Viking Vs Cunard: I Tried Two Very Different Cruise Experiences

I’ve taken quite a few Cunard cruises over the years. I have sailed on three out of their four ships and tried a range of itineraries. I know their style very well.

In fact, it was the shock of my first Cunard cruise on Cunard’s Queen Victoria that led me to start my original cruise blog, “Cruising isn’t just for old people”, way back in 2016.

I had previously only sailed with informal cruise lines, and finding myself on a cruise with dress codes and strict formal nights was a shock!

More recently, I took my first proper cruise with Viking, and it gave me a completely different perspective on what luxury cruising can feel like.

(I took a short press trip on a Viking ship many years ago and was SO impressed by it, but unfortunately, regularly cruising with Viking is out of my price range!)

Although these two cruise lines are often compared, Viking and Cunard have very different cruising styles.

This isn’t really a question of which is “better” overall, but which one suits you best.

Luxury Vs Mainstream

Viking positions itself firmly in the luxury category, with an all-inclusive, adult-only experience designed to feel calm, relaxed, and effortless.

Cunard, on the other hand, sits at the premium end of the mainstream cruise lines.

It offers a high-quality experience, but one that feels more traditional and structured, with more optional extras to pay for, and a wider range of passengers.

Having experienced both, the difference is noticeable almost immediately, from the moment you step onboard.

Ships And Atmosphere

Viking ships feel modern, light, and minimalist, with a Scandinavian design style that’s all about clean lines and calm, comfortable spaces.

The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, almost like a floating boutique hotel.

Cunard’s ships are much more traditional.

The ships have a sense of grandeur, with large public rooms, formal spaces, and a strong connection to their classic ocean-liner heritage.

From my own experience, a Cunard cruise feels more like an “event,” while a Viking cruise feels more like a relaxing luxury retreat.

Dress Codes And Formality

One of the biggest differences is how formal the experience feels.

On Viking, there are no formal nights and no dress codes beyond smart casual. The whole experience feels very relaxed and enjoyable.

Cunard is known for its formal evenings and gala nights, where guests dress up in dinner suits, ties or evening gowns.

Having done quite a few Cunard cruises, I’ve seen how much people enjoy this tradition, but it can feel a bit overwhelming if you weren’t expecting it, or if you prefer a more laid-back style of cruising.

When I sailed on my first Cunard cruise, I was completely unprepared.

I had packed some formal dresses, but the prospect of ship-wide dress codes every evening, and not just being able to wear jeans as I normally would, was a shock!

This is one of those areas where your own personal preference really matters.

Dining And Inclusions

Dining on Viking is designed to be simple and inclusive. There are no set dining times; everything is very relaxed and flexible.

Speciality restaurants are included, free drinks are served with meals, and there’s very little pressure to spend extra onboard.

Cunard offers excellent dining, too, but in a more traditional format.

Main dining rooms are tied to your cabin grade, and extras like speciality dining and drinks packages come at an additional cost.

Cunard has two set dining times, unless you are able to book their “open dining” option. You may be expected to table share with other cruisers.

One standout event that you should try on Cunard is its famous afternoon tea. It is an experience in itself, and they do it exceptionally well.

Cunard are renowned for their white-gloved service, and the event offers a refined, complimentary experience accompanied by live music from a string trio or pianist

Viking also have afternoon teas in their Wintergarden, near the pool, but it isn’t the “event” that it is on Cunard.

Entertainment And Activities

Viking focuses on enrichment, with lectures, destination talks, and smaller-scale performances. Evenings are generally quieter and more low-key, with only one theatre performance per night.

Viking invited local entertainers onboard when we sailed. We saw an amazing Rumba Catalana show when we were docked in Barcelona, and there was opera when we were docked in Italy.

The guests onboard really seemed to enjoy it, and the theatre was full for both events. (Usually I saw few people in one place on Viking Star, but in the theatre was one of the few places I saw other guests gathered.)

Cunard offers a broader range of entertainment, including theatre shows, live music, interesting lectures and ballroom dancing. On my Cunard cruises, there was always something happening, especially in the evenings.

If you want variety and a bit more energy, Cunard has the edge. They have two theatre performances each evening, and lots of different entertainment on offer.

If you prefer something altogether more calming and laid back, Viking might be a better choice.

Passenger Experience And Demographics

Viking is strictly adults-only, which creates a very calm onboard atmosphere. It’s quiet, relaxed, and that feels quite intentional.

Cunard attracts a wider mix of passengers and tends to feel more social and varied. Depending on the sailing, it can feel far more busy, especially on sea days or during transatlantic crossings.

Cunard isn’t adult-only and has children’s clubs onboard – but in reality, it isn’t a cruise line most families would pick.

The ships are designed to be family-friendly – there are no waterslides, rock-climbing walls, or much (apart from the children’s club) to keep them amused.

Destinations And Itineraries

Both cruise lines sail worldwide, but their approach is slightly different.

Viking focuses heavily on culturally immersive itineraries, often with longer port stays and included excursions.

If you sail with Viking, their ships dock in the best berths, often close to the centre of town. If a shuttle bus is needed, there will be no extra charge for this.

Cunard is known for its iconic voyages, particularly transatlantic crossings, where the journey itself is the highlight rather than the destination.

Have a look at the transatlantic crossing I took on the last Ocean Liner at sea, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, below.

We sailed in winter, and the seas were very rough, making it a memorable trip – for all the wrong reasons!

Pricing And Value

Viking cruises typically come with a higher upfront price, but they include a lot more, which makes budgeting simpler.

Cunard fares are lower initially, but additional costs and service charges can soon add up.

Cunard has been cost-cutting in recent years, so services like room service, which used to be completely free for everyone, now come with charges for guests in certain stateroom categories.

Find out more about that here:

Cunard Now Charges For Room Service After Breakfast – Price Lists & More

It really comes down to whether you prefer to pay up front or spend more once onboard.

Who Each Cruise Line Is Best For

Viking is ideal for travellers who want a quiet, luxury, all-inclusive experience with a strong focus on visiting interesting ports and learning about different customs and cultures.

Cunard suits those who enjoy tradition, dressing up, and a more classic cruise atmosphere with a wider range of onboard activities.

Having cruised multiple times with Cunard and more recently with Viking, it’s clear that they offer two very different types of cruising experience.

Cunard delivers a classic, structured, social experience that many people love.

Viking offers something far more luxurious. Their ships are high-end, modern, calm, and all-inclusive.

For travellers looking for a quieter, more effortless kind of luxury, Viking may feel like the better fit – if your finances allow.

Cunard prices are more affordable for many, but you can expect a busier, less premium experience.

I would happily sail with either cruise line again, but if I had the choice (and the budget), I would choose Viking every time.

Have a look at the wonderful cruise I took around the Mediterranean on Viking Star here:

Before You Go

Have a look at the dress codes in place on Cunard cruises here:

Cunard Dress Code (Mens, Womens, Childrens – Real Examples)

Find out about all things that are included when you book a Viking Ocean cruise here:

Viking Ocean Cruises: What’s included (11 things)