Viking vs Oceania vs Azamara: We Cruised All 3 — Our Verdict

None is perfect, but see if one emerged as our slow-travel winner. Hi — we’re Mark and Monica from Digital Roamads. After cruising Viking, Oceania, and Azamara in 2025, we put these three premium small-ship lines head-to-head so you don’t have to wonder which one fits your travel style, budget, and priorities.

Quick snapshot: what each line stands for

• Oceania — For foodies and refined travelers. Think country-club quiet luxury and exceptional culinary experiences (especially on the newest ships Vista and Allura).
• Azamara — Vibrant, destination-focused sailing with late-night and overnight stays in port. Smaller ships and very immersive itineraries.
• Viking — Adults-only (18+) with a minimalist Scandi design and a strong emphasis on enrichment and included guided excursions.

How they differ — the essentials

Vibe and onboard atmosphere

All three aim for a premium, close-to-all-inclusive experience, but the personalities are different. Oceania leans quiet and elegant — a refined crowd who love dining and understated luxury. Azamara is more casual and social: people mingle, and the vibe is lively with an emphasis on cultural immersion. Viking is calm, educational, and consistent — expect lectures, museum-style enrichment, and no casino noise.

Ship hardware: modernity, size, and consistency

Oceania’s experience varies depending on which class you board. The newer Vista and Allura are modern and sleek; Riviera and Marina feel more traditional; the Renaissance-class ships are smaller and will feel very different from the newer vessels. Azamara’s ships are largely the same older design — well cared for but more dated and with smaller bathrooms in standard cabins. Viking ocean ships are extremely consistent across the fleet, with all-veranda staterooms and that clean Scandinavian aesthetic.

Cabins and suites

• Viking: Every cabin has a balcony. Modern finishes and thoughtful touches (heated bathroom floors on some itineraries) make cold-weather sailing comfortable.
• Oceania: Newer ships offer roomy, modern staterooms; older classes vary. If you want the latest design and comfort, target Vista/Allura.
• Azamara: Standard veranda cabins are smaller and bathrooms can feel cramped (sometimes with shower curtains). Suites are lovely, but expect compact standard rooms.

Dining and culinary experiences

Dining is excellent across all three — but with distinctions. Oceania positions itself as “the best dining at sea” and often wins for sheer culinary creativity, especially on newer ships. Azamara delivers solid, consistent dining in a smaller dining room environment. Viking’s specialty restaurants (Manfredi’s, Chef’s Table) are excellent and included; they often edge Azamara in specialty-dining quality.

Inclusions and hidden costs

These lines are close to all-inclusive but not identical. Two key differences to know:

• Gratuities: Azamara and Oceania typically include gratuities; Viking ocean cruises do not always include them as a standard inclusion (sometimes promotions include them).
• Excursions: Viking includes a guided short excursion in every port. Oceania is updating their program to add excursion credit back in. Azamara generally does not include excursions but compensates with late stays and overnight port immersion.

Pricing — what it really costs

We compared average price-per-day for two people in a balcony cabin across hundreds of sailings:

• Azamara: Approximately $886 per day (for two) — often the best value, especially if you’re fine with smaller cabins or inside/ocean-view options.
• Oceania: About $100 more per day than Azamara, on average — newer ships and culinary focus drive the premium.
• Viking: Highest average at about $1,292 per day — remember this usually includes a short excursion in each port but may not include gratuities.

Tip: repositioning cruises, transatlantic sailings, and shoulder-season departures can significantly reduce cost (sometimes by half), especially on Viking. If budget is a concern, look for inside or ocean-view fares on Azamara or take advantage of repositioning itineraries.

Itineraries and where each shines

• Azamara: Destination intensives like Japan Intensive, Ireland, Alaska intensives, and even eclipse cruises. Overnight port stays and late departures let you soak up local culture.
• Oceania: World segments, long point-to-point sailings (30–60+ day cruises), and routes that appeal to food-focused travelers. Vista/Allura offer attractive itineraries when available.
• Viking: Mediterranean Odysseys, British Isles, and Scandinavian fjords — perfect for enrichment-focused travelers who want guided excursions and a calm onboard environment.

Our verdict — which wins?

We don’t think there’s a single universal winner — but based on our tastes and multiple sailings in 2025:

• Oceania — Our top pick if you’re a foodie who prioritizes the newest hardware and a refined, quiet luxury vibe. Best choice for culinary events and long world segments.
• Azamara — Best for destination immersion, late-night/overnight port stays, and often the best pricing if you’re okay with smaller cabins.
• Viking — Choose Viking for an adults-only, highly consistent, enrichment-focused experience. It costs more on average, but delivers predictability and strong loyalty among repeat cruisers.

Practical advice and booking tips

• Book early: These lines tend to sell their best itineraries quickly, and prices often rise instead of falling.
• Know your ship: With Oceania especially, the onboard experience varies by class — check whether your sailing is Vista/Allura, Riviera/Marina, or Renaissance.
• Consider repositioning sailings: Great way to access higher-tier lines at lower prices if your dates are flexible.
• Check inclusions: Verify gratuities, shore excursion inclusions, and specialty-dining policies before you book.
• Think about pace: If you want deeper destination time, Azamara’s overnight stays are hard to beat. If you want enrichment and no kids, choose Viking.

FAQ

Are gratuities included?

Azamara and Oceania typically include gratuities; Viking ocean cruises often do not include them as a standard inclusion (promotions may vary).

Which line is best for food?

Oceania is the strongest culinary contender, especially on newer ships. Viking and Azamara also offer high-quality dining and specialty restaurants.

Are children allowed on these ships?

Viking specifies 18+ (adults-only). Azamara and Oceania are not exclusive to adults, but you’ll rarely see many children — Azamara in particular feels very adult-focused despite not requiring it by policy.

How can I lower the price?

Look for repositioning sailings, shoulder-season departures, inside or ocean-view fares on Azamara, or special promotions. Booking early can also secure better cabins.

Do excursions cost extra?

Viking includes a short guided excursion in every port. Azamara and Oceania typically do not include excursions, though Oceania is reintroducing short-excursion credits for some sailings.

Final thoughts

All three lines deliver a premium small-ship experience — you can’t go terribly wrong. Choose Oceania if culinary excellence and modern hardware are top priorities. Pick Azamara for destination immersion, creative itineraries, and better value if you’re comfortable with smaller cabins. Opt for Viking if you want an adults-only, enrichment-driven, highly consistent experience and don’t mind paying a premium.

If you’d like a personalized quote or help picking the right itinerary, we can help — we include perks like onboard credit and exclusive extras when we book. Visit digitalroamads.com/cruising to get started. Which line would you sail next — Azamara, Viking, or Oceania? Tell us your pick!