Can you describe the VO passenger demographic?

[IslandThyme]

I just got off the 89 day Holland America Grand Asia, and am considering a switch to VO. I'm 68, but young for my age, adventurous, liberal, and irreverent. While the Grand Asia had a fabulous itinerary, there were many sea days, and I found that the activities and entertainment offered was aimed at my fellow passengers' tastes, reflecting the fact that most were considerably older and much more staid than I. What would you say is a typical passenger mix on VO, in your experience, especially on the longer voyages? I'm considering the Americas and Chilean Fjords trip at the end of the year.

 

Thanks in advance for your candor.

[KyOh]

While we have only been on two VO, our experience is that you'll fit right in!  While there were people in the upper 80's/early90's range, they were certainly the exception.  I would guess that most people on the cruises were in their 60's.  We had a terrific time on a transatlantic from San Juan to Barcelona with LOTS of sea days.  Trivia seemed to grow every day until they finally had to hold it in the theater!  I think you'll enjoy the experience.  We're leaving on March 1 for the Northern Lights cruise.  Hope you give Viking a try.

[Homosassa]

Perhaps this thread will also give you some insight:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2598025-should-we-try-viking-as-young-professionals/

 

[wheredowegonext]

Dear islandthyme,

I have also sailed with both Holland and Viking (river and ocean). Like you, I am also “...young for my age, adventurous, liberal, and irreverent.” And a solo traveler.😎

 

You will feel very comfortable on VO. 

Cindy 

[IslandThyme]

Thanks for the link, Homosassa, that was interesting. I should have mentioned that I'm also a solo traveler, so additional comments on that aspect of my question would be very welcome. As a solo I found myself spending more time than I wanted to alone, for lack of enough like-minded companions.

[CILCIANRQTS]

We’ve found VO cruisers sophisticated, intelligent, well-traveled and particularly unpretentious. People are open and inviting. The layout of the ship and “living room” theme lends itself to casual conversation, as does the table placements in the dining rooms. There’s virtually no “one upsmanship” that we’ve found on other cruise lines.

We’re sold on the Viking concept and anticipate many more VO adventures.

[Peregrina651]

Well put other than to add that  age is just a number. What counts is attitude. 

[Parsley Cruises]

For us, age is simply a number consisting of two digits.

 

We think we are young for our age, adventurous and slightly adventurous.  We don't like to think of ourselves as being stuck in a rut, and generally speaking we don't judge people by appearances.  

 

However, having said that, on our recent VO cruise, the vast majority of passengers were from the USA, and the tiny minority comprised people from the UK, Canada and Australia. 

 

We're sold on VO.  

 

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Very interested in this topic since we're contemplating a lengthy VO trip and my husband is unconvinced.  We too are liberal although in our 70's.  We like intelligent conversation, and some sophistication but of the relaxed kind.  We are drawn to people who are comfortable in their skin, shall we say.  

[orchestrapal]

1 minute ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

Very interested in this topic since we're contemplating a lengthy VO trip and my husband is unconvinced.  We too are liberal although in our 70's.  We like intelligent conversation, and some sophistication but of the relaxed kind.  We are drawn to people who are comfortable in their skin, shall we say.  

 

We are similar to you in our desires.

On a recent 23 day VO cruise we met some of the nicest and most interesting people we have ever met. There was never a lack of good conversation. It is a much warmer atmosphere thank we have found on Oceania or Crystal both of which we do still like. 

[Baron Barracuda]

We;re in our early 60's and while among the youngest on our sailing felt very comfortable.  Found afternoon tea a great, informal place to make new friends.  It's held every day (even port days) and is usually well attended.

Edited January 4, 2019 by Baron Barracuda

[IslandThyme]

This is very encouraging! I'm following the World 2019 thread with interest, and really appreciate all of your perspectives.

[K9pal]

We have only been on Viking River (VO coming up in March!), but we've noticed a great mix of ages and interests.  On our November VRC cruise we had young (20's), old (fellow celebrating his 90th birthday), gay, several races and nationalities.  All had a great time and felt accepted, and made for a great cruise with many interesting people.

[CharTrav]

Speaking as one in her mid-60s and did our first cruise with VR in 2014, I've noticed that the age mix on VO and VR is pretty wide but with the mode in the 50 to 70 range. The ambiance of a VO ship in particular is one that encourages sociability while also allowing for one to comfortably be alone (even in an otherwise public area). I think of a VO ship as one laid out like a very large home with big rooms augmented by staff who are there to help you as needed and fellow passengers who are by and large very friendly. The fact that the ship has none of the usual accoutrememts of other cruise lines: loud music blaring one can hear a mile away, casino rooms, etc simply attracts a different clientele.  Even the trivia games are non competitive - just fun (with the captain calling down from the bridge to remind folks - "It's just a game!!")

 

Bottom line - you'll like it. And do peruse the link Peregrina provided. 

[Peregrina651]

6 hours ago, CharTrav said:

 

 

Bottom line - you'll like it. And do peruse the link Peregrina provided. 

 

Giving credit where credit is due, it is Homosassa who shared the link.

[CharTrav]

Oops! 🙀

[sunbrookgal]

You would be fine onboard. You sound like an outgoing person. That is the key. Note: We did a Viking TA last March. We were 2 couples 50's & 60's. Due to weather we had an extra day at sea. You would think after 7 sea days you'd be climbing the walls. To this day we cannot remember a dull moment. Crew is as good as we've ever seen. As friendly as Disney, which for I is saying a lot. We mat many who were just as friendly as the crew. We brought along reading material, not once was it opened. 🙂 On and on I could go. I think you know you make the journey, the journey does not make you.  Go for it. 

[Peregrina651]

8 hours ago, sunbrookgal said:

🙂        you make the journey, the journey does not make you. 

 

Love it! So well put!  We need to spread the word!

[Mibele]

On 1/3/2019 at 1:22 PM, KyOh said:

 We're leaving on March 1 for the Northern Lights cruise.  Hope you give Viking a try.

 

KyOh!  Please let me know what you think of this cruise - I am doing it in Jan 2020!  Looking forward to it!