Now that Oceania is adults-only, which premium cruise line is right for you? Here’s how Viking and Oceania compare on ships, dining, inclusions, and overall value.
It’s the question our cruise specialists hear more than almost any other: “Should I book Viking or Oceania?”
With Oceania’s January 2026 shift to an adults-only policy, these two premium cruise lines are now true head-to-head competitors in a way they never quite were before. Both offer small-ship luxury, destination-focused itineraries, exceptional dining, and a sophisticated atmosphere without the crowds, casinos, and chaos of the mega-ships.
So how do you choose? After booking hundreds of sailings on both lines and sailing them ourselves, here’s our honest breakdown of where each one shines.
The Quick Answer
Choose Viking if: You value simplicity, included shore excursions, Scandinavian minimalism, and a slightly smaller ship feel.
Choose Oceania if: Food is your top priority, you want gratuities included, and you prefer more dining variety with a slightly larger (but still intimate) ship.
Both are excellent choices. There’s no wrong answer here, just different priorities.
Fleet Size: Who’s Growing Faster?
Viking Ocean currently operates 11 ocean ships, with Viking Mira and Viking Libra both delivering later in 2026. The orderbook extends to 2034, with commitments for up to 23 combined ocean and expedition ships by 2031. It’s one of the most aggressive expansion plans in premium cruising right now.
Oceania Cruises operates 8 ships in 2026. The growth story is the upcoming Sonata Class: four ships already on order for 2027, 2029, 2032, and 2035, with a fifth Sonata Class ship ordered in February 2026 for 2037 delivery.
Both lines are investing heavily in their future, but Viking’s pace is notably faster.
Ship Size: How Do They Compare?
| Viking Ocean | Oceania Allura/Marina Class | Oceania Sonata Class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 47,800–54,300 GT | 67,000–68,000 GT | 86,000 GT |
| Passengers | 930–998 | 1,200–1,250 | 1,390 |
| Feel | Intimate, minimalist | Mid-size premium | Larger luxury |
Viking’s original fleet runs around 47,800 GT with 930 guests; newer builds (Viking Vela onward) step up slightly to 54,300 GT and 998 guests. Oceania’s current ships carry about 1,200 guests, while the upcoming Sonata Class grows to 1,390 guests at 86,000 GT.
Even Oceania’s largest ships stay well within boutique territory compared to mainstream lines pushing 5,000+ passengers. But if you want the most intimate experience possible, Viking’s smaller capacity gives it the edge.
Dining: Where Oceania Pulls Ahead
Food is a cornerstone of both brands, but Oceania has made it a defining identity. This is where Oceania earns its “Finest Cuisine at Sea” reputation.
Viking includes three restaurants in every fare: one main dining room plus two specialty restaurants (Manfredi’s Italian and The Chef’s Table). All are included at no extra charge with no reservations required for the main dining room.
Oceania goes deeper with one main dining room and four specialty restaurants (Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill, and Toscana), all included with zero surcharges. That breadth reflects Oceania’s long-standing positioning as the food-first cruise line, with a culinary program built around destination-inspired menus and premium ingredients.
For the true food-and-wine enthusiast, Oceania also offers optional experiences like wine pairings and the exclusive La Table restaurant (debuting on Oceania Sonata in 2027).
Bottom line: If dining is your number one priority, Oceania wins. If three excellent restaurants are plenty for you, Viking delivers without the choice overload.
What’s Included: The Real Cost Comparison
This is where the comparison gets interesting, because the sticker price doesn’t tell the whole story.
Beverages
Viking includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner as a standard fare benefit. No package required, no upgrade needed.
Oceania now matches this through their Your World Included program, which bundles wine and beer at meals into the base fare.
Tie. Both lines include wine and beer with meals.
Gratuities
Viking does not include gratuities. You’ll pay these onboard or have them added to your final bill.
Oceania includes gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining staff in every fare through Your World Included.
Oceania wins. This is a meaningful difference that’s easy to overlook when comparing prices. On a 10-day cruise, gratuities can add $200+ per person to your Viking bill.
Shore Excursions
Viking includes one complimentary shore excursion per port, typically a destination overview tour. Additional excursions are available at extra cost.
Oceania does not include excursions in the base fare, but offers one of the most extensive optional programs in premium cruising with multiple choices per port.
Viking wins. That included excursion in every port adds real value, especially on longer itineraries.
WiFi
Both lines include unlimited WiFi in the fare. Tie.
Other Inclusions
Viking includes access to the thermal spa and self-service laundry.
Oceania includes specialty coffees, cold-pressed juices, gelato, room service, and fitness classes.
Both are generous. Different perks, similar overall value.
Adults-Only: Now a Level Playing Field
As of January 2026, Oceania is officially adults-only (18+) for all new reservations fleet-wide.
Viking has always attracted a mature audience by design. There’s no casino, no kids’ programming, and the clean Scandinavian aesthetic appeals to a sophisticated traveler. However, Viking has never formally restricted guests by age.
Oceania’s policy change closes one of the last meaningful positioning gaps between the two lines. If an adults-only guarantee matters to you, Oceania now offers that assurance in writing.
Design Aesthetic: Scandinavian vs. Classic Luxury
Viking is known for its clean, minimalist Scandinavian design. Think light woods, neutral tones, floor-to-ceiling windows, and uncluttered spaces. It’s calm, modern, and understated.
Oceania leans into classic luxury with richer colors, traditional furnishings, and a more layered aesthetic. It feels more like a boutique hotel than a design showroom.
Neither is better, they’re just different moods. Viking feels like a breath of fresh air. Oceania feels like a warm embrace.
Itineraries: Where Do They Sail?
Both lines excel at destination-focused itineraries with longer port stays and fewer sea days.
Viking is particularly strong in Northern Europe (Scandinavia, Baltic, British Isles), the Mediterranean, and has expanded aggressively into expeditions (Antarctica, Arctic, Great Lakes).
Oceania covers similar ground in Europe and the Mediterranean, with notable strength in longer “Grand Voyages,” exotic itineraries (South Pacific, Africa, Asia), and food-focused sailings.
If expedition cruising interests you, Viking is your only choice between these two. For traditional ocean cruising, both offer exceptional itinerary depth.
Viking vs Oceania: Quick Comparison
| Category | Viking | Oceania |
|---|---|---|
| Ship Size | 930–998 guests | 1,200–1,390 guests |
| Specialty Restaurants | 2 included | 4 included |
| Wine/Beer at Meals | Included | Included |
| Gratuities | Not included | Included |
| Shore Excursions | 1 per port included | Not included |
| Adults-Only | No formal policy | Yes, 18+ required |
| Design Style | Scandinavian minimalist | Classic luxury |
| WiFi | Included | Included |
So, Which Should You Book?
Book Viking if you want:
- The most intimate ship size (under 1,000 guests)
- Included shore excursions in every port
- Scandinavian minimalist design
- Simpler decision-making with fewer dining choices
Book Oceania if you want:
- The best dining program at sea
- Gratuities included in your fare
- More specialty restaurant variety
- A slightly larger ship with more onboard space
Here’s the truth: we book both lines regularly, and our clients love them both. The “right” choice depends entirely on what matters most to you.
Not sure which line fits your travel style? That’s exactly what we’re here for. Contact our luxury cruise specialists to talk through your priorities, compare specific sailings, and find the perfect luxury cruise for your next voyage.
