If you’re interested in going on a cruise, you’ve probably come across both Viking and Oceania. These cruise operators are both incredible choices, which can make it difficult to decide which one is better for you. In this article, we will compare Viking vs. Oceania to see which is the best cruise line for your trip.
Both Viking and Oceania offer itineraries that cruise some of the most sought-after destinations around the world. From Southeast Asia to Europe to North America, Oceania and Viking offer great choices and a wide variety of options.
When doing a side-by-side comparison of Oceania vs. Viking, you will find some key differences that set these cruise companies apart, which you should take into consideration when making your decision.
Viking Overview
Viking is the bigger of the two companies, with an ever-growing fleet size (currently 64 ships). These ships vary in size, with smaller ones built specifically for river cruises and larger ships created for expeditions and ocean cruises.
Viking’s award-winning fleet travels a variety of destinations, from the Mediterranean to Australia and New Zealand. There’s a huge variety of itineraries on offer with Viking and you’re certain to find the perfect trip for you.
As with any cruise, the duration depends on the route and number of stops, with their ocean cruises lasting anywhere between 8 and 180 days!
Viking ships are decorated beautifully, with a timeless and classic interior design. They have large staterooms and suites, many of which feature private balconies and all the amenities you could require for a comfortable cruise.
When you’re not relaxing in your room, you can find a selection of bars, lounges, fine dining restaurants, sun decks, and more to enjoy on board the ships. Many of their ships are also eco-friendly, featuring hybrid engines and solar panels.
Oceania Overview
Oceania is a slightly lesser-known company. With only 7 ships, they don’t yet have the fleet size other companies offer. However, Oceania offers itineraries in similar areas as Viking, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.
In fact, a highlight of Oceania is its great selection of itineraries despite its small fleet, offering a huge range of destinations and packages to choose from. Oceania cruise itineraries range from 7 to 196 days, depending on the location and route.
Similar to Viking, Oceania ships feature gorgeous and well-designed staterooms. With a classy and refined decor style, their staterooms are guaranteed to have you cruising in pure luxury and elegance.
Oceania offers excellent customer service and gourmet dining experiences, to truly make your cruise a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Viking vs. Oceania: Food and Drink
When comparing Viking vs. Oceania’s food and drink, you will find that both cruise companies offer fantastic options, including gourmet meals and destination-inspired cuisine.
There is a selection of restaurants, with both a main dining hall and specialty restaurants onboard both cruise line’s ships. One difference is that Viking offers an unlimited alcohol package, whereas Oceania does not. Instead, the drinks onboard Oceania ships come at an additional cost.
Neither company has strict dress codes for dinner reservation, so passengers can dress casually and comfortably after a long day exploring onshore. Just be sure that anything very casual (such as shorts, jeans, baseball caps, and t-shirts) is not worn for evening meals.
Viking vs. Oceania: Itineraries
As mentioned earlier, the locations served by Viking and Oceania are quite similar. You can choose to cruise through Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and North America, as well as other areas.
Both companies offer a wide selection of itineraries, with a variety of dates and destinations.
The main difference when it comes to itineraries is that Viking also offers expeditions and river cruises, whereas Oceania, as the name may imply, only offers ocean cruises.
That said, no matter which company you choose to go with, you’ll have an easy time finding a great itinerary for your trip!
Viking vs. Oceania: Cost
For many people, their budget often plays a vital role when selecting which cruise line and itinerary to go with. The cost for a Viking or Oceania cruise can differ due to the length of the trip, the time of year, the destination, and the cabin you choose.
With that being said, Viking typically offers more deals onboard than Oceania, such as their unlimited drinks packages, so that’s something to pay attention to rather than just the overall cost of the trip.
Ocean trips with Viking range anywhere from $2,500 to $80,000. With Oceania you can get a cruise from between $2,150 and $65,500. It totally depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. It’s worth noting though that while these figures may make Oceania seem cheaper, they don’t typically have the same inclusions that Viking does, so be sure to compare that as well.
Viking vs Oceania: Activities
One of the most amazing things about going on a cruise is exploring each destination on the itinerary. During stops, Viking and Oceania both offer on-land activities, tours, and excursions to help you learn more about the history and culture of each place you visit.
That said, there’s no requirement to go on these excursions, and if you would prefer to explore by yourself then you’re more than welcome to do so.
Viking is known to offer adventurous excursions that take passengers off the beaten path and introduce them to new things. Whether it’s discovering the streets of Saigon by pedal cab, touring the vineyards of New Zealand, or having exclusive access to a number of museums, there’s something for everyone.
Oceania also has a great selection of excursions suited to your interests. Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the world’s most famous landmarks, enjoy food and wine tours led by local culinary experts, and enjoy wellness and healthy living tours across a huge selection of destinations across the world.
Viking vs. Oceania: For Kids
If you’re looking for a family-friendly cruise option, then Oceania is the best choice for you. Viking cruises are limited to adults only (18 and up) and do not permit children onboard.
It’s important to note that while children are permitted onboard Oceania, they are not catered to. There are no childcare services or activities, so if you’re considering traveling with young children, perhaps look at a more child-friendly cruise company, such as Disney or Celebrity.
If traveling with older children, though, there are plenty of itineraries and excursions that may appeal to them, especially if they’re interested in culture.
No matter the age of your children, if you’re looking to find a cruise line that will cater to them well, you may want to consider speaking with a cruise travel agent.
Viking vs. Oceania: Entertainment
Both Viking and Oceania have an emphasis on their onboard entertainment, which is quite refined in comparison with most other cruise companies.
Viking offers a selection of lectures, history talks, resident musicians, and even TED talks. Oceania, on the other hand, offers a variety of onboard shows and has a great selection of bars, wellness centers, casinos, and boutique stores to enjoy.
They also both have bars, lounge areas, and terraces to relax in, both indoors and out.
Viking vs. Oceania: Typical Passengers
Viking and Oceania typically attract an older demographic. This is due to their onboard entertainment being a little more sophisticated, rather than fast-paced and tailored to adventure seekers.
Generally speaking, you can find a mixture of retired couples as well as younger couples with on their honeymoons and romantic getaways here. So if you’re looking to celebrate in a luxurious and elegant environment, either Viking or Oceania would be perfect for you.
As we mentioned before, the main difference between Oceania vs. Viking passengers is that children are allowed on Oceania cruises, whereas Viking cruises are adults only.
Viking vs. Oceania: Conclusion
Overall, both Viking and Oceania offer great customer service, outstanding cuisine, and amazing itineraries. While both are great options, if you’re looking to take your children with you on a cruise, then we recommend Oceania.
If you want an adults-only experience, Viking is best. And if you’re looking for a more all-inclusive option, then Viking is typically the better choice.
Not sure if either of these cruise lines is right for you? Can’t decide what type of cruise you’re looking for? We have articles that can help, including Uniworld vs Viking, Viking vs Amawaterways, Royal Caribbean vs MSC Cruises, Norwegian vs Celebrity, Norwegian vs Princess, and Uniworld vs Avalon. Or, speak to one of our cruise travel specialists!
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.