I wrote the following for someone who had recently booked Viking and wanted a comparison with Saga. Some of it may not apply now with reference to Covid. Hope this helps a little. Both very good lines. Mostly British passengers and age range higher on Saga.
Crew on both lines mainly Indonesian and Filipino, happy to help, excellent service, cannot praise them enough
Cannot fault Viking’s Covid protocols, PCR and temperature tests every day along with a daily health questionnaire. All Viking ships have had Labs added for testing.
Everywhere kept scrupulously clean
Excursions included but have to stay in bubble and wear masks on coaches.
Masks to be warn traversing ship indoors but not when seated.
Cabins very similar at Verandah level and Deluxe Verandah equates to Penthouse Verandah on Viking Heated bathroom floor none on Saga.
Ships are all Verandah
Food in main restaurant very good but personally prefer the speciality restaurants on Saga
Buffet in evening very good, seafood such as prawns, crab legs and sushi always available
Living room area on both ships with bar / coffee bar and snacks Coffees and teas included.
Preferred the layout of Viking’s Explorer lounge to Saga’s Britannia lounge
Beautiful Winter Garden on pool deck and large screen for watching movies and a retractable roof IMO a huge plus for Viking
Spa similar to Saga with the addition of a snow room
Entertainment during day mainly lectures with singers in evening, quite low key but in the main very good
No craft classes, a trivia session on a sea day and didn’t see any organised bridge etc.
No formal nights but no jeans allowed in evening, people very smartly dressed
Gentlemen generally didn’t wear jackets and ties but many ladies wouldn’t have looked out of place on a Saga formal night.
Flights are included
Unfortunately Viking rarely run cruises from / to UK
Gratuities included and wine etc with meals. Possible to purchase drinks package for $19.95 per day, both people in cabin have to purchase. Package gave access to a wider range of wines and cocktails.
Cannot help with how solos are treated but I'm pretty sure you'll have a great time 😃