Princess vs Viking Ocean: Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?
Princess and Viking Ocean Cruises offer distinctly different experiences. Princess operates a fleet of 19 larger ships with a typical capacity of 3,307 guests and an average build year of 2012. It provides an accessible premium experience averaging $147 per night, with inside cabin deals starting as low as $175. In contrast, Viking Ocean Cruises features a newer fleet of 18 small ships with an average build year of 2022 and a typical capacity of 957 guests. Viking focuses on adult-only, destination-rich cruising with an average cost of $638 per night and a 4.8 guest rating compared to Princess's 4.4 rating.
🏁 At a Glance
📊 Head to Head
| Princess | Viking Ocean | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruises on saleHow many upcoming sailings CruiseSheet is tracking | 1,941 | 1,947 |
| Lowest priceCheapest inside cabin on any sailing | $175 | $1,999 |
| Typical priceAverage inside-cabin starting price | $2,080 | $8,027 |
| Price per nightAverage nightly cost — the fairest value yardstick | $149 | $637 |
| Average trip lengthLonger voyages vs. shorter getaways | 13.3 nights | 12.6 nights |
| Ships in fleetActive ships currently sailing | 19 | 18 |
| Typical ship sizeBig-ship amenities vs. a more intimate feel | 3,307 guests | 957 guests |
| Largest shipGuest capacity of the biggest vessel | 4,320 guests | 998 guests |
| Guest ratingCruiseSheet guest rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 |
Figures are drawn from live CruiseSheet pricing and fleet data and update as new sailings are loaded.
🤔 Which Should You Choose?
Choose Princess if you want a traditional premium cruise on larger ships with modern MedallionClass technology, a lower price point, and longer average itineraries of 13.8 nights. With an average rate of $147 per night and 1,793 sailings available, Princess is ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking departures from regions like Florida and California. Choose Viking Ocean Cruises if you prefer an intimate, adult-only experience on newer small ships averaging 957 guests, higher customer satisfaction with a 4.8 rating, and inclusive value like a complimentary shore excursion in every port. While Viking's average per-night cost is higher at $638 across 1,941 available sailings, it offers an elevated, culturally focused vacation.
💰 Princess vs Viking Ocean: Current Deals
Princess
Viking Ocean
❓ Princess vs Viking Ocean: Common Questions
❓ Which cruise line is more affordable?
Princess is significantly more affordable, with an average price per night of $147 and inside cabins starting as low as $175. By comparison, Viking Ocean Cruises averages $638 per night with its lowest inside cabin fare starting at $2,299.
❓ How do the ship sizes and onboard environments compare?
Princess operates larger vessels with a typical capacity of 3,307 guests featuring MedallionClass technology and traditional cruise amenities. Viking operates much smaller, identical ships averaging 957 guests that offer an adult-only, culturally immersive environment without casinos or formal nights.
❓ Which cruise line offers a higher guest rating and more sailing options?
Viking Ocean Cruises holds a higher guest rating of 4.8 out of 5 with 1,941 sailings currently on sale. Princess holds a 4.4 out of 5 rating across 1,793 available sailings.
