Viking vs NCL for Norwegian fjords cruise?

[Disneygirlxo91]

I know this isn’t Disney related but I’m hoping someone here can give me some insight we are planning a Norwegian Fjords cruise next summer and we are between viking and NCL for a 14 night cruise unless I’m looking at the prices wrong online they are very comparable in price. It would be me (31) husband (26) and in laws who are in their late 50s they’ve done many cruises with NCL, and a few viking river cruises me I’ve only done DCL and am sad we won’t be doing DCL for this one but it just doesn’t go to the ports we want.

The NCL one would be on their new ship the prima, and Viking one would be on a brand new ship coming in 2023 the Neptune though from what I’ve read it seems all their ocean cruise ships are identical.

Any insight anyone has comparing the two cruise lines, or any must see ports for a fjords cruise since both NCL and viking go to slightly different ports would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Marc D]

I’ve not sailed on Viking Ocean cruises, but have researched them extensively. I would be quite surprised that both cruises be comparable in price. The lowest stateroom on Viking usually start at double the price of a regular stateroom on main lines, and most staterooms are prices well above that.

That being said, the onboard experience will be quite different. Viking is an all-inclusive, adults-only, all-suites luxury cruise with less than 1000 passengers onboard. You would probably be the youngest guests onboard. Dress up for dinner, champagne in the room, caviar…

Prima is a massive ship with a go-cart track, slides, specialty restaurants… An extensive buffet, casino, kids, ‘washy-washy’ song at the buffet entrance. Similar to DCL in some ways. Of course, on NCL, you can get a luxurious experience by sailing in the Haven, but the surroundings will still be a cruise ship with all the usual offerings.

If the itinerary is your principal focus, sail on NCL. If you want a more luxurious experience, book in the Haven. If you want to travel in a first-class manner, book Viking.

 

[WildernessMickey]

I just researched the same trip and I chose to book on NCL on the Prima. I have a friend that cruises on Viking and loves it, but it is too expensive for me. She said that the included excursions are very basic, like a city walking tour, and so she spends extra $ to book her preferred excursions. The excursions in Norway and Iceland are expensive with any line so just be sure to factor that in. I think you will have a great trip either way. I'm excited to experience the new Prima.

 

[Capt_BJ]

Viking is an all-inclusive, adults-only, all-suites luxury cruise with less than 1000 passengers onboard. You would probably be the youngest guests onboard. Dress up for dinner, champagne in the room, caviar…

did VIKING's "midnight sun" a couple of years ago and doing "Iceland and Arctic Explorer" next summer

VIKING ships are all 'the same' so far as basic setup and amenities but each is unique in decorating (all ARE very Norwegian).

VIKING ships (ocean) carry less than 1000 passengers and their smaller size affords them access to some ports larger ships can't get to. VIKING is adults only. VIKING ocean is all BALCONY with some suites - NOT all suites. Dress up for dinner? No > not required nor even recommended. men: long pants (no jeans) and a collared shirt for dinner in main dining. Champ' in the room and caviar? Well I suppose it is available someplace (room service) and there are mimosas available at breakfast

VIKING is known for no 'nickel and dime' .... no photographers, no 'auctions', no casino, one included excursion in each port (yes, typically a bus/walking city tour but some we went on were several hours in length), and they offer a standard assortment of extra cost excursions in addition to the included. Beer/wine/soft/drinks included with lunch dinner (full drinks package is under $25 per person per day, some (most) rooms include free stocking of mini-bar soft drinks and about half free restock of alc') No extra charge for specialty rest's and better cabins get a certain number of reservations 'guaranteed' .... Free WiFi / internet access.

I've not priced NCL for a Norway cruise (after our second bad experience we mailed them our loyalty cards and asked them to stop sending us their advertisements) but it would be difficult for me to believe they are 'similar' in price as VIKING is generally in the 'premium' price and service category while NCL pursues 'family pricing'.

 

[Disneygirlxo91]

Viking is an all-inclusive, adults-only, all-suites luxury cruise with less than 1000 passengers onboard. You would probably be the youngest guests onboard. Dress up for dinner, champagne in the room, caviar…

did VIKING's "midnight sun" a couple of years ago and doing "Iceland and Arctic Explorer" next summer

VIKING ships are all 'the same' so far as basic setup and amenities but each is unique in decorating (all ARE very Norwegian).

VIKING ships (ocean) carry less than 1000 passengers and their smaller size affords them access to some ports larger ships can't get to. VIKING is adults only. VIKING ocean is all BALCONY with some suites - NOT all suites. Dress up for dinner? No > not required nor even recommended. men: long pants (no jeans) and a collared shirt for dinner in main dining. Champ' in the room and caviar? Well I suppose it is available someplace (room service) and there are mimosas available at breakfast

VIKING is known for no 'nickel and dime' .... no photographers, no 'auctions', no casino, one included excursion in each port (yes, typically a bus/walking city tour but some we went on were several hours in length), and they offer a standard assortment of extra cost excursions in addition to the included. Beer/wine/soft/drinks included with lunch dinner (full drinks package is under $25 per person per day, some (most) rooms include free stocking of mini-bar soft drinks and about half free restock of alc')

I've not priced NCL for a Norway cruise (after our second bad experience we mailed them our loyalty cards and asked them to stop sending us their advertisements) but it would be difficult for me to believe they are 'similar' in price as VIKING is generally in the 'premium' price and service category while NCL pursues 'family pricing'.

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It’s about $3,000 more total if we choose a deluxe verandah on viking vs a basic verandah on NCL. Both 14 night cruises. So it is a bit of a difference, but if we went for a higher category for balcony on NCL it would be about the same cost.

I did a lot of research yesterday with viking ocean and it seems like that’s what my choice would be.

We are also possibly considering a 14 night itinerary on the NCL star , I haven’t checked the price on that one yet to see how that compares in price it is an older ship but not a deal breaker.

 

[Disneygirlxo91]

I’ve not sailed on Viking Ocean cruises, but have researched them extensively. I would be quite surprised that both cruises be comparable in price. The lowest stateroom on Viking usually start at double the price of a regular stateroom on main lines, and most staterooms are prices well above that.

That being said, the onboard experience will be quite different. Viking is an all-inclusive, adults-only, all-suites luxury cruise with less than 1000 passengers onboard. You would probably be the youngest guests onboard. Dress up for dinner, champagne in the room, caviar…

Prima is a massive ship with a go-cart track, slides, specialty restaurants… An extensive buffet, casino, kids, ‘washy-washy’ song at the buffet entrance. Similar to DCL in some ways. Of course, on NCL, you can get a luxurious experience by sailing in the Haven, but the surroundings will still be a cruise ship with all the usual offerings.

If the itinerary is your principal focus, sail on NCL. If you want a more luxurious experience, book in the Haven. If you want to travel in a first-class manner, book Viking.

A basic balcony cabin on NCL is about $3,000 less than viking deluxe verandah if we went for a higher category cabin on NCL it would be the same cost.

 

[Disneygirlxo91]

I just researched the same trip and I chose to book on NCL on the Prima. I have a friend that cruises on Viking and loves it, but it is too expensive for me. She said that the included excursions are very basic, like a city walking tour, and so she spends extra $ to book her preferred excursions. The excursions in Norway and Iceland are expensive with any line so just be sure to factor that in. I think you will have a great trip either way. I'm excited to experience the new Prima.

Are you doing the 10,11, or 14 night itinerary?

 

[Travel60]

Generally when cruising "adults only" I go for the smaller ship. As mentioned, you get access to smaller ports rather than big touristy ports. We also find that we get more personal service as the staff gets to know us better. If you can afford the Viking, go for it.

 

[Intr3pid]

They are very different when it comes to onboard experience and demographics - even if the price is similar. Entertainment and activities on the Prima will be more expansive than even other NCL ships let alone a small ship. And it will an entirely different age group on the Viking ship - think pacemakers and oxygen tanks in some cases. But, with Viking, you will get to experience the small ship hospitality, adult atmosphere, and all-inclusive journey - and most likely a better itinerary than Prima's.

Of the three, the Star has the most exotic itineraries next summer - particularly, the ones from Reykjavik to Tromso and then back. You get to visit Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, North Cape, Lofoten Islands, etc. all in one trip. It's an older ship that had an extensive drydock in 2019.

 

[KashasMom]

Of the three, the Star has the most exotic itineraries next summer - particularly, the ones from Reykjavik to Tromso and then back. You get to visit Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, North Cape, Lofoten Islands, etc. all in one trip. It's an older ship that had an extensive drydock in 2019.

That is an AWESOME itinerary!

 

[auntlynne]

If I had the opportunity, having done one NCL cruise, no Viking, and 19 DCL, and other lines, I would be on Viking in a heartbeat.

Why? I have realized that the high cruiser capacity (and sheer number) lines are not a pleasure for me. Nor ones with lots of loud music. I don‘t utilize any of the modern attractions / activities that are being used to sell a “fun” vacation. On Disney, I play adult trivia, watch the production show, and watch movies. And, if, course, dine.

On port-intensive itineraries - I’ve done the Med and Alaska, it really is the ports, scenery, and excursions that are front and center.

I am a fan of watching YouTube videos to see the ships. They will give you a pretty good vibe - as will marketing material. The presentation I get from most cruise lines is “party.” Viking comes across as “nice dinner party.” Even the colors / decor of Viking says “calm.” Be true to yourself.

I also like no casino - meaning less smoking on a ship.

Either way, Norwegian Fjords! Enjoy.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I've never cruised NCL but have cruised Viking, both river and ocean. Viking is a very relaxing cruise with fewer guests and awesome staff. Before we cruised Viking, I did a lot of comparing. If you factor in the tours everyday, wine and beer at meals, free specialty restaurants it isn't that much more. We aren't into casino's, packed ships, climbing walls, concierge separation, etc so we found Viking an excellent fit. Some of the included tours can be bus only and some you can tour places like old churches and castles. Some are walking tours. We have had excellent guides who live in their cities (towns) and have a wealth of information on their particular port. Viking used to be geared towards retired people but younger people have now switch over to Viking as well.

You asked about a favorite fjord port in Norway. One Viking cruise we took was the Grand European which has changed since we took it because St Petersburg, Russia was part of it. Anyway, we had two favorite ports in Norway. One being Eidfjord and the second Stavanger.

With all that being said, Norway and the surrounding countries are so beautiful. I know you will love your cruise no matter which cruise line you choose. Sit down and review the ports of calls for both and choose the one with the best itinerary for you! For us, Europe is more about the ports than the ships themselves.

 

[Capt_BJ]

It’s about $3,000 more total if we choose a deluxe verandah on viking vs a basic verandah on NCL.

It sounds to me that you are believing 'veranda' on the two lines are 'the same' and that is HUGELY not true . . .

do NOT expect cabin class descriptions to be consistent across lines ......

EVERY cabin on VIKING Ocean is at least 'veranda' .... VO are all 'balcony'

A V versus a DV on VO has to do with location and in cabin amenities while the cabin and balc size stay the same


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
while many cruises along Norway's coast claim to be 'fiord' the two 'big dog' aka DEEP FIORD ports are Geiranger and Flam with Flam being the less often visited. There are many other ports in Norway but they ain't DEEP F' ......

 

[sethschroeder]

They are going to be drastically different experiences in all phases:

• Big Ship vs Small Ship
• Excluded vs Included (NCL is a upcharger while Viking is typically everything is included from my understanding)
• Possibly different ports
• Do it yourself vs guided (could be off but Viking typically works more to have you covered for things to do the whole time where as NCL is going to leave you to your own decisions with no real input)

In reality NCL tries to replicate Viking to an extent with the "Haven" and their ship within a ship. You likely will like whichever one you choose but you might want to sit down and really see what you are getting from each side and decide what is important to you.

 

[sethschroeder]

Lofoten Islands

Amazing place to visit in general. Have not cruised to there though so can't say how the experience is.

 

[anjuan]

We're also booked on the Prima for the 10 day Iceland and Norway cruise at the end of May to celebrate my daughter's high school graduation. It will be our first cruise on NCL. My daughter picked the itinerary and ship. I would have loved to do the Norway cruise on DCL but it just didn't fit into her summer schedule. I've been excited to see the pictures of the Prima coming out. It looks like a beautiful ship!

 

[Disneygirlxo91]

We're also booked on the Prima for the 10 day Iceland and Norway cruise at the end of May to celebrate my daughter's high school graduation. It will be our first cruise on NCL. My daughter picked the itinerary and ship. I would have loved to do the Norway cruise on DCL but it just didn't fit into her summer schedule. I've been excited to see the pictures of the Prima coming out. It looks like a beautiful ship!

It does look like a beautiful ship. We’ve watched a few vlogs on YouTube.

 

[lklgoodman]

We're also booked on the Prima for the 10 day Iceland and Norway cruise at the end of May to celebrate my daughter's high school graduation. It will be our first cruise on NCL. My daughter picked the itinerary and ship. I would have loved to do the Norway cruise on DCL but it just didn't fit into her summer schedule. I've been excited to see the pictures of the Prima coming out. It looks like a beautiful ship!

We're also booked on the Prima for the 10 day Iceland and Norway cruise at the end of May to celebrate my daughter's high school graduation. It will be our first cruise on NCL. My daughter picked the itinerary and ship. I would have loved to do the Norway cruise on DCL but it just didn't fit into her summer schedule. I've been excited to see the pictures of the Prima coming out. It looks like a beautiful ship!

I just posted on the main page, but in case you don't see it. NCL is doing a discount on cruises now. I just had my NCL cruise consultant do a price adjustment for our 2023 Alaskan cruise and got a$1300 discount! Not sure how long the discount offer will last, but if your cruise isn't past the PIF date, you should call them.

 

[anjuan]

I just posted on the main page, but in case you don't see it. NCL is doing a discount on cruises now. I just had my NCL cruise consultant do a price adjustment for our 2023 Alaskan cruise and got a$1300 discount! Not sure how long the discount offer will last, but if your cruise isn't past the PIF date, you should call them.

Thanks for posting. I looked at our cruise and it is actually more expensive now. We're on their newest ship so that probably has something to do with it. But thanks for the heads up!

 

[WildernessMickey]

Are you doing the 10,11, or 14 night itinerary?

We are doing the 10 night itinerary.