Oceania versus Viking

[2onboardagain]

On 4/2/2021 at 7:57 PM, Packman1000 said:

•  
•  
• I am a long time cruiser on Princess, with several cruises on Holland and Celebrity.  I am considering moving up to a more premium line.  So, for anyone that has sailed on both Viking and Oceania, I would be interested in your thoughts.  The pricing over Princess is roughly double when you compare apples to apples.  I am fully aware of the differences between lines regarding excursions, drinks, airfare, etc.  I am just trying to find out what the "experience" is like between Viking and Oceania so that we can pick one that best suites our wants.

 

I have reservations for a Viking river cruise in 2022, but this question is just about the ocean sailings.  Thanks.

Getting back to the OP's question, we have experience sailing on both lines and they are quite different. I would say that the Viking shipboard experience is quieter (no casinos or kids) even on sea days, we could always find quiet little corners of the ship to the point that we wondered where the other passengers were? The Oceania "O" ships are our hands down favorite (without a doubt and we are very much looking forward to Oceania's Vista debut) we sail the "R" ships for their itinerary but those "tiny" bathrooms are annoying.

Oceania wins in the dining room experience and Viking's insistence on collecting final payment a year or more in advance is not a friendly gesture. Oceania's reputation for "over-priced" excursions is well deserved but on the upside Cruise Critic allows us to meet fellow passengers prior to boarding for among other things arranging private excursions together and we have made some long lasting friendships as a result!

Even with the pluses and negatives, we have future voyages booked on both lines but that is mainly because we relish sailing on a variety of lines and experiencing the differences that varied corporate cultures provide.

Since you mention that you have been primarily a Princess passenger I can tell you that one difference that we completely relish is the "country club casual" approach of both lines as we do not miss the hassle of packing for a formal night and since all these vessels are smaller than the majority of Princess ships there is less of a crowded feeling associated with embarking and disembarking the vessel and at least for me, a more pleasant experience.

Wishing you smooth sailing whatever you decide!