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Crystal Cruises vs Viking Cruises: Which Is Better?
If you’re trying to decide between Crystal Cruises and Viking Cruises, then you’re in the right place.
While both lines offer premium, high end experiences, they have a different vibe and suit different cruising styles. Personally, I have sailed and loved Viking and Crystal, but can definitely see how each company would suit a different type of cruiser.
In this blog post I give a clear, side-by-side comparison and explain which cruise would be better suited for your tastes. Whichever you pick, you’re sure to have an amazing time!
Crystal Symphony Suite and Guest Room Guide
Here is my complete guide to all of the guest rooms and suites available onboard the Crystal Symphony.
I love exploring cruise ships, and during my sailing onboard the Crystal Symphony I was delighted to find that staff had opened a number of cabins for guests to view. While all of the room categories are beautiful in their own way, it was really interesting to see how they differ and have a nose around two of the most luxurious accommodation options onboard.
Crystal Cruises Food and Dining Guide
Here is my full guide to food and dining onboard Crystal Cruises.
As one of the world’s leading ultra luxury cruise lines, dining onboard Crystal Cruises is an absolute delight.
With food offered on an all inclusive basis, there is a total of eight restaurants for guests to choose from (if I include the gelato bar!) Both of Crystal’s ships, Serenity and Symphony have identical food offerings, with the same eateries on each ship. The only venue that costs an additional fee is the vintage room, which offers dinner with guided wine pairings.
Crystal Symphony Ship Tour and Review
Here’s my full ship tour and review of the Crystal Symphony.
Known to be one of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines, Crystal Cruises has had a turbulent history in recent years. Founded in 1988, Crystal traded for more than 30 years before going bankrupt in 2022 due to the collapse of its parent company.
Welcome to the Viking Skaga - one of Viking Cruises’ noble river ships. She takes her name from an ancient Norse myth, where the Valkyrie Skaga rode into battle and escorted the dead to Valhalla, before preparing them to fight in the epic battle of Ragnarok.
A relatively new ship, the Viking Skaga only entered the fleet in 2020. At just 410 feet and carrying 168 guests and 48 crew, she was built specifically to sail down the Seine in France, although the specific itinerary will vary depending on the time of year. I was fortunate enough to join the ship for her week long Christmas on the Seine cruise, which starts and ends in Paris, calling at Vernon, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Honflour (via an excursion) and Les Andelys along the way.