New to Viking

[Cruiz'nBaers]

We are new to Viking, going on our first river cruise this July.  We received an ocean cruise book today that has some very interesting itineraries in it.  We are interested in 33 day Hawaii and South Pacific cruise in January 2024.  We have cruised Holland America, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean before, with Royal being our least favorite.  Our last HAL cruise was 35 days this past summer, The Voyage of the Vikings itinerary.  While the overall cruise was wonderful, so many things about HAL have taken a nose dive.  After looking at the prices and considering all that is included in Viking’s fare, it seems to be priced about the same per day after adding in paying for the shore excursions we booked.  Help convince me that Viking would be a good fit for us.  We are retired, aged 69 and 71 and still somewhat active.  Thanks in advance.

[CurlerRob]

31 minutes ago, Cruiz'nBaers said:

We are new to Viking, going on our first river cruise this July.  We received an ocean cruise book today that has some very interesting itineraries in it.  We are interested in 33 day Hawaii and South Pacific cruise in January 2024.  We have cruised Holland America, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean before, with Royal being our least favorite.  Our last HAL cruise was 35 days this past summer, The Voyage of the Vikings itinerary.  While the overall cruise was wonderful, so many things about HAL have taken a nose dive.  After looking at the prices and considering all that is included in Viking’s fare, it seems to be priced about the same per day after adding in paying for the shore excursions we booked.  Help convince me that Viking would be a good fit for us.  We are retired, aged 69 and 71 and still somewhat active.  Thanks in advance.

 

I don't think it's appropriate to try and convince you - far better you reach your own conclusions, but here are a couple of threads that may help. The tips for new Viking cruisers is very long, but you can use the search function to drill down on an item, or just do a fast scan.

 

Just one observation re your comment on ShoreEx - while Viking does have an included excursion, it is typically an introduction to a given port - often via coach transport or a walking tour. In no way do those excursions replace ones you likely paid for on other lines - Viking offers numerous ShoreEx for additional cost.

 

The cost vs value of a given line is far too personal to be the same for all. Have a look at the attached and feel free to ask further questions - lots of people here happy to assist! 🍺🥌

 

 

 

[CCWineLover]

15 hours ago, Cruiz'nBaers said:

We are new to Viking, going on our first river cruise this July.  We received an ocean cruise book today that has some very interesting itineraries in it.  We are interested in 33 day Hawaii and South Pacific cruise in January 2024.  We have cruised Holland America, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean before, with Royal being our least favorite.  Our last HAL cruise was 35 days this past summer, The Voyage of the Vikings itinerary.  While the overall cruise was wonderful, so many things about HAL have taken a nose dive.  After looking at the prices and considering all that is included in Viking’s fare, it seems to be priced about the same per day after adding in paying for the shore excursions we booked.  Help convince me that Viking would be a good fit for us.  We are retired, aged 69 and 71 and still somewhat active.  Thanks in advance.

Not our job to convince you.

Only you know the kinds of things you like when cruising.  Many threads exist here that very well detail the kinds of aspects to cruising that Viking represents.   Read those and if they fit your style, then you have your answer.   We at Cruise Critic are not here to make an argument for or against your own personal choice.

[Peregrina651]

Years ago, someone asked, "Tell Me Why I should try Viking Oceans?" Viking Oceans had been sailing for barely two years at that point and here is how we responded:

 

 

[UWDawg]

21 hours ago, Cruiz'nBaers said:

Help convince me that Viking would be a good fit for us.  

@Cruiz'nBaers ... Might I suggest the following posts by @NY Nick may be useful:

• Part 1  How we found Viking #406
• Part 2  Why we chose Viking (for the WC) #407
• Part 3  Cabin selection #408
• Part 4  Things to bring #382 #409
• Part 5  Final impressions #410

 

Additionally, this blog entry by @Heidi13 provides a useful comparison. 

• https://andyandjudi.com/2020/04/22/andy-judis-2020-world-cruise-review-vol-ii/#more-12238

 

Reading through @Heidi13/Andy's complete blog of the Covid-shortened 2020 World Cruise convinced me that Viking was a good fit for us.  That blog starts at the following link and then you progress by selecting "Next" below the banner at the top of each page.

https://andyandjudi.com/2018/05/16/world-cruise-2/

 

[The Other Tom]

@CurlerRob gave good advice.

I'm not trying to sway you one way or the other, but one detail that you may not know is that Viking typically requires payment in full soon after you book.  

[UWDawg]

21 hours ago, Cruiz'nBaers said:

We are interested in 33 day Hawaii and South Pacific cruise in January 2024.

The 2022 version of Viking's Hawaii and South Pacific cruise was curtailed because Hawaii was delayed in lifting CoVid restrictions for cruise ships.  That voyage ended up being an enhanced South Pacific/ French Polynesian cruise.  Still you might find the following CC roll call associated with that cruise useful:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2797192-viking-orion-hawaiifrench-polynesia-cruise-january-5-february-7-2022/ 

 

[NY Nick]

13 hours ago, UWDawg said:

@Cruiz'nBaers ... Might I suggest the following posts by @NY Nick may be useful

Dawg - your everywhere. 

[kctwinmommy]

I recently started our research and posted this. I received a few helpful tips and other threads shared. The review that was shared was great to read!! She wrote really well, nice information and good tips.