Like Viking, but with a cosy 'pub' and nicer cocktails?

[Jaffamonkey]

Hello! I am a (planning stage) 1st time cruiser from New Zealand. I have done a lot of research and watched many review and tip videos, so am reasonably familiar with most cruise lines, but find myself stuck nailing down the best cruise line to try first, and I thought cruisers who have been on Viking - my fave line so far - as well as other lines may be best to advise me here. First - destinations/ports called on are only a minor factor in decision. Any place new is interesting, and I genuinely don't much care where I am travelling to.

 

Viking pluses for me: I LOVE the 'no nickel and diming' philosophy, how inclusive it is, that it is adult only (although would also be fine with lines that allow Kids but don't attract many) and that there is no casinos/art auctions/hard sell anywhere. Even though I am far from a 'money no object' person I would rather pay significantly more to then not be hassled onboard, and not have to worry about running up unexpectedly high bills for extras. I don't care whether I will get the cheapest possible experience or whether something like a drinks package (which will def get) will be 'good value' for me. I don't mind doing the figure juggling at home while researching but don't want to have to do it onboard.. and don't want to face sales 'opportunities' at every turn either... so these all immediately put Viking at top for me while I was researching options. Not quite as important for me, but I also like the look of the food & dining options, cabins, reports on service, and the focus on enrichment over flashy entertainment.

 

Viking issue for me: In my view they take the 'thinking man not drinking man' philosophy too far. The bars onboard look like brief stop off points rather than places to while away a few hours chatting and laughing with friends. The cocktail and bar menus are heavy on the understated classics and spirits/liquers/wines etc but very light on fun/extravagant style cocktails or a good range of beers - eg dark beers like porter/stout and an english ale or 2. The party cruise lines are a complete turn off for me & I don't care AT ALL about having big flashy shows or resort style attractions -  BUT at the same time the rather austere looking atmosphere aboard Viking is a bit of a turn off too.  If I could have Viking but with an English style cosy pub added and broader range of cocktails available I would likely be very happy.

 

Other line considering: Oceania - I like the warmer decor and get a good 'feel' about them from reviews and videos - they also have a much better range of drinks available for my taste... but again - the bars are very non cosy looking, and not somewhere I can imagine spending much time. I looked at Virgin, but don't much like the cabin and balcony designs, and would probably also be happier with the older age groups on other lines. 

 

Any advice? I like the look of Cunard for pubs, warm decor, small conveniences kettles in cabins etc (Brit style attractions, which are also appealing to me as an older NZer), but dislike the greater formality and - especially - all the additional costs and sales/marketing onboard.

 

Thanks for any help! :)

 

 

 

[basenji56]

Try Oceania. It’s my favorite. And I have sailed Viking several times. 

[Jaffamonkey]

Thanks basenji56! 🙂  

[aungrl]

1 hour ago, Jaffamonkey said:

Hello! I am a (planning stage) 1st time cruiser from New Zealand. I have done a lot of research and watched many review and tip videos, so am reasonably familiar with most cruise lines, but find myself stuck nailing down the best cruise line to try first, and I thought cruisers who have been on Viking - my fave line so far - as well as other lines may be best to advise me here. First - destinations/ports called on are only a minor factor in decision. Any place new is interesting, and I genuinely don't much care where I am travelling to.

 

Viking pluses for me: I LOVE the 'no nickel and diming' philosophy, how inclusive it is, that it is adult only (although would also be fine with lines that allow Kids but don't attract many) and that there is no casinos/art auctions/hard sell anywhere. Even though I am far from a 'money no object' person I would rather pay significantly more to then not be hassled onboard, and not have to worry about running up unexpectedly high bills for extras. I don't care whether I will get the cheapest possible experience or whether something like a drinks package (which will def get) will be 'good value' for me. I don't mind doing the figure juggling at home while researching but don't want to have to do it onboard.. and don't want to face sales 'opportunities' at every turn either... so these all immediately put Viking at top for me while I was researching options. Not quite as important for me, but I also like the look of the food & dining options, cabins, reports on service, and the focus on enrichment over flashy entertainment.

 

Viking issue for me: In my view they take the 'thinking man not drinking man' philosophy too far. The bars onboard look like brief stop off points rather than places to while away a few hours chatting and laughing with friends. The cocktail and bar menus are heavy on the understated classics and spirits/liquers/wines etc but very light on fun/extravagant style cocktails or a good range of beers - eg dark beers like porter/stout and an english ale or 2. The party cruise lines are a complete turn off for me & I don't care AT ALL about having big flashy shows or resort style attractions -  BUT at the same time the rather austere looking atmosphere aboard Viking is a bit of a turn off too.  If I could have Viking but with an English style cosy pub added and broader range of cocktails available I would likely be very happy.

 

Other line considering: Oceania - I like the warmer decor and get a good 'feel' about them from reviews and videos - they also have a much better range of drinks available for my taste... but again - the bars are very non cosy looking, and not somewhere I can imagine spending much time. I looked at Virgin, but don't much like the cabin and balcony designs, and would probably also be happier with the older age groups on other lines. 

 

Any advice? I like the look of Cunard for pubs, warm decor, small conveniences kettles in cabins etc (Brit style attractions, which are also appealing to me as an older NZer), but dislike the greater formality and - especially - all the additional costs and sales/marketing onboard.

 

Thanks for any help! 🙂

 

 

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic!  In our experience with Viking, your concern that "the bars onboard look like brief stop off points rather than places to while away a few hours" couldn't be further from the reality.  the Explorers Lounge, in particular, is a very welcoming venue, and while it's decor is definitely Scandinavian, it's filled with warm comfortable throws on the love seats and chairs, a (fake) fireplace, and - most importantly - lots and lots of small and large groups of people spending time together before and after meals during port days, and on sea days.  So not austere and unsociable in the least.   Another livelier spot is Torshavn, which is a smaller venue that is open later, with live music, sometimes dancing, and lots of convivial conversation.   As far as the drinks menu being more classic than fun/adventuresome, the bar tenders we've experienced are in general very skilled and completely accommodating.  If you can describe the cocktail, they'll likely be able to make it.

 

I'm sure others who have sailed with Viking will be weighing in shortly.  In the meantime, enjoy your planning and exploration.  I'm confident you'd enjoy Viking very much from what you've described you're looking for.  

[BluebonnetTexan]

I totally agree with @aungrl. Pretty much when we weren't sleeping, eating, or on excursions, we were in the Explorers' Bar and not always drinking, either!  We just liked the overall ambience there. Also, I described "my" drink to the bartender and he made a better version of it than my normal! If they have the ingredients, they can make it or suggest an alternative that's similar. 

Happy cruising, whichever line you ultimately go with!

[Heidi13]

3 hours ago, Jaffamonkey said:

Hello! I am a (planning stage) 1st time cruiser from New Zealand. I have done a lot of research and watched many review and tip videos, so am reasonably familiar with most cruise lines, but find myself stuck nailing down the best cruise line to try first, and I thought cruisers who have been on Viking - my fave line so far - as well as other lines may be best to advise me here. First - destinations/ports called on are only a minor factor in decision. Any place new is interesting, and I genuinely don't much care where I am travelling to.

 

Viking pluses for me: I LOVE the 'no nickel and diming' philosophy, how inclusive it is, that it is adult only (although would also be fine with lines that allow Kids but don't attract many) and that there is no casinos/art auctions/hard sell anywhere. Even though I am far from a 'money no object' person I would rather pay significantly more to then not be hassled onboard, and not have to worry about running up unexpectedly high bills for extras. I don't care whether I will get the cheapest possible experience or whether something like a drinks package (which will def get) will be 'good value' for me. I don't mind doing the figure juggling at home while researching but don't want to have to do it onboard.. and don't want to face sales 'opportunities' at every turn either... so these all immediately put Viking at top for me while I was researching options. Not quite as important for me, but I also like the look of the food & dining options, cabins, reports on service, and the focus on enrichment over flashy entertainment.

 

Viking issue for me: In my view they take the 'thinking man not drinking man' philosophy too far. The bars onboard look like brief stop off points rather than places to while away a few hours chatting and laughing with friends. The cocktail and bar menus are heavy on the understated classics and spirits/liquers/wines etc but very light on fun/extravagant style cocktails or a good range of beers - eg dark beers like porter/stout and an english ale or 2. The party cruise lines are a complete turn off for me & I don't care AT ALL about having big flashy shows or resort style attractions -  BUT at the same time the rather austere looking atmosphere aboard Viking is a bit of a turn off too.  If I could have Viking but with an English style cosy pub added and broader range of cocktails available I would likely be very happy.

 

Other line considering: Oceania - I like the warmer decor and get a good 'feel' about them from reviews and videos - they also have a much better range of drinks available for my taste... but again - the bars are very non cosy looking, and not somewhere I can imagine spending much time. I looked at Virgin, but don't much like the cabin and balcony designs, and would probably also be happier with the older age groups on other lines. 

 

Any advice? I like the look of Cunard for pubs, warm decor, small conveniences kettles in cabins etc (Brit style attractions, which are also appealing to me as an older NZer), but dislike the greater formality and - especially - all the additional costs and sales/marketing onboard.

 

Thanks for any help! :)

 

Having both worked for and cruised with P&O/Princess for 40 years, I have a fairly good idea of your expectations regarding a cozy pub atmosphere and better beers. Prior to our first Viking cruise, I researched the company and ships extensively, as the simple Nordic decor was a complete contrast to what we had experienced at sea on almost all other ships.

 

The clean, simple Nordic design is definitely about as far from a cozy British pub as you can ger, but I actually enjoyed the differences. With respect to Viking's beers (lagers), most of it is mass produced, yellow, and low alcohol, but they did have about 3 beers I found acceptable - Norwegian IPA, Porter and Amber Ale. Unfortunately, all were in cans, not even CO2 taps, never mind nitro or hand-pulled. Note - some ships may have Carlsberg Lager on CO2.

 

Cunard is probably closest to what you are looking for, but they are still rather formal and you need a higher grade cabin for the best meals. Haven't been on a P&O ship for many years, but since Carnivalisation, they don't meet your expectations for quality meals, nickle/diming, etc,

 

While I haven't sailed Fred Olsen, my dad was a regular with them. The have an older demographic and a more of a Brit onboard experience. They may be worth checking out.

 

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any cruise line that has the equivalent onboard standards as Viking and also has a cozy British style pub with quality beers and cocktails.

[Heidi13]

We thoroughly enjoyed both levels of Explorers and Torshavn, but based on my experience, they couldn't be further from your typical cosy British pub, which is what OP is requesting.  

[Myrtle Ave. Mayhem]

Viking Ocean ships are perfectly suited for cozy socializing & drinking. The Explorers Lounge, the Living Room, & Torshaven are some of the most beautiful public rooms at sea. If you're in the U.K., I recommend Saga. Their two new ships, Spirit of Discovery & Spirit of Adventure look incredible. 

Edited June 2, 2023 by Myrtle Ave. Mayhem

[sugarside]

Viking will put a kettle in your room if you ask your room steward,they did it for me and provided fresh milk every day so we could make tea.

[KBs mum]

There isn't a pub type bar onboard, the atrium is closest in style, but conversation was made impossible in the evenings by low quality but loud live music in all the lounges

1 hour ago, sugarside said:

 

 

[cruiseaholic78]

One not mentioned yet is Azamara, similar R ships to Oceania but personally our preferred line. Tips are included as are most drinks at all times, small ship, great library (except Azamara Onward). Hop over to the Azamara board they are a very friendly bunch even though at the moment there have been some glitches due to their new computer system.

Happy planning

Edited June 2, 2023 by cruiseaholic78

[WanderingBrit]

We’re sailing on Virgin next year as an adjunct to Viking, to see if perhaps it might provide an interesting option for those occasions when we want the journey to be part of the vacation, rather than focus so much on ports and enrichment.

[TayanaLorna]

10 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Having both worked for and cruised with P&O/Princess for 40 years, I have a fairly good idea of your expectations regarding a cozy pub atmosphere and better beers. Prior to our first Viking cruise, I researched the company and ships extensively, as the simple Nordic decor was a complete contrast to what we had experienced at sea on almost all other ships.

 

The clean, simple Nordic design is definitely about as far from a cozy British pub as you can ger, but I actually enjoyed the differences. With respect to Viking's beers (lagers), most of it is mass produced, yellow, and low alcohol, but they did have about 3 beers I found acceptable - Norwegian IPA, Porter and Amber Ale. Unfortunately, all were in cans, not even CO2 taps, never mind nitro or hand-pulled. Note - some ships may have Carlsberg Lager on CO2.

 

Cunard is probably closest to what you are looking for, but they are still rather formal and you need a higher grade cabin for the best meals. Haven't been on a P&O ship for many years, but since Carnivalisation, they don't meet your expectations for quality meals, nickle/diming, etc,

 

While I haven't sailed Fred Olsen, my dad was a regular with them. The have an older demographic and a more of a Brit onboard experience. They may be worth checking out.

 

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any cruise line that has the equivalent onboard standards as Viking and also has a cozy British style pub with quality beers and cocktails.

Hmmm...now I have gotten Grimbergen Double Dark and Carnegie Porter beers in bottles on all our Viking cruises.

[TayanaLorna]

4 hours ago, sugarside said:

Viking will put a kettle in your room if you ask your room steward,they did it for me and provided fresh milk every day so we could make tea.

They sure do.  And don't let them say you can just run hot water through the coffee machine - its not the same.

[LindaS272]

5 hours ago, sugarside said:

Viking will put a kettle in your room if you ask your room steward,they did it for me and provided fresh milk every day so we could make tea.

We request a kettle as soon as we get to our room and meet our room stewards.

[LindaS272]

44 minutes ago, TayanaLorna said:

They sure do.  And don't let them say you can just run hot water through the coffee machine - its not the same.

Blecck! 😝

[Jim Avery]

Best "cozy pub" I have experienced at sea is Red Lion on Queen Mary 2.  Huge ship, lots of nickel/diming, etc.  As to nicer cocktails, my limited tastes couldn't stand anything nicer.  Would put me over the edge....  But seriously, on the inaugural WC a passenger tried to play Stump the Barman with Milos the head barman at the Viking bar in the Living Room.  Every evening he would bring a slip of paper with some obscure cocktail written on it.  To my knowledge Milos was never stumped.  Follow on voyages have all had exceptional Bar staff.  🍹

[Azulann]

29 minutes ago, Jim Avery said:

 Follow on voyages have all had exceptional Bar staff.  🍹

On the Bermuda Welcome Back cruise, Aaron was the head bartender at the pool bar. He worked his magic with all kinds of cocktails.  I loved his  Golden Margaritas! He would make my sister , who does not drink,  a NA cocktail everyday, each time  giving her something different.

I heard that Aaron  was also a bartender on the latest WC. 

 

 

[duquephart]

38 minutes ago, Jim Avery said:

Best "cozy pub" I have experienced at sea is Red Lion on Queen Mary 2.  Huge ship, lots of nickel/diming, etc.  As to nicer cocktails, my limited tastes couldn't stand anything nicer.  Would put me over the edge....  But seriously, on the inaugural WC a passenger tried to play Stump the Barman with Milos the head barman at the Viking bar in the Living Room.  Every evening he would bring a slip of paper with some obscure cocktail written on it.  To my knowledge Milos was never stumped.  Follow on voyages have all had exceptional Bar staff.  🍹

 

So ----- if you ask Milo for a Mai Tai do you get a Mai Tai or what Viking calls a Mai Tai?

[Jim Avery]

13 minutes ago, duquephart said:

 

So ----- if you ask Milo for a Mai Tai do you get a Mai Tai or what Viking calls a Mai Tai?

You get a Milo-Tai......🍹

[coljack]

I am sure you wouldn't be disappointed on Viking, but I think Regent Seven Seas has a better selection of cozy bars, though not exactly pubs.  On Viking, the Observation Lounge is fine but definitely not a cozy bar.    Regent is the more all-inclusive sister line to Oceania.  On Regent, everything is just free--no need to show anything.  On Oceania you have to show that you have purchased the drink package.  Food is best on Regent, second Oceania and third Viking.  I did a detailed comparison of Viking and Regent (I like both.). If you email me, I will send it to you.  johnmauss@earthlink.net

[Heidi13]

2 hours ago, TayanaLorna said:

Hmmm...now I have gotten Grimbergen Double Dark and Carnegie Porter beers in bottles on all our Viking cruises.

 

My bad, since cans/bottles are my least favourite way to drink beer, I use them synonymously.🙂

[Jim Avery]

Sorry, misspelled.  It's Milos.  Got to give credit where due.🥃

[KBs mum]

10 hours ago, Myrtle Ave. Mayhem said:

Viking Ocean ships are perfectly suited for cozy socializing & drinking. The Explorers Lounge, the Living Room, & Torshaven are some of the most beautiful public rooms at sea. If you're in the U.K., I recommend Saga. Their two new ships, Spirit of Discovery & Spirit of Adventure look incredible. 

They are nowhere close to the pub type setting the OP is looking for. 

Saga are very old fashioned, fixed dining as default (but can be avoided) and jacket and tie formal nights the new ships are similar in style to Viking

[Jim Avery]

1 hour ago, Heidi13 said:

 

My bad, since cans/bottles are my least favourite way to drink beer, I use them synonymously.🙂

But sometimes a man's got to do what a man's got to do.  It's tough being a beer drinker these days....🍺