Viking vs Oceania
Both are premium lines, so the choice comes down to atmosphere, ships and where you want to sail from.
| Feature | Viking | Oceania Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Premium | Premium |
| The vibe | Quiet, elegant and intellectually curious; think a stylish Nordic hotel where the evening entertainment might be a history lecture. | Refined, relaxed and food-obsessed, with a country-club feel and a strong focus on the destinations. |
| Best for |
|
|
| Maybe not for |
|
|
| Fleet size | See line guide | 7 (as of 2026) |
| Founded | 1997 | 2002 |
| Parent company | Viking Holdings Ltd | Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings |
| Gratuities | Viking adds a gratuity of $20 per person per day for all cabin types, and a 15% gratuity is added to bar bills. (as of 2026-10-13) | Gratuities for stateroom stewards, butlers and dining staff are included in Oceania fares for sailings departing on or after January 1, 2025, as part of the Your World Included program. (as of 2026-10-13) |
| Dress code | Elegant casual every night, with no formal nights. Jackets and ties are never required, but most guests dress smart in the evening. | Country club casual every night, with no formal nights. Think sundresses, slacks and collared shirts; jeans are acceptable in most venues, but swimwear, shorts and T-shirts are not appropriate in restaurants at dinner. |
| Private destinations | None | None |
| Loyalty program | Viking Explorer Society | Oceania Club |
| US/Canada homeports in our guides | 7 | 4 |
Both sail to: Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Northern Europe & Baltic, British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, Transatlantic, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand.
Both depart from: Montreal, Quebec City. Pricing the same week on both is the fastest way to decide.
Questions people ask
Is Viking or Oceania better for families?
Viking: Viking's ocean and river ships do not accept guests under 18, so there are no family facilities.. Oceania: Children are permitted, but Oceania has no kids' clubs or dedicated family facilities, and very few children sail.
Which has higher gratuities, Viking or Oceania?
As of the dates we last checked, Viking: Viking adds a gratuity of $20 per person per day for all cabin types, and a 15% gratuity is added to bar bills. Oceania: Gratuities for stateroom stewards, butlers and dining staff are included in Oceania fares for sailings departing on or after January 1, 2025, as part of the Your World Included program. Lines change these, so we confirm current amounts in every quote.
Do Viking and Oceania sail from the same ports?
Yes. Both sail from Montreal, Quebec City, which makes it easy to compare the same week on both lines.
Price Viking and Oceania side by side
Tell us your dates and who's going. We'll quote the same trip on both lines with the full price, taxes and fees included.