Which Is Better, Viking or Regent?

Choosing between Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises depends on your travel style, budget, and expectations. Both cruise lines consistently rank among the world's leading luxury cruise brands, but they cater to different types of travelers. Viking focuses on destination-rich itineraries, cultural enrichment, and an adults-only atmosphere, while Regent delivers an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive experience with personalized service and spacious accommodations.

If you're wondering which cruise line offers the better value, this guide compares every major category—from cabins and dining to pricing and onboard experiences—so you can make a confident booking decision.

Viking vs. Regent at a Glance

FeatureViking Ocean CruisesRegent Seven Seas Cruises

Luxury LevelPremium LuxuryUltra-Luxury

Passenger CapacityAround 930 guests496–746 guests depending on ship

Included ExcursionsOne complimentary excursion in most portsUnlimited shore excursions on many voyages

Specialty DiningIncludedIncluded

GratuitiesIncludedIncluded

Wi-FiIncludedUnlimited Included

AlcoholWine and beer with lunch and dinnerPremium beverages included throughout voyage

Butler ServiceSelect suitesMost higher-category suites

Adults OnlyYes (18+)Primarily adults, family-friendly but few children

What Makes Viking Different?

Viking has built its reputation around immersive travel experiences rather than onboard entertainment. Guests spend more time exploring destinations and less time focused on casinos, water slides, or Broadway-style productions.

Viking Is Best For

• Couples seeking a peaceful vacation

• Retired travelers

• History and culture enthusiasts

• First-time luxury cruisers

• Travelers who enjoy educational lectures

Every Viking Ocean ship follows a similar Scandinavian-inspired design with elegant public spaces, spacious staterooms, and a calm atmosphere.

Viking's Strengths

• Adults-only ships

• Complimentary specialty restaurants

• Destination-focused itineraries

• Scandinavian-inspired luxury

• Excellent enrichment programs

What Makes Regent Seven Seas Different?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises positions itself among the world's most luxurious cruise brands. Nearly everything is included in the fare, reducing surprise expenses throughout the voyage.

Guests enjoy premium accommodations, gourmet cuisine, personalized service, and luxury transportation options before and after select sailings.

Regent Is Best For

• Luxury travelers

• Honeymooners

• Travelers celebrating special occasions

• Guests who prefer all-inclusive vacations

• People seeking exceptional service

Many travelers also appreciate Regent's personalized guest care. If service issues require management review, some guests search for topics such as regent seven seas cruise escalate, although most concerns are typically resolved through onboard guest services or official customer support channels.

Accommodation Comparison

Viking Cabins

Every Viking cabin includes:

• Private veranda

• King-size bed

• Heated bathroom floors

• Spacious shower

• Modern Scandinavian décor

Even entry-level cabins feel premium compared to many mainstream cruise lines.

Advantages

• Comfortable layout

• Plenty of storage

• Quiet atmosphere

• Excellent natural lighting

Regent Suites

Regent focuses heavily on luxury accommodations.

Depending on your suite category, guests may receive:

• Butler service

• Walk-in closets

• Marble bathrooms

• Premium toiletries

• Large balconies

• Separate living areas

Some of Regent's top suites rank among the largest accommodations available at sea.

Winner: Regent

Dining Experience

Food quality is excellent on both cruise lines.

Viking Restaurants

Popular venues include:

• The Restaurant

• Manfredi's Italian Restaurant

• Chef's Table

• World Café

• Pool Grill

Menus often reflect regional destinations visited during the itinerary.

Regent Restaurants

Regent offers fine dining throughout the voyage.

Popular venues include:

• Compass Rose

• Prime 7 Steakhouse

• Chartreuse

• Pacific Rim

• Sette Mari

Meals emphasize premium ingredients, creative presentation, and attentive service.

Winner: Regent for gourmet dining, although Viking remains exceptional.

Shore Excursions

Excursions are often one of the biggest deciding factors.

Viking

Most ports include one complimentary excursion.

Additional premium tours can be purchased.

Examples include:

• Historic walking tours

• Museum visits

• Local cultural experiences

• Scenic drives

Regent

Regent includes significantly more excursions within the cruise fare.

Guests often choose from:

• Culinary experiences

• Wildlife tours

• Private cultural visits

• Adventure excursions

• Historical landmarks

Winner: Regent

Entertainment

Neither cruise line focuses on flashy productions.

Instead, entertainment emphasizes:

• Live music

• Guest lecturers

• Destination experts

• Cooking demonstrations

• Classical performances

Viking

Entertainment feels educational and relaxed.

Regent

Entertainment offers slightly more variety while maintaining an upscale atmosphere.

Service Comparison

Luxury travelers consistently praise service on both cruise lines.

Viking

Crew members provide friendly, efficient service without being intrusive.

Service feels professional and relaxed.

Regent

Regent generally offers one of the industry's highest crew-to-guest ratios.

This allows:

• Faster service

• Personalized attention

• Butler assistance

• Customized dining requests

Winner: Regent

Pricing Comparison

One of the biggest differences is pricing.

ExpenseVikingRegent

Cruise FareLowerHigher

Specialty DiningIncludedIncluded

AlcoholLimited IncludedPremium Included

ExcursionsLimited IncludedExtensive Included

Wi-FiIncludedIncluded

GratuitiesIncludedIncluded

Although Regent costs more initially, many travelers find the overall value competitive because fewer additional purchases are needed onboard.

Destinations

Both cruise lines sail worldwide.

Popular destinations include:

• Alaska

• Mediterranean

• Northern Europe

• Caribbean

• South America

• Australia

• Asia

• Antarctica (select itineraries)

Viking often emphasizes longer port stays and destination immersion.

Regent combines immersive itineraries with luxury-focused travel experiences.

How to Choose Between Viking and Regent

Follow these steps before booking:

1. Set Your Budget

Determine whether you prefer lower upfront pricing or a more comprehensive all-inclusive fare.

2. Compare Included Amenities

Review what's included, such as beverages, excursions, Wi-Fi, transfers, and gratuities.

3. Consider Your Travel Style

If you value cultural exploration and a quieter environment, Viking may be the better fit. If you prioritize luxury and personalized service, Regent stands out.

4. Review Cabin Categories

Compare suite sizes, amenities, and available services.

5. Examine Itineraries

Even the best cruise line may not offer your preferred destinations or sailing dates.

Who Should Choose Viking?

Choose Viking if you want:

• Adults-only cruising

• Scandinavian elegance

• Destination-focused experiences

• Excellent value

• Cultural enrichment

• Quiet ships

Who Should Choose Regent?

Choose Regent if you want:

• Ultra-luxury accommodations

• Gourmet dining

• Butler service

• Extensive included excursions

• Premium beverages

• Highly personalized service

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. Is Regent more luxurious than Viking?

Yes. Regent is generally considered an ultra-luxury cruise line, while Viking falls into the luxury or premium-luxury category.

2. Does Viking include alcohol?

Yes. Wine and beer are typically included with lunch and dinner, while premium beverage packages are available for purchase.

3. Does Regent include unlimited shore excursions?

Many Regent itineraries include a wide selection of complimentary shore excursions, though availability varies by destination and voyage.

4. Which cruise line has larger cabins?

Regent generally offers larger suites, especially in higher accommodation categories.

5. Is Viking adults only?

Yes. Viking Ocean Cruises welcomes guests aged 18 and older, creating a quiet and relaxed onboard atmosphere.

6. Which cruise line offers better value?

Viking often provides better value for travelers seeking luxury at a lower price point, while Regent offers greater overall inclusions that may justify its higher fare.

7. Which cruise line has better food?

Both provide excellent dining experiences, but Regent is widely recognized for its gourmet cuisine and broader selection of specialty restaurants.

8. Are gratuities included?

Yes. Both Viking and Regent include gratuities in their cruise fares on most voyages.

9. Which cruise line is better for first-time luxury cruisers?

Viking is often recommended for first-time luxury travelers because of its approachable pricing, elegant ships, and destination-focused experience.

10. Does Regent include flights?

On many itineraries, Regent offers promotions that include airfare or air credits. The exact inclusions depend on the sailing, region, and booking offer. Always review the current fare details before booking.