Viking Ocean Cruise Reviews (2024 UPDATED): Ratings of Viking Ocean Cruises (2024)

FAQs

What is the star rating of the Viking cruises? ›

For every Viking ship they have reviewed —Viking Venus(2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion(2018), Viking Sky(2017), Viking Sea(2016) and Viking Star(2015)—Cruise Critic's team of expert editors has awarded their highest rating: 5 stars.

Silver Travel Advisor also voted Viking #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans in the awards' Best Premium or Luxury Cruise Line category. “We are honored to be recognized as the best—particularly in the luxury category.

In an era of over-promising, false claims, and other questionable ethics, Viking delivered a high value cruise experience. It was our first time with Viking and we already booked another cruise. The staff, the ship, the excursion guides and the ports selected were all above average and many were excellent.

Whilst designated as an Upper Premium brand, Viking has all the hallmarks of a Luxury Ocean Cruise Line. From the tastefully appointed, modern, beautifully designed, Scandinavian ships to the luxurious all-inclusive amenities, Viking are recognised as a Luxury Brand within the industry.

For years, I've heard wonderful things about Viking Cruises – after all, they're an award-winning luxury brand that both Travel+Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler have named the “World's Best Ocean Cruise Line” on more than one occasion.

While the trip used to draw mostly those in their 70's, passengers are now typically in their late 50's and 60's, with a smattering of younger (for a river cruise) passengers in their 40's. The ship is also drawing more people outside North America, with British, Australian and New Zealand passengers onboard.

Viking Ocean ships are designed with elegance and functionality in mind. Throughout the ship there are unique spaces where you can get away for a quiet read. Thus even with 930 guests onboard the ship never seems crowded.

Rigorous training and inspiring leadership make Viking the employer of choice, allowing us to select the very best people to care for you. Our highly experienced management handpicks each member of our onboard team, and all our captains hail from Norway, keeping a long-held Nordic sailing tradition alive.

Dress Code

During the day, passengers can wear shorts, pants or jeans and shoes that are comfortable for walking tours and excursions.

Viking offers complimentary inclusive wines, beers and soft drinks with onboard lunches and dinners, plus specialty coffees and assorted hot teas that are available 24 hours a day. For those who would like to upgrade, we offer the Silver Spirits beverage package.

What age group is Viking Cruises for? ›

Can children travel with Viking? All guests must be 18 years old on or before the day they are scheduled to embark on their cruise; we do not maintain facilities or services on board for younger individuals.

Why are Viking cruises so expensive? They're a luxury line that is all-inclusive. The bargain lines (basically, the big party ships doing the tropical island/Mexico port-hopping) are cheap because you get your room and the cheap food alternatives and that's about it.

It has about $4.7 billion in debt, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The company is backed by private equity firm TPG and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, which together invested about $500 million in additional capital in November 2020, after first investing in 2016.

Will I get seasick on an expedition ship? Viking expedition ships are designed with the latest stabilization technology, but every person is different. With that said, please consider bringing some preventative medication with you if you are susceptible to motion sickness or discomfort.

Overall, I would give the entire Viking experience (the cruise itself, stateroom, excursions/tours, dining, and booking experience) 4.5/5 stars. If you're contemplating booking a Viking cruise and would like to ask me a question, feel free to do so.

Its target market is people 55 and older who are curious and educated. Viking has removed "cruises" from logos, direct mail, email marketing, its main URL, advertising, press material, onboard communications, branded giveaways and physical signage.