Viking v Celebrity

[madmedic]

Hi we are thinking of trying Viking for our next cruise. We usually cruise with Celebrity in a standard balcony cabin. We're not really late night party people but like good food, a glass or two of wine and maybe a cocktail. How does Viking compare in terms of included food and evening entertainment? I am aware that there are included excursions but as most of these seem to be walking tours I don't think we'll get much value from these as I have some mobility problems. The decor of the ships and the destinations appeals but quite a bit more expensive. 

[WNcruiser]

I know many on these boards will disagree with me, but as a Celebrity elite and someone in their 50s I much prefer Celebrity. I just finished our second Viking cruise and will tell you the entertainment and food are superior on Celebrity. 
 

Viking mostly had mah jong and bridge on sea days. It is very quiet and most people do not want activities. The included wines were in my opinion low end and extremely dry so we got the SSBP on the last cruise but the selection was still very limited. For instance not a single Pinot noir by the glass.

Moat of the included tours were short bus tours, not much walking. For us the value was not there, as you mentioned it is much more expensive with no liquor or gratuities included. Luckily there are cruise choices to make everyone happy 😊 

[Clay Clayton]

We cruised both Viking and Celebrity on trans oceanic cruises pre-covid.  Two and a half transatlantics on Viking (2018, 2019, 2020-that one got turned around mid Atlantic) and one transpacific on Millennium (2019).  
 

Both lines have excellent food offerings. The biggest difference is that Viking’s alternative dining is complimentary whereas on X there is an extra charge. Entertainment is better on Celebrity, though on one’s first cruise with them, you may find the shows just fine. They are much smaller productions but usually enjoyable.  Our issue is that they have been the same on all our cruises. 
 

The biggest difference to us is the ship size. We really like the smaller Viking capacity. 930 vs 2138 is a big difference.
 

Depending on itinerary we have found that Viking can be about the same price as other cruise lines. This is particularly the case on repositioning cruises. When we compared apples to oranges on our transatlantics-Viking cost between $10-$20 more per person/per day than similar cruises on Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. Some of this is due to the shipboard credit our travel agent provides for Viking which covers the suggested gratuities.  We also try to book relatively late and usually can catch a Viking promo that will upgrade the cabin (not really a big deal), include “free” air or sometimes provide the silver spirits package.  Again, not a big deal but is nice.  While we didn’t include any of those in the monetary calculation  they make them a better deal. We also appreciate the complimentary access to the spa on Viking.

 

I’d suggest you find a cost effective Viking cruise and give them a try. Let us know if you have any other questions!

 

[Orator]

I’m Zenith on Celebrity with over 100 cruises. I took the TA on Viking Neptune and found it far exceeds Celebrity in food and entertainment. It was a much better value for me. Read the Celebrity board and see how the cutbacks have been received. 

[ebtrip]

37 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

We cruised both Viking and Celebrity on trans oceanic cruises pre-covid.  Two and a half transatlantics on Viking (2018, 2019, 2020-that one got turned around mid Atlantic) and one transpacific on Millennium (2019).  
 

Both lines have excellent food offerings. The biggest difference is that Viking’s alternative dining is complimentary whereas on X there is an extra charge. Entertainment is better on Celebrity, though on one’s first cruise with them, you may find the shows just fine. They are much smaller productions but usually enjoyable.  Our issue is that they have been the same on all our cruises. 
 

The biggest difference to us is the ship size. We really like the smaller Viking capacity. 930 vs 2138 is a big difference.
 

Depending on itinerary we have found that Viking can be about the same price as other cruise lines. This is particularly the case on repositioning cruises. When we compared apples to oranges on our transatlantics-Viking cost between $10-$20 more per person/per day than similar cruises on Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. Some of this is due to the shipboard credit our travel agent provides for Viking which covers the suggested gratuities.  We also try to book relatively late and usually can catch a Viking promo that will upgrade the cabin (not really a big deal), include “free” air or sometimes provide the silver spirits package.  Again, not a big deal but is nice.  While we didn’t include any of those in the monetary calculation  they make them a better deal. We also appreciate the complimentary access to the spa on Viking.

 

I’d suggest you find a cost effective Viking cruise and give them a try. Let us know if you have any other questions!

 

I am Elite Plus on Celebrity, but travel in Aqua Class. Prefer small dining rooms and my husband likes the food in Blu.  We will be on our 4th Viking cruise (transatlantic) next month. Prefer smaller ships, no children, and good food and wine. 
The entertainment on Viking is not elaborate as Celebrity, husband prefers Celebrity buffets at lunch, and yes he likes the casino, but that said we really like Viking. Service is excellent, food is very good, really like Chefs table and Manfredis and you don’t have to upgrade as we do on Celebrity. Find prices are about same if you wait for a promo, free air a PLUS.  We do get the beverage package, using the credit from our TA.  If your looking for a lively cruise stay with Celebrity. 

 

[madmedic]

I think we would enjoy the the smaller ship feel. We do not typically enjoy daytime activities on sea days, preferring to read and relax and enjoy the view. On the other hand we nearly always go to a show after dinner and may miss this. Is the dinning comparable to Celebrity (pre the cut backs)?

[Clay Clayton]

22 minutes ago, madmedic said:

I think we would enjoy the the smaller ship feel. We do not typically enjoy daytime activities on sea days, preferring to read and relax and enjoy the view. On the other hand we nearly always go to a show after dinner and may miss this. Is the dinning comparable to Celebrity (pre the cut backs)?

You can still go to a show after dinner, it just won’t be as elaborate.  Or you may enjoy relaxing in the Explorer’s Lounge or Living Roo with light music (guitar usually in the lounge and piano or strings in the Living Room) and conversation with your fellow explorers. 
 

We found the food comparable on our two 2019 cruises. 

[madmedic]

28 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

You can still go to a show after dinner, it just won’t be as elaborate.  Or you may enjoy relaxing in the Explorer’s Lounge or Living Roo with light music (guitar usually in the lounge and piano or strings in the Living Room) and conversation with your fellow explorers. 
 

We found the food comparable on our two 2019 cruises. 

Does Viking have guest performers? We've enjoyed some pretty tribute acts too on Celebrity.

[Orator]

They have guest performers. They brought in local singers and dancers in Barcelona and they were excellent. I would recommend Celebrity before the cutbacks. Ribeye has disappeared from the MDR menu and they are using lest costly proteins. Veal is not found as they substitute chicken. We had a PV2 so soft drinks were in the fridge on Viking. They had a self service laundry so no need to pay for laundry service. The specialty restaurants are priced very high at Celebrity. They are free on Viking.

 

[LindaS272]

44 minutes ago, madmedic said:

Does Viking have guest performers? We've enjoyed some pretty tribute acts too on Celebrity.

Yes they do. Some are great, others not so much. Depends on the part of the world you’re in sometimes. You won’t know in advance of your cruise—although other posters here and on FB may have knowledge from the cruise right behind yours.

[duquephart]

39 minutes ago, Orator said:

They have guest performers. They brought in local singers and dancers in Barcelona and they were excellent. I would recommend Celebrity before the cutbacks. Ribeye has disappeared from the MDR menu and they are using lest costly proteins. Veal is not found as they substitute chicken. We had a PV2 so soft drinks were in the fridge on Viking. They had a self service laundry so no need to pay for laundry service. The specialty restaurants are priced very high at Celebrity. They are free on Viking.

 

 

"No extra charge" might be a better way of putting it.

[duquephart]

36 minutes ago, LindaS272 said:

Yes they do. Some are great, others not so much. Depends on the part of the world you’re in sometimes. You won’t know in advance of your cruise—although other posters here and on FB may have knowledge from the cruise right behind yours.

 

There was a pretty talented illusionist on our last cruise for a couple of nights. If you are looking for more elaborate "production" type entertainment you are on the wrong boat.

[Orator]

19 minutes ago, duquephart said:

 

"No extra charge" might be a better way of putting it.

Accept the change in wording. Nothing is “free” on a ship.

[Baron Barracuda]

We started with X back in '93.  Then it was marvelous, especially the food.  Over the years due to continuous cutbacks we found each cruise to be a little bit less special than the one before.  Tried VO and VR and really like them.  I enjoy the casino and production shows but didn't miss them in 15 nights on VO.  Viking verandah cabins are significantly larger than X Sky Suites and we found the food on VO much better.  It's been a long time since you could get sushi at the buffet on X and with recent cutbacks the X buffet is no longer an option for a casual dinner.  MDR cutbacks on X have also produced lots of negative feedback recently on CC.  If you factor in all the inclusions on VO (including "free" air on many sailings) you may find a Viking verandah provides most of the benefits of an X sky suite at a lower price.

[Kruzkrazy]

Don't know if this is important to you, but DW and I have been on many, many cruises on many lines, and Viking has by far the best spa I've ever used. Big therapy pool, wonderful steam room, individual men's/women's saunas and even an ice room, if you enjoy freezing (I don't, but maybe that's just me). I could just pitch a tent and live in the spa.

KK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ray4Fun]

We've TA and TP with Viking. Both times we had a great adventure's.

Note: Our thought is it is you who make the journey, not the other way around.

Entertainment on V consists of 5 or 6 singers. They do different routines most all nights. The band is also after hours in a small club. The Bars and the bartenders are fun. We make it so.

Celebrity is more ship with more options. Now are they all worth it? The Martini Bar is a favorite. The standard up front Shows are good. Is that worth not doing Viking? 

 

Food is subjective I suppose. So I will not comment beyond we do enjoy the speciality restaurants on both lines. 

 

Staff?  We had wonderful experiences with both lines when it comes to staff. I think they all enjoy when we ask them about where they are from. Do they have family. You learn so much about foreign lands from asking. We have never had an issue asking. Sometimes we wonder how brave they must be. 

 

If the Itinerary is good, either would work. 

 

Bottom line, when we can we'd prefer Viking for the smaller size. 

 

So do I confuse the story?  Yup... Good luck 

[Jmoondance]

Traveling with Cruise ships is all about utilizing what each lines has to offer. 

We have been on 6 different lines, enjoyed each one of them for different reasons .

Including Viking. 

[Jmoondance]

I would like to add,my comments were from my own experiences. 

I appreciate many different points of views, like to learn from them. 

 

Some cruise lines. once is enough .

Others ,may go back for multiple times.

 

Once is enough, that doesn't means.didn't enjoy them just not right fit for us. 

Sorry about my confusing comments. 

 

 

[ebtrip]

Just jumped onto the Celebrity board. To my surprise there has been many changes from fee for room service to charges for some menu items in dining room. I haven’t sailed on X since January 2020, I guess Viking is now my go to cruise line.

[basenji56]

I enjoy both cruise lines but Viking is very limited in the Caribbean compared to Celebrity.  Particularly out of Florida.  

 

 

[Pushka]

We enjoy Celebrity and have sailed on several of their cruises. But it's a different experience. I'd describe it as more 'exciting' but sometimes that isn't what you need. I'm happy with either and will book according to itinerary.   The included excursions we don't see as any great benefit. The wine with meals is. We sometimes enjoy the Celebrity entertainment, but Viking we don't bother as the Explorer lounge calls before the crowd. We enjoy both ships buffets. Don't usually bother with added on restaurants as we see no need. Celebrity doesn't have laundries. Don't like casinos. Art auctions etc. No children is nice. I much prefer the way Celebrity opens excursions. A huge plus there. 

Edited February 11, 2023 by Pushka

[Orator]

1 hour ago, ebtrip said:

Just jumped onto the Celebrity board. To my surprise there has been many changes from fee for room service to charges for some menu items in dining room. I haven’t sailed on X since January 2020, I guess Viking is now my go to cruise line.

They are trying to reduce their debt by adding fees and cutting service. Survival is at stake! Their focus has become the high margin passenger and they've raised their price for Suites considerably. The loyalty program has suffered a number of cutbacks. IMHO: Celebrity is the best of their class, but not in the league of Viking. I preferred Viking to Oceania.

Edited February 11, 2023 by Orator

[Berlin Bear]

Really like both lines, although I’m judging Celebrity on their Aqua class. We have mainly sailed with the German line TUI Cruises which is a very similar experience to sailing Celebrity - except for the casino.

But, in my opinion, you can’t beat Viking for the smaller ship, calmer, laid-back experience which, as oldies, we now prefer 😉.

[bassethounddog]

I just completed my first Celebrity cruise and was not impressed. It was extremely crowded (2800 passengers).  I was in a standard balcony cabin. Celebrity has reduced the number of entree choices in the Main Dining Room. No more filet, prime rib and or other pricier selections. Specialty restaurants are $50 per person up-charge.  Hit or miss as to food taste. Small portion sizes. Buffet at breakfast and lunch is fine. However, not much at dinner… basically salad, pizza and dessert. Entertainment is very good. Outside performers brought in. Lots of music options.  I much prefer Viking and their smaller ships. 
Here is a photo of my dinner on Lobster Night. 

[ebtrip]

1 hour ago, bassethounddog said:

I just completed my first Celebrity cruise and was not impressed. It was extremely crowded (2800 passengers).  I was in a standard balcony cabin. Celebrity has reduced the number of entree choices in the Main Dining Room. No more filet, prime rib and or other pricier selections. Specialty restaurants are $50 per person up-charge.  Hit or miss as to food taste. Small portion sizes. Buffet at breakfast and lunch is fine. However, not much at dinner… basically salad, pizza and dessert. Entertainment is very good. Outside performers brought in. Lots of music options.  I much prefer Viking and their smaller ships. 
Here is a photo of my dinner on Lobster Night. 

 

1 hour ago, bassethounddog said:

I just completed my first Celebrity cruise and was not impressed. It was extremely crowded (2800 passengers).  I was in a standard balcony cabin. Celebrity has reduced the number of entree choices in the Main Dining Room. No more filet, prime rib and or other pricier selections. Specialty restaurants are $50 per person up-charge.  Hit or miss as to food taste. Small portion sizes. Buffet at breakfast and lunch is fine. However, not much at dinner… basically salad, pizza and dessert. Entertainment is very good. Outside performers brought in. Lots of music options.  I much prefer Viking and their smaller ships. 
Here is a photo of my dinner on Lobster Night. 

What is on your plate. Doesn’t look like lobster.