Viking Survey re Expedition Cruising

[Host Jazzbeau]

I received an email from Viking today with a link to a survey about expedition cruising, which is clearly geared toward Viking entering that market. Anybody else get this?

[Peregrina651]

I received an email from Viking today with a link to a survey about expedition cruising, which is clearly geared toward Viking entering that market. Anybody else get this?

 

I did not. Nor have I seen the topic being investigated by Viking through a market research company they use. I've never been contacted directly by Viking directly but have done a number of surveys for them over the past couple of years through the research company.

[Azulann]

I did get the survey and filled it out.

Maybe Viking is thinking of making one of their new builds an expedition ship?

Lots of questions aobut your travel preferences and experiences.

[cruzzzinma]

I received it and responded this morning.

[philw1776]

None received. Silversea is an excellent expedition cruise line. Very experienced with custom small ships.

[KathyA]

Yes, I got it too.

[nanface]

For those of us not as knowledgeable on cruise lines, how do you define an expedition cruise?

 

 

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[Host Jazzbeau]

For those of us not as knowledgeable on cruise lines, how do you define an expedition cruise?

 

Excursions are off the ship in zodiacs and the focus is wildlife and glaciers. Think Galapagos or Antarctica.

[Jim Avery]

They would need a new class of ship to do it. Based on the current World Cruise the present ships have too many passengers and are not constructed for the rigors of the high latitudes. It is a competitive market already. They will need to stand out somehow.

[nanface]

Thanks, Jazzbeau. I understand now.

[Host Jazzbeau]

I suspect they are trying to figure out what to do after they build the 10th Viking Ocean ship. That will saturate that market. They are also close to saturating the European river cruise market. But it seems to be Viking's DNA to never stop expanding, so they need a new market. Luxury yacht cruising seems more of a stretch from their roots than expedition cruising.

[philw1776]

Whoops! Did get the survey after all. Searched and found it in my email spam file.

Agree completely that Viking is looking to expand into other markets not addressed by the current fleet build out and their presently targeted demographics. For example, they'll need a younger, faster, more agile clientele to outrun the lions in their Africa land tours.

[Shoalwater]

Got it and returned completed. They should settle their Ocean experience first before straying into this specialty market. I guess the questions about price points means they have not yet decided and are testing the waters ( pun intended).