Looking for a comparison

I planning a future cruise. I am looking for feedback from people who have cruised on both lines in similar 'class' cabins. How do you compare the service, size of cabin and features of both lines? How about quality of included excursions? How about the pre-cruise interaction with the reservation desk, questions pre-cruise answers? How are the services of Guest Services?

Any feedback will be appreciated.

Comparing what lines?

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There are already a number of threads here comparing Viking to other cruise lines. Also, you say both cruise lines but never name the other cruise line you are interested In.

These points are for Viking Ocean? Have you done Oceana? Can't tell. How do you rate them against Viking Ocean.??

There are already a number of threads here comparing Viking to other cruise lines. Also, you say both cruise lines but never name the other cruise line you are interested In.

Want to compare Viking Ocean to Oceana. Perhaps even Princess. I'm done with the cattle car feeling of RCC, NCL and Carnival.

Thanks !!!

Oceania best ship is Riviera.

Out of 5

 

Cabins

Viking - 5

Oceania - 5

 

Food

V - 5

O - 5+

 

Public rooms

V - 5

O - 4.5

 

Open decks

V - 5

O - 2

 

Spa

V - 4

O - 3

 

Pools

V - 4

O - 3

 

Fitness

V - 4

O - 4.5

 

Overall

Viking 4.5*+

Oceania 4*

 

Princess varies from 3* (Royal, Regal) to near 4.5* (Sapphire).

As you say all is subjective. We have been on Oceania Riviera and much prefer Viking. We also love Azamara. Tried to look at your list but the Utube video is one hour long and couldn't find the list on a quick review. Would be interested in seeing your list. Thanks as you obviously take a lot of time and trouble.

Oceania best ship is Riviera.

Out of 5

 

Cabins

Viking - 5

Oceania - 5

 

Food

V - 5

O - 5+

 

Public rooms

V - 5

O - 4.5

 

Open decks

V - 5

O - 2

 

Spa

V - 4

O - 3

 

Pools

V - 4

O - 3

 

Fitness

V - 4

O - 4.5

 

Overall

Viking 4.5*+

Oceania 4*

 

Princess varies from 3* (Royal, Regal) to near 4.5* (Sapphire).

Interesting to read your rating.

What you did not rate is the on-board entertainment. For that, we think Oceania (especially their larger "O" class ships) get 4.5 ,and Viking Ocean gets 2. For our Christmas Cruise on the Viking Star, the Christmas show was so poor, it was almost like some high school amateur production, giving that show a "2" would be more than generous , in our view. Of course, others may disagree, but the WEAKEST POINT with Viking is its Entertainment. For us, Viking's entertainment standard is so weak, it is even below those mid-range/mass market cruise lines eg Holland America, Princess and even P&O!

Often, on Viking, we just go to bed early because there is so little that is interesting to do at night. (On some non-Viking cruises, we remembered that we had to rush from one show or event to another at sea days. Not with Viking Ocean). Of course, given the fact we have to get up early to "catch" the early bird included excursions on Viking encouraged us to sleep early too.

As for activities, Viking Ocean may have the free sauna which is an advantage and on Oceania, you have to pay for it, that puts Oceania behind Viking. However, Oceania have more interesting on board activities, including free art classes. We would be prepared to cruise with Oceania even it it has many sea days in its itinerary. For Viking, we would only go on cruises with a port intensive itinerary - we feel that there will be rather too limited recreation to keep us interested on a Viking cruise if we are kept at sea all day

For us, overall, we would rate Oceania and Viking as being "neck and neck" at 4.5 each. If only Viking Ocean pulls up its socks and improve on the on-board entertainment and activities, then, it would get 4.75 points.

Alas, we realise that, all this point giving is so very subjective!

The long days at sea would drive my hubby bonkers. He loves HAL cruises where there is a hands-on Microsoft seminar every day - sometimes twice a day with a computer to use for each participant. We did go to 4 shows on our last voyage on HAL but rarely go to them on other lines since the beverage 'hawkers' interrupt the show by frequently and persistently asking 'drinks??". On HAL you ordered your beverage before the show and that was it. HAL even brought us glasses of ice water at n/c. That being said....both Viking Ocean and Oceana have their positive and negative points. From my somewhat limited investigations, it appears as if Oceana has a more extensive choice of cruises to choose from. The particular one I was looking at was the British Isles to Iceland then to St Pete's, Russia. Still have not found ANY cruise line who has the number of ports or land excursions in the British Isles to suit my desires. I don't think that Dublin and Belfast would give me a true sense and appreciation of the Green Isle. Unless I take a private land tour of Ireland, I'm told by some who have taken land tours sponsored by Globus, etc. are done on buses where every seat is filled and very few actual stops for pictures or views and packing and unpacking each night or every other night. That is why I like cruising...unpack once. Any one reading this post who has some ideas or suggestions....bring 'em on..

Thanks. Appreciate the 'research' and comments. Lots for me to digest.

How about Celebrity Silhouette Aug 2018 RT Southampton - Guernsey, Cork, Waterford, Dublin overnight, Akyreyri (Iceland), Reykjavik overnight, Belfast, back to Southampton. They have same cruise Aug 2019.

Sounds very interesting. Want to take our children and grandchildren so going on a cruise line that only allows 2 per room is not financially attractive.

Sounds very interesting. Want to take our children and grandchildren so going on a cruise line that only allows 2 per room is not financially attractive.

Depending on their ages, eliminate Viking as they have age requirements ~16 Ocean. Not set in stone but you would need to check. Also Viking insists that an adult room in a cabin with a non-adult. There was a family with 16 and 20 year old daughters on our Viking Ocean Homelands cruise. The girls loved it.

My random opinions ........ Been on Viking Star and Sky and Oceania Riviera in the past year. Theater style entertainment weak on all three cruises. Viking did have excellent local entertainment; opera singers in Russia etc. Seating, sound and sight lines better on the Viking. Guest relations on Star excellent, Sky the worst, Riviera OK. Rivera abstract paintings depressing, Viking decor upscale Ikea. If you use the library on the Riviera, bring a flash light. Food excellent on both. Viking has a few selections that are not for everyone Riviera, traditional selections. Viking seemed to be restocking food at most ports, Oceania was in the leftover mode near the end of the cruise. Slight edge to Viking service . Cabins same sq ft, but Viking seems much larger. Viking doesn't have a tub so more bathroom and cabin space. Heated floors and more sink and storage space on Viking.Interactive TV, WiFi and Internet probably best in the industry on Viking, Riviera WiFi and Internet barely usable (Med Cruise in prime reception areas.) Viking tours were generally better then Riviera mostly to do with forcing operators to use the provided wireless voice systems; Riviera operators used low end megaphones. Both had crew members on most tours.Embark/Debark excellent on both lines, Viking scans passport for all data including picture on security card. We were able to get into specialty restaurants without reservations on both. Viking movable roof a plus, Riviera outdoor eating under roof a plus, No Casino on Viking (plus for us minus for others). Viking inclusive includes wine, soda and internet for everyone. Oceana sucks up to past cruisers. Got double charged on a future Viking cruise forced credit card over limit and Viking policy is 21 working days to issue a refund even if it is an undisputed clerical error, Error was before Christmas so actual delay can be over a month. Problems on both Viking Air reservations due to ridiculous routing. Several phone call to Viking Air and finally Tellus straightened things out. Oceania flights were reward miles on AirBerlin, they stopped flying 3 days before we left. AA was able to get us to the cruise but could not get us back from Venice . Tried Delta no go, contacted Oceania and 10 minutes latter we had reasonably priced flights home. Big plus for Oceania. Already have problems on an upcomming Viking cruise with overchrges on credit cards and trying to get a timely refund on an undisputed clerical error. Viking backoffice operations are a minus. Tellus@Viking should not be on speed dial!

That is my rambling comparison

azdrydock -- Thanks for the detailed comparison. Re your problems with Viking re credit cards: do you use a Travel Agent? That might help (or might not -- my TA bills direct to the cruise lines not first to her office then to vendor; this eliminates the worry about TAs who pocket the money, but I don't know what would happen if Viking overbilled her charges). In general, my experience is that TAs (because they book lots of cabins on a regular basis) have more clout with the cruise lines than individual passengers.

azdrydock -- Thanks for the detailed comparison. Re your problems with Viking re credit cards: do you use a Travel Agent? That might help (or might not -- my TA bills direct to the cruise lines not first to her office then to vendor; this eliminates the worry about TAs who pocket the money, but I don't know what would happen if Viking overbilled her charges). In general, my experience is that TAs (because they book lots of cabins on a regular basis) have more clout with the cruise lines than individual passengers.

We use a TA. I charged the cruise on three separate cards, We use the credit card travel insurance and the max on insurance on each card is less than the total so by spreading the payments we are 100% insured plus points and miles. Used the TA's online payment system and received an invoice showing charges to the correct cards. Checked online banking and it showed the charges split between 2 cards. Contacted the TA and she contacted Viking. Don't know, and don't care who screwed up but viking charged the correct amount to the third card but never removed it from the wrong card. Viking got back to her immediately saying they were going issue a credit. After a few days, I went back to the TA to see when it was going to be posted and was told that it takes 5 to 10 days. Called a few days ago and told it could be up to 21 days. Contacted TellUs and after some back and forth they said the Viking policy is up to 21 business days and since it was over Xmas it will be quite a few more calendar days.due to their relationship with a bank in Switzerland. She said she would see when it will be posted and if it can be expedited. She called me today and said she received notice that it had been posted earlier and I checked with the bank and it hadn't reached them yet. I explained to her I will be out of the country (see you Monday) and would like to use my credit cards so we agreed to wait until tomorrow AM and she will follow up with accounting.

Coincidentally I opened a disputed charge case with the bank yesterday.

My random opinions ........ Been on Viking Star and Sky and Oceania Riviera in the past year. Theater style entertainment weak on all three cruises. Viking did have excellent local entertainment; opera singers in Russia etc. Seating, sound and sight lines better on the Viking. Guest relations on Star excellent, Sky the worst, Riviera OK. Rivera abstract paintings depressing, Viking decor upscale Ikea. If you use the library on the Riviera, bring a flash light. Food excellent on both. Viking has a few selections that are not for everyone Riviera, traditional selections. Viking seemed to be restocking food at most ports, Oceania was in the leftover mode near the end of the cruise. Slight edge to Viking service . Cabins same sq ft, but Viking seems much larger. Viking doesn't have a tub so more bathroom and cabin space. Heated floors and more sink and storage space on Viking.Interactive TV, WiFi and Internet probably best in the industry on Viking, Riviera WiFi and Internet barely usable (Med Cruise in prime reception areas.) Viking tours were generally better then Riviera mostly to do with forcing operators to use the provided wireless voice systems; Riviera operators used low end megaphones. Both had crew members on most tours.Embark/Debark excellent on both lines, Viking scans passport for all data including picture on security card. We were able to get into specialty restaurants without reservations on both. Viking movable roof a plus, Riviera outdoor eating under roof a plus, No Casino on Viking (plus for us minus for others). Viking inclusive includes wine, soda and internet for everyone. Oceana sucks up to past cruisers. Got double charged on a future Viking cruise forced credit card over limit and Viking policy is 21 working days to issue a refund even if it is an undisputed clerical error, Error was before Christmas so actual delay can be over a month. Problems on both Viking Air reservations due to ridiculous routing. Several phone call to Viking Air and finally Tellus straightened things out. Oceania flights were reward miles on AirBerlin, they stopped flying 3 days before we left. AA was able to get us to the cruise but could not get us back from Venice . Tried Delta no go, contacted Oceania and 10 minutes latter we had reasonably priced flights home. Big plus for Oceania. Already have problems on an upcomming Viking cruise with overchrges on credit cards and trying to get a timely refund on an undisputed clerical error. Viking backoffice operations are a minus. Tellus@Viking should not be on speed dial!

That is my rambling comparison

Nice comparison. Matches my impressions while on Viking Sea.

Sadly in my experience I agree completely with your experience of Viking home office operations being a minus.

Fortunately, the ships and crews on their ships have been excellent. Were they similar to home office, I'd never sail with them.

Sailing with Uniworld next because of Viking home office.