Princess Cruisers Compare Crystal, Silversea, and Viking Ocean Cruises

[RLK33853]

     After over 50 voyages with Princess Cruises we found ourselves wanting more, not less for our cruise experiences.  While Princess continues to supply an acceptable mass market product, over the past few years we have noted a decline in their service/management and lack of loyalty back to the customers who have been loyal to them.  Things like the loss of free internet, the loss of unlimited meals at Alfredo’s Pizzeria, suspension of onboard credit for every five cruises after 25, combined with overworked staff (room stewards now look after numerous more rooms/waiters have more tables) – well you get the picture.   Therefore over the past year we have been trying out various luxury lines in the hopes of finding a new cruise “home”.

 

     A bit about ourselves – we are in our 60’s, fit, have traveled the world, both on land and on sea, and are now at the point in our lives where we just want to enjoy the finer things in life.  Thus our exploration of Paul Gauguin last fall (loved it), and this spring we did a comparison btbtb for 15 days on the Crystal Symphony (600 passengers – Athens to Civitavecchia), then on the Silversea Whisper (400 passengers – Venice to Civitavecchia), and ended our trip on the Viking Jupiter (900 passengers – Venice to Civitavecchia).  This will be a comparison between Crystal and Viking which both not only lived up to, but exceeded our expectations.  I have completed and posted a separate review of our Silversea disaster titled “We apologize, we’ll do better” – a Review of the Silver Whisper and Silversea Management, on the Silversea board.  Suffice it to say that we would never recommend anyone waste their cruise funds on Silversea.

 

     In contrast we will gladly cruise in the future with either Crystal (which we found to be the ultimate in luxury), or Viking Ocean (which we found to be more of a Premium experience, or just one step down from Crystal).  The only big difference between the two came down to on Crystal everything comes to you (staff are always asking what they can do for you), whereas on Viking, staff provide anything you want, but you have to ask for it.

 

Embarkation

 

     Crystal embarkation was phenomenal – personalized, quick, and made you feel valued as a customer. 

Viking was a little less personal, but was extremely efficient.

 

Customer Service – An example of each cruise line

     

     We had a small issue with our Crystal butler not filling our fridge only with regular coke as we had requested.  On the 3rd day I asked the front desk if they could send some coke to the room while we were out.  Instead the Head Butler sought us out for a meeting, explaining that having to ask was not up to their standards, replacing our butler (who was actually pretty good), and wanting to upgrade the supplied champagne as a gesture of goodwill.  All I wanted was a few coke.  Suffice it to say that Crystal takes customer service to an entirely different level.

 

     A Viking Ocean example of customer service may have been different, yet was probably more impressive.  When we boarded we left our two large suitcases, one small carryon bag, and a backpack with the dock luggage handlers.  The two large and one carryon bag showed up at our suite but the backpack did not.  We called the front desk and they said it should be delivered soon.  Around 4:00 pm when it was still missing, we went to the front desk and explained that it had still not shown up.  Guest Services attempted to locate the bag but were unable to.  Instead of telling us to wait, she locked up her station, escorted us to the luggage handling shore side where she found a manager, explained that our backpack was not onboard and wanted to know where it was.  He said he would look for it but she said no – she wanted us to follow their handling procedures until it was located.  He eventually agreed and the backpack was found in a security trailer – apparently it had been held off the ship due to scissors being found via x-ray.  The Guest Services representative asked me about the scissors and after finding they were less than 2 inches long, demanded to see the shore side port security supervisor who then released the backpack to us.  She then escorted us back onto the ship – this was truly customer service!

 

Tomorrow I will compare food, etc.

[TinaLee]

Thanks for doing this. Like you, we have sailed Princess multiple times, in multiple locations, and found ourselves giving Viking a try. We love their ocean cruises. Rivers may just not be my thing, but we will try again. One of the three was completely amazing, so we're willing to try again. Interested in getting your take on Viking Ocean and the comparison with Crystal. 

[CDNPolar]

Great to hear and see your review of Viking.  We have always loved Viking Customer Service.

[deec]

I am curious how different is the price point.

[TinaLee]

27 minutes ago, deec said:

I am curious how different is the price point.

Do you mean between Princess and Viking/Crystal or between Viking and Crystal? 

[deec]

Viking and Crystal

[oskidunker]

With everything on Princess an extra charge it could be difficult to compare prices, although Viking is higher. I would only go on Princess in a Club Class Mini suite so the cost may not be all that much more. I hate the exercise classes in the Atrium on Princess, the crowded show room, the reduced food quality and the Mega ships. 
 

i do like The Grand Princess as we took many wonderful cruises on her. Might consider that ship.

[RLK33853]

     As for questions about the cost differences - on Crystal we had an Aquamarine Veranda which comes in at 323 sq ft. - which I believe is approximately 50 sq ft bigger than a Princess mini-suite.  If you just look at the standard Princess fare, Crystal was almost double in price - but once you add in the drink package, specialty dinners, tips, and other things Princess charges extra for, the price is more like 60 to 70% more to cruise with Crystal.   Each person then has to decide it the extra cost is worth it to them.  To us, it is, especially since Princess is definitely moving to position themselves as a mainstream line and continues to take away things Princess cruisers earned via loyalty to the brand.

 

On Viking we had a Penthouse Veranda at 340 sq ft, which is approximately 70 sq ft bigger than a Princess mini-suite.  Viking includes an excursion/tour (pretty standard and nothing special) in every port, and free wine and beer with lunch and dinners, and our cost was around 40% more than Princess.

[Mike07]

Not in a position to write tons on my phone, but I quit PCL for similar reasons to yours. So, I feel your pain.

 

The PCL appeared to have been cheapened significantly even after the COVID restart.  I was on the Emerald the first cruise after it was reactivated... It was great. Good food, super friendly staff, but it was also at one quarter capacity. As the crowds grew, PCL quickly began falling apart and I let a few thousand in FCC expire simply because PCL wasn't worth my time.

 

I am probably one of the rare ones here that still works full time and I don't WFH or work remotely. So, I decided to switch an itinerary from PCL (lost my FCC since it expired) to..... Viking River...

[oskidunker]

1 hour ago, RLK33853 said:

     As for questions about the cost differences - on Crystal we had an Aquamarine Veranda which comes in at 323 sq ft. - which I believe is approximately 50 sq ft bigger than a Princess mini-suite.  If you just look at the standard Princess fare, Crystal was almost double in price - but once you add in the drink package, specialty dinners, tips, and other things Princess charges extra for, the price is more like 60 to 70% more to cruise with Crystal.   Each person then has to decide it the extra cost is worth it to them.  To us, it is, especially since Princess is definitely moving to position themselves as a mainstream line and continues to take away things Princess cruisers earned via loyalty to the brand.

 

On Viking we had a Penthouse Veranda at 340 sq ft, which is approximately 70 sq ft bigger than a Princess mini-suite.  Viking includes an excursion/tour (pretty standard and nothing special) in every port, and free wine and beer with lunch and dinners, and our cost was around 40% more than Princess.

Thanks!

[oskidunker]

1 hour ago, RLK33853 said:

     As for questions about the cost differences - on Crystal we had an Aquamarine Veranda which comes in at 323 sq ft. - which I believe is approximately 50 sq ft bigger than a Princess mini-suite.  If you just look at the standard Princess fare, Crystal was almost double in price - but once you add in the drink package, specialty dinners, tips, and other things Princess charges extra for, the price is more like 60 to 70% more to cruise with Crystal.   Each person then has to decide it the extra cost is worth it to them.  To us, it is, especially since Princess is definitely moving to position themselves as a mainstream line and continues to take away things Princess cruisers earned via loyalty to the brand.

 

On Viking we had a Penthouse Veranda at 340 sq ft, which is approximately 70 sq ft bigger than a Princess mini-suite.  Viking includes an excursion/tour (pretty standard and nothing special) in every port, and free wine and beer with lunch and dinners, and our cost was around 40% more than Princess.

So if I book a DV6 on Viking I am probably only 20% more than  Princess. 

[TinaLee]

You also have to take into account on the Princess/Viking comparison that Wi-Fi (although it isn’t great - lol) and specialty dining (which is amazing) are included. There is absolutely no comparison on the buffet areas, as Viking blows Princess out of the water, and personally I appreciate that I can get specialty coffee 24/7 included on Viking. Included excursions, free use of their laundry rooms on each deck (even detergent is included), free use of the spa, a really nice gym are all positives for us. If you love big production shows and a casino, Viking may not be for you, but I will say the vocalists in the tiny Viking show lounge were outstanding. 🙂 

Edited June 21 by TinaLee

[deec]

how about cost between crystal and viking

[WanderingBrit]

9 minutes ago, deec said:

how about cost between crystal and viking

Head to their respective websites and price comparable itineraries?

[RLK33853]

1 hour ago, deec said:

how about cost between crystal and viking

 

Without going back to my invoices, it was approximately 30% more to cruise on Crystal than on Viking.  Itineraries vary though - we priced a Japan/Asia cruise while on board and it was in the same price range as Crystal - brought this to the attention of the onboard Cruise Consultant and he didn't have an explanation.

[deec]

thank you

[CurlerRob]

5 hours ago, deec said:

how about cost between crystal and viking

 

Dee, this is only one data point, but I did the following math based on @TinaLee's information. 

 

Take the 'adjusted' Princess cost at 100. They advised that Crystal was 160 - 170 and that Viking was 140. That implies Crystal is 14-21% more than Viking, depending on what you pick in the range. Without all the details from their cruises, I have no way to do any further rationalization between the two as to what's in/out, so the difference may be more or less.

 

Interestingly, this does seem to support posters who have suggested that Viking's pricing is closer to the so-called luxury lines than it used to be - that was our observation when we contrasted a Regent TA last year.

 

Our bottom line - all cruising is getting more expensive. Do your homework and pick the vendor that suits you best. 🍺🥌

[CDNPolar]

The thing is to me that rarely are we comparing apples to apples.

 

Viking inclusions may not be what someone wants, but then Crystal extra charges may be something one wants.

 

I think that for us we started cruising on Viking and loved it and we stick with Viking.

 

We also find here on CC that most people - not all - are brand loyal.

 

I personally think that a decision for a cruise should start with two things:

 

1) The Itinerary

2) The TOTAL budget - everything that you can spend including air and even pre/post extensions

 

Once you have these two things figured out then apply them to the different lines and make a choice.

[Mike07]

Completely agree... There are itineraries on Viking that have a port or two that interest me, but the rest of the itinerary doesn't. And then cost of course is something to consider.

[deec]

4 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

The thing is to me that rarely are we comparing apples to apples.

 

Viking inclusions may not be what someone wants, but then Crystal extra charges may be something one wants.

 

I think that for us we started cruising on Viking and loved it and we stick with Viking.

 

We also find here on CC that most people - not all - are brand loyal.

 

I personally think that a decision for a cruise should start with two things:

 

1) The Itinerary

2) The TOTAL budget - everything that you can spend including air and even pre/post extensions

 

Once you have these two things figured out then apply them to the different lines and make a choice.

 No doubt we have become brand loyal ( not that Viking rewards that significantly) and on my part being lazy is the major factor that keeps us cruising with Viking.  We know, understand and are extremely comfortable with Viking's product.   The ships are perfect for us and it does feel like coming back to the familiar. The crew has always been outstanding.  We have not done all of their itineraries yet and before covid there was very little to not be 95% happy with.  But I do not want to be totally blinded by what is easy and probably should explore other cruise lines.  I would really like to see more than one option and smaller groups for included tours.  Included or vastly reduced air is hard to throw away but Viking's air department ( even with air plus) has become dreadful and we live in a major Delta hub.  We always get the SSP so maybe a line where that is included would serve us better, and finally Viking start INCLUDING gratuities in your pricing!  We have 3 voyages scheduled and a few on our radar but perhaps I won't be so quick to book and should get some alternative pricing from Crystal, Oceania, Seaburn, Ponant OR Avalon, Tauk and AMA for the Rivers!

[RLK33853]

Today's post compares Crystal and Viking's food, and food venues.

 

Regular and Specialty Restaurants/Food/Room Service

 

     Food on Crystal for 99% of the time was over the top.  The chef’s in their Specialty Restaurants go out of their way to personalize their meals to your tastes.  In the Japanese Fusion restaurant, they realized I liked hot sauces and while I enjoyed the 3 they had, the next time we ate there he had created 3 additional ones that he thought I may like. 

 

     The regular restaurant “Waterside” on Crystal had great food, although we did have one complete miss of Halibut – dry and overcooked – this one dish out of 15 dinners isn’t too bad.  The chef was also extremely creative - dishes with ingredients that shouldn't go together were absolutely fabulous (and I'm a pretty picky eater).

 

     Crystal also has a sitdown lunch venue (Tastes - also serves dinner) which was good, but not outstanding.

 

     One evening we tried room service on Crystal – probably the best steak I have ever had on a cruise ship. We can't comment on Viking's room service as we only used it once for a lite breakfast, but it was fine.

 

     And lastly, each afternoon on Crystal our butler supplied hors d’oeuvres, fruit, and petit forts.  Or if you so desired, you could attend afternoon tea – don’t miss the chocolate one!

 

     Viking restaurants and Specialty venues were very good, certainly better than mass market lines, yet maybe were not at the same level of creativity of Crystal.  Although in the case of Viking's Chef's Table, we, along with most of the others we spoke with had cancelled their reservations due to the quirky menu.  The menu changed during our cruise, yet still didn't seem appealing. 

 

     Last comment about Viking's restaurants - while they may not have been the same quality as Crystal, they did come extremely close.  They also had dedicated afternoon tea if you chose to attend.

 

Buffets

 

     Crystal’s buffet was excellent and only open for breakfast and lunch – including cook to order menu items.  Viking also had the cook to order items but their variety of foods far out weighed Crystal’s.  Viking's buffet area was also open for dinner and was so good that many individuals chose to eat there every evening – sushi, seafood bars with crab legs, scallops, shrimp, etc, along with a cook to order steak grill.

 

     Both Crystal and Viking had lots of seating indoors at their buffets.  This carried over to their outside terrace eating areas, which we loved on both ships. 

 

     Staff on both ships were always present to either help you at the buffet, find you a table, or get drinks for you once you sat down.

 

Pool Grill

 

     This is a tie between Crystal and Viking – and Viking if they were a little more consistent would be the better grill.  But both were fantastic.

 

Tomorrow I will compare pools, fitness areas, entertainment, and bar service.

 

Thanks

 

Ray and Ann

[RLK33853]

Pool Area

 

     On Crystal the pool area is luxury times ten – padded loungers with fresh covers, along with large wicker outdoor couches and chairs, alongside places to eat – both in the sun and in the shade.

 

     Viking’s pool area is a little more cruise ship traditional – still very comfortable with mesh sun loungers, alongside tables to eat at – both regular and high tops.

 

     Both ships have loungers elsewhere on the ship if you choose to just sit by yourself and read a book.

 

Fitness Area

 

     Crystal had a great gym area but with Viking being the larger ship, they had a superior gym.  Both had adequate aerobic machines, resistance machines, plus free weights.

 

     Viking also had the free spa area with gigantic hot tub, snow room, ice baths, saunas, steam room, and heated tile loungers.  

 

     The locker rooms on both lines were very upscale.

 

     Both Crystal and Viking have promonade decks for walkers.

 

Entertainment

 

     Crystal entertainment is some of the best we have ever experienced – anywhere, not just at sea.  They had several guest singers who were currently performing on Broadway in New York or the West End in London.  Plus they had excellent onboard entertainment staff in their showroom and the Avenue Bar.    The Cruise Director was extremely visible and interacted with the guests constantly.  Crystal also has a small dedicated movie theatre – we’re not sure why though as we never saw anyone use it.  They also have a full library.

 

     Viking’s entertainment was pretty low key in comparison but we don’t really cruise for the entertainment.  We rarely saw the Cruise Director.  On the Jupiter they also have a "Star Theatre" which shows 3D type documentaries (reservations required).  One show was pretty spectacular, the other was underwhelming.

Bar Service

     

     Crystal is all inclusive and was it ever!  Great wines, decent beer selection, and if you so wanted, an excellent variety of spirits.  Bartenders and servers are extremely attentive.  In the evenings before dinner, servers come around with unbelievable hors d'dourves, and after the show, pizza is offered at the bars.

 

     Viking has beer and wine included for meals (and they seem pretty liberal about when lunch and dinner is) but you have no choice other than the house wines.  We had purchased the Silver Spirits package which includes drinks at any time and we found that the wines we could choose from were more than adequate (and my wife is a bit of a wine snob).  Again they had a good selection of beer, including three different ones from Norway.  The one area that we found disappointing was that they ran out of several items towards the end of the cruise (not unlike what happens on mainstream lines but never occurred on Crystal).

 

     Both Crystal and Viking allow you to bring on whatever liquor, wine, or beer you want and will serve it to you without corkage.

 

Room Comparison

 

     When we cruise Princess we usually take a mini-suite (just under 300 sqft) or suite as we like the extra space.  While that may not be important to others, it is something we don't paying extra for.

 

     Crystal – we booked an Aquamarine Veranda (redesigned 2017) which was more than adequate at 323 sq ft.  It had a sitting area with a couch. chair, table, large armoire, makeup table, walk-in closet, huge bathroom with 2 double sinks, separate toilet area, and large shower with three different shower heads.  The balcony was quite large and comfortable with great wicker furniture. 

 

     Crystal also showcases their different staterooms (one day of the cruise), for you to check them out.  We found that the Aquamarine Veranda Suite suited us fine, but in future we would look at going up one category to a Sapphire Veranda Suite (redesigned 2017) as it was spectacular.  One word of caution - not all categories of rooms are the same.  Pay attention to the words Classic Design (original layout - more wood, smaller shower), Redesigned 2017, or Redesigned 2023, as they are all laid out different.

 

     Viking – we booked a Penthouse Veranda which again was more than adequate at 340 sq ft.  It didn’t have a walk-in closet like Crystal, rather it's a closet built into the entry hallway (although the room had tons of storage/drawers).  The room has a huge living room area with couch, chair, large coffee table/footstool, and while it only had a medium size bathroom, it was very nice (heated floors and nonfog mirrors).  The balcony was comparable to Crystal in size, although the furniture was not of the same quality.  Apparently there are also two different versions of this room - while both have the same layout, one version has a sliding balcony door, while the other has an actual door and window.  We had the sliding door version.

 

 

[RLK33853]

Sorry - there is a missing word when describing what we book for staterooms.

 

Instead of:

 

"While that may not be important to others, it is something we don't paying extra for.

 

It should read - it is something we don't MIND paying extra for.

[kctwinmommy]

@RLK33853 - it's interesting about the comment related to running out of things. I wouldn't have expected that on Viking either. And yet, at the end of our cruise, they ran out of peanuts in the Explorer lounge.

 

I'm sure every ship/cruise director is different. We had a great one on ours, Aaron. He was a performer in his past life, so he joined in on several different shows that we went to. Usually just singing one song though, as to not upstage the singers. We did have 4 singers on ours for the main theater shows that I thought were quite good.

 

Out of all of our cruises, we found the performers on our Alaska cruise to be least entertaining. I don't like to say the worst, but they were nowhere near the level of talent as our other cruises.

[SJD117]

26 minutes ago, RLK33853 said:

Sorry - there is a missing word when describing what we book for staterooms.

 

Instead of:

 

"While that may not be important to others, it is something we don't paying extra for.

 

It should read - it is something we don't MIND paying extra for.

Do you intend to compare the guest lecturers on the two lines? The lectures are always a high point for us when we cruise with Viking.