Anyone that has switched from Celebrity to Viking Ocean? Would love feedback!

[amyr]

To me, the big limitation with Celebrity is the unimaginative itineraries -- but Viking Ocean (so far) isn't much better. Right now my 'allegiance' is with Azamara – despite the limitations of their older ships – because their itineraries are the most interesting. But I am hoping that when Viking Oceans has all eight ships on line they will start offering Azamara-type itineraries. That will be the real game-changer.

 

1000X this. So far Viking seems to be following the itinerary structure that their river division does. Pick an itinerary (Homelands, Empires) and have multiple identical ships running it with different departure dates. Once all the ships are in, I can't wait to see what they come up with.

[Lady Marion]

We went on Celebrity last Nov. Athens to Abu Dhabi - never again on a large ship! Viking does everything right in my opinion: great cabins, nice bathrooms w/heated floors! ,fantastic food - even at the buffet, good service, and so many nooks & crannies that you never felt like there were hundreds of people aboard, except when MDR opened. Loved free wine & excursions.

[Azulann]

We went on Celebrity last Nov. Athens to Abu Dhabi - never again on a large ship! Viking does everything right in my opinion: great cabins, nice bathrooms w/heated floors! ,fantastic food - even at the buffet, good service, and so many nooks & crannies that you never felt like there were hundreds of people aboard, except when MDR opened. Loved free wine & excursions.

Were you on the Constellation by any chance?

My last cruise was on the Connie on a fab itinerary : Iberian Pennisula for 15 days. It was the sea days that did me in.

Too many people crowding at pool, Cafe Bacio, Martini Bar, Mast Bar, everywhere. Loved meeting many of the cruisers who shared private tours with us , but never could find a place to small conversations or quiet drinks except on our oversized balcony.

It is time to move on and Viking is the place we have booked for all the reason you have stated.

[geospyder]

Were you on the Constellation by any chance?

My last cruise was on the Connie on a fab itinerary : Iberian Pennisula for 15 days. It was the sea days that did me in.

Too many people crowding at pool, Cafe Bacio, Martini Bar, Mast Bar, everywhere. Loved meeting many of the cruisers who shared private tours with us , but never could find a place to small conversations or quiet drinks except on our oversized balcony.

It is time to move on and Viking is the place we have booked for all the reason you have stated.

 

We saw the Connie there in November. We were on a B2B2B on the RCL Vision of the Seas. The Connie is still my favorite Celebrity ship, even if she is getting a little dated. We are on the Connie in February for a B2B from Singapore to Abu Dhabi

[VitaminSea53]

You got it -"bus tour with a few stops for photos" is just about what you get. I would not expect more.

 

 

Nitpicking, I don't think so, but a bus tour with a few stops for photos is not our thing. Instead of assuring me that my perception of Viking's included tours are more substantional than bus rides with photo ops, you felt the need to say I was perhaps nitpicking and like to spend extra money. As you are someone who has taken the included tours please let me know what they entail.

 

Thanks, Katie

[lackcreativity]

You got it -"bus tour with a few stops for photos" is just about what you get. I would not expect more.

 

On our included excursions, there was a variety of types of experiences. For example, the included excursion in Dubrovnik involved a bus ride to a mountain elevation overlooking the walled city below, with a stop for photos. Then we continued to the gated entrance of the Old Town, where we were led on a walking tour of the city, with entrance into a small monument to the young men who died in the war, and also into an old monastery. The excellent guide took us to all of the major cites in the city. We had time on our own after the tour, and in our case, we chose to remain in Dubrovnik and take Viking's free shuttle back to the ship several hours later. We were able to walk the city walls and eat lunch in town on our own. Other tours varied, but to say they are just "bus tours with a few stops for photos" was certainly not true of the included tours we took.

[VitaminSea53]

I am another who gave up ocean cruising for river cruising and Viking was Great. Sooo when Viking brought out Ocean cruising I jumped on it and had a wonderful Homelands Cruise this past May. Now I am in a quandary.

 

Fast forward to next year, we want to cruise New Zealand. Viking (DV4 Veranda cabin) prices out at $14,400 for 15 days. I started looking around and found Celebrity Solstice (balcony Concierge Class) is $4,200 for 12 days. I can't justify $10,000 extra. Do I try Celebrity or will I hate it?

[Host Jazzbeau]

I am another who gave up ocean cruising for river cruising and Viking was Great. Sooo when Viking brought out Ocean cruising I jumped on it and had a wonderful Homelands Cruise this past May. Now I am in a quandary.

 

Fast forward to next year, we want to cruise New Zealand. Viking (DV4 Veranda cabin) prices out at $14,400 for 15 days. I started looking around and found Celebrity Solstice (balcony Concierge Class) is $4,200 for 12 days. I can't justify $10,000 extra. Do I try Celebrity or will I hate it?

 

Concierge Class doesn't get you much for the up charge. IMHO it's better to jump another step to AquaClass (for Blu restaurant) or if prices are soft to a Sky Suite (for Luminae restaurant and Michael's Club). At that level you will still probably be saving money over Viking -- to make up for those free "bus tours with a few stops for photos." Some Celebrity New Zealand cruises also offer the option of an overnight excursion from Dunedin to Milford Sound, which gives you an experience in the interior of the country.

[ebtrip]

I am another who gave up ocean cruising for river cruising and Viking was Great. Sooo when Viking brought out Ocean cruising I jumped on it and had a wonderful Homelands Cruise this past May. Now I am in a quandary.

 

Fast forward to next year, we want to cruise New Zealand. Viking (DV4 Veranda cabin) prices out at $14,400 for 15 days. I started looking around and found Celebrity Solstice (balcony Concierge Class) is $4,200 for 12 days. I can't justify $10,000 extra. Do I try Celebrity or will I hate it?

I think you will enjoy Celebrity. Sounds like you will be on the Solstice. Did that itinerary 2 years ago. I would get an Aqua class room. I don't use the spa, but I want to eat in Blu. I haven't been on Viking yet, our cruise is coming up in March. We did get a great rate, not much of a price difference from Celebrity. I have a cruise booked on Celebrity for January 2019, but this time in a Sky Suite. I did check the price comparison with Viking, but a DV category was much more than the suite, which includes, Premium beverage package, unlimited wifi, gratuities, $300 OBC, then my agent gave me an additional $700 OBC. Suites include a butler and dining in Luminae restaurant. I don't use the pool area..we are able to find places to relax without crowds and do enjoy the casino. For a $10,000 difference, go Celebrity.

[FSR99]

Agree that at the prices you are quoting, Celebrity is better value and also agree that Aqua Class is worth it, especially BLU. Did Celebrity 14 day Sydney to Auckland and thought it was terrific. Several ports, esp. Wellington are better seen on your own - no tour necessary

 

Anna Marie and Frank Reeder

[VitaminSea53]

Thanks all. I will check out the pricing for Aqua Class.

 

 

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[jabrown40]

Although we are fortunate to take some nice cruises, we don't have a huge vacation budget. If I was lucky enough to go to Australia, I'd be more than satisfied with Aqua on Celebrity. There's no way I could justify 10000 more, on a cruise I'd be taking more for the destination than the ship. That would be money towards another extravagant trip for us

 

 

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[jabrown40]

I also wouldn't pay extra for concierge on Celebrity. We loved Blu as well, some delicious meals and excellent service.

 

 

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[VitaminSea53]

We first priced an unobstructed view balcony cabin but they were having a sale making the Concierge Class cabin the same price. That is why we went for Concierge Class. I have only recently returned to Ocean cruising and didn't know anything about Celebrity Class levels or the different restaurants.

I have since read that some like the variety in MDR as compared to BLU. I appreciate the input from you guys "in the know."

 

 

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[Vineyard View]

I haven't sailed on Celebrity. I hesitate due to number of passengers. We are taking my father on a quick West Coast trip next year (because that is what he can do at 93) on a larger ship and I swore I would never do that again after the last ones. So with Solstice being 2800+ passengers, I am wondering how Celebrity compares to all the other ships in that size range....the 930 passengers and Viking ships are fantastic and we love sailing with them.....we honestly do feel that the food, cabins, crew, included specialty restaurants, wine/beer are attractive.....however some of their itineraries are so incredibly expensive per day.

[Host Jazzbeau]

Agree that at the prices you are quoting, Celebrity is better value and also agree that Aqua Class is worth it, especially BLU. Did Celebrity 14 day Sydney to Auckland and thought it was terrific. Several ports, esp. Wellington are better seen on your own - no tour necessary

 

Anna Marie and Frank xxxxxx

 

Just a suggestion that you might not want to post your full name and location on a public forum. If you ask, I can edit out your last name.

--Host Jazzbeau

[Host Jazzbeau]

We first priced an unobstructed view balcony cabin but they were having a sale making the Concierge Class cabin the same price. That is why we went for Concierge Class. I have only recently returned to Ocean cruising and didn't know anything about Celebrity Class levels or the different restaurants.

I have since read that some like the variety in MDR as compared to BLU. I appreciate the input from you guys "in the know."

 

Two thoughts: (1) I believe that if you are in AquaClass you can still dine in the MDR if you want to, so check the Blu menu and if it doesn't appeal try to get seated in the MDR. (2) Or splurge on a Sky Suite: in Luminae you can always order from both the Luminae and MDR menus.

[basenji56]

I just booked for the seven day Miami cruise on 12/27/18. Viking Sky.

 

Turquoise Caribbean Seas. This appears to be a fairly new itinerary--can't tell if it sailed last season.

 

Key West, Belize, Cozumel, Merida.

 

Has anyone sailed on this ship/itinerary?

 

Airfare is included but it was hard to tell when the flights would be scheduled--day of the cruise or the day before.

 

I hate to fly on the day of the cruise during winter so hope there are flights the day before.

 

 

Michael

[PROCRUISE]

Have cruised a number of times with Celebrity and have three more booked with them through 2018. However, always wanted to try Viking Ocean after a fabulous Budapest to Amsterdam river cruise on the Viking Bragi. Unfortunately, my traveling friend died last December from the effects of Agent Orange and I was going to cancel the West Indies cruise on the Viking Sea that we booked for 1/6/2018. I've decided to go alone as a solo passenger so you know it cost me 200%. However, I was so impressed with Viking previously that I know I'll be fine and enjoy this upcoming cruise. I'm sure the ship will be lovely, the food and service very good and even though alone, I'm sure I'll meet very interesting fellow passengers.

[Upgradefairy4u]

I too am an Elite member on Celebrity, but giving Viking a try next summer. I don't find the prices to be that much higher. By the time you factor in all that is included in Viking, the prices seem to be comparable. Not to mention Viking has heated floors in the bathrooms. Enough said!

[russg140]

OP back again. I watched a YouTube video yesterday of a guy talking about what VO does well and what it "misses" Each comment elicited a "that sounds great to me" from me and my husband (i.e. - no kids under 16, no smoking, etc.). Based on those comments we are even more happy to have chosen a VO cruise for next year.

[orchestrapal]

OP back again. I watched a YouTube video yesterday of a guy talking about what VO does well and what it "misses" Each comment elicited a "that sounds great to me" from me and my husband (i.e. - no kids under 16, no smoking, etc.). Based on those comments we are even more happy to have chosen a VO cruise for next year.

 

We have also booked Viking for next fall and were very impressed with the “hits and Misses”. None of the misses are important to us..great review!

[russg140]

We have also booked Viking for next fall and were very impressed with the “hits and Misses”. None of the misses are important to us..great review!

Totally agree. "The water in the Spa pool is too cold. There wasn't a lot of entertainment." Some of the not so bad "misses".

[Azulann]

OP back again. I watched a YouTube video yesterday of a guy talking about what VO does well and what it "misses" Each comment elicited a "that sounds great to me" from me and my husband (i.e. - no kids under 16, no smoking, etc.). Based on those comments we are even more happy to have chosen a VO cruise for next year.

So glad that as the OP you came back and told us all that you are going on a Viking Cruise in 2018.

[Pushka]

We’ve been on 3 celebrity cruises so not exactly elite but experienced. I think we will enjoy Viking for extra luxury. We always enjoy celebrity though so will be interesting to compare. Just have to wait until 2019! We don’t bother much with entertainment shows anyway.