Princess Baltic Heritage vs. Viking Homelands tour

[jmarks]

OK, it has come down to these two options. Viking Homeland tour is 2X the price.

 

Viking Homelands tour pros: Cabin more deluxe, smaller, new ship. Fewer people to deal with. Easier access to ports. Better itinerary, slightly, with fewer "at sea" days. Excursions are included, although they are pretty basic, and we'll likely book some extra anyway,

 

Viking cons: $$$$, travel to ports from US will be more complicated as it leaves from Bergen, ends in Stockholm.

 

Princess pros: Half the cost. Still gets us to the bigger ports; St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen, where we can arrange our own excursions. Round trip from Southampton, so air travel much easier.

Cabin comfortable but not new; Sapphire got refurbished 6 years ago.

Will pay for more extras that are included with Viking, but still, difference in cost is considerable.

 

Princess cons: More people, 4 days at sea vs. 2 with Viking, will pay for more "extras" like use of the spa, etc.

 

WWYD?

[Micahs Grandad]

We have never done a cruise on Viking but did this one on Crown in July out of Southampton.

 

Was outstanding itinerary and a great trip.

[easyboy]

We did the Baltics on Regal, not Sapphire. Though a factor, ship amenities were not critical as it was port intensive. While there may be inclusions on Vikings fare, we prefer to control our own expenses and not spend on something that we don’t find necessary.

 

 

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[skynight]

Believe these are two mostly different experiences especially on the ship. Remember that while viking provides beer & wine with dinner, cocktails are not included. On ship evening activities will be more sedate on Viking. On Princess you will have the big shows, various live music, and other activities. On the Princess cruise you can book many of your own shore tours. We did a Baltic a few years ago and that is what we did.

You have to decide which experience you think you would enjoy most.

[99Cruiser]

I have been on both Viking (once) and Princess (elite) and REALLY enjoyed Viking. I was extremely worried about going on Viking as I enjoy the Princess ships (shows, activities, casino, etc.) and Viking doesn't have those items BUT, Viking was AMAZING. The ship was gorgeous (was on the Viking Sea), the food was as good as a 5 star restaurant at home and the ports / tours were great.

 

As much as I love Princess, I think I would recommend Viking

[jmarks]

Thanks all. I know it's kind of like comparing apples to oranges but your comments are helpful. We have done two cruises, one on Regent and the other on Princess. We don't care about the shows, etc., but still thought Princess was a better value and were very comfortable on the ship. We are prepared to pay more if we go with Viking, but it's literally double the price at least. That's what got my attention. Thinking we can book our own excursions and do fancy things when we want with Princess and still have a very nice trip for a lot less money.

[graceswan]

If the money is making you cringe, I would go on Princess. That being said, I don't think you would regret anything about your trip on Viking. The ship is gorgeous, the staff is great, the food is excellent. For the excursions, the included ones are kind of bland, generally just a tour bus and a walking tour. Great tour guides, but if you want to do anything more adventurous, you will have to pay an additional charge for an upgraded tour. Depending on what room you choose, you may get drinks provided in your mini bar.