A few questions on Viking Ocean

We are thinking about booking a SE Asia cruise for this fall on the Viking Orion. Last several cruises have been on Celebrity, but we are getting bored of their identical ships and the itinerary on the Viking cruise is very interesting. Questions are:

• The cost will be over double any other cruise we have been on, is Viking really worth double the cost (per day) of a Celebrity cruise?
  
• How are the included excursions? How early do the excursions start (we don't like to get up super early while on vacation).
  
• What sort of price range are the non included excursions ? Are they overpriced like on other cruise lines?
  
• Are there typically shuttles in each port (if needed)
  

Thanks!

Just back from our first Viking cruise and have to say that it was very good, but I wouldn't say it was twice the value of Azamara or Windstar. Can't compare it to Celebrity as we have never tried them.

Included excursions tended to be basic tours, and were fair to good, although you will certainly find the optional excursions to be more interesting, in most cases. And yes, they are similarly priced as on other cruise lines. For example, a Cave Tubing experience in Belize was priced at $110 per person (I think), while we were able to book with a private company for $35 per person.

There was a shuttle in Merida to get us from the dock to the town, but I did not see shuttles in the other three ports.

My bottom line on Viking: the crowd was older than we had been led to believe, but generally friendly. The ship was beautiful, and the staff were great. But we may wait a few years before considering Viking again.

We are Elite with X and have a northern European cruise booked with them this summer as well as cruise booked with Viking this spring. Specifically looking at shore excursions for both our cruises, I'd say the prices were comparable. I don't think private tours are any cheaper many times that what a ship offers, so I personally do not think Viking overcharges. Viking for-pay shore excursions cost anywhere from approximately $59 to $139+ depending on length of time, travel, and type of event/destination. Celebrity's are no different. How are Viking's excursions compared to X? Well, we've had superlative tours on both to tell you the truth. And we've had a few bombs on both, though that is more the exception than the rule. Do you know that Viking offers an included tour at each port? No extra expense and we've been largely satisfied. We buy the optional tours only when we've already covered the ground on the included tour and/or we have OBC to burn. I will say that some of the included tours can be large, though. Thank goodness for the QuietBox audio system and the earphones. As to start times, some tours leave early, like 8:00 am but others (like the kind we book ;)) leave at a more reasonable 9:30 am or even later. Whew! One thing I should mention is that WHEN you can pre-book your excursions and snag the time slots you prefer depends largely on what cabin category you're in. "Cheap seats" can book only after people in better cabin grades have already booked. It's a perk of booking well. Sort of like the way people in Aqua have the unique perk of dining in Blu when everyone else goes to the MDR.

As to your question about shuttles, yes they have complimentary shuttles.

Regarding is Viking worth double from what you've been paying on other cruises, I'd say yes but that's because actually we don't pay twice for Viking than we do for X and we book balconies on both. Have you checked X's prices lately? I think they're very high. If you shop carefully and take into account all that Viking offers that X makes you pay for, you may be surprised. The Viking website lays it all out as to what comes with your fare. The ship experience is superior as well because they're smaller ships with attentive crew who spoil you. It's really lovely.

I have to make a comment about your getting bored of ships that are identical: should you fall in love with Viking Oceans--not hard to do--you should know that inasmuch as the M class and S class ships are largely identical, so too are the Viking's and that's by design. I can't even keep the names straight. We've been on 3 Viking Oceans ships already and I can't remember which cruise was Star and which was Sky and which was Sun. Or maybe Sun is the one we're going on this spring...:confused:

Just one personal comparative example. Optional cruises on Viking were similar priced, to a bit pricier than on Silverseas. So I would not say Viking is really overpriced vs quality competitors. Agree that where port times allow you can often do "optional" activities on your own for maybe ~ a third the cost. Viking Pulpit Rock in Stavanger for $159 vs walking off the ship a bit over 100 yards/meters to a similar tour boat and paying $59.

Be a bit careful about comparing prices. Viking is of course more expensive, but far from double. Add back in the free tours, free wifi, beer/wine with meals, reasonable drink prices if you do buy them. No casino to donate to. No buying lots of junk - LOL. The food in the main rest and buffet are so good you really do not need to pay for speciality restaurants.

They also allow you to bring wine onboard, and handout water when going ashore.

Be a bit careful about comparing prices. Viking is of course more expensive, but far from double. Add back in the free tours, free wifi, beer/wine with meals, reasonable drink prices if you do buy them. No casino to donate to. No buying lots of junk - LOL. The food in the main rest and buffet are so good you really do not need to pay for speciality restaurants.

 

They also allow you to bring wine onboard, and handout water when going ashore.

To be clear, there is no extra charge for the specialty restaurants on Viking ships. I do agree that the quality of food in the World Cafe and the Restaurant was quite good.

We are on the Sea right now, and took one included tour - a walking tour in Santa Marta. It was terrible, and I ended up leaving the tour. We walked down one street. Entered a “museum” and the guide basically went from exhibit to exhibit, explanations went on forever. Decided to sit it out, and 30 minutes later, still waiting. It was only a two hour tour, someone later they spent an hour in there. I left, and walked on my own. Carriage ride tour in Cartagena also a waste. Guide was very difficult to understand, and it was his first time. At the end they dropped us off in a tourist trap of shops. Took us to a fort that many did not expect or have the ability to climb. I think some of the descriptions of tours are misleading, and you don’t really get a decent idea of what you’re doing. From now on I’ll be booking my own, at least in the Caribbean.

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I haven’t booked a Viking cruise yet, but the one sailing from Mumbai looks fabulous. It’s September this year. I can’t find any other dates, but I do hope they repeat it (we’re booked up for this year). I have sailed a lot with Celebrity and, taking account of their large price rises this year, I wouldn’t expect it to be close to 50% cheaper with them when it’s broken down. I noticed on the UK website that Viking quotes usually include flights. We have a cruise in Antartica booked for next January. Both Azamara and a Celebrity have a very similar product. When we calculated the number of nights, pro rata, and took account of the early booking discount, included drinks and wifi offered by Azamara, we booked a suite on Azamara for the price of a balcony cabin on Celebrity!

Just back from our first Viking cruise and have to say that it was very good, but I wouldn't say it was twice the value of Azamara or Windstar. Can't compare it to Celebrity as we have never tried them.

Included excursions tended to be basic tours, and were fair to good, although you will certainly find the optional excursions to be more interesting, in most cases. And yes, they are similarly priced as on other cruise lines. For example, a Cave Tubing experience in Belize was priced at $110 per person (I think), while we were able to book with a private company for $35 per person.

There was a shuttle in Merida to get us from the dock to the town, but I did not see shuttles in the other three ports.

My bottom line on Viking: the crowd was older than we had been led to believe, but generally friendly. The ship was beautiful, and the staff were great. But we may wait a few years before considering Viking again.

Thanks. The ships do look amazing, thats what peaked my interest to look into cruising with them. I wouldn't say we are young, being in our 50's and all, but I am concerned about how sedate the evenings and sea days are going to be. When you say old, how old? (not trying to offend anyone...as I plan to get older too) I did read that there is a Rat Pack show as part of the entertainment, had to Google it, not sure we were born when those dudes were in vogue.

We are Elite with X and have a northern European cruise booked with them this summer as well as cruise booked with Viking this spring. Specifically looking at shore excursions for both our cruises, I'd say the prices were comparable. I don't think private tours are any cheaper many times that what a ship offers, so I personally do not think Viking overcharges. Viking for-pay shore excursions cost anywhere from approximately $59 to $139+ depending on length of time, travel, and type of event/destination. Celebrity's are no different. How are Viking's excursions compared to X? Well, we've had superlative tours on both to tell you the truth. And we've had a few bombs on both, though that is more the exception than the rule. Do you know that Viking offers an included tour at each port? No extra expense and we've been largely satisfied. We buy the optional tours only when we've already covered the ground on the included tour and/or we have OBC to burn. I will say that some of the included tours can be large, though. Thank goodness for the QuietBox audio system and the earphones. As to start times, some tours leave early, like 8:00 am but others (like the kind we book ;)) leave at a more reasonable 9:30 am or even later. Whew! One thing I should mention is that WHEN you can pre-book your excursions and snag the time slots you prefer depends largely on what cabin category you're in. "Cheap seats" can book only after people in better cabin grades have already booked. It's a perk of booking well. Sort of like the way people in Aqua have the unique perk of dining in Blu when everyone else goes to the MDR.

 

As to your question about shuttles, yes they have complimentary shuttles.

 

Regarding is Viking worth double from what you've been paying on other cruises, I'd say yes but that's because actually we don't pay twice for Viking than we do for X and we book balconies on both. Have you checked X's prices lately? I think they're very high. If you shop carefully and take into account all that Viking offers that X makes you pay for, you may be surprised. The Viking website lays it all out as to what comes with your fare. The ship experience is superior as well because they're smaller ships with attentive crew who spoil you. It's really lovely.

 

I have to make a comment about your getting bored of ships that are identical: should you fall in love with Viking Oceans--not hard to do--you should know that inasmuch as the M class and S class ships are largely identical, so too are the Viking's and that's by design. I can't even keep the names straight. We've been on 3 Viking Oceans ships already and I can't remember which cruise was Star and which was Sky and which was Sun. Or maybe Sun is the one we're going on this spring...:confused:

HI, the cruise we are looking at on VO is Bangkok to Hong Kong, 15 nights in September. Cost in Canadian is about $17,000 (doesn't include air fare). Celebrity has a 14 night Singapore to Hong Kong. All in Aqua class is about $10,500 CDN. I priced the Go Best price for a fair comparison, but that includes Gratuities, Premium drink packages and $300 OBC. So by the time I add a drink package (which apparently both of us have to get) and gratuities, the VO cruise cost is well north of $18000. One problem with the VO offer is the only credit seems to be on Air and I book my own air as I have a relatively high status on a specific airline.

However, the Celebrity ship is dated, the VO itinerary is much better, as it has more overnight stays and clearly the excursions are worth something.

You are correct it isn't quite double, once I give value to the excursions probably more like 50% more. I am lucky to say, that it isn't the amount of cost of the VO cruise that makes me hesitate, I am just wondering if I will see 50% more value in it.....

TOCruiseGuy:

Being comfortable on vacation involves so many different factors, but feeling like you fit in with the crowd is one of the most important, IMHO. I particularly enjoy meeting new people at dinner, so we always ask to share a table with other couples. Our first night at dinner, there was a revelatory moment when the other six people at the table found out that they were all 77, or very close to it, while my wife and I are in our fifties. We had a very enjoyable dinner, sharing stories about our lives and our travels, but my wife and I felt a little out of place. At four subsequent dinners, we were always the youngest people at the table. There wasn't always a 20 year age difference, but enough to take us out of our comfort zone. And this was on a 7 night Caribbean cruise, where we thought there would be others taking a one week break from work.

Our next cruise will be on Oceania, or perhaps a return to Azamara. We aren't saying goodbye to Viking, just see you in a few years after we retire.

Ican82,

Viking will leave the light on for you.:D

TOCruiseGuy:

 

Being comfortable on vacation involves so many different factors, but feeling like you fit in with the crowd is one of the most important, IMHO. I particularly enjoy meeting new people at dinner, so we always ask to share a table with other couples. Our first night at dinner, there was a revelatory moment when the other six people at the table found out that they were all 77, or very close to it, while my wife and I are in our fifties. We had a very enjoyable dinner, sharing stories about our lives and our travels, but my wife and I felt a little out of place. At four subsequent dinners, we were always the youngest people at the table. There wasn't always a 20 year age difference, but enough to take us out of our comfort zone. And this was on a 7 night Caribbean cruise, where we thought there would be others taking a one week break from work.

Our next cruise will be on Oceania, or perhaps a return to Azamara. We aren't saying goodbye to Viking, just see you in a few years after we retire.

We feel the same way, we have met some great people and still keep in touch with a few of them. I would also have expected that on a 7 day Caribbean Cruise that there would be more of an age range. We took a Celebrity Caribbean cruise last October and had a lot more of an age range than the Great Barrier reef cruise we took in March 2017. I guess this doesn't bode well for a 15 day SE asia cruise. I suppose Viking's seeming lack of entertainment offerings is saying that they aren't focusing on a "younger" demographic. However, if they expect to have 10 Ocean ships, they probably need to expand their target market.

Is Viking really worth 2x Celebrity?

Check out this thread: Tell Me Why.....

TOCruiseGuy:

 

Being comfortable on vacation involves so many different factors, but feeling like you fit in with the crowd is one of the most important, IMHO. I particularly enjoy meeting new people at dinner, so we always ask to share a table with other couples. Our first night at dinner, there was a revelatory moment when the other six people at the table found out that they were all 77, or very close to it, while my wife and I are in our fifties. We had a very enjoyable dinner, sharing stories about our lives and our travels, but my wife and I felt a little out of place. At four subsequent dinners, we were always the youngest people at the table. There wasn't always a 20 year age difference, but enough to take us out of our comfort zone. And this was on a 7 night Caribbean cruise, where we thought there would be others taking a one week break from work.

Our next cruise will be on Oceania, or perhaps a return to Azamara. We aren't saying goodbye to Viking, just see you in a few years after we retire.

The idea that we in our 50s could be considered young at this point is funny. :D My husband and I are about to take our first cruise in April. We picked VO because it seemed like the cruise company for people who don’t want the “typical” cruise experience (casinos, games, Vegas-style entertainment, pushy sales, vast crowds, etc.). I’m sure we have a stereotypical view of cruising, but that conception is what has kept us off cruise ships until now. We’re more interested in seeing the world, learning about interesting subjects, and expanding our horizons. VO seems well geared toward those goals.

It will be interesting to see how we fit in and whether we’ll become serial cruisers like so many here or if we’ll just go back to land travel on our own.

Thanks. The ships do look amazing, thats what peaked my interest to look into cruising with them. I wouldn't say we are young, being in our 50's and all, but I am concerned about how sedate the evenings and sea days are going to be. When you say old, how old? (not trying to offend anyone...as I plan to get older too) I did read that there is a Rat Pack show as part of the entertainment, had to Google it, not sure we were born when those dudes were in vogue.[/qu

aboard the VO Sky. average age is 75. Bedtime right after the 9:15 show,

Which is usually over @10ish. Most onboard are well travelled, retired, interesting folks. The majority of the lectures are interesting, and the crew is very attentive and friendly, not stuffy. Ship beautiful, but a bit lacking in drawer space.dont bother with drink package unless you are wine experts. Soft drinks and wine and beer are included during lunch and dinner. Most drinks @ $7.00 US.

The idea that we in our 50s could be considered young at this point is funny. :D My husband and I are about to take our first cruise in April. We picked VO because it seemed like the cruise company for people who don’t want the “typical” cruise experience (casinos, games, Vegas-style entertainment, pushy sales, vast crowds, etc.). I’m sure we have a stereotypical view of cruising, but that conception is what has kept us off cruise ships until now. We’re more interested in seeing the world, learning about interesting subjects, and expanding our horizons. VO seems well geared toward those goals.

 

 

It will be interesting to see how we fit in and whether we’ll become serial cruisers like so many here or if we’ll just go back to land travel on our own.

Twitchly,

I could have written your post, and in fact I think I have written it in another thread. Same lack of interest in cruising, until one Viking river (Danube) led us to try one Viking ocean (eastern Mediterranean) last spring. We now have two more Viking ocean cruises booked. I think you will be very pleasantly surprised. Viking Ocean is just what you are hoping it will be.

Now if you are used to land travel, you have to be prepared for the limited amount of time you are able to spend in one port. There are compensations for that, with the ease of unpacking once, and moving from place to place. The onboard lectures are also a bonus. Do hope you enjoy your trip.

The average age depends somewhat on where you are traveling, when you are traveling and the length of the cruise. If you cruise during school vacation times there will be more family groups. It might be an older average on longer cruises because how many people just starting out in the work world get three weeks of vacation (other than teachers) or who but retirees could do a four month world cruise?

Twitchly,

 

I could have written your post, and in fact I think I have written it in another thread. Same lack of interest in cruising, until one Viking river (Danube) led us to try one Viking ocean (eastern Mediterranean) last spring. We now have two more Viking ocean cruises booked. I think you will be very pleasantly surprised. Viking Ocean is just what you are hoping it will be.

 

Now if you are used to land travel, you have to be prepared for the limited amount of time you are able to spend in one port. There are compensations for that, with the ease of unpacking once, and moving from place to place. The onboard lectures are also a bonus. Do hope you enjoy your trip.

Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise enough to book additional trips.

I think you’re right about having to get used to the limited time in each port. That strikes me as the biggest adjustment we’ll need to make. We left extra time at either end of the trip (Barcelona and Bergen/Oslo) but anticipate a bit of a mad dash in between! We’re looking at this as a sampler tour with the idea that we might return to favorite spots for longer stays in the future. But who knows? Maybe we’ll fall in love with the quick-bite approach to travel.

Thanks. The ships do look amazing, thats what peaked my interest to look into cruising with them. I wouldn't say we are young, being in our 50's and all, but I am concerned about how sedate the evenings and sea days are going to be. When you say old, how old? (not trying to offend anyone...as I plan to get older too) I did read that there is a Rat Pack show as part of the entertainment, had to Google it, not sure we were born when those dudes were in vogue.[/qu

aboard the VO Sky. average age is 75. Bedtime right after the 9:15 show,

Which is usually over @10ish. Most onboard are well travelled, retired, interesting folks. The majority of the lectures are interesting, and the crew is very attentive and friendly, not stuffy. Ship beautiful, but a bit lacking in drawer space.dont bother with drink package unless you are wine experts. Soft drinks and wine and beer are included during lunch and dinner. Most drinks @ $7.00 US.

 

Wow "75 and bedtime at 10 pm", does Viking do a head count at 10 pm? :D

 

All joking aside, everything I have read indicates that Viking is clearly focusing on a much less active demographic, than we are used to, based on the entertainment and ship board activities they provide. We aren't party animals but are looking for more than a floating restaurant and hotel room.

 

Wow "75 and bedtime at 10 pm", does Viking do a head count at 10 pm? :D

 

All joking aside, everything I have read indicates that Viking is clearly focusing on a much less active demographic, than we are used to, based on the entertainment and ship board activities they provide. We aren't party animals but are looking for more than a floating restaurant and hotel room.

 

Well, maybe you didn't read enough. Some people dance their night away at Tarshavn, some going to Mumsens for the pea soup at midnight, some playing board games or cards, some having great long conversation with cruise mates over drink, and some go to bed by 10 pm or maybe they are not in bed but on their veranda enjoying a beautiful night...the choice is yours :champagne-toast::champagne-toast::champagne-toast:

We are thinking about booking a SE Asia cruise for this fall on the Viking Orion. Last several cruises have been on Celebrity, but we are getting bored of their identical ships and the itinerary on the Viking cruise is very interesting. Questions are:

 

• The cost will be over double any other cruise we have been on, is Viking really worth double the cost (per day) of a Celebrity cruise?
  
• How are the included excursions? How early do the excursions start (we don't like to get up super early while on vacation).
  
• What sort of price range are the non included excursions ? Are they overpriced like on other cruise lines?
  
• Are there typically shuttles in each port (if needed)
  

Thanks!

Good afternoon Tocruiseguy.

Have a read of this...

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2015/12/28/viking-star-a-taste-of-something-different/

Even though I say it myself I don't think you will get a more comprehensive review of a Viking Ocean cruise written by someone who has no trade or media connections.

Point 1

I too have done a number of Celebrity cruises and Viking is just something so so different.

Point 2

The included excursions are very good and very professionally run. They also include the magical personal VoxBox which makes the commentary so much more flexible.

Point 3

As with Vikings river cruises I have always found their 'additional' excursions good value for money.

Point 4

If you are not berthed in the central area of a port then yes, they provide shuttles.

 

Well, maybe you didn't read enough. Some people dance their night away at Tarshavn, some going to Mumsens for the pea soup at midnight, some playing board games or cards, some having great long conversation with cruise mates over drink, and some go to bed by 10 pm or maybe they are not in bed but on their veranda enjoying a beautiful night...the choice is yours :champagne-toast::champagne-toast::champagne-toast:

 

Beautifully written. Makes me want to go back. Ahhh, the memories.

 

I cringe every time I read about age being a factor. We went on a HAL to Alaska a few years ago and was warned that it was a cruise full of walkers and wheelchairs. We were in our early 50's. We met a couple in their 80's and became instant friends. We traveled plane, train, bus and ship together. They told us at the end of our cruise that they were taking their final trip together. He was diagnosed with ALS. The point is they didn't hold us back. It was one of my favorite cruises.. Age means nothing.

We are thinking about booking a SE Asia cruise for this fall on the Viking Orion. Last several cruises have been on Celebrity, but we are getting bored of their identical ships and the itinerary on the Viking cruise is very interesting. Questions are:

 

• The cost will be over double any other cruise we have been on, is Viking really worth double the cost (per day) of a Celebrity cruise?
  
• How are the included excursions? How early do the excursions start (we don't like to get up super early while on vacation).
  
• What sort of price range are the non included excursions ? Are they overpriced like on other cruise lines?
  
• Are there typically shuttles in each port (if needed)
  

Thanks!

We went a Viking Ocean cruise through the Baltic last summer for 15 days. We loved the ship, the food and our room. However, the included excursions were very basic. Either a walking or bus tour through a small part of the older port of town. Why pay so much more for junky, crowded tours? Don't think we'll do this again.

 

Well, maybe you didn't read enough. Some people dance their night away at Tarshavn, some going to Mumsens for the pea soup at midnight, some playing board games or cards, some having great long conversation with cruise mates over drink, and some go to bed by 10 pm or maybe they are not in bed but on their veranda enjoying a beautiful night...the choice is yours :champagne-toast::champagne-toast::champagne-toast:

Yep. The dance floor was packed in Torshavn till the band wrapped up at 11:30 or so most nights on our recent West Indies Explorer cruise. The pool-side dance party was very well attended as well. I think the band packed up around 11 that evening.

 

We had kind of rough seas the first three evenings that we left port. On one of those nights we went to the Explorer’s Lounge a little after 11 and they were already closing down. There was just nobody in there - probably due to the rocking ship. A couple of other nights we were in there till around midnight and we weren't alone.