Viking Competing On Food

[Cyber Kat]

You do not need a jacket & tie for DH nor sparkly tops or evening gowns unless you want to wear them

Sounds like you may like Oceania but only you can be the judge

 

give them a try & decide for yourself

 

That's good news - opens more options for us. I've been getting Oceania brochures and I see a lot that interests me. Thanks

[Cyber Kat]

Cyber Kat,

 

I usually see your posts over on the Viking threads, but once again I find that we must be twin daughters of different mothers. Your opinions are so often my own.

 

I am a huge Viking fan, and would normally select them. All things being equal, we cruise only once a year and are happy to continue with Viking. However, Oceania has an itinerary I crave that Viking doesn't yet offer, so I was browsing here.

 

Thanks for your interesting commentary, as usual.

 

As I have seen yours and I agree! We are trying to do twice a year. I'd like to do more, but my cats and their sitter would never forgive me :) We have 3 booked at the moment - Viking River Grand European in Sept, Azamara Bermuda and the Old South (NYC - Charleston, SC, Hamilton, Bermuda and back to NYC) and Viking Ocean Eastern Seaboard Explorer for the fall of 2019.

 

Right now we are looking to 2020 and I'm keeping an open mind :cool:

[PatriciaF]

Our primary consideration for booking a cruise is the itinerary. We are on our first Oceania cruise in November because it gives us several new ports of call and ends in Barcelona that we wished to return to and spend a few more days. (My husband's family is originally from Sitges.) We sailed Viking Ocean two years ago. We again had picked it for the itinerary and were curious about its offering. We thought the food was good to very good, like the included shore excursions, loved the inside pool and spa, and loved the Scandinavian décor. We have been curious about Oceania and thought I would check it out. But--we aren't foodies, so as long as the food is good (and I can tell you we have been on some cruises where good was a stretch), we are satisfied. If Oceania's only thing better than Viking Ocean is the food, we will probably be checking out its itineraries more than Oceania's.

[lackcreativity]

As I have seen yours and I agree! We are trying to do twice a year. I'd like to do more, but my cats and their sitter would never forgive me :) We have 3 booked at the moment - Viking River Grand European in Sept, Azamara Bermuda and the Old South (NYC - Charleston, SC, Hamilton, Bermuda and back to NYC) and Viking Ocean Eastern Seaboard Explorer for the fall of 2019.

 

Right now we are looking to 2020 and I'm keeping an open mind :cool:

 

I envy the VO Eastern Seaboard cruise as Montreal and especially Quebec are places of interest. Add to that the fact that our son lives in Boston and we never turn down a chance to get there. However, the price on that cruise crosses my imaginary red line, so it's not on my list.

 

We have this year and 2019 booked, but 2020 is just in the browsing stage at this point.

[ORV]

I envy the VO Eastern Seaboard cruise as Montreal and especially Quebec are places of interest. Add to that the fact that our son lives in Boston and we never turn down a chance to get there. However, the price on that cruise crosses my imaginary red line, so it's not on my list.

 

We have this year and 2019 booked, but 2020 is just in the browsing stage at this point.

 

Check out Insignia Nov 2nd this year. Only downside it will be a bit cool on a lot of those stops.

[Silver Sweethearts]

I’m also a tad bit curious why Regent, Crystal and SilverSea are deemed “luxury,” while Viking, Oceania and Azamara don’t make the cut. Viking certainly met my definition.

 

The first thing that comes to mind is that, as far as we know, Viking, Oceania and Azamara do not offer an open and complete bar service whenever you wish.

[LHT28]

The first thing that comes to mind is that, as far as we know, Viking, Oceania and Azamara do not offer an open and complete bar service whenever you wish.

not sure what that means ??

Can you elaborate ?

 

as long as the bars are open you can get drinks but not 24/7 I do not think

[Paulchili]

The first thing that comes to mind is that, as far as we know, Viking, Oceania and Azamara do not offer an open and complete bar service whenever you wish.

 

Do you mean that all alcohol is included in the price of luxury cruise lines?

Would that criteria prevent Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and other similar hotels from being labeled as luxury properties??

[Silver Sweethearts]

not sure what that means ??

Can you elaborate ?

as long as the bars are open you can get drinks but not 24/7 I do not think

 

By open bar we mean that if you wish a drink you just order it since liquor is included as part of your cruise fare. No cards to show or tabs to run up.

 

Do you mean that all alcohol is included in the price of luxury cruise lines?

Would that criteria prevent Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and other similar hotels from being labeled as luxury properties??

 

Do not confuse the issue by trying to compare "luxury cruise lines" with "luxury properties". They are two different animals.

[LHT28]

By open bar we mean that if you wish a drink you just order it since liquor is included as part of your cruise fare. No cards to show or tabs to run up.

.

ok so all inclusive like Regent then

I prefer the way Oceania does it ..pay for what you want/use

 

JMO

[Paulchili]

By open bar we mean that if you wish a drink you just order it since liquor is included as part of your cruise fare. No cards to show or tabs to run up.

 

So then if one gets a premium beverage package on Oceania then they are suddenly on a luxury cruise line (since they could do the same thing as luxury cruise line passengers can at the bar - no running tab)? :D

Edited July 1, 2018 by Paulchili

[LHT28]

So then if one gets a premium beverage package on Oceania then they are suddenly on a luxury cruise line (since they could do the same thing as luxury cruise line passengers can at the bar)? :D

No you have show your card or even sign your name

 

:eek::eek:

the horror of it all :evilsmile:

[Paulchili]

No you have show your card or even sign your name

 

:eek::eek:

the horror of it all :evilsmile:

 

There goes the luxury :D

[Paulchili]

Do not confuse the issue by trying to compare "luxury cruise lines" with "luxury properties". They are two different animals.

 

It was your choice to characterize what makes cruise lines luxury - having an open bar where one can order drinks anytime because they are included.

RC & Four Seasons do not have an open bar or included drinks yet they are considered luxury properties.

Obviously there are a lot of things that make a cruise line (or a hotel) luxury - and it isn’t an open bar.

Edited July 1, 2018 by Paulchili

[Hawaiidan]

You make it clear you are turned off, but don't mention why. Why?

 

Racial tension, corruption,crime, costs, roads, traffic, vog, .....I could go on but that's enough...California with all its problems is the lesser of 2 evils....I had high hopes when I moved there, underneath the surface it is not all that pretty in reality. The air in Palm Springs is clearer and cleaner than Kona 90% of the time

Hawaii is a lot like Disneyland in that for an occasional visitor a wonderful escape from the world for a few weeks or months.

[Cyber Kat]

No you have show your card or even sign your name

 

 

 

[emoji33][emoji33]

 

the horror of it all :evilsmile:

 

 

 

No showing of cards, nor signing of names on Viking. You just tell them your room number, and after the first day or so, not even that is necessary because they know.

 

We would sit down, and they were already on the way over with our favorite beverages.

 

If “luxury” is defined by including or not including alcoholic beverages, I can only conclude that those making up the definition are obsessed with drinking [emoji12]

 

The inclusion of various amenities is always built into the price, so it’s not like the line is providing these things gratis.

 

I once had someone tell me that having the staff remember you and call you by name was an indication of “luxury.” I countered that definition made Carnival a “luxury,” line because they always learn your name and call you by name [emoji13]. He said he didn’t believe that was true. I asked if he had ever sailed on Carnival. He harrumphed and said, “Certainly not!” So I asked, “then how would you know whether or not this is true?” Crickets [emoji16]

 

Quite frankly, I think that the term luxury means different things to different people, so you can’t really come up with a conclusive list of things that set luxury apart from non-luxury.

 

My definition is more about the lack of certain things, than the inclusion of others.

 

A lack of cacophony and raucous noise adds to a refined atmosphere which indicates “luxury” to me. We had that on Viking, and I suspect we will have it on our Azamara cruise, and If we find an Oceania or Regent cruise, I’m quite sure we will find the same.

 

On the mainstream cruises with the large mega ships, you have the noise factor and that adds to the atmosphere many define as fun. DJs blasting music everywhere. Announcements made by enthusiastic CDs every 5 minutes urging you to play bingo, or rush down for the gold by the inch sale, or the 2 for 1 tee shirt sales, or the latest fad in crazy contests. The constant clang and clatter that comes from the casino and seems to pervade the entire promenade deck.

 

Atmosphere is a high priority in my personal definition of luxury. There are times when I want noise and a fun party atmosphere but not when I think “luxury.”

 

And then there is the food and food service - to get back to the topic in the title. I expect food and service like I would find in a fine dining establishment, not Applebee’s or Olive Garden [emoji12]

 

I think all the higher priced above mainstream lines provide that fine dining experience. Some perhaps better than others, but food tastes are so subjective - quality of meats, seafood, bread etc., not as much. High quality china, glassware, utensils, table settings add to the fine dining atmosphere.

 

Again I return to noise as a factor. Most mainstream cruise lines have main dining rooms that rise 2 and 3 decks and while it might look impressive, it makes for a very noisy room, and lacks intimacy.

 

Viking’s Restaurant wraps around the kitchen in a series of sections that creates that intimate feeling. From the photos I’ve seen of the main dining areas of Oceania, Azamara, Regent, etc., they have similar set ups or at least a noise dampening ceiling height.

 

So, personally, I don’t think the inclusion or non-inclusion of alcoholic beverages defines luxury in any way. I do have atmosphere and food quality high on my list of what makes luxury.

 

If the higher end lines are competing to have the best food and food service, I think it’s a good thing - a very good thing, indeed! Bring on the food, folks, I’m ready to feast in style!

Edited July 1, 2018 by Cyber Kat

[LHT28]

Quite frankly, I think that the term luxury means different things to different people, so you can’t really come up with a conclusive list of things that set luxury apart from non-luxury.

 

My definition is more about the lack of certain things, than the inclusion of others.

 

A lack of cacophony and raucous noise adds to a refined atmosphere which indicates “luxury” to me.

 

I agree with you

People should choose what works best for them

 

food is so subjective

 

as long as it is quality ingredients & cooked well

 

that is all we require :halo:

 

others may have different requirements

[golfguyhhi]

Lyn,

 

"I agree with you

People should choose what works best for them

 

food is so subjective

 

as long as it is quality ingredients & cooked well

 

that is all we require

 

others may have different requirements"

And I agree with you. Personally, I consider Oceania a Luxury cruise line, because it is to me. I guess we're lucky that the Captain of the Regent Cheer Leader Squad hasn't chimed in to tell us how wrong we are and that only Regent is a Luxury line, while poor little brother Oceania is a mere Premium line.

I've sailed on Regent, the Explorer, to be precise, and I have no interest in returning. They shut down their buffet restaurant at night and turn it into an Italian restaurant. I want to be able to go to a casual buffet restaurant at night. They also have no stair or elevator access to the Main Dining Room from the back of the ship. You have to get off the elevator (and the stairs) one deck above the MDR and walk forward to the forward elevator or stairs to go down one deck and then walk all the way back to the MDR. How is that Luxury? Just seems like dumb design to me.

[Paulchili]

Personally, I consider Oceania a Luxury cruise line, because it is to me.

Agreed

I guess we're lucky that the Captain of the Regent Cheer Leader Squad hasn't chimed in to tell us how wrong we are and that only Regent is a Luxury line, while poor little brother Oceania is a mere Premium line.

 

I wonder who that would be :D

Actually I believe that out of the kindness of her heart she benevolently grants Oceania a Premium Plus rating :)

[YoHoHo]

Interesting post on the Viking board.

 

 

Since a cornerstone of Oceania's marketing is "best cuisine at sea" thought this was interesting.

 

 

What do you long term Oceania folks think about this article and Viking food versus Oceania?

Did not feel a need to read the article but the subject of your thread "Viking Competing On Food" is a good thing as competition in this marketing area should be good for us customers.