Viking ocean cruises vs Seabourn?

[Jim Avery]

Viking was sounding good up until the included drinks are only with meals part.:eek::loudcry:

Well, book a World Cruise and everything is includedlll;p Actually the beverage package, at least for now, is pretty reasonable. And I was provided any drink I asked for without any upcharge. :cool:

[Emperor Norton]

It's not the price of a package that annoyed me in the past - it was the incessant need to swipe/re-swipe/re-swipe/wait for the wine steward to charge bits that made it a bit annoying (at least on Oceania - perhaps Viking allows you to open a "tab" until you want to leave the bar and then closes it).

[Jim Avery]

It's not the price of a package that annoyed me in the past - it was the incessant need to swipe/re-swipe/re-swipe/wait for the wine steward to charge bits that made it a bit annoying (at least on Oceania - perhaps Viking allows you to open a "tab" until you want to leave the bar and then closes it).

I am with you on signing chits endlessly. (Do we drink that much???) On the WC we all had the Silver Spirits Beverage Package. They only asked our room number. After a short while the regular bartenders knew it and didn't even ask. That's about it. Not sure how it goes on a regular cruise with pay as you go.

[Tarwood3]

Sorry but there is no point in comparing a Mercedes with a Honda no matter how many different brands one wants to try. Yes, drive them all but do not try to compare brands which are obviously on a completely different level.

 

Well, I have to agree with others, Viking certainly isn’t a “Honda” in this comparison. Maybe you meant my comment about Carnival vs Seabourn...but at any rate...there are plenty of people contemplating Viking these days as well as some of the other mid range brands such as Celebrity or Oceania as they have nice suites and nice perks for suite customers. If someone is considering a one off from Seabourn, then they want to know what will I lose from the Seabourn experience. I think its a fair question. Everyone has to make the decision for themselves on the value of their dollar/pound/euro....

 

Things don’t have to be similar to be compared....Merriam Webster defines comparison as: “ the act of looking at things to see how they are different or similar.

[wcsdkqh]

You obviously have not driven a new Honda recently :-)

[Tarwood3]

You obviously have not driven a new Honda recently :-)

 

 

LMAO:'), I love it! Thanks for comic relief! Love a good chuckle!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

It's not the price of a package that annoyed me in the past - it was the incessant need to swipe/re-swipe/re-swipe/wait for the wine steward to charge bits that made it a bit annoying (at least on Oceania - perhaps Viking allows you to open a "tab" until you want to leave the bar and then closes it).

 

I wholeheartedly agree with this. I'm not a big drinker, but we went through that on Oceania and found it very annoying; we had the premium drink cards, but they still needed to be swiped. Plus when the "freebies" were rolled out in the form of happy hour, the bars were so crowded that we often couldn't find a place in them! At other times when prices weren't discounted, the bars were empty.

 

I've been musing seriously about Viking, and the onboard experience sounds quite lovely. But the business practices of the company just turn me off. If you don't want to pay in full a year or more in advance, you have beg. And they apparently do NOT have price-protection for booked fares. Our upcoming Seabourn cruise has been reduced in price twice since we booked! There's an interesting thread on the Viking board about this:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2614016

[Jim Avery]

We changed bookings to Alaska from Windstar (old Seabourn Spirit) to Seabourn Sojourn departing Seward July 23. So I should be able to give a valid comparison of Seabourn to Viking Oceans....... For what it's worth.....:cool:

[DCCruiser57]

Viking was sounding good up until the included drinks are only with meals part.:eek::loudcry:

 

If you book a penthouse veranda or above, then you get "Mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water & snacks (replenished once daily).

[Toryhere]

Hi Wripro,

Not trying to jump into a flame storm and, full disclosure, I was a big fan of the Triplets. Also, I recently spent 4 months aboard Viking Sun and have to say it is quite a bit above a "Honda" experience. The crew on board the Sun was as friendly and good at their jobs as any we had on the Triplets or SeaDream. Food is totally subjective so no comment other than Viking has 6 venues from foam covered foodie cute stuff to an above average buffet. Food on Seabourn is usually very good too. Viking also allows ordering off the regular menus in addition to the room service menu when that is wanted. All passengers on Viking have a veranda, king size beds, and heated floors (:eek:) in the bathroom. Seabourn requires more expensive categories to get a veranda and, so I have been told, king size beds. Seabourn has dual sinks, Viking does in more expensive categories. Viking includes a free excursion at each port. I don't know if Seabourn does this. Viking includes unlimited free wi-fi (ship wi-fi but the best I have had on a ship) Seabourn charges for wi-fi. Viking, except for World Cruise and other promoted voyages, charges extra for gratuities and alcohol other than the included beer and wine with meals. Seabourn has great bartenders and included drinks. Most Viking cruises have free or reduced air and transfers, Seabourn might do this occasionally. The Viking Ships are beautiful and never felt crowded. Seabourn ships are beautiful and never feel crowded. Embarcation/disembarcation are easy on both. So, as usual, it comes down to itinerary for us. We recently lurked a Viking and a near identical Seabourn itinerary from Asia to Vancouver. Viking was 37 days, Seabourn 39. By the time you upgrade to a veranda on Seabourn, and upgrade to beverage package and gratuities on Viking, Seabourn was over $8,000 more. Is it that much better??? So, as usual, it is a complicated decision when trying to compare different cruise lines. I enjoy them both even though, when it comes to people, less is more.;p Seabourn is still less people on board. Now the biggie. Viking Oceans advertises "No formal nights, no casino, no kids". Supposed to be 18 to sail. Seabourn (and SeaDream and other "adult" lines have often had kid problems. Just read the reviews on each board). So, they are different products though Imho, they are closer than Merc and Honda. Maybe more like BMW and Audi. Heck, I enjoy them both. Tough duty....:cool: BTW, didn't book either Viking or Seabourn as all those Eastbound lose an hour days don't appeal. Booked the Seabourn Legend (Windstar) in Alaska. Hey, it gets us out of Phoenix for half of August. Not a bad thing....

So Viking is the slightly inferior BMW to Seabourn’s Audi

[Cyber Kat]

It's not the price of a package that annoyed me in the past - it was the incessant need to swipe/re-swipe/re-swipe/wait for the wine steward to charge bits that made it a bit annoying (at least on Oceania - perhaps Viking allows you to open a "tab" until you want to leave the bar and then closes it).

 

 

 

There’s no swiping or waiting on Viking. You ask for your drink, they enter it and your cabin number into their tablet, and your drink is back in moments. It really was a wonderful experience.

 

If you are sitting at one of the bars or at a table you only have to give your room number once. They remember and all is good.

 

The Silver Spirits drink package is $20 pp per day. It includes any drink that costs less than $15 per drink, and any wine available by the glass. We chose from the wine list with a decent selection

 

They have Scotches, cognacs and Armagnacs that range up to $100 per glass, so that’s the reason for the $15 per drink limit. It did include most premium spirits.

 

 

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[Jim Avery]

So Viking is the slightly inferior BMW to Seabourn’s Audi

Hahaha, another goodie. :cool:

[wripro]

Hi Wripro,

Not trying to jump into a flame storm and, full disclosure, I was a big fan of the Triplets. Also, I recently spent 4 months aboard Viking Sun and have to say it is quite a bit above a "Honda" experience. The crew on board the Sun was as friendly and good at their jobs as any we had on the Triplets or SeaDream. Food is totally subjective so no comment other than Viking has 6 venues from foam covered foodie cute stuff to an above average buffet. Food on Seabourn is usually very good too. Viking also allows ordering off the regular menus in addition to the room service menu when that is wanted. All passengers on Viking have a veranda, king size beds, and heated floors (:eek:) in the bathroom. Seabourn requires more expensive categories to get a veranda and, so I have been told, king size beds. Seabourn has dual sinks, Viking does in more expensive categories. Viking includes a free excursion at each port. I don't know if Seabourn does this. Viking includes unlimited free wi-fi (ship wi-fi but the best I have had on a ship) Seabourn charges for wi-fi. Viking, except for World Cruise and other promoted voyages, charges extra for gratuities and alcohol other than the included beer and wine with meals. Seabourn has great bartenders and included drinks. Most Viking cruises have free or reduced air and transfers, Seabourn might do this occasionally. The Viking Ships are beautiful and never felt crowded. Seabourn ships are beautiful and never feel crowded. Embarcation/disembarcation are easy on both. So, as usual, it comes down to itinerary for us. We recently lurked a Viking and a near identical Seabourn itinerary from Asia to Vancouver. Viking was 37 days, Seabourn 39. By the time you upgrade to a veranda on Seabourn, and upgrade to beverage package and gratuities on Viking, Seabourn was over $8,000 more. Is it that much better??? So, as usual, it is a complicated decision when trying to compare different cruise lines. I enjoy them both even though, when it comes to people, less is more.;p Seabourn is still less people on board. Now the biggie. Viking Oceans advertises "No formal nights, no casino, no kids". Supposed to be 18 to sail. Seabourn (and SeaDream and other "adult" lines have often had kid problems. Just read the reviews on each board). So, they are different products though Imho, they are closer than Merc and Honda. Maybe more like BMW and Audi. Heck, I enjoy them both. Tough duty....:cool: BTW, didn't book either Viking or Seabourn as all those Eastbound lose an hour days don't appeal. Booked the Seabourn Legend (Windstar) in Alaska. Hey, it gets us out of Phoenix for half of August. Not a bad thing....

 

Jim,

 

My comments were not about comparing Seabourn with Viking but rather about comparing Seabourn with Carnival. Big difference as I agree Vikings a terrific line.

[Isklaar]

I'm very close to booking a cruise on Viking Sky.

I have to decide by Wednesday of the coming week.

Seabourn has nothing that interests me or that fits my schedule in the next few months. I will admit to being wary, having only cruised with Silversea (several years ago) and Seabourn, I don't know what to expect from a different type of cruise. My main concern is the amount of people that will be onboard.

Anyway, I shall read this thread from the beginning again to help me make a decision. My holiday time is quite scarce this year and next and I don't want to make a poor choice.

[Mr Luxury]

Stay at home and save your money

 

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[Toryhere]

Hahaha, another goodie. :cool:

Cheers. My wife used to read out your reports from the Viking world cruise. We enjoyed them immensely.

The differences between the cruise lines can be difficult to discern, when it comes to the 4and 5 star categories. Some of the non luxury lines have some elements of the full monty, and that will be sufficient for a wonderful voyage.

It’s a lot like eating out. I know that if I dine in a Michelin starred restaurant the whole experience will be deluxe. But sometimes you can get just as good a dinner at a local trat. You won’t get the silver service, but if there’s a good chef and some decent wine, you can have a wonderful meal.

[wripro]

Cheers. My wife used to read out your reports from the Viking world cruise. We enjoyed them immensely.

The differences between the cruise lines can be difficult to discern, when it comes to the 4and 5 star categories. Some of the non luxury lines have some elements of the full monty, and that will be sufficient for a wonderful voyage.

It’s a lot like eating out. I know that if I dine in a Michelin starred restaurant the whole experience will be deluxe. But sometimes you can get just as good a dinner at a local trat. You won’t get the silver service, but if there’s a good chef and some decent wine, you can have a wonderful meal.

 

And that is how bistronomy was born.

[Emperor Norton]

Stay at home and save your money

 

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Speaking from personal experience or :confused:

[Mr Luxury]

Speaking from personal experience or :confused:

 

 

 

I love my time away on any ship and only stay at home to run my business.

Not long now until the next trip

 

 

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[californiacruiseluvrs]

We are Seabourn loyalists, but do try other lines as well. Last December we took Viking to the Caribbean. Observations: gorgeous ship!, outstanding service, amazing cabins and bathrooms, strange crowd (on our sailing), food was awful, WiFi amazing, best spa at sea. Despite the food - we would go again. Outstanding overall experience. Cannot really compare with Seabourn. Seabourn is uber luxury and I'm not sure where Viking sits, but very good.

[Isklaar]

We are Seabourn loyalists, but do try other lines as well. Last December we took Viking to the Caribbean. Observations: gorgeous ship!, outstanding service, amazing cabins and bathrooms, strange crowd (on our sailing), food was awful, WiFi amazing, best spa at sea. Despite the food - we would go again. Outstanding overall experience. Cannot really compare with Seabourn. Seabourn is uber luxury and I'm not sure where Viking sits, but very good.

 

Oh. no, you lost me at 'food was awful'. I need to let my TA know today if I want to go ahead with the Viking cruise that I'm holding a reservation on. Can you explain a bit more about the food, what was so bad?

[Tillylovesseabourn]

Isklaar, we are the same, we love good quality food, and for me life is far too short, and our time worth far too much for mediocrity.

[Isklaar]

Isklaar, we are the same, we love good quality food, and for me life is far too short, and our time worth far too much for mediocrity.

 

Bad food, even just mediocre food, would ruin the cruise for me. I'd rather stay at home.

[Cyber Kat]

We are Seabourn loyalists, but do try other lines as well. Last December we took Viking to the Caribbean. Observations: gorgeous ship!, outstanding service, amazing cabins and bathrooms, strange crowd (on our sailing), food was awful, WiFi amazing, best spa at sea. Despite the food - we would go again. Outstanding overall experience. Cannot really compare with Seabourn. Seabourn is uber luxury and I'm not sure where Viking sits, but very good.

 

 

 

We also did a Viking cruise to the Caribbean, but ours was in March. I agree with all but 2 of your assessments. We did not have a strange crowd on cruise. And we thought the food was excellent overall, but food is so subjective.

 

I’m still trying to get a handle on what exactly “luxury” is let alone “uber luxury.” I’ve been reading the various “luxury” boards. - mostly Seabourn and Regent to try to get a handle on this elusive definition without much success.

 

We have another Viking Ocean cruise booked, and an Azamara that fit a slot we had nicely, but I’ve been trying to find a Seabourn or Regent cruise as a trial. I’d like to find out first hand about this luxury I’ve heard talk of [emoji16]

 

BTW the Azamara fans seem to think they have a corner on luxury as well. That remains to be seen. So far Viking has a big head start, but we have yet to sail with Azamara.

 

I must say I’m intrigued. [emoji16]

 

 

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[Azulann]

I appreciated Emperor Norton's videos of the Sojourn ship.

When I saw the black "barcalounger" type chairs, the old fashion blinds and all the drapery on the square windows and in the restaurant , I prefer the Viking Ships which are more modern, open /airy to the water and sky in the common space and dining areas.

Viking is defintely my type of luxury sailing. Food was very good, especially the seafood and lamb chops entrees.

Even the video of the nice patio dining area in the evening was startling with all the various colors of light at night: red, green, yellow etc.

I did like the his running commentary of the food on board the Sojourn.