55 Cruise Guide

Cruises for travelers 55 and up. Clear answers. No confusion.

Today:
Read first: I am Ashley Hendrickson, an independent advisor with Travelmation. I am not affiliated with any cruise line. Everything expressed is my own opinion. To use my travel services, contact me for booking.

Viking River vs Viking Ocean

This is the question I get most from travelers who already love the Viking name. The short answer is: choose Viking River for calm water, small ships, and a new town most mornings. Choose Viking Ocean for more dining, more space, a spa, and sea days. Same brand, very different trip, and I help you pick by how you like to spend your days, not by the brochure.

Viking Star, a Viking ocean ship
Viking Star, a Viking ocean ship. Viking ocean ships are much bigger than their river ships, with far more to do on board.
An ocean cruise ship at sunset
An ocean ship at sunset. A very different feel from a river ship.
A river boat on a wide river
A river boat. You are on the river itself, not out at sea.

The ships, side by side

What mattersViking RiverViking Ocean
GuestsAbout 190930 to 998
Ship lengthAbout 443 ftAbout 745 to 784 ft
Dining1 main restaurant, plus Aquavit Terrace5 or more dining places, including Manfredis and The Chefs Table
OnboardPlunge pool, sun deck, libraryFull pool, thermal spa, cinema, Explorers Lounge
Age ruleNo guests under 18No guests under 18
ExcursionsOne included excursion in every portOne included excursion in every port
WiFiIncludedIncluded

Which costs more per day?

When I compare the two for a traveler, a river cruise often costs more per day, even if the total is lower, because of destination time and small ships. An ocean cruise gives more space and more amenities for the money. Prices vary by sailing, cabin, and date, so I check the final price at booking for your sailing.

Beer and wine with meals

On Viking River, beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. On Viking Ocean, sources conflict on beer and wine, so do not assume it is included. This is exactly the kind of detail I check for you. Ask me to confirm it for your sailing before you book.

Which fits you?

Pick Viking River if: you want smooth water, quiet evenings, and a new town most mornings.
Pick Viking Ocean if: you want more dining, a spa, sea days, and global itineraries like the Mediterranean, the Baltic, and the Caribbean.

Questions people ask

Do both Viking River and Viking Ocean include excursions?

Yes. Both include one excursion in every port, and I always point that out because it is a real part of the value. Extra tours cost extra.

Is there a casino on Viking?

No, and a lot of the travelers I help are glad to hear it. There is no casino on Viking River or Viking Ocean.

Which is better if I get seasick?

Viking River, and this is one I feel sure about for the travelers I help who worry about motion. Rivers have almost no wave action, and the motion is mainly a gentle lift in locks.

Not sure where to start?

Take the two minute quiz. It points you to one river, one line, and one cabin.

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Prefer email? Email me at ashleyhendrickson@travelmation.net