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 Silversea?
We asked Silversea why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
A luxurious cruise means many things to many people but we feel that Silversea’s small ship cruises personify the true meaning of comfort. Our intimate, ultra-luxury ships can sail up narrow waterways into the heart of a city, or tie up right at the pier while others must anchor off shore. And for those who yearn to explore the new and unknown, Silversea’s expedition ships can transport you to the furthermost boundaries of the planet.
Enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, delicious gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining, full butler service read more for every suite and of course all gratuities. Whether you long to mingle in the Mediterranean, swim with the turtles of the Galapagos or embrace the glaciers of Alaska, there is something special about knowing that this cruising is all inclusive.
What destinations are Silversea exploring this season?
African & Indian Ocean Alaska Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia Baltic Canada & New England More...Silversea snapshot
Total No. CruisesDeparturesAvg. cruise lengthAvg. price per day (by cabin type)No. of ShipsAll-Inclusive levelOnboard currencyOur thoughts...
The low down on Silversea from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-suite cruise line. Its classic All-Inclusive fare includes butler-serviced suites, dining, unlimited wines and spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi, while shore excursions are typically optional. You can upgrade to their All-Inclusive Plus fare which includes a generous shore excursion credit if you're looking at getting everything paid up before you leave. We’ve had amazing feedback from our past clients, so if you’re looking for some pampering while exploring the world aboard a small luxury or expedition ship, we think Silversea is very hard to go past.
Who cruises with Silversea?
World travellers seeking to explore remote locations with most passengers from the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
What are Silversea known for?
Luxury cruises and expeditions, over 1,000 destinations, and overnight and late port departures.
Are Silversea's fares all-inclusive?
Positioned as all-inclusive, although shore excursions and some specialty restaurants incur charges.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Shore excursions, selected specialty restaurants, some premium champagne, wines and spirits, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and upgraded WiFi packages incur additional charges.
Are gratuities included?
Yes.
Are shore excursions included?
Excursions are not included and cost extra. Expedition-cruise Zodiac, sea and shore excursions are included, with optional excursions available for purchase.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is provided for one device at a time in every suite and two devices at a time in premium suites; upgraded premium access packages are available for purchase.
Does Silversea have a loyalty program?
No. Venetian Club only.
Is Silversea a family friendly cruise-line?
Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises or ships. Children under five cannot participate in expedition excursions or embarkations requiring a Zodiac, and an adult family member must remain onboard during Zodiac excursions.
Are any onboard activities included?
Small ship cruises offer production shows, classical soloists, cultural entertainment and feature films. Expedition cruises offer expert lectures and films.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes, but not on Silversea's expedtion ships.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
No.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Silversea's ships?
Yes. La Dame, Seishin Restaurant and Kaiseki Restaurant attract a charge; most other dining is complimentary.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Premium wines and spirits are included, although some premium champagne, wine and spirit selections cost extra.
Do Silversea sell any beverage packages?
No.
Do Silversea offer room service?
Yes. 24-hour in-suite dining is available, with butler service for every suite.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available at an additional charge.
Are there gyms onboard Silversea's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Silversea's ships?
Yes. Circuit training is complimentary, while Pilates and yoga may incur charges. Services vary between classic and expedition ships.
Do Silversea offer personal training?
Yes. Charges apply.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes.
Do Silversea offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent Silversea reviews
The cruise itself was wonderful. Silversea delivered a quality experience from start to finish. The Silver Nova is a beautiful, contemporary ship with spacious common areas and comfortable cabins. The staff are excellent and the amenities on board first class. Alaska is spectacular and Japan is a wonderful combination of old and new, traditional and modern. We thoroughly enjoyed this holiday.
Silversea's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Viking Cruises vs Silversea
Viking and Silversea both offer destination-focused small-ship cruising with generous inclusions, but they sit in different parts of the market. Viking is a premium, adults-only line with a consistent Scandinavian-style fleet, while Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-suite line with butler service and more premium inclusions built into the fare.
Which offers better value?
Viking generally has the lower starting price and includes one shore excursion in every port, Wi-Fi, all onboard dining, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Nordic Spa access and self-service laundry. Silversea includes butler service in every suite, dining, unlimited wines and spirits, Wi-Fi and gratuities, while its All-Inclusive Plus fare also provides a shore excursion credit on Classic voyages. Viking gives you a strong level of inclusions at a lower price point, while Silversea bundles more luxury and personalised service into the fare.
Which ships will suit me best?
Viking’s ocean ships are deliberately similar, carrying around 930–998 guests with a private veranda for every stateroom, understated Scandinavian design, no casinos and no guests under 18. Silversea’s Classic fleet is more varied, with ships carrying roughly 390–730 guests, all-suite accommodation and butler service for every guest. Viking feels contemporary, relaxed and enrichment-focused, while Silversea offers a more intimate and traditionally luxurious onboard experience.
Which has the better dining and drinks?
Both include specialty dining, but their beverage inclusions differ considerably. Viking includes beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and allows guests to bring their own alcohol onboard without corkage, while Silversea includes unlimited wines, spirits and other beverages throughout the day. Viking’s specialty restaurants are complimentary, while Silversea also includes a broad range of dining, although selected premium experiences may carry an additional charge. Silversea offers the more comprehensive drinks package, while Viking keeps its inclusions simpler.
Which has the better shore program?
Viking includes one shore excursion in every port, generally providing an introduction to the destination by coach or on foot, with more specialised experiences available at extra cost. On Silversea Classic voyages, shore excursions can be purchased separately under its standard All-Inclusive fare, while All-Inclusive Plus provides a shore excursion credit to spend on the experiences that interest you most. Silversea Expedition voyages include expedition landings and shore activities. Viking therefore includes a basic excursion more consistently, while Silversea gives Classic guests greater flexibility over the touring they select.
Which has the better itineraries?
Both cruise extensively through Europe, Asia, Australia, Alaska, the Caribbean and the Americas, as well as offering transoceanic and World Cruises. Viking has a particularly strong presence in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, while Silversea combines its global Classic program with a dedicated expedition fleet sailing to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos and other remote regions. If you are comparing traditional ocean cruises, both offer extensive worldwide choice; Silversea adds considerably more expedition variety.
