Uniworld and Viking are two incredibly popular cruise lines often considered for a honeymoon, family vacation, or romantic couples’ trip. But is Uniworld or Viking better for you? In short, it depends on what specifics you’re looking for!
This article will help you decide which is the best cruise line for your trip. We’ll share the key differences between Uniworld vs. Viking Cruises so you can plan your perfect cruise vacation.
Uniworld vs. Viking Overview
There are several factors to consider when deciding which cruise line is best for your vacation or honeymoon. From the tour packages and pricing to onboard entertainment and facilities, each cruise line offers unique features, so let’s look into what both of these cruise lines can offer you.
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Uniworld Overview
Uniworld is one of the most famous river cruise lines, providing a variety of itineraries for people looking to explore in luxury. Its impressive fleet features ships with one-of-a-kind unique designs and great onboard facilities, including spas, gyms, and wellness centers. Uniworld has plenty to offer those looking for a luxurious and laid-back getaway.
It also has an amazing all-inclusive program, with unlimited premium spirits and wines plus five-star farm-to-table cuisine. Great for those who are interested in wellness, they offer a selection of healthy foods, facilities, and activities.
As Uniworld focuses on river cruises, their ships are quite small. However, this doesn’t mean they have less to offer just because of their size. Even their smallest ships have an abundance of luxury and you’re sure to not be disappointed, no matter which ship you choose to travel on.
While Uniworld welcomes children on board most itineraries (with some limitations), it also offers adults-only cruises.
Viking Overview
Viking is a cruise company that offers a little more, making them a great choice no matter what type of cruise you’re looking to take. Be it an expedition, ocean cruise, or river cruise, Viking Cruises has you covered. This makes them a great option for couples who are interested in taking a cruise but aren’t sure what type yet, as well as couples looking for a real adventure.
Viking is adults-only, with no passengers under 18 allowed. This makes Viking the best cruise line for couples interested in a more sophisticated, romantic atmosphere. These ships appeal to a variety of traveler types. You can sit back and relax or take part in a carefully chosen selection of onboard activities and entertainment.
There are plenty of activities for couples to enjoy. The entertainment is generally quite laid back including onboard TED talks, history lectures, musicians in residency, and also a variety of performances from local musicians and artists. So if you’re looking for casinos and loud dance music, Viking isn’t for you!
Viking serves a variety of cuisines across their ships, with an emphasis on their destination-focused dining. If you didn’t get a chance to explore the cuisine fully while on land, worry not, because your cultural culinary exploration is only just beginning.
Uniworld vs. Viking Cost
Cost can be a deciding factor when choosing which cruise line is best for you. Generally speaking, Uniworld is overall much cheaper than Viking, but that’s because they only offer river cruises. Viking typically costs more as they also offer ocean cruises and expeditions.
If you have your heart set on a river cruise in a particular location, it’s best to look at Uniworld vs. Viking websites and compare similar itineraries to decide which is more cost-effective for you.
Uniworld may be the best choice for you if you are looking for a budget-friendly option. While both offer river cruises at similar price points, it’s important to remember that river cruises are Uniworld’s specialty.
Uniworld vs. Viking Itineraries
When it comes to cruise itineraries, Uniworld and Viking have some huge differences.
Both sail to similar destinations on their river cruises, offering trips across Europe, Asia, Egypt, and more, with a great choice of varying itineraries and lengths.
That said, if you’re looking to explore the world a little more broadly, Viking offers a huge variety of ocean cruises and expeditions. With Viking, you can truly explore the world!
When it comes to itineraries, it really does come down to what you’re looking for. It’s difficult to compare the two with them being so different.
Uniworld vs. Viking Cabins
Both Uniworld and Viking cruise ships are comparable in the quality of cabins available. They both offer a range of cabin sizes, from basic cabins to luxurious suites.
While Viking has a great selection of modern and comfortable cabins, Uniworld’s cabins have unique flair. Each ship is similar to a boutique hotel, with no two designed the same for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Uniworld vs. Viking Food & Drink
Both Uniworld and Viking offer destination-focused dining at a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Of course, with Viking having a broader range of cruise types, they offer a more versatile selection of dining options onboard their larger ships. From room service to poolside grills and from al fresco dining to a traditional Norwegian culinary experience, there’s something for everyone on a Viking ocean cruise ship.
That said, Uniworld dining is excellent, with farm-fresh meals and artistic presentation.
Both cruise lines offer local wines, beers, and premium spirits to drink.
Uniworld vs. Viking Entertainment
You won’t have a problem finding something to do on either cruise line. Both offer a good selection of onboard entertainment, facilities, and activities as well as plenty to do when you’re on land.
Viking has a great selection of entertainment across its fleet. You can enjoy performances from in-house musicians, shows from musicians and artists native to the destinations you’re visiting, TED talks, history lectures, and much more. Of course, if this isn’t quite your thing, make yourself comfortable at the onboard library or enjoy a drink at the bar!
Uniworld, tailoring its experiences to river cruises, offers more activities on-shore than onboard. With private experiences and a variety of excursions included in the price of your trip, Uniworld is a great choice for those looking for a river cruise as a means of seeing new places, rather than the onboard experience often valued on an ocean cruise.
If wellness is something you prioritize, then Uniworld is also a great choice. With spas, wellness centers, and yoga instructors onboard, you’re sure to find everything you need.
Still trying to decide which cruise line to go with? We have plenty of other articles, such as AmaWaterways vs. Viking, Uniworld vs. Avalon, AmaWaterways vs. Avalon, Uniworld vs. Tauck, Norwegian vs. Princess, Carnival Cruise vs. Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean vs. Princess, Royal Caribbean vs Norwegian, Royal Caribbean vs. MSC, and 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises & Cruise Lines to help you decide. And if you’d like help planning your trip, check out our river cruise specialists or ocean cruise travel agents.
He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.
Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.