Why should we cruise with Viking?
We asked Viking why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
A Viking ocean cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Scandinavia, Asia, the Mediterranean or the Americas, our itineraries are designed to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.
Our state-of-the-art small ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any casinos or kids on board. Plus, our fares read more include just about everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.
Viking is the world’s leading small-ship cruise line, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.
What destinations are Viking exploring this season?
Alaska Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia & New Zealand Baltic Canada & New England Caribbean More...Viking snapshot
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The low down on Viking from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Purpose built and newly launched in 2017, Viking now boasts 16 mid-sized ships each accommodating between 930-998 guests, as well as 2 expedition ships (max 378 guests) that explore the world's most remote destinations. Already award winning, their itineraries are varied from worldwide journeys to smaller explorations of the Nordic region, Indian ocean, Asia, Oceania, Caribbean and the Med. Viking position these cruises as 'The Thinking Person’s Cruise', with included and optional shore excursions covering each destinations cultural and historic highlights. So if you are looking for water-slides, children's facilities and casino's, then perhaps read more another cruise company is more suited.
Who cruises with Viking?
Retired and semi-retired world travellers.
What are Viking known for?
Adults only cruising, Scandinavian design, destination-focused experiences and no casinos.
Are Viking's fares all-inclusive?
No. Premium beverages and some excursions cost extra. House beers and wine are included with meals and a courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Premium beverages and selected shore excursions, plus some onboard experiences such as The Kitchen Table, cost extra.
Are gratuities included?
Yes, but only for Australian and New Zealand passengers.
Are shore excursions included?
Yes. One courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port on classic cruises; expedition cruises include at least one shore excursion per landing day.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is available.
Does Viking have a loyalty program?
No. The Viking Explorer Society offers credit and referral rewards to past Viking passengers only.
Is Viking a family friendly cruise-line?
No. Children under 18 are not accepted.
Are any onboard activities included?
Enrichment lectures, film screenings, presentations, daily expedition briefings, scientific programs in The Laboratory, complimentary dining, evening entertainment and free WiFi.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
No.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Some experiences, such as The Kitchen Table, incur additional charges. Specialised fitness classes may also cost extra.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Viking's ships?
Yes. Viking offers seven complimentary restaurants on its mid-sized ships.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Purified water is provided in all staterooms; soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and specialty coffees and assorted hot teas are available 24 hours a day.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Complimentary house wines and beers are served with lunch and dinner.
Do Viking sell any beverage packages?
Yes. For premium cocktails or wines and spirits, Viking offers the Silver Spirits beverage package.
Do Viking offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa access is complimentary and spa and salon services are available for a charge.
Are there gyms onboard Viking's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Viking's ships?
Yes. Classes may include yoga, Zumba, TRX and Body Conditioning; specialised classes may attract a charge.
Do Viking offer personal training?
Yes and charges apply. Not available on expedition ships.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry.
Do Viking offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent Viking reviews
Be aware there are a few sea days extra as we missed Falkland Islands high winds. Extension Iguazza Falls brilliant read more but very tiring as no free time longs days. Advice is this is extended by one day in both Brazil and Rio! Great memories so glad we saw parts of South America 🌺
One bit we found a bit perhaps unfair is when they release the excursions, the penthouses, owners suites, Explorers suites etc get to choose & book first, thereby making it harder to get a spot in places where there is a very big highlight…such as Alhambra. We booked our excursions the second they were sent to us & still missed out. Three of the restaurants stand out, Manfredi, Chefs Table & The Restaurant - excellent food choices & high standard but not snooty at all, but that is not to say the casual restaurants & cafes were anything other than very good. You do not need to dress up, just smart casual is fine. It’s never been our choice to go to any of the shows so can’t comment. It will be nearly impossible for us to choose another company to sail with in the future.
Viking's most popular trips this month...
Why should we cruise with Ponant?
We asked Ponant why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
It's time to join Ponant's team of experienced naturalist guides and expedition experts to discover some of the world’s most distant and sought-after shores, venture into the heart of extreme lands and be immersed in nature on one of many Zodiac outings and shore excursions. Whether you dream of stepping foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, witnessing the incredible rise of Montgomery reef in the Kimberley or meeting and interacting with local communities in the Arctic, Ponant, the world leader in luxury expeditions can take you there.
What destinations are Ponant exploring this season?
African & Indian Ocean Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia Canada & New England Europe & Med New Zealand More...Ponant snapshot
Total No. Expedition CruisesDeparturesAvg. cruise lengthAvg. price per day (by cabin type)No. of Expedition ShipsAll-Inclusive levelOnboard currencyOur thoughts...
The low down on Ponant from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Ponant cruises are best described as small-ship luxury expedition cruising: intimate yachts designed to reach remote ports and wilderness coastlines, paired with elevated French-style hospitality and strong inclusions. Unlike mainstream cruise lines built around onboard entertainment, Ponant is destination-first, with expedition landings, expert-led enrichment, and itineraries spanning the Arctic and Antarctica. A key point of difference is Le Commandant Charcot, a hybrid-electric LNG polar exploration ship positioned for high polar environments, giving Ponant a standout edge for serious polar travellers.
Who cruises with Ponant?
International guests, cosmopolitan world travellers and travellers seeking to explore remote locations.
What are Ponant known for?
Luxury expeditions, French cruising, a young expedition fleet and access to remote locations with small ships.
Are Ponant's fares all-inclusive?
Ponant positions itself as all-inclusive, but classic-cruise shore excursions, premium-label spirits and champagne, and gratuities are not included.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Shore excursions, premium-label spirits and champagne, gratuities and gear beyond the provided parka and boots on polar expeditions. Optional excursions may also incur charges.
Are gratuities included?
No. Tipping is customary but entirely at guest discretion. Ponant generally guides that tips are in the range of €10–12 per day per passenger.
Are shore excursions included?
No, excursions cost extra on Ponant's classic small ship cruises, although selected special offers may include them. Shore excursions are included on expedition cruises and Smithsonian Voyages with some optional excursions available at additional cost.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is included.
Does Ponant have a loyalty program?
No. Ponant Yacht Club benefits are available to Ponant members only.
Is Ponant a family friendly cruise-line?
No. The minimum age is six for Polar Expedition cruises, and children must meet height, instruction and equipment requirements for Zodiac excursions.
Are any onboard activities included?
Naturalist and specialist lectures, guest lectures, live music, dance shows, film screenings and access to the hammam steam room.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
No.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
No. All onboard activities are included, although some group fitness sessions and specialised fitness classes may incur charges. Spa and salon services also cost extra.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Ponant's ships?
No specialty restaurants. Ponant has two complimentary restaurants: a Gastronomic Restaurant and a grill.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Mineral water, soft drinks, coffee and tea are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. The Open Bar includes Charles Heidsieck champagne, beer, wine and spirits but excludes premium-label spirits and champagne.
Do Ponant sell any beverage packages?
Yes. Guests can purchase the Premium Open Bar for top-shelf spirits and Veuve Clicquot.
Do Ponant offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge; access to the hammam steam room is complimentary.
Are there gyms onboard Ponant's ships?
Yes. A fitness studio or gym is available.
Are fitness classes available onboard Ponant's ships?
Yes. Occasional group fitness sessions may be offered and may incur charges.
Do Ponant offer personal training?
No.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
No.
Do Ponant offer a laundry service?
Yes. Laundry service is available for an additional charge.
Recent Ponant reviews
Ponant's most popular trips this month...
8 Days Athens to Athens
The Verdict - Viking Expeditions vs Ponant
Viking and Ponant both offer luxury expedition cruising, but they come from very different backgrounds. Ponant has decades of experience in polar and remote regions and operates a broader range of expedition vessels, while Viking entered the expedition market more recently with two purpose-built ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, both that focus heavily on destination immersion, expert-led exploration and a high level of comfort onboard.
Which ships will suit me best?
Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are identical 378-guest expedition ships with Scandinavian styling, spacious viewing areas and purpose-built expedition facilities including The Hangar, science laboratories and specialist exploration equipment. Ponant operates a more varied expedition fleet, from intimate sister ships and Ponant Explorers through to the highly specialised Le Commandant Charcot, which is designed for extreme polar navigation. Viking offers a very consistent ship experience, while Ponant gives you more variation depending on the destination and vessel.
Which has the better expedition experience?
Both lines include expert-led exploration, zodiac excursions and enrichment from scientists, naturalists and destination specialists. Viking places a strong emphasis on science, with expedition ships designed as working research vessels and opportunities for guests to engage with onboard experts. Ponant brings considerably more expedition heritage and a broader range of polar itineraries, including voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley and the Geographic North Pole. If your priority is the widest variety of true expedition itineraries, Ponant has the edge, while Viking offers a highly polished and consistent expedition product with a strong scientific focus.
Which offers better value?
Both are highly inclusive. Viking includes expedition activities, all onboard dining, Wi-Fi, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, specialist expedition gear and access to its Nordic Spa, while Ponant includes dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, an open bar covering most wines, champagne, beer and spirits, plus included expedition activities and shore experiences. Ponant’s drinks package is more generous, while Viking includes more expedition clothing and equipment as standard. Gratuities are included for bookings made in Australia and New Zealand, while Ponant leaves tipping to your discretion.
Which has the better polar itineraries?
Both offer Antarctic and Arctic expeditions, but Ponant has a broader and more established range, including specialist voyages aboard Le Commandant Charcot to remote areas beyond the reach of most expedition ships. Viking focuses its expedition program on Antarctica, the Arctic, Canada’s Great Lakes and selected remote regions, with both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris purpose-built for these journeys. If you want the widest choice of polar routes and more extreme expedition possibilities, Ponant offers more variety; if you prefer Viking’s familiar style, scientific focus and highly consistent onboard experience, its expedition program is a strong alternative.
