Not every cruise traveler wants water slides, thousands of passengers and a packed schedule of activities from morning until midnight.
For travelers who prefer quieter ships and more time exploring destinations, Viking vs Azamara is a particularly interesting comparison. Both cruise lines appeal strongly to mature adults who value service, comfortable surroundings and destination-focused itineraries, yet they approach small ship cruising in noticeably different ways.
We wanted to understand those differences properly rather than simply comparing brochures.
So, as part of our research for Rob & Nawa Travels, we looked at the ships, cabins, dining, drinks, shore excursions, accessibility, passenger reviews and, most importantly, actual cruise prices. We then compared closely matched Viking and Azamara itineraries to see what two passengers would really pay.
The results showed why choosing between these two cruise lines is not as straightforward as it first appears.
In one comparison Viking was around 30% more expensive at entry level. In another, the difference reached approximately 60%.
But price alone does not tell the entire story.
The inclusions are different, the ships are different and, perhaps most importantly, the way Viking and Azamara approach destinations is different.
You can see the detailed figures behind our research in our Viking vs Azamara comparison spreadsheet.
Viking vs Azamara: Two Similar Travelers, Two Different Cruise Styles
At first glance, Viking and Azamara seem to be chasing almost exactly the same passenger.
Neither cruise line is built around families with young children. Neither focuses on enormous production shows, water parks or late-night party venues. Both attract passengers who are generally more interested in where the ship is going than how many attractions are squeezed onto its upper decks.
Viking Ocean Cruises is strictly adults-only and its audience tends to skew toward travelers aged 55 and above.
Azamara allows children, but the experience remains overwhelmingly adult-focused. There are no children’s clubs or dedicated children’s programs, and families with young children are rarely a significant part of the atmosphere onboard.
That makes both lines particularly relevant for older travelers. We have looked more broadly at this market in our guide to the best Mediterranean cruise lines for seniors.
The difference becomes more obvious when you look at the ships.
Viking operates modern Scandinavian-designed ocean ships carrying roughly 990 to 998 passengers. Every cabin has a private veranda, and the interiors follow the light, uncluttered Scandinavian style for which Viking has become known.
Azamara’s four ships are smaller, carrying approximately 700 passengers.
They are also considerably older.
Some passenger reviews describe elements of the Azamara ships as dated or compact. At the same time, reviewers generally regard them as well maintained, and many passengers actually prefer their smaller scale and more intimate atmosphere.
So the choice is not simply new versus old.
Viking gives you the more contemporary ship. Azamara gives you a more intimate one.
Where Azamara Has a Major Destination Advantage
This may be the most important difference between the two cruise lines.
Azamara deliberately builds many itineraries around longer days ashore.
That can mean late departures, extended destination days, overnight stays and visits to smaller ports. Azamara describes its extended destination days as providing at least ten hours in port, and during our research we found numerous calls where the ship remained until 10 or 11 PM.
That changes what you can do ashore.
Instead of returning to the ship in the late afternoon, passengers may have time for dinner in town, an evening walking tour, a performance or simply a slower day without constantly watching the clock.
Our own experience with Viking has generally been different.
On the Viking cruises we have taken, departures have commonly been between approximately 4 and 6 PM. Overnight stays certainly exist, but we have found them more commonly at the beginning or end of an itinerary.
For passengers who cruise primarily to spend time ashore, Azamara therefore has a compelling advantage.
This style of cruising is especially appealing in the Mediterranean, where some destinations are transformed after the main daytime crowds leave.
If you are still deciding which region or ports suit you, our guide to the best Mediterranean cruise itineraries for first timers may help.
Viking Includes Shore Excursions — Azamara Usually Does Not
There is an important counterbalance to Azamara’s longer time in port.
Viking includes one introductory shore excursion in every port of call.
These are generally overview experiences rather than elaborate private tours. Depending on the destination, that might mean a guided walking tour, coach tour or cultural visit.
Viking also sells a much wider selection of optional excursions at additional cost.
Azamara’s regular shore excursions are normally extra.
During our research, we found Azamara excursions ranging from roughly $50 per person to more than $400 for some of the more involved experiences.
That creates two quite different approaches to destination cruising.
If you like walking off the ship and arranging your own day, Azamara’s longer port calls can be extremely attractive.
If you prefer knowing that at least one organized activity is already included, Viking has the advantage.
Many travelers will mix the two approaches anyway, perhaps using the included Viking excursion in one port, booking an independent experience in another and exploring on foot elsewhere.
You can browse Mediterranean cruises here if you want to compare current itineraries across different cruise lines.
Viking Has Larger Standard Cabins
Viking takes a very straightforward approach to accommodation.
Every cabin has a balcony.
Its standard Veranda and Deluxe Veranda cabins are around 270 square feet including the balcony, with price differences largely determined by deck and location.
Penthouse Verandas increase to around 338 square feet, while Penthouse Junior Suites are approximately 405 square feet.
Azamara offers more cabin choice, but its standard accommodations are smaller.
Passengers can choose inside, ocean-view, veranda and several suite categories, which also gives Azamara lower-cost entry points that Viking simply does not offer.
An Azamara standard veranda is around 215 square feet including the balcony.
The comparison becomes much closer when you move into the suites.
Azamara’s approximately 326-square-foot Continent Suite is very similar in size to Viking’s 338-square-foot Penthouse Veranda.
So Viking wins if cabin size at entry level is important.
Azamara wins if you value having more categories and potentially a lower starting price.
There is also a noticeable accessibility difference. Azamara has around five to seven dedicated accessible cabins per ship, compared with only two dedicated accessible cabins on Viking.
Neither line currently has dedicated solo cabins.
Travelers interested in other intimate upscale ships may also find our guide to luxury small ship Mediterranean cruises useful.
Dining, Drinks and Other Inclusions
This is where comparing the headline cruise fare becomes dangerous.
Both lines include their main dining venues and 24-hour room service, but the packages are not identical.
Viking has around seven dining venues. Its two principal specialty restaurants require reservations but normally do not carry an additional dining charge.
Viking also includes Wi-Fi, self-service laundry and complimentary access to the Nordic Spa.
Beer, wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, while tea, coffee and bottled water are available throughout the day.
On the US fares we used for our comparison, gratuities were not included. Alcohol outside lunch and dinner is also extra unless passengers purchase an additional drinks package.
Azamara takes a different approach.
Its fares include gratuities, selected spirits, international beers and wines, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas throughout the day.
Self-service laundry and 24-hour room service are included as well.
That gives Azamara a noticeable advantage for passengers who enjoy alcoholic drinks outside mealtimes.
However, cabin category matters more on Azamara.
Continent Suites and above add benefits including unlimited Wi-Fi, complimentary specialty dining, spa access, butler service and complimentary in-room spirits.
Veranda Plus cabins also receive selected additional benefits, including limited complimentary Wi-Fi and one complimentary specialty-dining evening for two every seven nights.
This is why we always try to compare similar cabin levels rather than simply taking the cheapest cabin on each cruise line.
What Passenger Reviews Told Us
We also examined Cruise Critic member ratings across the fleets.
The Viking ships in the review set produced a review-weighted average of approximately 4.57 out of 5, based on 7,618 published reviews.
Across Azamara Journey, Quest, Pursuit and Onward, the review-weighted average was approximately 4.21 out of 5, based on 1,950 reviews.
These are voluntary online reviews, not a controlled scientific survey, so we would not use them as proof that one cruise line is objectively better.
They are still useful as another piece of evidence.
What stood out to us was Viking’s consistency. It is something we have noticed repeatedly when researching the brand: once passengers understand the Viking product, there tends to be relatively little variation between ships.
Azamara’s older vessels generate somewhat more mixed comments, although their smaller size and destination focus also create a very loyal following.
Our 10-Night Mediterranean Price Comparison
Now we get to the numbers.
Our first direct comparison involved two 10-night Mediterranean cruises in September 2028.
Viking Sea’s Greek Odyssey sailed roundtrip from Athens from September 19 to 29.
Azamara Onward offered a 10-night Greece and Turkey itinerary, also roundtrip from Athens, departing September 27.
At entry level, Viking’s Veranda V2 cost $15,998 for two people.
Azamara’s Veranda V3 cost $12,318.
Viking was therefore $3,680 more expensive, or approximately 30%.
However, this is where the inclusions need to be considered.
At that level, Azamara did not include unlimited Wi-Fi, specialty dining, regular shore excursions or an equivalent of Viking’s included Nordic Spa access.
Azamara did include gratuities and selected alcoholic drinks throughout the day.
We then moved to more comparable premium accommodation.
Viking’s 338-square-foot Penthouse Veranda cost $18,998 for two.
Azamara’s 326-square-foot Continent Suite cost $17,398.
The difference fell to only $1,600, or approximately 9%.
At that level, the Azamara suite also included unlimited Wi-Fi, specialty dining and spa access, in addition to gratuities and drinks.
Viking retained the advantage of its included introductory excursion in each port.
This is a good illustration of why cruise comparisons change as you move up the accommodation ladder.
Our British Isles Comparison Produced a Much Bigger Gap
Our second price test produced a very different result.
Viking Sky’s British Isles Explorer sailed from Bergen to London for 14 nights from August 10 to 24, 2028.
Azamara Journey’s British Isles Intensive sailed roundtrip from Portsmouth from August 3 to 17.
At entry level, Viking’s Veranda cost $16,998 for two.
Azamara’s Veranda cost $10,618.
That meant Viking was $6,380 more expensive, approximately 60% above the Azamara fare.
The premium comparison did not close the gap nearly as much as it had in the Mediterranean.
Viking’s Penthouse Veranda was $20,998.
Azamara’s Continent Suite was $14,918.
The difference was $6,080, or approximately 41%.
This was one of the clearest lessons from the entire comparison.
You cannot assume Viking is always 10%, 20% or 30% more expensive than Azamara.
The gap depends heavily on the sailing.
That is why checking real itineraries matters far more than relying on general statements about which cruise line offers better value.
You can also compare these figures with our broader analysis of Mediterranean cruise prices for 2027
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The Deposit Looks Better on Viking — Until You Check the Final Payment Date
We also noticed an important booking difference.
The Viking offer we captured advertised a remarkably low $25 deposit.
That sounds extremely attractive.
The catch was that full payment was due roughly 16 months before sailing.
Azamara required a much larger initial deposit.
For the veranda cabin in our Mediterranean comparison, the deposit shown was $550 per person.
For the Continent Suite, the total deposit was $2,200, or $1,100 per person.
However, Azamara’s final payment was not due until approximately 150 days before sailing, roughly five months.
So Viking required much less money initially, but the full cruise balance had to be paid almost a year earlier than Azamara required.
For an expensive cruise, that distinction can matter.
Azamara also offered a pay-in-full option at the same fare with an additional 5% onboard credit.
Which Is Better: Viking or Azamara?
There is no universal winner.
Viking is likely to suit you better if you prefer a newer ship, larger standard cabin, adults-only environment, included introductory excursions and complimentary access to a substantial onboard spa.
It is also exceptionally consistent.
Azamara becomes very compelling if you care most about destinations.
Its longer port calls, late-night departures and overnight stays can fundamentally change what you are able to experience ashore.
Azamara also includes gratuities and a broader alcoholic-drinks package in its standard fare, while its smaller ships create an intimate atmosphere that many passengers actively prefer.
Then there is price.
In our Mediterranean comparison, the premium cabin difference narrowed to only about 9%.
In our British Isles comparison, Viking remained approximately 41% more expensive even at the more comparable premium level.
That is too large a difference to ignore.
If Viking is one of your leading choices, you may also want to read our Viking vs Silversea cruise comparison, where we found some equally interesting pricing differences.
You can also check current Viking cruise offers or compare luxury cruise options before making a decision.
For us, the most important takeaway from Viking vs Azamara is simple.
Do not choose between them based on reputation alone.
Open the actual sailing you are considering. Compare a genuinely similar cabin. Look at what is included. Consider how much time you will have ashore and which extras you would realistically buy.
Then calculate the total.
That is when the better value usually becomes much clearer.
