QUESTION: HAL cruiser and Viking Ocean

Due to family care commitments, we haven't cruised in 7 years and I know a lot has changed in the travel world. We previously cruised with RCI, Cunard, Princes and HAL, which became our cruise line of choice, esp the Amsterdam. We are now able to travel again and I was looking at Scandinavian cruises for 2018. Viking Ocean keeps coming up in the search results and I'll admit to being intrigued, esp as they are smaller ships. Are there any HAL cruisers who've tried Viking? I know they have a loyal following but wonder how they compare to HAL or Princess.

I get the impression from its marketing Viking is positioning itself in the luxury brand market - more like Crystal or Regent. So if you can get HAL prices, it would be fun to give it a try.

Viking oceans is an upgraded product from mass market but to me it fits in the premium market or luxury light class. Definitely superior to HAL, Princess. Their ships are gorgeous, Scandinavian decor. Their food is very good to excellent. They include an overview tour of every port which doesn't appeal to me as we prefer DIY and private tours. You schedule your tours online. Beer, wine soft drinks are included with meals. They avoid irritating activities like art auctions, ship photography.

They just rolled out or will roll out their fourth ship.

Most itineraries are Northern Europe or the Med.

Worth trying but their product is not my favorite.

Viking oceans is an upgraded product from mass market but to me it fits in the premium market or luxury light class. Definitely superior to HAL, Princess. Their ships are gorgeous, Scandinavian decor. Their food is very good to excellent. They include an overview tour of every port which doesn't appeal to me as we prefer DIY and private tours. You schedule your tours online. Beer, wine soft drinks are included with meals. They avoid irritating activities like art auctions, ship photography.

They just rolled out or will roll out their fourth ship.

Most itineraries are Northern Europe or the Med.

Worth trying but their product is not my favorite.

I seriously considered a 42 day itinerary on Viking similar to my upcoming 67 day cruise on HAL; I found the vaunted "all inclusiveness" was not all that inclusive.

As mentioned above, the included tours were not those I wanted to take, and I want to have my bottle of beer or glass of wine when I want it, which may or may not be at meals. Lastly, my B2B2B on HAL cost a good $11,000 less than the shorter itinerary on Viking in a similar class balcony cabin.

Food quality, ship quality, ship comfort, passenger space ratio and general ambience are all better on the premium lines. It depends on what you feel is important on a vacation. The mass market lines have deteriorated.

Food quality, ship quality, ship comfort, passenger space ratio and general ambience are all better on the premium lines. It depends on what you feel is important on a vacation. The mass market lines have deteriorated.

Always good to do a per diem comparison to see what the tangible and intangible extras provided by the luxury lines are actually worth to each individual.

However, how does one really put a value better decor or a different clientele demographic or even "service", compared to costs of drinks or excursions. Just a feeling I guess.

I have seen that same problem on other luxury cruise lines when they offer "free included excursions" representing an $XYZ cost savings, but they are not excursions one really wants to take or are pretty basic. An the good ones are still offered at extra cost.

After researching several cruise lines and checking the various boards we've booked our Baltic cruise. The itinerary on the various lines is similar as are the ship excursions. HAL , Princess & Celebrity had sailings in our desired timeframe but the more we read about the problems on the older ships, and the crowds, we decided to try something new -- Viking Ocean. Yes, the per diem cost is more than HAL (the Rotterdam was our 2nd choice) but a smaller, newer ship has its appeal. We had planned on self touring and private tours so doubt we will use the included Viking tours. We will not miss the casino or photos. This is a port intensive cruise but we look forward to a relaxing on-board experience. Thanks to all who answered my questions on ships & private tours. The planning continues!

We did the Viking Homelands cruise. It was one of the best cruises I've ever been on. The ship was beautiful, food outstanding, and the itinerary wonderful. I enjoy HAL, but there really was no comparison. :)

After researching several cruise lines and checking the various boards we've booked our Baltic cruise. The itinerary on the various lines is similar as are the ship excursions. HAL , Princess & Celebrity had sailings in our desired timeframe but the more we read about the problems on the older ships, and the crowds, we decided to try something new -- Viking Ocean. Yes, the per diem cost is more than HAL (the Rotterdam was our 2nd choice) but a smaller, newer ship has its appeal. We had planned on self touring and private tours so doubt we will use the included Viking tours. We will not miss the casino or photos. This is a port intensive cruise but we look forward to a relaxing on-board experience. Thanks to all who answered my questions on ships & private tours. The planning continues!

I've never sailed with HAL, Regent or Viking Ocean but--as time allows--I glance at many of the forums here on Cruise Critic in search of new inspirations and/or affirmation of my tendency to remain loyal to Celebrity and, to lesser extent, sister line Azamara...

In recent months, I came across a lengthy thread on the Regent forum that discussed the Regent versus Viking Ocean debate and that culminates [starting at about post #90] with a comparison between the two [including photos taken aboard Viking Ocean] from someone who has sailed both... You might want to read through it; I judge it to be balanced/fair [though I've sailed with neither] and very positive as to the Viking Ocean experience...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2493846

The Regent forum has a very different vibe--to put it mildly--with some contributors who can be fiercely defensive/contentious in defending "their" brand... I doubt that I'll ever sail Regent for a whole lot of reasons beyond price... But, based upon what I've read and "see", I readily admit that Viking Ocean is certainly tempting in the context of what is important and appealing to me...

Enjoy every moment of your cruise! I'm a bit envious and--despite having attained top loyalty with Celebrity and Azamara ["golden handcuffs"]--might just have to do something about that!

We did the Viking Homelands cruise. It was one of the best cruises I've ever been on. The ship was beautiful, food outstanding, and the itinerary wonderful. I enjoy HAL, but there really was no comparison. :)

Viking Homelands is the cruise we selected for 2018. We delayed a few days in booking and lost our desired cabin. I can't believe how quickly the cabin availability shrunk. Did you do a review of your cruise? Any tips? I know it will be a different experience from HAL. We booked a private tour for St Petersburg and discovered we are there when Regal Princess ends a TA and starts her Baltic season.

In recent months, I came across a lengthy thread on the Regent forum that discussed the Regent versus Viking Ocean debate and that culminates [starting at about post #90] with a comparison between the two [including photos taken aboard Viking Ocean] from someone who has sailed both... You might want to read through it; I judge it to be balanced/fair [though I've sailed with neither] and very positive as to the Viking Ocean experience...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2493846

Xport - - Thanks for the link. An interesting read!

We've sailed twice on Viking Ocean and have loved it!!! The draw back is the iteneray. HAL has more ports of interest!!

Both cruises were wonderful and to us to cost was right on!!! She is our second choice and if things do not work out with a TA in 2019 we would will book with them.

Denise:)