Viking vs Holland America Ocean Cruises

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are entirely our own, and we have not been compensated in any way for these opinions.

We have cruised with both Viking and Holland America (HAL) over the last 10 years, including 6 Viking Ocean cruises and 2 Holland America (HAL) cruises.  First, we want to assure readers that we love both cruise lines.  We are often asked which one we prefer, but it is not a simple answer.  There are many variables that go in to comparing the lines, and personal preference will ultimately drive your decision.

Our goal in this article is to give a fair comparison of the two cruise lines based on several factors that we will cover in a moment.  We also will try to compare ‘apples to apples’ as much as possible and will describe our methodology in the next section.

Methodology

We will start with explaining our methodology and the assumptions we have used in order to compare the cruise lines.

— HAL offers a wide variety of staterooms, including inside cabins, ocean view cabins, Veranda (balcony) cabins, and several styles of larger suites. While Viking Ocean also offers several types of suites, all of the remaining staterooms are Verandas (balcony cabins).    For the purposes of comparison, we will only compare Veranda cabins on both ships.

— Viking is advertised as ‘all inclusive’. The fares listed include one excursion in each port, beverages with lunch and dinner (including house wine and beer), Wi-Fi and specialty restaurants.  While HAL normally lists the cruise price only, they do have a couple of packages that include additional amenities called the ‘Have It All’ and ‘Have It All Early Booking Bonus’.  The ‘Have It All Early Booking Bonus’ is usually available if you book your cruise more than 1 year in advance.  This early booking bonus includes up to $300 in shore excursion credits, multiple nights of specialty dining, prepaid Crew Appreciation (gratuities), upgraded beverage (Elite Package) and Wi-Fi packages.  Therefore, in order to be equitable when discussing price comparisons between the two lines, we will be using the HAL ‘Have It All Early Booking Bonus’ cruise price, since this package is more similar to Viking’s all-inclusive pricing.

— While Viking only has one size of ship that carries just under 1000 passengers, HAL has several classes of ships with varying capacities. For purposes of this comparison, we will only consider HAL’s Pinnacle, Signature and Vista Class ships, that carry from 2600 to just under 2000 passengers.

— When choosing a cruise, our main focus is on the itinerary. We view the ship as a floating luxury hotel that takes us from port to port.  So, some amenities, like entertainment and activities on board, are not as important to us.  However, we will cover all aspects of both cruise lines, with the understanding that everyone will need to prioritize their own preferences. 

— Exact cabin sizes, deck layout, onboard menus, and daily schedules will vary by ship, category, and itinerary; you should check the exact sailing and cabin number for precise measurements and up-to-date pricing.

In the remainder of this article, we will compare the following categories: Ships, Veranda Staterooms, Dining Options, Excursions, Bars and Lounges, Common Areas, Entertainment, Spa/Pool/Fitness/Shops, Itineraries, Cost, Payment Terms and Promotions.

Ships

— Viking

• All of the Viking Ocean fleet is about the same size, has the same basic layout, and carries approximately 930 passengers.

• The general description of the Viking fleet is modern, minimalist Scandinavian design emphasizing clean lines, light, and public spaces with cultural enrichment venues.

• Since there are fewer passengers on Viking ships, embarkation, disembarkation, tendering, dining and excursions tend to have shorter lines and are more efficient.

• Viking emphasizes what they do not have – no casinos, no art auctions, no photography stations and no children.

— Holland America

• Although very well-maintained, the HAL fleet is generally older and some of the ships may feel a bit more dated.

• Larger capacity means more people. However, with more venues, there is also more space for spreading out the crowd.

• For standard Veranda passengers, lines can sometimes be long for embarkation, disembarkation and tendering. These can be mitigated by upgrading to a suite or the purchase of Club Orange. 

• Although HAL does have casinos, photography stations and art auctions, you can easily ignore them if you are not interested.

• We have found that although HAL allows children, the number of children on board is greatly dependent on itinerary, time of year and destination. Itineraries that are 14 days or longer, during the shoulder seasons, or are outside of North America and the Caribbean, will tend to have very few children.  On the two cruises with HAL, there were only about 5 children on each cruise.

Note: HAL has announced a multiyear investment to thoughtfully reimagine six ships, called the Holland America Evolution.  HAL expects to spend over $500 million dollars on this update.  Oosterdam will be the first ship to undergo renovations, debuting in the fall of 2027.  For more information, please click the link Holland America Evolution.

— Our Conclusion

• Viking has the edge in this category with their newer ships and lower passenger capacity, that allows for quicker and more efficient embarkation, disembarkation, and tendering, not to mention less crowds for events and dining.

• HAL does a very good job at managing the embarkation, disembarkation and tendering processes, but you can still expect a wait during peak times.

• HAL’s larger ships allow for a greater variety of venues for eating, cocktails and entertainment.

Veranda staterooms 

— Viking veranda staterooms (standard)

• A standard Veranda on Viking Ocean is ~270 sq ft interior + balcony ~42 sq ft, depending on category and ship. Layout emphasizes Scandinavian minimalism, light woods and comfortable seating. Beds are high quality, and configurable as twins or a queen/king. Each stateroom has a flatscreen TV, minibar, desk, under bed storage, and ample closet space. Bathrooms tend to be relatively large for the ship’s size, with walk-in showers (no bathtubs in standard verandas).

• Amenities included: Bluetooth music, TV, climate control, Egyptian cotton linens, slippers, safe, bottled water replenished daily, Viking’s Freya bath products, and complementary 24-hour room service.

— Holland America veranda staterooms (standard)

• Typical size of staterooms varies by ship and category, with a classical balcony staterooms typically  between ~210–300 sq ft  + a balcony of between ~55–75 sq ft. On larger Holland America ships, balcony space may be larger in some categories. The interior layout is often more traditional, with rich wood trim and classic furnishings. Some Holland America balcony staterooms include small sofa seating areas and a desk. Bathrooms may be slightly smaller compared with Viking’s more modern layouts.

• Amenities included are a flatscreen TV, climate control, minibar or mini fridge (the minibar is an extra cost in the Veranda), safe, hairdryer, complimentary bottled water in some promotions; complementary 24-hour room service (basic menu), and Elemis toiletries.

— Our Conclusion

• We found the Veranda staterooms to be equal between ships. Both have comfortable beds, plenty of room to relax and an ample balcony.  We also found the room stewards to be friendly, efficient and very accommodating on both lines.

Itineraries

— Viking

• Viking has many itineraries around the world with varying lengths of cruises that minimize sea days.

• Smaller ships allow Viking to access smaller ports and traverse areas, like fjords and inlets, that larger ships cannot access.

• Port stops are usually all day and sometimes into the night. In large cities it can include an overnight.

• Viking itineraries are the same for the named itinerary. Meaning a cruise called Homelands always includes the same ports of call unless specifically stated.

Note: When Viking lists itineraries, they include disembarkation day in the total number of days.  For example, a 15-day Viking itinerary is the same as a 14-day HAL itinerary. They are both 14 nights.  For daily charges, like beverage and gratuities, Viking charges by nights, so you will not be charged fees for disembarkation day.

— Holland America

• HAL has extensive itineraries, but the same named itinerary may have very different ports of call.

• Larger ships permit a wider choice of shore excursions.

— Our Conclusion

• Viking has a slight advantage on itineraries, just because each named itinerary is more consistent in the ports of call.

• Viking ships can access some ports that larger ships cannot.

• Overall though, the slight advantage Viking has in this area is not really that significant.

Excursions

— Viking

• An excursion is included in each port. If you are in a port more than one day, there is only one included excursion.

• Viking excursions lean toward curated cultural experiences—lectures, guided walking tours, museum visits, and sometimes special access or private tours.

• The guides on tours are typically very knowledgeable and organized.

• Viking does a good job keeping groups fairly small.

• Each passenger has a Quiet VOX (listening device) that is provided in each cabin and is used on most excursions.

— Holland America

• Since there are more passengers on HAL, there tend to be more excursions offered, and therefore, a wider variety of options.

• Group sizes are usually a little larger than Vikings, but still manageable.

• Just like Viking, the tour guides are typically quite knowledgeable.

• HAL does a good job of coordinating the larger number of passengers on the larger number of excursions. Most excursions begin by meeting in the ship’s main theatre, with each excursion group called in turn, so that disembarkation is relatively smooth.

— Our Conclusion

• We found the excursions to be equally good on both lines, with Viking having a slight advantage due to the included excursion in each port

• Optional excursions have become much pricier in the last 5 years. However, pricing is consistent between the two lines.

• Although Viking does include an excursion in each port, they are usually a bit more superficial with either a panoramic (bus ride) or walking tour of the port town. Duration is usually about 2 – 3 hours.  There are exceptions, as some are longer.  The optional excursions typically offer opportunities for more in-depth exploration.  Many times, we did the included excursion early in the morning, then an optional excursion afterwards.

Note:  HAL, with the Have It All Early Booking Bonus, included in the pricing analysis, includes $100 – $300 per person in excursion credit depending on length of cruise.

Dining options

— Viking

• All of Viking’s dining venues are included in the cruise price.

• Dining (included):

• The Restaurant – The main dining venue, The Restaurant, offers the highest onboard dining experience. Regional cuisine and several classics are always available.

• World Café – With live cooking, an open kitchen and premium sushi/seafood choices daily, the World Café provides a wide range of both familiar and international flavors.

• Pool Grill – The Pool Grill offers casual fare prepared to order. For a lighter meal, a small salad bar is available.

• Mamsen’s – Located in the Explorers’ Lounge and named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, this venue offers Norwegian specialties for breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack or evening treat.

• Room Service – Free Room service is offered 24-hours, with many signature dishes to choose available.

• Specialty Restaurants (included):

• Manfredi’s Italian – Inspired by Italy’s beloved trattorias, Manfredi’s offers Italian cuisine.

• Chef’s Table – The Chef’s Table creates the perfect food and wine pairings during a multi-course menu that rotates every three days.

— Holland America

• HAL’s dining venues are included, except for specialty restaurants that have an additional charge unless promotional credit is used.

• Dining (included):

• Dining Room – Familiar favorites to regionally-inspired flavors, the Dining Room offers a classic dining experience.

• Lido Market – This modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order.

• Dive-In – Offers a variety of casual culinary classics, including burgers, hot dogs and other sandwiches.

• New York Pizza – Choose from a variety of delicious, 9-inch, thin-crust pies. This venue is not available on the four Vista Class ships, although they do still offer pizza in the Lido Market.

• Room Service – Free 24-hour room service is available, with many signature dishes available.

• Specialty Restaurants (additional charge)

• Pinnacle Grill – HAL’s steakhouse, which offers a wide selection of dishes.

• Canaletto – A large menu of Italian inspired comfort food.

• Tamarind – Pan-Asian eatery evoking the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan.

• Morimoto by Sea – a special pop-up dining event known as Morimoto by Sea, transforms either the Tamarind or Pinnacle Grill at least one evening per cruise across the fleet.

• Sel De Mer – Sel de Mer is an intimate Mediterranean Bistro featuring the flavors of France, Spain and Greece, with a focus on fresh fish and authentically prepared recipes. Only available on Pinnacle class ships.

Note: While HAL does charge for Specialty Restaurants, depending on your cruise length, the Have It All Early Bonus Booking package does include a number of included meals at Specialty Restaurants,.

Note: Depending on what you order at the HAL restaurants, there can be supplemental charges for items like Lobster.

— Our Conclusion

• HAL wins for variety of restaurants and size of menus.

• The main dining rooms and buffets for both lines are quite similar in both food quality and service.

• HAL offers more extensive menus in its restaurants, especially selections on the buffet.

• HAL’s buffet items are mostly served to you, so you select what you want, and a server plates the food. We like that passengers are, for the most part, not serving themselves. There are a few exceptions, like dessert, breads and pizza.  Viking is all self-service except for the carving station.

• For Specialty restaurants, HAL is the clear winner. We found the food at all the specialty restaurants to be exceptional.  We were disappointed with the specialty restaurants onboard Viking, and in fact, felt that The Restaurant had the best food by far.

Bars and lounges

— Viking

• Typical venues include a single large Explorer’s Lounge (panoramic observation lounge) for lectures and drinks; a small pool bar and casual indoor bar areas; quiet library with tea/coffee setups and small bar service.

• The onboard bar program leans toward a calm, sociable atmosphere centered on enrichment and conversation rather than nightclub energy.

• Specialty cocktail menus and a decent selection of wines are available.

— Holland America

• Typical venues include multiple bars and lounges, including a large main show lounge, piano bar, Crow’s Nest/observation lounge, Rudi’s cocktail bar or other dedicated venues, and pool bars. Holland America has more distinct themed bars and often a stronger late-night scene, with live music and dancing in select venues.

• HAL has broader options — from relaxed lounges to livelier nightspots, all with good beer, wine spirits, and classic cocktail lists.

— Our Conclusion

• While there is more variety on HAL, we deem them to be fairly equal.

Entertainment

— Viking

• Viking has a theatre, but is mainly for musical shows and the music seems to be more dated. Typical music performed is from the 60’s and 70’s.

• The Explorer’s Lounge usually has a guitar player and the Living Room has some type of classical music, either a piano player or string duet.

• Viking focuses on talks presented by onboard experts and other Viking crew.  Many of the talks are about local cultures and places visited on the itinerary.

— Holland America

• HAL has a larger theatre with live bands, music programs spanning jazz/soul/pop, guest entertainers, dance parties, and production shows.

• There are also several venues that feature live bands, and quieter areas around the lounges that offer live music, but more subdued.

• HAL offers many talks discussing local culture and destinations, including live narrative during scenic sailing.

— Our Conclusion

• This category is very subjective and depends on each person’s preferences in music and shows. Personally, by the end of the day, we are ready to retire to our stateroom to relax, so entertainment is not much of a priority for us.

• We expected the expert talks on the Viking cruises. But we were equally impressed by the talks on board HAL.  Especially the talks during our South America and Antarctic sailing.

Spa, Pool, Fitness and Shops

— Viking

• Spa: Nordic inspired spa with treatment rooms, a small thermal suite (some ships have sauna/steam), and a focus on restorative therapies. Viking offers access to the Spa area free of charge, which allows access to the pool and other areas.

• Pools: Modest pool and whirlpool areas, with outdoor seating.

• Exercise: Although a small area, all the necessary equipment is available, including Yoga classes.

• Shops: Limited boutique retail (jewelry, apparel, travel essentials) designed to match the quiet, cultured vibe.

— Holland America

• Spa: Large onboard spas with multiple treatment rooms, full salon services, and spa classes.

• Pools: multiple pools (main pool, adults only options, whirlpools) and larger sun deck areas to accommodate more guests. There is also a section called The Retreat where passengers can rent cabanas.

• Exercise: A large well-equipped fitness area with a variety of machines and free weights.

• Shops: Larger retail areas with more selection — clothing, jewelry, branded merchandise, and duty free goods.

— Our Conclusion

• HAL has larger areas and more selection. But both have adequate facilities for their respective ship size.

Cost

— Methodology – Trying to compare costs across lines is always difficult, but we have tried to make the comparison as fair as possible. We think that by including the ‘Have It All Early Booking Bonus’ as part of the base cruise price for HAL, this will make for a much more even comparison.

We will use an actual cruise for each line that is the same duration, similar itinerary, similar cabin class and same date range.

For excursions, we only include, for the purposes of pricing, the Viking included excursions.  We then estimate the value of the included excursions at $100 per person / per day.  This is in line with the 2-3 hour average per excursion.  We then take the total and subtract the Holland America excursion credit to add the excursion equivalent price back to Holland America.

For example, there are about 12 stops on the Viking cruise, so $100 x 2 people x 12 excursions = $2,400.  Holland America offers $200 per guest for excursions for a total of $400.  Therefore $2,400 – $400 = $2,000 advantage to Viking. So, $2,000 will be added to the Holland America cost to allow for this.

Viking includes the two specialty restaurants onboard.  We assume passengers will eat an average of three times at specialty restaurants during the cruise.  For this cruise, HAL includes one specialty restaurant. Therefore, the pricing reflects two more dinners at specialty restaurants on HAL.

There are always promotions offered and you should always check on these before you book.  In addition, the best time to book is while on a cruise.