New Viking Ocean Line

[Texan1636]

The statements from the Viking Chairman near the end of this article appear to indicate that the new Viking Ocean line will be a competitor of Oceania, rather than Regent. However, it will be very inclusive in some respects, and it's interesting that the CEO specifically refers to Regent (and calls it the most expensive cruise line in the world).

 

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/05/20/viking-ocean-new-cruise-experience/

[LindaM]

The statements from the Viking Chairman near the end of this article appear to indicate that the new Viking Ocean line will be a competitor of Oceania, rather than Regent. However, it will be very inclusive in some respects, and it's interesting that the CEO specifically refers to Regent (and calls it the most expensive cruise line in the world).

 

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/05/20/viking-ocean-new-cruise-experience/

 

Thank you for sharing the link!! We have been waiting anxiously. It was interesting that he stated river cruises are for the "thinking man" whereas Ocean cruises are "drinking man" cruises. I like that beer/wine will be included at dinner, but not all drinks. We just don't drink THAT much on European cruises due to the port intensive days. Also, I like that deli snacks will be available when the dining venues are closed. I think Regent made a huge mistake by making La Veranda a sit down restaurant. And, the food is not THAT good, IMHO. Their interpretation of Marsala is quite unusual!! Sometimes after a long day of touring, we don't want to sit through a 2 /2 hour meal. I noticed quite a few heavy drinkers on our last Navigator cruise---not the type of people we enjoy being around. So far, Viking's description sounds like we are their target group!! And, the size of the ships would be perfect for us!

[debijaynes]

We have three cruises booked upcoming on the Navigator--having just canceled one on another line feeling that we have been spoiled by Regent. We also have a Viking River cruise booked for next September 2014-it was the soonest we could get what we wanted. After the positive experience of Regent we are having difficulty booking anything else. We found the food to be very well done on our last cruise--in fact VERY good with great variety. Yes there were a few heavy drinkers that by the looks of them should have been on Carnival--two tables exactly! For the most part the issue was rudeness by many of the passengers towards the crew and their fellow passengers.

Alaska--here we come--AGAIN!

[HanaleiSailor]

Aloha all,

I have had a look at the Viking website, and, at first glance, I think for some itineraries, they could give both Regent and Oceania a run for their money.

 

I really like fact that the ship is all Veranda, with the smallest stateroom coming in at 270 sq ft. The ship has quite a few specialty dining options with no up-charge, will have included shore excursions, free coffees, teas, other soft drinks, plus wine and beer with meals, along with a pool with a retractable roof, and from the pictures, a really subdued classic Scandinavian design, this ship may very well be a "luxury vessel."

 

I think that the reason that they could be a good/possibly better option for some European itineraries is the fact that they will have three overnights on each itinerary, and it looks as if their average time in port will be much longer than on O or Regent. The ports, for us at least, are the major reason for us to take the cruise, and substantially more time in interesting places is very tempting.

 

The only two things that I saw that would give me pause booking Viking is that there is no mention of pre-paid gratuities, and at the moment, airfare prices are quoted separately, and the cost to upgrade to Business to Europe from the US stands at 3450.00 per person! That, for me, is the deal breaker!

 

Interested to see what others with far more cruising experience have to say.

 

Aloha from Hanalei

[Travelcat2]

Not sure why this is on the Regent board - it seems to be popping up everywhere. Anyway, with staterooms under 300 sq. feet, they certainly won't be competition for Regent (and they don't plan to be according to the article). They state that Oceania will be their competition. In terms of itineraries, IMO, Oceania has some of the best itineraries of any cruise line.

 

The launch of anything "different" can be exciting. And, the inclusiveness will probably be a draw to any cruiser that can afford to sail on the new ship. Inclusive resorts have been around for decades but is a new concept for cruise lines (except for luxury lines). I would not be surprised if many cruise line have inclusive products 10 years from now.

 

I read somewhere on CC that there will be a board for this cruise line -- maybe today or tomorrow. It will be interesting to learn which cruise line passengers show up to post about it. I know that RachelG and a former Regent loyalist are booked on the maiden voyage. What are the odds they will cancel when full details and photos emerge? Just wondering.......

[xrvlcruiser]

There is a forum for Viking Ocean . . . .

[WesW]

New Viking Oceans forum here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=875

 

The Viking Star has appealed to numerous Regent & Silversea CC friends (personally know at least six couples (3 couples who were on the Voyager in December w/us) we have sailed with on Regent/Silversea have booked the VS in the last two days). As Wripro so often says (paraphrasing), "you're not going to go wrong your your cruise line of choice--it's great to have choices."

 

Viking Star highlights: are a full 360 wrap around promenade deck (can't wait to jog/walk..tho location is deck2); two swimming pools of which one can be glass covered and the 2nd aft pool is an infinity pool; a two deck explorer (think Observation) lounge; most al fresco dining at sea, large showers in all cabins; and the owner says, "the finest cuisine on board will be in the main dining room and not the speciality restaurants. Also, the spa has a "snow grotto" where you can adjust the volume of snow flakes ( a few to a blizzard).

 

HanaleiSailor, concur (our one niggle) is gratuities (about $32 a day), tho a good TA will include them. VS offers a Silver spirit beverage package (top shelf liquor, champagne, expresso coffess, mineral water, et. al for just $20 a day during the maiden season),

[Travelcat2]

Wes, - hi - I agree that it is good to have choices but, IMO, this is like comparing Regent to Azamara (or a lesser rated ship). There are bound to be Regent customers who think this is equal to or better than the Regent experience. However, all we are reading at this point are words and all we are seeing is computer images of the ship. So, while everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion, mine is that Viking has done research and knows its target audience and it sure isn't Regent.

 

While I did not compare pricing for obvious reasons, did you find the proposed suite, inclusions and price better than Regent or Silversea?

 

Sorry if this comes across a bit harsh -- not meant that way. Just stunned that Regent passengers would even consider Viking:confused:

[etual324]

New Viking Oceans forum here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=875

 

The Viking Star has appealed to numerous Regent & Silversea CC friends (personally know at least six couples (3 couples who were on the Voyager in December w/us) we have sailed with on Regent/Silversea have booked the VS in the last two days). As Wripro so often says (paraphrasing), "you're not going to go wrong your your cruise line of choice--it's great to have choices."

 

Viking Star highlights: are a full 360 wrap around promenade deck (can't wait to jog/walk..tho location is deck2); two swimming pools of which one can be glass covered and the 2nd aft pool is an infinity pool; a two deck explorer (think Observation) lounge; most al fresco dining at sea, large showers in all cabins; and the owner says, "the finest cuisine on board will be in the main dining room and not the speciality restaurants. Also, the spa has a "snow grotto" where you can adjust the volume of snow flakes ( a few to a blizzard).

 

HanaleiSailor, concur (our one niggle) is gratuities (about $32 a day), tho a good TA will include them. VS offers a Silver spirit beverage package (top shelf liquor, champagne, expresso coffess, mineral water, et. al for just $20 a day during the maiden season),

Just finished talking to our T/A and Viking wants FULL payment of cruise by 12/13 in order to lock in these prices

Why pay off all that monies close to 18mnts in advance who knows what can happen and better yet they want full payment for a cruise that the ship hasn't been built yet also if you want Trip Ins with pre exist you also need to buy it now,so if you cancel before Dec final payment your getting back 1000 for deposit that cost you 1200 in ins,no refund on ins if you cancel !!!!! talking abot ISTANBUL to BARCELONA APRIL 2015

[gf]

Wes,

Forgive my ignorance, but why is a "snow grotto" desirable?

aka AK

[HanaleiSailor]

Aloha TC:

 

 

 

I don't understand why you seem nearly flabbergasted that people who have sailed on Regent would consider Viking's new ocean line. Here is what the Viking CEO says about the demographic that they are catering to:

 

 

“You can’t meet everyone’s demand, and I don’t think we should meet everyone’s demands,” said Torstein Hagen, Viking River Cruises’ chairman and chief executive officer. “All staterooms are designed for two passengers only. We [won’t] cater to multi-generational families.”

 

Instead, Viking is actively pursuing active, well-educated couples eager to see the world from the comfort of a cruise. Viking Star will spend, on average, 12 hours in port, with overnights at both the start and end of each voyage.

 

To paraphrase the rest, the CEO says that Viking is looking to provide superior destination-focused cruises for those over 55, who are affluent, English speakers, and who enjoy things like rich cultural arts, history and music.

 

Why are you so surprised that this type of experience could be a good fit for a good portion of the current Regent demographic, especially in light of the fact that there seems to be a good number of former Regent passengers already booked or strongly considering booking?

 

Just curious.

 

Aloha from Hanalei,

 

Mark

[Travelcat2]

Aloha TC:

 

 

I don't understand why you seem nearly flabbergasted that people who have sailed on Regent would consider Viking's new ocean line. Here is what the Viking CEO says about the demographic that they are catering to:

 

 

“You can’t meet everyone’s demand, and I don’t think we should meet everyone’s demands,” said Torstein Hagen, Viking River Cruises’ chairman and chief executive officer. “All staterooms are designed for two passengers only. We [won’t] cater to multi-generational families.”

 

Instead, Viking is actively pursuing active, well-educated couples eager to see the world from the comfort of a cruise. Viking Star will spend, on average, 12 hours in port, with overnights at both the start and end of each voyage.

 

To paraphrase the rest, the CEO says that Viking is looking to provide superior destination-focused cruises for those over 55, who are affluent, English speakers, and who enjoy things like rich cultural arts, history and music.

 

Why are you so surprised that this type of experience could be a good fit for a good portion of the current Regent demographic, especially in light of the fact that there seems to be a good number of former Regent passengers already booked or strongly considering booking?

 

Just curious.

 

Aloha from Hanalei,

 

Mark

 

Aloha,

 

On my......where should I start? Below are some quotes from the article the OP linked (in black - bold) with my comments in a different color.

 

It will be 754 feet long by 94.5 feet wide, and will have only balcony cabins -- a generous 270-square feet on average, with king-sized beds and extra-large showers.

The obvious question here is ....... what Regent passenger wants to stay in a 270 square foot cabin?

 

 

On its lower level is the Viking Deli, serving finger-style food when the other dining venues are closed.

Someone on this thread posted that this is a good thing. Well, it isn't a bad thing....... but what about 24 hour room service? What about the food offered in the Coffee Connection on Regent? What is the big deal? Also wonder how much drinks (or drinks packages) will be for the lounges.

 

In addition, shore tours for everyone are included in the fare. So are wine, beer, soft drinks and special coffees with meals. Most unusual, free Internet access is available ship-wide, 24-hours a day.

I read on another thread that there is ONE included shore excursion in each port. The included shore excursion is similar to Regent's "Panorama" excursions. This makes me envision the full buses -- only there will be a few hundred people more to accommodate. I wonder if Viking has a clue what they are up against.

Free internet. This is a great enticement. However, the majority of Regent customers have this benefit already.

Another difference is that the Viking ocean ships won't have casinos, a traditionally fixture on larger ships.

We are not casino people. I think I once put $20 in a slot machine. However, based on comments on the Regent boards, a casino is a big deal for some passengers.

 

There will be at least three overnight port stays on each cruise and never more than one day at sea without a port call.

If a Regent passenger desires overnight port stays -- it is available. Our Hong Kong to Singapore cruise next February has overnights in almost every port. The big deal here is that many of us want sea days to enjoy the offerings of the ship. If a cruise is port intensive, you generally cannot take advantage of the lectures, etc.

The only company that comes close to the Viking Ocean concept is Regent Seven Seas, the most expensive cruise line in the world.

Anyone want to vote on this? Is RSSC the "most expensive cruise line in the world"? IMO, Crystal is the most expensive luxury cruise line in its category. Enough said.

 

 

in line with the brands his customers say they sail the most -- Oceania, Celebrity and Holland America

This really says it all. Viking cruise lines is targeting Oceania, Celebrity and Holland America. There are certainly Regent passengers who would like to try these premium and upper premium lines........ Viking will give them the opportunity. When we want to try a different approach to cruising -- still luxurious but upper premium, we would definitely cruise Oceania. We want to cruise on a proven cruise line -- not a "concept"

Remember -- I am not right or wrong. These are my opinions. I remain flabbergasted (did I spell that right?) that Regent regulars (newbies I understand) have any interest in this product.

Have a good evening!

Jackie

 

[RachelG]

Well, we are going to give Viking ocean a try. And we will see.

 

I did NOT book the smallest cabin. We are in a penthouse suite. With that, all soft drinks in the room are replenished daily. I don't know if we will buy the additional drinks package as I will probably be fine with the included wine and beer at meals.

 

The included tours thing is a bit of a misnomer as there is one included tour at each port. Any other tours (other than the one included which is not just any tour you choose but one specific tour) are extra. We have been to almost all the prts on the Bergen to Stockholm cruise that we are booked on, so I suspect we will be doing our own thing most places unless their pricing for other tours is really great. We will not be doing the included tours.

 

Really happy that there is no casino and no smoking anywhere indoors.

 

I too don't see the appeal of a snow spa, but suspect my husband, crazy as he is, will try it out.

[Carol From California]

Wes, - hi - I agree that it is good to have choices but, IMO, this is like comparing Regent to Azamara (or a lesser rated ship). There are bound to be Regent customers who think this is equal to or better than the Regent experience. However, all we are reading at this point are words and all we are seeing is computer images of the ship. So, while everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion, mine is that Viking has done research and knows its target audience and it sure isn't Regent.

 

While I did not compare pricing for obvious reasons, did you find the proposed suite, inclusions and price better than Regent or Silversea?

 

Sorry if this comes across a bit harsh -- not meant that way. Just stunned that Regent passengers would even consider Viking:confused:

 

Don't be stunned. I have been on 5 Regent cruises and I just reserved a cruise on the new Viking Star. It appeals to me and my husband very much. I sincerely doubt we will do another Regent cruise actually. The ship design and amenities are really appealing in my opinion. We never stepped foot in the casino on Regent so we won't care about the Viking Star not having one.

[Carol From California]

Well, we are going to give Viking ocean a try. And we will see.

 

I did NOT book the smallest cabin. We are in a penthouse suite. With that, all soft drinks in the room are replenished daily. I don't know if we will buy the additional drinks package as I will probably be fine with the included wine and beer at meals.

 

The included tours thing is a bit of a misnomer as there is one included tour at each port. Any other tours (other than the one included which is not just any tour you choose but one specific tour) are extra. We have been to almost all the prts on the Bergen to Stockholm cruise that we are booked on, so I suspect we will be doing our own thing most places unless their pricing for other tours is really great. We will not be doing the included tours.

 

Really happy that there is no casino and no smoking anywhere indoors.

 

I too don't see the appeal of a snow spa, but suspect my husband, crazy as he is, will try it out.

 

We also booked a penthouse suite...something we would never book on Regent. We usually book a standard suite on Regent. Viking has a good reputation in the river cruise market and they seem to do a great job. True they are venturing into a new area with ocean cruising, but they seem to have done a lot of research. I really like the concept of the al fresco dining options too.

 

I actually was so interested in their new ocean cruise line that when I read the great reviews about their China river cruises I ended up booking one of those trips with them too. They have a very good referral program too and currently are offering great past guest discounts which they told me they would give me off my second cruise.

[Caroldoll]

and I can say from the bottom of my heart, they just don't know what they are getting in to. Also, we were on about the third cruise out on the Idun when it was new and Viking hasn't a clue on how to do a shakedown cruise. The food was at best mediocre, not that I am a foodie, but I like good food. Choices limited. Wine and beer included (you don't pick the quality). It is personal but I dislike the very plain Norwegian decor. The cabins were well designed. There was constant chaos because the Captain was always late for the dock so we had to tie up outside of town and spent at least 3 hours a day getting to town! I hope he researches the cruise industry in depth. No reservations were allowed in the diningroom! On the other hand I hear their river cruises in Asia are much better. I like Regent, but not as much as Oceania. If anyone is changing from Oceania luxury to Norwegian plain--this will be a culture shock! Really looking forward to all the details.

[HanaleiSailor]

Aloha All,

 

TC, I know that Regent has a good number of cruises with overnights, usually on longer, more exotic itineraries. What I like about Viking's concept is that every sailing will have at least three overnights, with one each at the beginning and end of the cruise. It seems that the idea for Viking Ocean is to put more focus on the destinations (ports) and less on the ship.

 

We loved our Regent cruise last year, Venice to Rome on Voyager and are booked this year, Rome to Monte Carlo on Voyager again--in the same cabin, no less. We operate an incredibly busy business in a small Hawaiian town, and we deal with around 500-800 visitors every day, and many of these visitors are in Regent's demographic, so we understand how difficult it can sometimes be providing service to this sector of the population :)!

 

Regent service on our cruise last year was just this side of miraculous in our view--there was nearly nothing that Regent could have done to make the trip better than it was for us. Of course, we may be atypical passengers in some ways as we consumed less than half a glass of wine in total on the entire trip (I do not drink, and my wife very little, two quarter glasses at dinner in a week was a bender for her!) and no other alcohol, so the selection of wines and premium alcohol onboard and the service of these beverages play no role in our evaluation of a cruise and its service.

 

Having said this about the great service on Regent, what intrigues me about Viking is the fact that they are including three overnights on all 9 day European cruises, eliminating the need for pre and post cruise hotels, and allowing time to visit or re-visit the embarkation and debarkation cities.

 

And, as important for us, is the fact that Viking intends to spend considerably longer in port than other cruise lines--this is very appealing to us as we are much more interested in the destinations than in the ship as a destination in itself. As a matter of fact, I nearly chuckled out loud last year at the number of passengers rushing back (nearly running) to the ship for lunch when we had several hours after the excursions to enjoy the beautiful port towns on the Amalfi coast.

 

We love Regent, and who knows, we may book another one onboard this year for 2014, but I will certainly also be looking at other options in the shorter cruise segment (7-12 nights) which offer lots of time in port or more overnights.

 

Aloha!

 

Mark

[Travelcat2]

Aloha Mark,

 

It is interesting how all of us have such different likes and dislikes yet enjoy Regent. You look forward to staying in port while we look forward to sea days. In our case, we have been to many of the ports on land trips and do not need to spend much time seeing the sights.

 

Trying out a different cruise line is a good thing. I remember our first Silversea cruise a couple of years ago. The first two days I was comparing everything to Regent. Finally I relaxed and really enjoyed the cruise. Although Regent feels like a second home to us, we continue to look at other cruise lines. In fact, we have a cruise coming up on a different cruise line. In terms of Viking, I wish I could say that there was one thing that interested us about the ship but there isn't. The fact that it will be new can be intriguing ....... however, I learned after sailing on the almost new Silver Spirit (and disliking the ship intensely) that "new" ships (like some new houses) can have some serious flaws.

 

Hope that Vikings concept works for them and the passengers that will sail on their "ocean" ships.

 

Jackie

[Caroldoll]

overnights. My husband and I like to explore. I especially like the overnights at the beginning and the end of the cruises for travel reasons. I do wish Regent and Oceania would do more overnights.

 

That being said, TC loves the sea days--everyone has a favorite! I respect her opinions as well.

[Emdee]

I would consider the Viking if the itinerary was right.

 

But I do understand what TC means when she says Regent is like coming home. Although we have been away for three years its amazing how many staff remembered us and how warm and welcoming they were. I had almost forgotten all the things I liked about Regent. Needless to say we made an on board booking though we will be also trying out Crystal.

 

Oceania does seem to have very good itineraries. We are however at the point where the bucket list is almost done and we really have to root about to find an itinerary where we havent done more than 50% of the ports. We are probably getting to the next stage as cruisers where we will be travelling for relaxation and not sightseeing!

[hondorner]

...It will be 754 feet long by 94.5 feet wide, and will have only balcony cabins -- a generous 270-square feet on average, with king-sized beds and extra-large showers.

 

The obvious question here is ....... what Regent passenger wants to stay in a 270 square foot cabin?

Maybe anyone who sails in categories D, E, F, G or H on Mariner? (252 sq ft plus balcony)

[RachelG]

While Regent does have some overnights, the majority are on the long cruises that are too long for us still working to take.

Which brings up my other problem with Regent--the cruises to places that I haven't already visited (Asia, Australia, Africa) are almost all so long that they are not feasible. So I am having to look elsewhere.

[wripro]

And anybody who sails on Crystal whose cabins are 246 or 269 sq. Ft.

 

Personally, I do think Viking may wind up attracting passengers from the luxury lines since there are enough things included to compensate for those that are not.

[newlondon]

Wow Everybody, This is a fascinating discussion. Let's review: smaller than normal cabins unless you upgrade to PH; less shore excursions available as an included feature; not all inclusive; reviews on CC that downgrade both the food and service; why is this an attractive option-because they sponsor PBS Masterpiece? Please!

[Travelcat2]

Assuming this concept (aka ship) includes balconies at 280 sq. ft.

 

Fascinating? I agree newlondon -- from the same perspective as yours. Either a whole lot of Regent customers were already planning to downgrade their cruise experience or they have been watching too much Downton Abbey. JMHO.

 

wripro: Would love to hear what things that the "concept" has that Regent doesn't. Could it be more passengers to hoard into a bus? Is the food on Viking better than Regent? With the exception of "free" internet, what do they have that Regent passengers do not have (and, as mentioned, at least 80% of Regent passengers are repeat customers and have included internet.