Question: HAL cruiser and Viking Ocean?

Due to family care commitments, we haven't cruised in 7 years and I know a lot has changed in the travel world including the introduction of Viking Ocean! We previously cruised with RCI, Cunard, Princes and HAL, which became our cruise line of choice, esp the Amsterdam. We are now able to travel again and I was looking at Scandinavian cruises for 2018. Viking Ocean keeps coming up in the search results and I'll admit to being intrigued, esp as they are smaller ships. I know Viking has a loyal following -- how does Viking compare to HAL?

We previously use HAL but were tired of the casinos, "art" auctions, photographers, children and constant upselling. We fell in love with Viking Oceans and the support Viking provides to travelers. Last trip on HAL Eurodam was in their top suite, which was very worn and tired looking. You'll find Viking clean and very Scandinavian. Highly recommend Viking Ocean. Tip-use Viking Air and deviate from the schedule for a small additional charge. For example, you could fly into Rome four days ahead of departure on your own schedule, meeting up with the ship at the normal time.

There are a number of threads in this forum that discuss the Viking experience. For a start, try this one

Tell Me Why.....

Generally speaking, Viking Ocean ships are smaller versions of HAL Vista-class ships and their derivatives.

They adopted Vista- class general planning with some improvements and some losses.

Thank you so much for your detailed pro/con...Have loved HAL (just days away from 4*) but have really been intrigued by Viking and am considering their winter Arctic cruise in 2019. It sounds like we will feel at home on this ship and happy that we tried something new.

Rachel

Though I've never cruised on either, I'm actually booked on both in the next 12 months. Viking was substantially pricier, and it's my impression that Viking is more of a premium product. That said, I've found HA's itineraries more interesting.

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Having sailed both more than once, I would say there is really no comparison when all is considered. Viking Ocean definitely offers a more inclusive cruise with a flavor much like their river cruises. IMO Better food as well.

Due to family care commitments, we haven't cruised in 7 years and I know a lot has changed in the travel world including the introduction of Viking Ocean! We previously cruised with RCI, Cunard, Princes and HAL, which became our cruise line of choice, esp the Amsterdam. We are now able to travel again and I was looking at Scandinavian cruises for 2018. Viking Ocean keeps coming up in the search results and I'll admit to being intrigued, esp as they are smaller ships. I know Viking has a loyal following -- how does Viking compare to HAL?

We just returned from the 2017 WC on The Amsterdam. It was tired when we took her in 2014 for the World. She's now weeping with exhaustion & not due for dry dock until after the 2018 WC. They tried to change the worn carpeting on the stairs-most of us could do renovations on our properties & are not interested in living with construction projects on a cruise. There was robust upset 7 the workers were sent off: but not before some carpeting was torn out-with a lot of dust discharged. End result was some stairs were re-done, some not & some had the underlayment all on a given stairway. There were constant leaks-we had a fan running 24/7 for days because of a leak across the hall, folks complained about funky odors & finally walls were removed & leaks/mold discovered. And we have never been on a ship where so many folks were sick for so long-& we've cruised since childhood.. We are doing the WC on the Viking Sun & looking forward to new...& Viking's attentiveness to details.

We have cruised HAL in Neptune Suites and Viking Oceans Penthouse Verandah...... and we have a DV booked on our upcoming cruise.

I point this out because the Neptune on HAL and PV on Viking are often similar price points for similar itineraries. So if that is all I am comparing, Neptune/HAL wins hands down......

If you Book HAL during one of their included drinks promotions, then a verandah on HAL will be a lower price point than a verandah on Viking and other than VO included excursions/bus rides (which are not part of my calculations as we do not generally take them) then you could also have lower costs on board HAL (except specialty restaurants extra cost) as their drink packages are not limited to only beer/wine at meals.

That all said, the food on Viking in my opinion far outshines HAL. I also find VO ships superior, and while you have several HAL ships at 1250- 1350 pax, the layout is just not the bright, open, uncrowded beauty of Viking. Viking ships are beautiful. The outdoor options are lovely. The various dining options are excellent. The cabins with their king sized beds and nice showers are so comfortable. Viking is a higher end product IMHO than Hal when you take the whole experience/package into consideration.

And with Viking - As already stated, no formal nights, no casino, no photographers.....LOVE THAT!!!

We much prefer Viking over HAL, Princess, etc.....

But for the right itinerary, or if friends are sailing on one of the other lines, we can book a very nice cabin with them and still enjoy ourselves.....knowing that Viking is definitely a cut above.

>It's a frequently made mistake to refer to HAL as to a single entity.

The MS Prinsendam is quite different from the other HAL ships.

Ira

>It's a frequently made mistake to refer to HAL as to a single entity.

 

The MS Prinsendam is quite different from the other HAL ships.

 

Ira

Yes, it is true that HAL has a a few different 'products" depending on ship class.

We've now decided on timeframe and region. Plus, we want a smaller (under 1500?) ship. Certainly narrows the choices -- Viking or HAL's Rotterdam.

Prinsendam is the closest HAL to Viking. Been on two Viking Ocean cruises and will be on the Prinsendam this Thursday. So far with virtually identical cabin classes and adjusted for the number of days the Viking is less then 10% more expensive. After expected excursions, on-board beverage and specialty restaurant charges and a bottle, of water the Viking will cost less. Didn't add in the Wifi since I am not sure if I will need it. Will do a true comparison in a few weeks

Prinsendam is the closest HAL to Viking. Been on two Viking Ocean cruises and will be on the Prinsendam this Thursday. So far with virtually identical cabin classes and adjusted for the number of days the Viking is less then 10% more expensive. After expected excursions, on-board beverage and specialty restaurant charges and a bottle, of water the Viking will cost less. Didn't add in the Wifi since I am not sure if I will need it. Will do a true comparison in a few weeks

May I ask what cabin classes you were comparing? Viking seems to be winning the race against HAL for my hubby. I'm still not sure. Looking forward to your comparison of Viking Ocean ships and the Prinsendam. Have a great cruise!

May I ask what cabin classes you were comparing? Viking seems to be winning the race against HAL for my hubby. I'm still not sure. Looking forward to your comparison of Viking Ocean ships and the Prinsendam. Have a great cruise!

SS on Prinsendam and PS1 on Viking. One of the differences (big on a 20+ day cruise) is Viking gives you unlimited free laundry and dry cleaning at this level. The Prinsendam was booked with a HAL last minute flash sale discount and Viking with a free business class air upgrade promo (never saw it again for PS1).

We first cruised on HAL and have switched over to Viking. Our last two cruises on the Eurodam were in the top suite categories but we found the rooms very worn. We also do not like the casino (although I played out of boredom), fake art auctions, sidewalk sales, and photographers. Viking won over our allegiance and I highly recommend, particularly the food and culture.

Just checking in after asking my original question from last summer! After much consideration, we did book the Viking Ocean Homelands cruise. Yes, pricier than HAL but new smaller ship, no casino, no gala nights won the day. The more time I spend on the Viking Ocean boards, the more excited I become about the ship -- wish there was more than 1 sea day. Though I do wonder about their wine list.

The Northern Europe board has been very helpful. Thanks to Kazu for advice on tour agencies in SPB -- we booked a private 2-day tour with TJ and worked with them to modify it so both DH and I got our "must see" sites.