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6 new ships on the way - more of the same?


russg140
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So Viking Ocean announced they are adding 6 more ships to its fleet, seemingly identical to the four already launched. My questions are: are these ships going to be identical to the others? Would you as a guest be more interested in trying a new product from VO or would you rather they just keep doing the same thing? Some would say "why mess with a good thing" while others might say "try something different". There is something to be said for a "known quantity" but sometimes something new is exciting. I don't have an answer, but would like to hear others' thoughts.

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I'm in the "why mess with a good thing" camp. They have I don't know how many river boats that all have the same design, so why not do the same with the ocean ships. Economies of scale, why re-invent the wheel? Hagen has been in the industry for a long time and he knows exactly what product he wants to offer. He has carved his niche and he has a following that is interested in his product.

 

I like the whole product -- no kids, no casinos, port-intensive itineraries, no nickel-and-diming, cruising for the non-"24 hour party" crowd, etc. etc. I'd rather new and exciting ports than new and exciting ships. So, I don't care if the whole fleet looks alike. I'm getting to the age where new isn't always better and there is a lot to be said for the familiar.

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Being very fond of the Viking ships, my preference would be that the new ones would be nearly identical to the existing ones, making whatever small changes they have found to be an improvement. The something new and exciting is the possibility to expand the itineraries that will be offered. I am really looking forward to that!

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Count me as another who is quite happy to have the ships all the same. One of the reasons I chose Viking over other lines for our river cruise was the design of the ships. When I saw that the ocean ships followed the same style, I was glad they decided to continue it through all the ships of the line.

 

I hate wasting time finding my way around a new ship and by the time I’m comfortable, the cruise is over. I love the idea of walking on a ship and feeling like I’ve come home again [emoji7]

 

Oddly enough it’s not a style I have or would choose for my home, but I love it for the ships.

 

 

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I hate wasting time finding my way around a new ship and by the time I’m comfortable, the cruise is over. I love the idea of walking on a ship and feeling like I’ve come home again [emoji7]

 

 

Yes, that is exactly the feeling I am looking forward to in just a few days!

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I, too, prefer keeping the ships the same. I agree with Peregrina's entire post

 

If the ships are well-designed, we feel perhaps the majority views here are correct in that it would be preferable to keep them the same.

 

However, what is more of concern to cruisers like us is, with all these relatively huge expansion, will Viking be able to maintain its standards (or even raise that further) and NOT let that drop? After all, Viking Ocean started with only ONE ship, and by 2023, it will have TEN ships. That's quite fast growth for a period of only about 8 years. (See https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/viking-ocean-cruises-orders-four-more-cruise-ships ) . It would probably become even larger in fleet size than its keenest rival Oceania Cruises, which have 6 ships (and no new orders to date, as far as we are aware).

 

The other concern for the company is that the possibility of a "glut" in this part of the luxury cruise market. Remember, Viking is not the only cruise line in this market. It might take time for the market to absorb the greater increase in capacity. If there is a glut, in the short term, it would actually be beneficial for customers because fares might be pressured to come down, but it might mean the profits for the company could do so as well . This could in turn lead to cut-backs and fall in service quality, and that would not be good for cruisers. And Viking cruisers might "defect" to other cruise lines because of that. So, Viking Ocean Cruises have to be very careful in its expansion.

 

Seems like interesting times ahead.

Edited by Gnoelj
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If the ships are well-designed, we feel perhaps the majority views here are correct in that it would be preferable to keep them the same.

 

However, what is more of concern to cruisers like us is, with all these relatively huge expansion, will Viking be able to maintain its standards (or even raise that further) and NOT let that drop? After all, Viking Ocean started with only ONE ship, and by 2023, it will have TEN ships. That's quite fast growth for a period of only about 8 years. (See https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/viking-ocean-cruises-orders-four-more-cruise-ships ) . It would probably become even larger in fleet size than its keenest rival Oceania Cruises, which have 6 ships (and no new orders to date, as far as we are aware).

 

Seems like interesting times ahead.

You raise valid points but as to your comment about Oceania the one difference is that Oceania ships come in two sizes the 4 "R" ships (their refurbished ships from other lines which we really don't care for while other Oceania cruisers adore them) and the two "O" class ships which were built specifically to Oceania's standards (which we adore as their passenger capacity is just a little larger than the Viking design).

 

With Viking we will be able to look at all the Viking Itineraries without having to take into consideration the variation in the ship as would occur with EVERY OTHER Cruise line. Reading the posts for Regent Seven Seas Cruise line (for example) there is constant carping about the difference in cabin sizes and vibration issues from one vessel to the other. To be able to select an itinerary without having to go to the next tier in decision making based on whether we "care" for the ship plying that itinerary sounds like heaven to me!

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You raise valid points but as to your comment about Oceania the one difference is that Oceania ships come in two sizes the 4 "R" ships (their refurbished ships from other lines which we really don't care for while other Oceania cruisers adore them) and the two "O" class ships which were built specifically to Oceania's standards (which we adore as their passenger capacity is just a little larger than the Viking design).

 

Yes, we are aware of Oceania having two types of ships, the "R" class (Gross Tonnage of 30,277 each ) which they have four of them, and the "O" class (Gross Tonnage 66,084 each), which they have two.

 

If comparing in terms of gross tonnage, when Viking Ocean have 10 of their ships (Gross Tonnage of 47,000 each), their total gross tonnage will be 470,000.....compared to Oceania Cruise's total GT of 253,276 ....or thereabouts. So, Viking will be a "larger" fleet in terms of GT (470,000 vs 253,276) and also even in terms of the number of ships in its fleet (10 vs 6) by 20203.

 

Of course, Oceania might even have its own plans for more fleet expansion by then? Who knows? Time will tell.

 

Like yourselves, on Oceania , we also prefer the "O" class ships to the smaller "R" class ships, but even the "O" ships can get a bit crowded eg on disembarkation days! No doubt about it, Oceania is a good cruise line, but the trouble with it is, from our view, most of their senior officers and their GMs seem to be so "cold" and ignore passengers eventhough their junior staff are usually nice and friendly (although they - the junior staff - sometimes seemed to look a bit strained/tired by working so hard and having to follow Oceania's strict(?) rules). Some guests do not care , but for us, friendly senior staff and a more relaxed environment (for staff too) does improve and affect the ambiance of the ship.

 

We have yet to go on Viking but we are booked to cruise with them, so, the jury's still out as far as we are concerned on how good Viking is compared to Oceania. We believe we read others comment that staff on Viking tend to be more relaxed (in a nice way) and the staff have more freedom to solve issues, if that's the case, that would help cruisers feel more relaxed too - it certainly would for us!

Edited by Gnoelj
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If the ships are well-designed, we feel perhaps the majority views here are correct in that it would be preferable to keep them the same.

 

However, what is more of concern to cruisers like us is, with all these relatively huge expansion, will Viking be able to maintain its standards (or even raise that further) and NOT let that drop? After all, Viking Ocean started with only ONE ship, and by 2023, it will have TEN ships. That's quite fast growth for a period of only about 8 years. (See https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/viking-ocean-cruises-orders-four-more-cruise-ships ) . It would probably become even larger in fleet size than its keenest rival Oceania Cruises, which have 6 ships (and no new orders to date, as far as we are aware).

 

The other concern for the company is that the possibility of a "glut" in this part of the luxury cruise market. Remember, Viking is not the only cruise line in this market. It might take time for the market to absorb the greater increase in capacity. If there is a glut, in the short term, it would actually be beneficial for customers because fares might be pressured to come down, but it might mean the profits for the company could do so as well . This could in turn lead to cut-backs and fall in service quality, and that would not be good for cruisers. And Viking cruisers might "defect" to other cruise lines because of that. So, Viking Ocean Cruises have to be very careful in its expansion.

 

Seems like interesting times ahead.

 

You have raised some very good questions. Viking has shown, so far, through quite rapid growth of their river cruise division, an ability to maintain standards that have made the company very successful. While there are always glitches, and sometimes exceptions to general standards, I suspect they will succeed again. Personally, "practically perfect" is all I ever expect from people or businesses.

 

One area where I accept that there will be growing pains is in the roll out of the anticipated new itineraries. Planning shore excursions in new areas has been a bit of trial and error with Viking, as I guess it would be with other cruise lines. From what I have read, Viking has been attentive to customer feedback, and has worked to improve these excursions with experience.

 

Your broader question of what will happen to the industry with all this expansion remains to be seen. Perhaps one day, Vikings will again rule the seas!

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Being very fond of the Viking ships, my preference would be that the new ones would be nearly identical to the existing ones, making whatever small changes they have found to be an improvement. The something new and exciting is the possibility to expand the itineraries that will be offered. I am really looking forward to that!

 

Totally agree with this, including tweaks in design that bring improvement (ie: smaller hair salon for larger gym, more storage in DV, etc). We welcome more ships and expanded itineraries. During the maiden voyage of the Star We were fortunate to have dinner with the captain, who at that time, shared that the future goal was 10 ships.

Viking had a successful large expansion of their river fleet without giving up quality of product, service and crew, so I have to think that they will continue to focus on those qualities.

And if economies of scale or increase in market capacity should bring a softening in customer pricing, that would be incredibly welcome......I know, wishful thinking!

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We have traveled on the Viking Sky Into the Midnight Sun itinerary in July 17 and loved the ship with one small exception. We were in a DV cabin and found the position of the closet relative to the bed to be quite confining; we were constantly in each other's way in trying to use the closet. This minor annoyance has been mentioned in a number of Viking ship reviews. That's not something that has kept us from booking two more Viking cruises - the repositioning cruise in Sept 2018 from Bergen to Montreal on the Sea and the Sydney to Bali itinerary In March 2019 on the Orion. Viking Ocean will continue to be our first choice in booking future cruises.

 

Barbara and Bob

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We were in a DV cabin and found the position of the closet relative to the bed to be quite confining; we were constantly in each other's way in trying to use the closet. This minor annoyance has been mentioned in a number of Viking ship reviews.

 

Same size cabin but no problem for us at that time. The person closest to the closet had the side next to the wall and the other had the other side. It worked fine for us and like sharing a bathroom, you just to keep an eye on the other person. With the instillation of drawers on one side of the closet, it now means that both sides of the closet do not have the same amount of space. This presents another problem that wasn't there before. Adjustment is the key. You're going on a cruise and not designing a house to live in for the next 20 years. This too will pass and it has been said, "It's always something". The amount of time at the closet or the drawers is relatively small, when you consider the whole cruise experience. Let's "accentuate the positive".

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I like the whole product -- no kids, no casinos, port-intensive itineraries, no nickel-and-diming, cruising for the non-"24 hour party" crowd, etc. etc. I'd rather new and exciting ports than new and exciting ships. So, I don't care if the whole fleet looks alike. I'm getting to the age where new isn't always better and there is a lot to be said for the familiar.

 

Our glass has always been Half Full with Viking.

More of the same!:cool:

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Totally agree with this, including tweaks in design that bring improvement (ie: smaller hair salon for larger gym, more storage in DV, etc). We welcome more ships and expanded itineraries. During the maiden voyage of the Star We were fortunate to have dinner with the captain, who at that time, shared that the future goal was 10 ships.

Viking had a successful large expansion of their river fleet without giving up quality of product, service and crew, so I have to think that they will continue to focus on those qualities.

And if economies of scale or increase in market capacity should bring a softening in customer pricing, that would be incredibly welcome......I know, wishful thinking!

 

Agree with the sentiments in this thread. Ship design is near perfect. Keep the majors the same but tweak. For example on the Sea the gym had way too many treadmills etc. and only 2 ellipticals. The treadmills were empty and folks were waiting each morning for a guest to finish her marathon over one hour elliptical session. I suggested they monitor usage and re-allocate equipment.

 

I've noticed subtle changes all for the better between newer river Longships vs older ones. Continuous minor improvements and enhancements. The basic designs are excellent.

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Well,, Mike and I will have an opinion March 21 2018. :) Will post a response then while we are enjoying a late night dinner in Barcelona after our TA. Cannot wait. Hope for a 5 Star review.

 

 

 

3dec2ea641db0551e80e7cbc76c41086.jpgz3dec2ea641db0551e80e7cbc76c41086.jpg

 

 

 

Merry Christmas We are on the Viking Sun and we WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL

 

 

 

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3dec2ea641db0551e80e7cbc76c41086.jpgz3dec2ea641db0551e80e7cbc76c41086.jpg

 

 

 

Merry Christmas We are on the Viking Sun and we WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL

 

Also look at how nicely the Sun is decorated for the holidays. It shows Great Pride by the Chefs and Crew . Please keep it going . Viking is the Best Cruise line afloat!

 

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078dd35da9eef9b3a4246894c21d9eae.jpg

 

 

 

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Lovely photos. We love Viking's new ocean ships. Yes, awkward closet in DVs. My concern is over staffing and getting new staff up to speed. Uneven service in the buffet was an issue for us on the Sun on our Oct-Nov cruise. Great service if all you wanted was a wine refill. Exceedingly difficult to get anyone's attention to get ice water, coffee, etc. - BTW, they have to go to the bar to get ice for each glass. Eye contact was rarely made except for wine. All the staff were really nice but definitely differences and more training needed. The staff only focused on wine and clearing tables and there was a lot of staff turnover for a 2 week cruise. We also questioned their system of closing one side of the buffet before "official" closing times as it rotated rather than keeping the side with a view open. We didn't appreciate dining with industrial views when there was a nice alternative at hand. All in all, loved our cruise and have booked another. All in all, we'd rather have good ships which Viking has and chose for itinerary which keeps us traveling.

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