Review / comparison

[WorldTraveler151208]

Hello,

I am an experienced cruiser, but for the first time I want to book a Viking Ocean cruise, this one to Alaska to be exact. Until now, I’ve only sailed on large ships, but mainly in the MSC Yacht Club or NCL’s the Haven. I assume that these areas resemble the atmosphere of a smaller ship.

Does anyone already have a comparison between Viking and YC or Haven? I would like to know if the service is at a similar level? What are the main differences?

Having experienced both, is Viking worth the money?

 

[Jammy Bun]

Try watching some of Jim Zimmerlin's reviews on YouTube.  

In this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eID9qlcVFzE  he does mention the experience as being similar to The Haven.

 

Personally, since discovering Viking 4 years ago, we are now not considering any other cruise line and we think it's worth the extra cost.  Viking is a perfect fit for us!  Lovely people (crew and passengers) in a calm and friendly atmosphere.  

 

[Jim Avery]

The entire Viking ship is a Haven.🍸

[Nippy Sweetie]

I was just going to say that! The whole ship is a haven. Very relaxing. We won't go on any other cruise line now we've been on Viking Ocean. 

Edited February 20, 2020 by Nippy Sweetie

[WorldTraveler151208]

Thank you for all the answers.

I have one more question. Which nationalities dominate on Viking ships among passengers and among the crew?

[Peregrina651]

25 minutes ago, WorldTraveler151208 said:

Thank you for all the answers.

I have one more question. Which nationalities dominate on Viking ships among passengers and among the crew?

 

Viking is marketed in US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand with US pax making up 2/3 or more of the passengers.

 

As for the crew, it is hard to tell since name badges don't give nationalities.

 

5 hours ago, Jammy Bun said:

Personally, since discovering Viking 4 years ago, we are now not considering any other cruise line and we think it's worth the extra cost.  Viking is a perfect fit for us!  Lovely people (crew and passengers) in a calm and friendly atmosphere.  

 

DITTO!  Especially the description.

 

[Clay Clayton]

I can't give a direct comparison with The Haven since it has always been too expensive for us to actually book. But on threeNorwegian cruises we were surprised with VIP status upon boarding which gave us access to the privileges of being in a suite. I agree with the others who say the whole ship is a Haven. However, you must realize that means there are potentially 930 in the haven and not 30-200 as aboard Norwegian. That makes the service not quite as personal IMHO.   Also, there is no butler service on Viking, so if that service is important to you keep that in mind. 

[Nippy Sweetie]

The crew to passenger ratio seems quite high. Lots of personal touches too. It doesn't ever feel 'corporate' if you know what I mean. 

[pacruise804]

On 2/20/2020 at 10:16 AM, Peregrina651 said:

 

Viking is marketed in US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand with US pax making up 2/3 or more of the passengers.

 

As for the crew, it is hard to tell since name badges don't give nationalities.

 

 

DITTO!  Especially the description.

 

 

On other lines I have noticed the nationality given on the tag and it will sometimes offer a conversation starter.  Is it rude to ask a crew member where "home" is, assuming we are having a conversation and I'm not just drilling with 20 questions?

[Clay Clayton]

I hope not since that is what I usually do. 

[Liz Masterson]

Clay I have a question, what is the difference in service between the room steward and the butler? I've always wondered... (Besides the obvious... butlers are all names Jeeves or Niles right? 😉)

[Clay Clayton]

Since I haven’t had one (whether Jeeves or  Niles!) I cant say for sure. But it’s my understanding that butlers don’t clean and make beds.  Rather they serve your other requests.  I’ve seen butlers on Norwegian and X deliver dinner course by course (actually had the opportunity to have a butler waited dinner ensuite thanks to some fellow cruise critics who were in one of the big aft suites), set up and maintain cocktail gatherings, etc.   

 

I know on one of our Viking cruises I overheard a fellow guest complaining that they were in a suite and were missing a butler like they had on Regent. Of course we have also overheard folks complaining about the lack of a casino, karoke, and bingo. 🤪. Have these folks never heard of watching a YouTube video or doing some reading?

[orchestrapal]

18 hours ago, Liz Masterson said:

Clay I have a question, what is the difference in service between the room steward and the butler? I've always wondered... (Besides the obvious... butlers are all names Jeeves or Niles right? 😉)

Butlers take fantastic care of YOU and room stewards do the same for the Cabins.

Although the service on Viking was very good in a suite it does not compare to having Butler service on the luxury lines. We would go back on Viking on a cruise not available on Crystal.

[Jammy Bun]

We've only had butler services once, and I hated it!  Our butler told me off (gently) for making my own hair appointment.  And delivering breakfast to the cabin, carefully setting up the table, asking if he could draw the blinds for us ... I just wanted him out of there Quick!

Each to his own.  I'm happy that Viking treats everyone the same.  

[Liz Masterson]

I'm not one to enjoy a fuss. Asking someone to make an appointment for me seems like just more work than doing it myself. Maybe if I had one of the large fancy cabins it might be nice to have a special dinner... but I'm "just" in a deluxe verandah... so I think more elbow room and eating at a table with friends would be more enjoyable... though I can see an evening in with a good movie and room service a nice option when you need some downtime. But my downtime would not involve a 3rd party hovering... yeah... I'm good without the butler. But to each their own! If you like them you go ahead and enjoy!

[Liz Masterson]

17 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

"Have these folks never heard of watching a YouTube video or doing some reading?"

Maybe they forgot to ask Jeeves to watch the YouTube videos for them?  I think I'd miss all the fun of doing the research...