I was travelling in Vietnam recently onboard Silver Muse from Silversea and when we arrived at Hao Long Bay, we docked right next door to Viking Orion
Ironically, both ships were on their way to New Zealand and side by side they looked similar in size, but what really is the difference between these two popular Luxury cruise lines
Viking and Silversea are both “All Inclusive” luxury cruise lines, but there are some key differences between them:
1. Size and Fleet: Viking operates one of the largest fleet of ships, with over 70 vessels for River, Ocean & Expedition travel. While Silversea has a smaller fleet of around 10 Luxury Ocean & Expedition ships. Viking's Ocean ships are designed to accommodate more passengers, typically averaging 930 guests, while Silversea's ships are smaller and more intimate, accommodating around 100 to 740 guests.
2. Itineraries: Viking offers river cruises, ocean cruises and they have recently expanded in to Expeditions, offering a wide range of itineraries in Europe, Asia, Australasia, the Americas, the poles and the Caribbean. Silversea, on the other hand, offers the most diverse range of itineraries to over 900 destinations, including expedition cruises to remote destinations like Galapagos, the Kimberley, Antarctica and the Arctic, as well as luxury cruises to all the major regions around the world.
3. Inclusions: Both Viking and Silversea offer all-inclusive experiences, but the inclusions may vary. Viking includes complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursions in each port, beer and wine with meals, and specialty dining options. Silversea offers a more comprehensive “all-inclusive” luxury package, including personalised butler service, unlimited premium beverages, personalised in-suite mini bar, onboard Wifi, a Shore Excursion at each destination, gratuities, and even some pre & post cruise hotel stays. They also offer Door to Door fare options with chauffeur drive from your home in certain cities
4. Ship Design and Amenities: Viking's ships are known for their clean, simple Scandinavian-inspired design, featuring modern and elegant interiors. They offer a variety of onboard amenities, including multiple dining venues, theatres, pools, and Nordic spa. The ocean ships are all identical and their River Boats which they call Long Ships are also built as clones. Silversea's ships are designed to provide a more intimate and luxurious experience, with spacious suites, gourmet dining options, and personalised service. The Silversea fleet is varied with a range of ship sizes & designs. Their latest ships Silver Nova and Silver Ray offer a unique assymetrical design making them perfect for outdoor viewing
5. Target Audience: Viking primarily targets mature travelers who are interested in cultural exploration and enrichment. Their cruises often include educational programs and lectures and they like to be known as the thinking persons cruise. Silversea caters to a slightly more affluent and discerning clientele, offering a higher level of luxury and personalised service. Their destination rich itineraries appeal to the curious traveller who prefers to see more of the destination and experience the local foods & culture. The exclusive S.A.L.T programme on their latest ships offers a Sea and Land Taste experience which changes with the destinations you are visiting
6. Children on board: Viking has an adult’s only policy so you will never find kids onboard any of their ships. This makes them unsuitable for multi generation type holidays. In comparison, Silversea does not ban children and on some sailings, such as Alaska & Galapagos you will often find a small amount of children onboard, particularly during school holiday breaks. What you won’t find though are kids clubs, kids menus and child friendly activities.
Ultimately, the choice between Viking and Silversea depends on your personal preferences, desired destinations, and the type of travel experience you are seeking. Talk to our team if you would like some honest feedback and opinions on particular ships or itineraries. You can also check out a variety of ship tours on our You Tube channel
