. It was a unique experience of ultimate relaxation....

to Suzeashoes:

Seabourn adjusted it's Itinerary due to hurricane damage at many scheduled ports. Many other lines did also.

Was your Viking cruise also in the Caribbean? If not I do not understand the comparison.

Apples to apples and all that good stuff.:D

Yes, we were aware of that. Just didn’t love the changed itinerary and decided to try Viking purely for the ship experience. Other than a quick stop in Key West for tequila (Viking does need to work on this selection), we stayed on the ship the entire cruise which stopped in Belize, Mexico and several other ports. It was a wonderful experience.

I'm glad you were able to enjoy at least:D some of the Caribbean!

I’m also considering Viking. The reasons I haven’t booked yet is itineraries.

Seabourn goes to the smaller more interesting ports, Viking stops at the big obvious cruise ship ports...boring.

Deck 5. Deck 5 on Seabourn is our favorite part of the ship on sea days. Uncrowded with shade, pool and jacuzzi...right on the ocean. Unique in the cruise ship world.

So for now I look at everything and am interested in anything that offers a competitive product for the price point of a regular veranda on Seabourn.

So far....nothing.

That's a big determining factor since one usually travels to see places of interest. Unless the ship is the destination the ports and the amount of time in each port are of major importance to me.

Viking has Karl. Seabourn lost him.

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I never understand these threads. Viking competes with Azamara and Oceania, why compare it with Seabourn, Silversea, Regent or Crystal? It’s a different product. If you’re happy with 4 stars, consider it. If you want a real luxury product, avoid it.

Because Viking is sucking employees and customers from Seabourn. Also, as each month passes, SB is much closer to 4 stars. You cannot maintain a product with such rapid expansion within a company within a rapidly expanding industry. New products coming online to compete with the market SB helped create and trying its best to distance itself from.

Because Viking is sucking employees and customers from Seabourn. Also, as each month passes, SB is much closer to 4 stars. You cannot maintain a product with such rapid expansion within a company within a rapidly expanding industry. New products coming online to compete with the market SB helped create and trying its best to distance itself from.

Good point. Nothing wrong with expansion, but at least scale it back a little, so that the existing product doesn’t suffer. I do hope Seabourn gives it a rest for now - unless they go for a little Ship next time!

Because Viking is sucking employees and customers from Seabourn. Also, as each month passes, SB is much closer to 4 stars. You cannot maintain a product with such rapid expansion within a company within a rapidly expanding industry. New products coming online to compete with the market SB helped create and trying its best to distance itself from.

Because Viking is sucking employees and customers from Seabourn. Also, as each month passes, SB is much closer to 4 stars. You cannot maintain a product with such rapid expansion within a company within a rapidly expanding industry. New products coming online to compete with the market SB helped create and trying its best to distance itself from.

In my limited cruising on SB (44 days so far), our experience has improved over time (1st cruise in 2013 and last in 2017, and next booked for 2018). For us, each cruise has gotten better, not worse as you had reported. The crew have improved and last year all the crew, bar none, were brilliant. I will update my experience after my Ovation cruise later this year.

For us, each cruise has gotten better, not worse as you had reported. The crew have improved and last year all the crew, bar none, were brilliant.

That's great news. Did I report something, anything regarding your experience with SB?

Did I report something, anything regarding your experience with SB?

No. But I have experienced improved service over time, which is direct contrast to what you are reporting.

In my limited cruising on SB (44 days so far), our experience has improved over time (1st cruise in 2013 and last in 2017, and next booked for 2018). For us, each cruise has gotten better, not worse as you had reported. The crew have improved and last year all the crew, bar none, were brilliant. I will update my experience after my Ovation cruise later this year.

Totally agree. We are similar number of days to you, next cruise is booked, and each time we do another one we imagine the last one can't be topped. But then it is! I honestly feel everything is improving every cruise we do. So I don't agree with the '4 stars' label.

The first one we did was 2016 and it did take the whole cruise to really find our way round, work out what we liked, what we'd not bother with, basically just finding our feet. It was supposed to be a one off.... and here we are, three cruises later with an even longer one booked for 2019! :)

Please do not compare Ponant, Oceania and Viking with SB, they are a different level of product. Which is not a luxury one. Ponant is quite possibly the least luxury line I have travelled on, even in their top suite, not remotely like SB. Viking and Oceania are also somewhat " municipal ", in comparison.

I think you are very wrong here with your post. It really comes across as snobby. I think people can compare Carnival to Seabourn if they want. Point is....just because sails on Seabourn, doesnt mean they might not want to try a different line and different level of service. And comparisons of different levels of cruise lines also provides insight to those who are thinking about trying an ultra luxury line from a premium line for example. They want to know what they are getting for the their money, whats different and if the extra money for an ultra luxury is really worth it to them. Everyone has different interests, motivation and priorities. There are always lots of threads comparing every types of lines to one another...there;s a reason for that, thousands of people are curious...they are doing their homework and trying to educate themselves. People like to sample until they find what suits them. Instead of being critical of the OP...why not just chime in with a more positive reply as to why Seabourn is great choice not berate people for seeking info. There’s enough negativity on here as it is...dont be one of them. You may be completely sold on SB, but looks at the number of views of this thread...obviously there’s a significant interest .....

Tarwood, I am more than happy to sail with other lines as I have in the past and will continue to do. Myself and other posters included have merely stated that it is not appropriate to compare a lux line with a mainstream line, which is surely obvious? If you choose to call me snobby, which is of complete irrelevance to my comment, then I really couldn't give a toss, however, comparing a fiat 500 to a Range Rover is a waste of time, as is comparing the mainstream to a luxury product.

Tarwood, I am more than happy to sail with other lines as I have in the past and will continue to do. Myself and other posters included have merely stated that it is not appropriate to compare a lux line with a mainstream line, which is surely obvious? If you choose to call me snobby, which is of complete irrelevance to my comment, then I really couldn't give a toss, however, comparing a fiat 500 to a Range Rover is a waste of time, as is comparing the mainstream to a luxury product.

Again, you are missing my point. Comparing is not a waste of time. People want to know what differences are and whether its worth it to them to upgrade to Seabourn or try something more mainstream. Thats all I m saying. Not everyone is well traveled that reads these threads. Some people are still trying to figure out their first or second or 20th cruise. Any information is relevant as long as it’s delivered in tactful, helpful and respectful way. Whether you think so or not, your post and subsequent reply come across as very condescending. So lets just agree to disagree. I’m not asking everyone to agree with me...but since you put your opinion out there, I’m certainly entitled to express a differing opinion.

Again, you are missing my point. Comparing is not a waste of time. People want to know what differences are and whether its worth it to them to upgrade to Seabourn or try something more mainstream. Thats all I m saying. Not everyone is well traveled that reads these threads. Some people are still trying to figure out their first or second or 20th cruise. Any information is relevant as long as it’s delivered in tactful, helpful and respectful way. Whether you think so or not, your post and subsequent reply come across as very condescending. So lets just agree to disagree. I’m not asking everyone to agree with me...but since you put your opinion out there, I’m certainly entitled to express a differing opinion.

Compare

I believe Tilly means represent as similar (1) when she uses of the word compare, so she's in fact doing what you suggest - offering her opinion on the differences (2) of those other lines and Seabourn.

Again, you are missing my point. Comparing is not a waste of time. People want to know what differences are and whether its worth it to them to upgrade to Seabourn or try something more mainstream. Thats all I m saying. Not everyone is well traveled that reads these threads. Some people are still trying to figure out their first or second or 20th cruise. Any information is relevant as long as it’s delivered in tactful, helpful and respectful way. Whether you think so or not, your post and subsequent reply come across as very condescending. So lets just agree to disagree. I’m not asking everyone to agree with me...but since you put your opinion out there, I’m certainly entitled to express a differing opinion.

Sorry but there is no point in comparing a Mercedes with a Honda no matter how many different brands one wants to try. Yes, drive them all but do not try to compare brands which are obviously on a completely different level.

Sorry but there is no point in comparing a Mercedes with a Honda no matter how many different brands one wants to try. Yes, drive them all but do not try to compare brands which are obviously on a completely different level.

Hi Wripro,

Not trying to jump into a flame storm and, full disclosure, I was a big fan of the Triplets. Also, I recently spent 4 months aboard Viking Sun and have to say it is quite a bit above a "Honda" experience. The crew on board the Sun was as friendly and good at their jobs as any we had on the Triplets or SeaDream. Food is totally subjective so no comment other than Viking has 6 venues from foam covered foodie cute stuff to an above average buffet. Food on Seabourn is usually very good too. Viking also allows ordering off the regular menus in addition to the room service menu when that is wanted. All passengers on Viking have a veranda, king size beds, and heated floors (:eek:) in the bathroom. Seabourn requires more expensive categories to get a veranda and, so I have been told, king size beds. Seabourn has dual sinks, Viking does in more expensive categories. Viking includes a free excursion at each port. I don't know if Seabourn does this. Viking includes unlimited free wi-fi (ship wi-fi but the best I have had on a ship) Seabourn charges for wi-fi. Viking, except for World Cruise and other promoted voyages, charges extra for gratuities and alcohol other than the included beer and wine with meals. Seabourn has great bartenders and included drinks. Most Viking cruises have free or reduced air and transfers, Seabourn might do this occasionally. The Viking Ships are beautiful and never felt crowded. Seabourn ships are beautiful and never feel crowded. Embarcation/disembarcation are easy on both. So, as usual, it comes down to itinerary for us. We recently lurked a Viking and a near identical Seabourn itinerary from Asia to Vancouver. Viking was 37 days, Seabourn 39. By the time you upgrade to a veranda on Seabourn, and upgrade to beverage package and gratuities on Viking, Seabourn was over $8,000 more. Is it that much better??? So, as usual, it is a complicated decision when trying to compare different cruise lines. I enjoy them both even though, when it comes to people, less is more.;p Seabourn is still less people on board. Now the biggie. Viking Oceans advertises "No formal nights, no casino, no kids". Supposed to be 18 to sail. Seabourn (and SeaDream and other "adult" lines have often had kid problems. Just read the reviews on each board). So, they are different products though Imho, they are closer than Merc and Honda. Maybe more like BMW and Audi. Heck, I enjoy them both. Tough duty....:cool: BTW, didn't book either Viking or Seabourn as all those Eastbound lose an hour days don't appeal. Booked the Seabourn Legend (Windstar) in Alaska. Hey, it gets us out of Phoenix for half of August. Not a bad thing....

Hi Wripro,

Not trying to jump into a flame storm and, full disclosure, I was a big fan of the Triplets. Also, I recently spent 4 months aboard Viking Sun and have to say it is quite a bit above a "Honda" experience. The crew on board the Sun was as friendly and good at their jobs as any we had on the Triplets or SeaDream. Food is totally subjective so no comment other than Viking has 6 venues from foam covered foodie cute stuff to an above average buffet. Food on Seabourn is usually very good too. Viking also allows ordering off the regular menus in addition to the room service menu when that is wanted. All passengers on Viking have a veranda, king size beds, and heated floors (:eek:) in the bathroom. Seabourn requires more expensive categories to get a veranda and, so I have been told, king size beds. Seabourn has dual sinks, Viking does in more expensive categories. Viking includes a free excursion at each port. I don't know if Seabourn does this. Viking includes unlimited free wi-fi (ship wi-fi but the best I have had on a ship) Seabourn charges for wi-fi. Viking, except for World Cruise and other promoted voyages, charges extra for gratuities and alcohol other than the included beer and wine with meals. Seabourn has great bartenders and included drinks. Most Viking cruises have free or reduced air and transfers, Seabourn might do this occasionally. The Viking Ships are beautiful and never felt crowded. Seabourn ships are beautiful and never feel crowded. Embarcation/disembarcation are easy on both. So, as usual, it comes down to itinerary for us. We recently lurked a Viking and a near identical Seabourn itinerary from Asia to Vancouver. Viking was 37 days, Seabourn 39. By the time you upgrade to a veranda on Seabourn, and upgrade to beverage package and gratuities on Viking, Seabourn was over $8,000 more. Is it that much better??? So, as usual, it is a complicated decision when trying to compare different cruise lines. I enjoy them both even though, when it comes to people, less is more.;p Seabourn is still less people on board. Now the biggie. Viking Oceans advertises "No formal nights, no casino, no kids". Supposed to be 18 to sail. Seabourn (and SeaDream and other "adult" lines have often had kid problems. Just read the reviews on each board). So, they are different products though Imho, they are closer than Merc and Honda. Maybe more like BMW and Audi. Heck, I enjoy them both. Tough duty....:cool: BTW, didn't book either Viking or Seabourn as all those Eastbound lose an hour days don't appeal. Booked the Seabourn Legend (Windstar) in Alaska. Hey, it gets us out of Phoenix for half of August. Not a bad thing....

Viking was sounding good up until the included drinks are only with meals part.:eek::loudcry: