Evaluating the two Essential Adults Solely Cruise Strains After 13 Cruises on Each
If you’re trying into taking an adults solely ocean cruise, there are two major cruise strains that you could select from, Viking and Virgin Voyages.
I’ve taken a complete of 13 cruises on each cruise strains, 9 on Viking and 4 on Virgin. (They’re a mix of media invitations and cruises I paid full value for) I’ve sailed in Europe and the Caribbean with each strains. Right here is my firsthand expertise after crusing on the 2, how they examine and the way they’re completely different.
Despite the fact that the 2 cruise strains are adults solely, they actually don’t compete towards one another due to the utterly completely different types of cruises that every supply. Nonetheless, they do have a number of similarities.
How are Viking and Virgin alike?
- Should be 18 years and older to sail
- WiFi is included
- All eating is included
- No formal nights
That’s just about the place the similarities finish and they’re extra completely different than alike.
How are Viking and Virgin completely different?
- Ship vibes are utterly completely different
- Geared in direction of completely different clientele
- Viking prices extra per evening however consists of extra in cruise fares
- Viking presents extra longer cruises than Virgin
- Virgin presents many shorter cruises, one thing Viking doesn’t supply
- Virgin presents a ton extra cruises to the Caribbean
I’ll begin off by saying that I actually love cruising on each, so this isn’t an article about which is best or which is my desire. I simply need to present you my firsthand account on each so you can also make the proper resolution on your cruise.
Vibes/Ambiance
That is in all probability the largest distinction between the 2 cruise strains. Viking calls themselves the “considering man’s cruise” whereas Virgin is extra of a celebration cruise.
You go on Viking to expertise tradition, spend extra time in port, and to see the world and also you go on Virgin to let free.
Viking has lectures that will help you study extra about the place you’re visiting whereas Virgin has Scarlet Evening, the last word social gathering at sea.
Virgin has a barely youthful crowd as Viking gears their cruises to those that are 50 and over. Nonetheless, you do discover grownup company of all ages on each cruise strains. My spouse took her first Viking cruise when she was 25 and beloved it.
Ships
Each cruise strains solely have one class of ship and each vessel of their fleets is just about an identical.
Viking’s ships are lower than half the dimensions of Virgins and supply extra space per passenger when evaluating the 2.
The cabins on each are utterly completely different. Each Viking stateroom comes with a balcony and the lavatory has headed flooring and no-fog mirrors. They’ve a much more premium really feel than what you’ll discover on Virgin.
Cabins on Virgin have temper lighting and each balcony has a hammock (nice characteristic). The whole room is managed by a pill, this consists of the TV, lights, thermostat, and even the curtain. That is one characteristic I actually want all cruise strains would copy.
What’s Included
Viking presents extra in cruise fares than Virgin, but in addition at the next value level. Here’s a take a look at what’s included in each cruise line’s fares. Since they each embrace WiFi and all eating, I can’t put them within the checklist of what every supply.
Viking:
- One shore tour in each port
- All specialty coffees
- Thermal Suite
- Drinks throughout meals (smooth drinks, wine and so on.)
Virgin Voyages:
The meals on Virgin is my favourite out of all cruise strains. Nonetheless, Viking has by far the perfect Italian restuarant at sea, Manfredi’s, and likewise has the perfect steak (Conventional Bistecca alla Fiorentina). Room service on Viking is nothing in need of superb.
Different Variations
Viking presents extra in a single day port stays that embrace embarkation and disembarkation ports. This lets you see these cities with out having to increase your journey.
Virgin additionally presents some in a single day ports, however not practically as many as Viking. I had an in a single day keep at Ibiza throughout my cruise within the Mediterranean.
Viking sends out a pre-cruise packet within the mail that features pink baggage tags. They final for years and I nonetheless use them on each journey I take.
Viking presents a Silver Spirits beverage package deal that prices simply $27 a day. Virgin doesn’t supply beverage packages however you may get further credit score by pre-purchasing bar credit score earlier than your cruise.
Viking doesn’t have a on line casino whereas Virgin has a non-smoking on line casino.
Virgin has much more actions occurring across the ship than Viking and likewise a greater variety of reveals and leisure.
Viking’s ships are higher for chilly climate cruises because the major pool has a retractable roof and the ships have a two-story Remark Lounge.
For the Caribbean I might lean towards Virgin whereas in Europe, I might select Viking.
Conclusion
Each cruise strains supply an awesome child free cruise, all of it is dependent upon what sort of cruise you’re in search of. I personally actually take pleasure in each and can probably sail on each once more after I need an adults solely cruise.
