Here's What It's REALLY Like On A Viking Ocean Cruise These Days

Gary, the lack of false fun and noisy casinos is a feature, not a bug. I go to relax, unwind, and learn something about the destinations. And eat great food, of course.

WE really like Viking; Great decor, service, dining, high tea. NO KIDS. lovely. no gimmicks. A very classy experience.

We’ve booked 13 Viking cruises, 7 river and 6 ocean. We started in our mid 60s and are now in our early 70s. For us they are somewhat similar to Oceania and Seaborne. Better public spaces and better food for sure. We like the overall quiet ships…no kids, no casino. The included excursions are usually fine for first-time visitors to each port. But we’ve really enjoyed the alternate options…to wineries, lunch at family homes and farms, exclusive access to museum exhibits, overnight trips to cities not on the itinerary, etc. But above all is the Viking standard of service, a high level we’ve not encountered anywhere else.

I'll add a tip for the next time you go on Viking...on dinner reservations - since we book the lower tier rooms, often when booking opens on line, all that remains are late dinner times. What we have found is that if once you get on board, go directly to your room and book on your TV. We've gotten the dinner times we want every time....maybe I'm cutting my own throat sharing that 😁. Also, since we're not foodies, finding what the menus are at the chefs table, helps us book nights when they are offering meals we want.

I really am surprised more/ALL cruise lines don't offer some sort of break for solo cruisers. Yes, the solo traveler is still using a cabin, but you could argue that aside from making the bed, they use half the toiletries, make half the mess (for housekeeping), consume half the food, etc. It shouldn't cost 200% for one traveler. MAYBE 125-150%.

We love Viking, both Ocean and River. Viking Ocean seems to have more public space per passenger than other premium lines. And not being marketed to at every turn is very nice. And the food is simply outstanding.

We are in our mid-50s with no kids. The adult-only policy and no casino were the big draws for us. We took the Journey to Antiquities cruise over Christmas week 2023 and had an incredible experience. Your review is pretty much spot on. I'd say the majority of our fellow passengers were in their 60s, though we did see several much younger than us, including a couple traveling with their college aged sons. Like you, the only drawback for us was the reservation by cabin class system and we mentioned that in our surveys. We really had our hearts set on visiting Herculaneum and didn't think it would be an issue being that our cabin class was middle of the pack. On our first opportunity to schedule excursions, it indeed was sold out and we chose our second preference. We did notice that as the time for departure approached, and again once onboard, that some of the sold out excursions re-opened with 2 or 3 slots, so keep that in mind for the future. Since we had already paid for a separate excursion on that day, we did not modify our plans.

Off on our fourth V❤iking Ocean cruise next month and would agree with everything you said. Having experienced the bingo obsessed Norwegian cruise line with a photographer at every turn we will be sticking with Viking

I believe travelers should research carefully. Not everyone likes smaller, quieter experiences. Viking is more about the destination while enjoying service and luxury aboard. Just booked our third cruise with Viking. Can’t wait!

Viking has been ranked number one in it's category now for a couple of years in a row for both Ocean and River cruises. They have found what works for a certain type of traveler and its why they have many repeat customers. It is definitely not a party atmosphere as on other cruise lines, although I've had some great evening entertainment on some of their river cruises and ocean cruises. In the end its about having a level of service that is above and beyond with everything included.

I’m a devoted Viking cruiser, 5 Ocean & 1 River so far, with 2 more River & 1 Ocean already booked. Of course I’m their target demographic & enjoy the no kids/casinos/up-selling/formal attire vibe, & the Zen-like decor. There are many other cruise lines with floating amusement parks if that’s your style, so to each their own!

We've just completed our first Viking Ocean Cruise - Into the Midnight Sun in Norway, Scotland and England which was fantastic. We've previously traveled with Viking on European rivers, the Mississippi River, and the Great Lakes on their new expedition ship. Each cruise has been excellent in terms of service, food, the condition and comfort of the ship and our cabin, excursions, and entertainment. Viking is a well-oiled machine, and there are never any surprises or disappointments. I do agree with some of your criticisms. Regarding cost - it's expensive, but you really do "know before you go" what you'll spend, and there is absolutely no upsell once you're on board. I certainly do wish that they offered solo cabins and/or reduced-price solo rates. Yes, it's a more sedate experience than the "party ships", but we did have a few fun onboard experiences including the "Blue Nose" ceremony for crossing the Arctic Circle, "Dancing Under the Midnight Sun" in the pool area, and Fish -n-Chips night out by the pool when we were in Scotland. Torshavn was the place to be for those who wanted to whoop it up later in the evening. We often went there for a nightcap. Apparently, they keep up the entertainment until "closing" which is not a stated time, but when the last revelers finally give up for the night. Entertainment and other diversions were a bit sparse on the sea days. Shows in the theater with the very versatile group of 4 singers and the Viking Band were energetic and fun surprisingly varied. I don't miss the casino at all, and always actively avoided it on other ships. I absolutely LOVE their highly curated interesting library of books scattered throughout the public spaces. I read a few on each trip. I guess you could say that I'm the "thinking person" they cater to.

Cruising with Viking might not be for everyone, but with so many beautiful destinations out there I think it's worth it

I prefer quieter surroundings when I travel solo. 54, retired, widowed and financially secure. Some day, I just might take a cruise. When I do, it will be one with the kind of cruise line that closely matches what you describe here in this video about Viking.

When I saw your previous reviews of Viking, I thought that it just didn't hit the mark for you personally. All the lines are targeting very different types of customers and Viking is very targeted indeed. For us, it was a 100% fit. We've just had a wonderful Alaskan tour with Viking on the Orion. It could not have been better. However, we know several of our friends who wouldn't like it as much. I think Viking's advertising really helps you understand if it's the one for you. Thank goodness for choice. Incidentally, I'm 58 and didn't really notice an age issue. I think age is just a number anyway. We mixed included trips, paid trips and going out on our own (often on the same day) and felt we really did get a true flavour of Alaska. You can reserve more restaurants when on board and slots came available through the journey.

Love your comment “I’m 65 and felt like the youngest”. I’m 70 and feel the same but have laugh my sister 62 is currently on Viking and most of her friends when they meet me think she is older. All about attitudes Stay young I plan too

You were spot on when you indicated that you felt like you were one of the younger passengers on board!

You are one stealthy journalist! I can see my back in this video, and my wife and my sister in law are in here too. I'm sure I would have recognized you if I'd encountered you, from watching your videos. I agree completely with all of your points about the cruise--the scenery and food were terrific, and the included daytrips were underwhelming, mostly because of how crowded the ports were. (Icy Straight Point was as touristy as everything else, but at least I enjoyed the show--came back with new respect for Raven.) Thanks for this!

Such an informative video, well worth viewing again. Thank you Gary.

Thank you Gary for your straightforward assessment. You provide enough details to allow viewers to decide for themselves!