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 Scenic?
We asked Scenic why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 40 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.
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The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.
What destinations are Scenic exploring this season?
Africa Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia Canada & Alaska Egypt & Middle East Europe More...Scenic 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 Scenic from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia and NZ. Scenic were the first to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this comes at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other premium river cruise Operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. All inclusive, with Freechoice activities that allow you to choose what you want to do in each port, Scenic also offer a range of luxury additions (like your own Butler) depending on the cabin type select.
Launching in 2018 and with another ship in 2020, the Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's first foray read more into luxury all inclusive ocean cruising. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, these Discovery Yachts, are all inclusive with shore excursions involving Zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes as well as the option (for an additional charge) to adventure out by helicopter and submarine!
Who cruises with Scenic?
Well-travelled couples and solo travellers seeking ultra-luxury small-ship cruising and destination-focused exploration. Guests are international, with a strong Australian, New Zealand, North American and British mix.
What are Scenic known for?
Ultra-luxury small-ship cruising aboard Scenic Eclipse, Eclipse II and Ikon, all-verandah suites, butler service for every guest, close to 1:1 crew-to-guest service, expedition cruising and onboard helicopters and submersibles.
Are Scenic's fares all-inclusive?
All-inclusive fares with all dining, premium beverages throughout the day, in-suite minibar, gratuities, WiFi, butler service and Scenic Freechoice or Discovery excursions.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Additional costs include helicopter and submersible experiences, spa and salon treatments, a small selection of rare, fine and vintage wines and spirits and laundry outside applicable suite inclusions.
Are gratuities included?
Yes. Tipping and gratuities onboard and onshore are included.
Are shore excursions included?
Yes. Scenic Freechoice and Discovery excursions are included. Expedition and Discovery voyages can include Zodiac cruising, guided landings, kayaking and paddleboarding, while helicopters and submersible experiences cost extra.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is included throughout the ship.
Does Scenic have a loyalty program?
Yes. Scenic and Emerald loyalty programs are combined into Scenic & Emerald Rewards, allowing members to earn status across Scenic's and Emerald's ocean, river and land journeys.
Is Scenic a family friendly cruise-line?
Children are permitted but Scenic Eclipse is primarily designed for adults rather than families.
Are any onboard activities included?
Included activities include live music, theatre performances, cabaret, trivia, dance classes, lectures, Discovery Team presentations, gym use, yoga and Pilates, pools and spa relaxation facilities.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
No.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Yes. Helicopter and submersible experiences and spa treatments cost extra.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Scenic's ships?
Yes. Scenic Eclipse offers up to 10 included culinary experiences, ranging from casual venues to fine dining and degustation restaurants. Reservations are required for some venues, but there is no dining surcharge.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No. Dining packages are unnecessary because all onboard dining experiences are included.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages are included, along with a complimentary in-suite minibar.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Premium wines, Champagne, spirits and other alcoholic drinks are included throughout the day, except for a small selection of rare, fine and vintage labels.
Do Scenic sell any beverage packages?
No. A beverage package is unnecessary because premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are already included.
Do Scenic offer room service?
Yes. In-suite dining and beverage service are included, with personalised butler service for every suite.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Scenic Eclipse has an expansive Senses Spa with thermal and relaxation facilities. Salt therapy lounges, dry and wet saunas, cold plunge pool and mineralised spa facilities are included. Selected spa therapy and salon treatments cost extra.
Are there gyms onboard Scenic's ships?
Yes. Scenic's Discovery Yachts have fully equipped gyms included in the cruise fare.
Are fitness classes available onboard Scenic's ships?
Yes. Complimentary yoga, Pilates, stretching and other group wellness activities are offered, with programmes varying by voyage.
Do Scenic offer personal training?
Yes
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes
Do Scenic offer a laundry service?
Yes, self-service laundry service is available and included. Complimentary laundry is included with selected higher suite categories and loyalty benefits.
Recent Scenic reviews
Scenic's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Viking Expeditions vs Scenic Discovery Cruises
Viking's Expedition ships and Scenic both offer luxury expedition cruising, but with very different personalities. Viking operates two identical, purpose-built expedition ships - the Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis - with a strong focus on science, education and Scandinavian design, while Scenic’s Discovery Yachts - Scenic Eclipse I, Scenic Eclipse II and Scenic Ikon - combine expedition capability with a more yacht-like, ultra-luxury experience and a broader range of included premium touches.
Which offers better value?
Both are highly inclusive, with dining, Wi-Fi and expedition activities included. Scenic also includes gratuities, premium beverages throughout the day and butler service in every suite. Viking includes beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, all specialty dining, access to the Nordic Spa, self-service laundry and a comprehensive Expedition Kit. Viking's onboard gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand guests but not for North American guests. Both include a comprehensive expedition program, although Scenic also offers optional helicopter and submersible experiences at an additional cost. The better value will depend on which style of luxury, inclusions and expedition experience appeals most to you.
Which has the better expedition experience?
Both include Zodiac exploration, guided shore activities and expert-led enrichment, but Viking places particularly strong emphasis on science and citizen participation, with research facilities and partnerships built into the expedition experience. Scenic’s Discovery Team also leads Zodiac, kayaking and other active excursions, while its helicopters and submersible offer an additional way to explore each destiantion, albiet at an extra cost, and only where the destination allows it. Viking includes all the specialist expedition gear required for relevant excursions, while Scenic includes key polar essentials such as a parka and use of polar boots.
Which has the better itineraries?
Both operate expedition voyages in Antarctica and the Arctic, but Viking also has a particularly strong program in North America’s Great Lakes and offers longer longitudinal journeys linking remote regions. Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II cruise extensively through the polar regions as well as Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Europe and the Americas. Viking delivers a more consistent science-focused expedition style across its two identical ships, while Scenic offers a broader mix of expedition and Discovery Yacht cruising with a stronger emphasis on ultra-luxury.
