A valid question, rizello. It's a huge leap to your first cruise on a different line. We have cruised on both Viking and Oceania, and each has advantages and some major disadvantages. Our only Viking cruise was a b2b, from Vancouver to Tokyo, and continuing on the next cruise to Hong Kong. That gave us a total of five weeks aboard, certainly long enough to make a comparison. We are about to embark on our fifth Oceania cruise, because it always feels like home. Yes, Viking offers so many inclusions, but not all are worthwhile. The free shore excursion in each port is quite often not the one you would choose from all offerings, the included alcohol is fairly basic (we opted to pay for the premium package; not for the volume, but for the quality), and wifi is offered free on both O and V. We did love Viking's interactive IT system, and the daily electronic diary was really helpful. The difference is in cuisine and delivery of service. The food in all but the specialty restaurants was woeful: oversalted, poorly presented, and unenticing. Oceania's cuisine has always been superb, and each restaurant has an air of elegance and comfort. The Viking staff members were very pleasant and with one exception, very helpful, but Oceania staff feel like family. Totally different vessels: We have sailed on Oceania's Marina, Nautica and are to embarking Sirena in just over three weeks. The ships are older and smaller (with the exception of Marina), with an atmosphere of a comfortable country club, without the formality. Our Viking Orion was the epitome of Nordic design, decor and efficient comfort: sleek, elegant and with truly impressive public spaces. Why have we chosen to return to Oceania? We know it will feel like coming home.