This Cruise Line Is Different Than All The Others!

[@KillerNut2]

I'm 36 and absolutely want to go on a Viking cruise. Had my eye on them for some time. I love the idea that there's no kids, ships aren't crowded, more time in port with some overnight stays, an included tour in every port, and all the other things included. Thank you for the video.

[@cairhien987]

KillerNut2 Same! I’m 33 and am very tempted to try cruising for the first time with Viking for my next holiday.

[@kaitline1183]

I’m taking my first Viking cruise next July at 39! I can’t wait!

[@Aquariangirl126]

Sold, I can’t wait to book my first cruise with Viking.

[@sherifuntastic]

You will love it!! they are simply the Best..

[@sleyzfury4012]

once you go there, royal Caribbean, carnival and other cruise lines will be a thing of the past! seriously!

[@charlesdoody440]

Did you get to go before covid?

[@dat92kid]

Everything you said about cruise lines trying to dime you for everything is true....thats one of the reasons I resigned as a crew member on Rccl,and Im looking forward to work for Viking cruises 😉

[@erics607]

You will love Viking if you get a chance to work with them! I think I saw 1 crew member get upset the entire time I was on my cruise. The crew literally becomes like family to the passengers as they are always upbeat, and the passengers always seem to be laid back.

[@vmhlake]

We were on this cruise in January 2019, our 3rd Viking cruise (2nd ocean cruise), and we will never change over to another cruise line. Top of the line, great service, great tours, everyone needs to try it once, you will return time and time again. Our next cruise is Alaska in July, 2020.

[@grantsoest1212]

I really love how much effort you put into these videos. They always brighten my day! And your voice is super soothing and relaxing! 10/10 Jim!

[@elainearsenault5203]

Grant 65 I could listen to Jim's voice all day. I first ran into the channel with the carnival glory secrets video a few years ago and subscribed right away

[@50Street21]

Hi Jim, This is the first video I have watched from your series and I have to say how impressed I was. You have presented Viking in such a wondful light. I appreciate that they don't have bingo, casinos, and art auctions. You're absolutely right, they are not out to nickle and dime you. Lastly, such a treat to watch a video that wasn't done with a digital voice--lacking character and filled with mispronunciations. Well done, Jim! You've inspired me to travel Viking. Darryl

[@nf2885]

Sounds like a nice cruise line for adults who want quiet experience.

[@stellaswanepoel3448]

Viking gained tremendous respect from me, because of the way you treat your staff, especially during the lockdown during this dreadful Covid pandemic my brother is still on board. They are constantly screened and tested. They are looked after and well provided for. Thank you Viking for treating your staff like family

[@djrolo813]

Wow....this sounds amazing & I'm not 61 year old with a smooth velvety voice.

[@petermautner4436]

That sounds like the type of cruise for a soon to be senior. Uncrowded, calm and tranquil. Thank you Jim .

[@markthompson3060]

Nice video Jim, we will try a Viking cruise in the future.

[@jeannecarroll8692]

Very nice review ! A few highlights ,include: dancing under the stars, line dancing, and the opportunity to experience the Norwegian spa treatments for free. The cold bucket shower felt exhilarating after leaving the hot steam room. The range of music from classical, flamingo ,jazz and other was top notch. The Chefs Table offers wine pairing with each course and Manfredi’s Italian restaurant was superb. I asked for the recipe and the Chef came out of the kitchen to share! Simply fabulous all around.

[@prandallwright1]

I totally agree with you, Jim, about Viking Ocean Cruises! We've done two river cruises and one ocean cruise. And....we have two more river cruises and two more ocean cruises committed.

[@tinplater]

Jim, great video; your narrative is so easy to listen to. We are planning our 4th Viking, probably British Isles (river boat cruises x3). And to find out you are a model train buff! I have a 50 year history of collecting vintage O gauge but have a few LGB G gauge items. If you ever get to Scottsdale....

[@482644]

Like usual, great video! Viking Have to pay you money for this video because this is very good commercial of Viking ... I will go on Viking after watching this video!

[@Dachdogoriginal]

I have to say, I took one cruise on Princess lines. I really didn't like the cruise experience. But love the Alaska destinations. This has me rethinking taking a cruise. While I'm younger, and I like to have fun, I like a quiet respectful atmosphere. My previous boss was an avid Viking cruiser. But didnt explain why. Now I see why.

[@Graygeezer]

We cruised the “In Search of the Northern Lights” from London to coastal Norway on Viking Star in February 2020 and I can attest that everything Jim said is 100% correct. It was our absolute best cruising experience to date. We now have 3 Viking cruises booked in the next few years to include Antarctica in 2023. It’s the only cruise line I really want to go on.

[@sherifuntastic]

Funtastic Zim!! Great video, As a lover of luxurious cruise and having the opportunity to cruise on some of the most beautiful and luxurious ships you have detailed this ship in the most extraordinary way. I wish you a year filled with adventure. Keep up the good work.

[@paulprovence564]

We have just concluded a 15day journey touring the British Isles on Viking Sun. It’s our third Viking experience (2 river cruises, 1st ocean cruise) Your cruise review IS EXACTLY spot on for what we experienced. In particular, the crew offers great service and demonstrate a spirit of wanting to serve the passengers. I used the Nordic Spa, the gym, the Infinity pool, the central pool, the gym. We tried all of the restaurants and enjoyed them all. Yep, even unlimited gelato was readily available. Entertainment far exceeded expectations. Plus, I couldn’t believe how uncrowded the lounges and pool areas were....there were 904 passengers onboard! Featured ship board art, presentations by guest lecturers were interesting and are consistent with ports visited. Lastly, if you’re thinking of going on a Viking cruise and Bergen Norway is on the itinerary, book some extra time there.....it’s beautiful!

[@Wild1995]

Another A+ video Jim. You sold me. I hope to be on a Viking cruise some day. Virgin cruise line also is adults only sailing from Miami soon.

[@JimZim]

Yeah, Virgin is still a bit of a question mark in my mind. I think they are really gearing their whole thing to a very hip 30 year old kind of customer. The tattoo parlor says a lot about who they are looking to appeal to. A Viking Cruise is definitely geared towards the 50-70 year old crowd, and that's probably why it works really well for me... since I'm 61.

[@skymarshal6787]

My wife and I did three cruises back to back to back in the Mediterranean for honeymoon last year and it was my best cruising expericence so far

[@waynehayes6739]

Thanks, Jim! Great work and great videos!

[@mopar574]

Spot on Jim. I took a seven day cruise from Miami to Cuba on the Viking Star. They are the best!

[@ericomfg]

I used to go on cruises with my family as a kid fairly regularly. However, with my mom (who used to do all the planning) permanently disabled by an accident we haven't gone on a cruise in a decade. It's been a joy watching your videos to help step into my ma's shoes and plan some great memories for the family. Are there any cruises you'd recommend for someone disabled (hard to walk on their own, special bathrooms, etc.)?

[@glent7853]

Wow, another amazing video - the ship looks amazing. Thank you so much. I look forward to your cruise videos and your narration is so soothing. It looks like you had a fantastic cruise. I also enjoy some of your train videos! I have done 14 cruises, mostly Princess, and in 72 days we are off for 14 days on the MSC Seaside (Yacht club)

[@JimZim]

The Yacht Club is definitely the way to do a MSC cruise! I have actually tried on several occasions to convince my wife that we should do another cruise on the MSC Seaside, but this time in the Yacht Club, and that the comparison of the two would be good subject matter for a video. But she really disliked some things about that first MSC cruise, and so far I have not been able to get her to agree to a 2nd try!

[@glent7853]

@@JimZim The difference between the regular class and yacht club are night and day. This is our second 14 day on the Seaside, both in the yacht club, and 4th with MSC. Funny thing, I priced the same duration on a Princess ship, just a balcony cabin, but when you add in all the extras, drinks, the Princess cruise was more expensive than the Yacht club. Keep asking your wife to give it a try. The private pool is amazing. You could be the only ones in it much of the time. Cruise on! PS. I would be interested to know what you wife did not like on MSC

[@PortsladeBySea]

Superb film. I love your voice. My wife and I sail on Viking Sea this October visiting New York and the Caribbean...we so lucky! 🥳🤹‍♀️👍

[@dustyd48]

I've heard this is a great cruise to go on.

[@beep848]

After watching this video we changed our plans (Princess Majestic to Hong Kong) and booked a Rhine River Cruise for Christmas. Thank you for all of your videos but this one was the one that sold us; as soon as this video ended we called Viking and booked.

[@CS_22]

The Majestic Princess is a fantastic ship. Should’ve stayed with that.

[@beep848]

LazyGuy222 We are delaying the trip Singapore to Hong Kong on the Majestic; we wouldn’t pass up going to Asia.

[@CS_22]

beep848 I see

[@all_things_mystical1376]

You are in for a treat on your Rhine River cruise. Did that 2 years ago. Enjoy!

[@coolbreeze253]

Did Celebrity Aqua Class in 12/16, then Viking Penthouse Veranda 1/18. Celebrity was fine, but everything was extra and pricey. Viking cost more, but when laundry, beverage package, internet, excursions, etc., were added to Celebrity, Viking priced out the same for a much nicer experience. Bottom line? I signed up for another Viking cruise this Spring.

[@erics607]

I went on a cruise with Viking last January, and it was my first ever cruise. I was beyond impressed since I had heard a lot of negatives about other cruise lines. I went to Cuba with them and we had to have Visa's to enter the country. I had to have a Visa when I traveled to Brazil many years ago, and I had to fill out a ton of paperwork myself, and wait several months to receive it. With Viking, you just had to fill out a simple sheet of paper, and they took care of the Visa process for you. Once you boarded the ship, you got your Visa. Another thing that shocked me was how many of the staff members attempted to get to know you. The maid that cleaned our room had our names memorized within 6 hours of being on the ship, and we were on a 7 day cruise. One of the waiters we had was from Croatia or one of those countries, and he was extremely interested in learning about where we lived, and what we for work back home. The buffet area closes around 9:00 PM for dinner, but one night our excursion got delayed about 30 minutes getting back, and we didn't get back to the ship until about 9:15, and the crew went out of their way to serve people until around 10:30 at night, and none of the cooks or waiters were in a bad mood about it. Like Jim said, there are no huge entertainment attractions on board, but you really don't need all of that if you're doing an excursion every single day. There's almost no down time during your cruise unless you have a day at sea or you decide not to do an excursion on a particular day.

[@terrymike7524]

Jim, I have watched Many of your videos and they are informative and entertaining. I have been on 3 Viking Ocean cruises and they were fantastic. We always book a Penthouse Veranda which has 338 sq. ft. It is spacious and storage is very adequate. Everything you say is true and you would not regret taking one of these cruises. I can't wait to take my next one!

[@JimZim]

The Penthouse Veranda cabin on Viking is definitely the one I would recommend! You were smart to book those!

[@caad3333]

Great vid Jim, got a thumbs up.

[@shasha690]

Can't wait to try Viking.

[@talkin2ya]

I’ve never been on a cruise ship so thanks for sharing your vids truly amazing

[@ArielBos]

Thank you Jim! Very nice and informative. Beautiful ships and looks very relaxing.

[@dylanstinman4436]

Incredible video Jim, I always enjoy watching these. Any future cruises planned?

[@JimZim]

There are ALWAYS future cruises planned in my life! I actually post the information about future cruises on my web site. You'll find it near the bottom of the page at www.jimzim.net/CruiseHistory.html

[@jenniferklimas2353]

Such a quality, great video. We are on this Viking Caribbean cruise January 2020. Have you done a Viking river cruise? We’ve done Viking Rhine and Danube River cruises. Both were wonderful. Our Danube cruise had 157 passengers and 53 crew members. We knew everyone by the time we left. I watch all of your cruise videos. Enjoy them all and have learned a lot. Thank you!!

[@shoshanagraham5209]

Thanks for such an excellent review! We cruised in the Haven of NCL- it was great but very expensive & it looks like Viking is a perfect solution for a cruise which is port intensive . When you tour places all day , entertainment isn’t that important . A nice relaxing dinner will do. I think it isn’t as expensive as most other smaller ship , such as Regent & Oceania.

[@nedmarc]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@MrRamyon74]

The cruise fare in most cases is just twice the price, but looks totally worth it.

[@SpeedNoodles]

True. And while many things that you would pay for on other lines are included in these, it also means you are paying for some of these upgraded services even if you don't need or use them (i.e. alcohol, internet, laundry), it's just wrapped up in the cruise fare. However the line looks lovely and if it was in my budget, I'd love to give them a try.

[@erics607]

@@SpeedNoodles You don't even need to pay for the alcohol package. I'm from Wisconsin so I love to drink, but the alcohol package isn't even worth it for someone like myself. One person we talked to purchased it, and he said that it's not worth it. I believe it was like $25 per person, per room per day even if the other person you're traveling with doesn't want the package. For a week long cruise, that would be $350, and my father and I only spent about $80 combined outside of lunch and dinner where we can have all the beer and wine we want.

[@vmhlake]

This is the same cruise we took in January 2019...GREAT!!!

[@SpeedNoodles]

Another great video, Jim - thank you - I always enjoy them! I'm extremely intrigued by the line now (actually I'm blaming you for about 70% of my current cruising obsession). I'm not sure how I feel about zero sea days, though! It's nice to have a day to decompress and just enjoy relaxing on the ship! Looking forward to your next video.

[@JimZim]

Do what we did... When we were ready for a "sea day" of just relaxing on the ship, we just didn't book any shore excursions that day. We stayed aboard and had a nice "sea day" with the ship tied up at the dock.

[@silvialittlewolf]

Everything you said sounds VERY appealing to me. I wonder if all is still the same now in Jan 2023. All cruise lines have been affected by the economic downturn.

[@JimZim]

I've sailed with Viking since things resumed post-pandemic. Everything I showed you in this video is still the same. It's still a wonderful cruise line... definitely one of my favorites! One of the reasons that Viking hasn't been making cutbacks post-pandemic ( while most of the other cruise lines have been) is that Viking is not a publicly traded company. It is privately owned. I've met and spoken with Torstein Hagen, the head of the company, and he's an impressive guy... and the main reason for Viking's success.

[@silvialittlewolf]

@@JimZim Good to know! Thank you for the quick reply! :)

[@joyday3210]

Thank you so much for all these details. ( did they really show Titanic!?)

[@smb123211]

Viking figure it out. No smokey casinos, no constant picture taking, no "art", no constant pushing to buy junk, no silly clubs for wine, coffee, soda, ice cream, wine, water, etc, no paying extra for "good food". th modern decor was nice and the crew was near he best I've ever encountered.

[@OaklandTravel]

Jim, love the videos. A lot of the points in this video are very appealing but I have two main issues with Viking. As of the time you released this video, they don't offer a lot of cruises out of Florida to the Caribbean and I really don't like their website. The idea of having to call someone just to find out what the website should be able to tell me is **not** appealing to me at all. I should be able to find out everything about a cruise *and* book it online.

[@JimZim]

Yeah, two years ago, when I booked my first Viking cruise, they didn't even have the capabilities of booking a cruise online! And it's not exactly like 2016 was the dark ages of Internet technology! Viking has some huge strengths, but also a few weak areas... and I agree that their web site is one of the weaker areas!

[@idabagusreza]

Always waiting for your videos! Love your voice!

[@pedrojuliancereceda8301]

Amazing! Our first choice will be Viking. Absolutely!!!. I do not like throngs and children yielding and running throughout the decks. (My children are already grown up and they never behaved in such an undisciplined manner). So whether I book a cruise, I am looking for relax and quietly. By the way my friend, I am an Spaniard and my girlfriend is Japanese and yes, we love Ópera...Thank you for your tips!

[@chandrakantkhandare7573]

This is really amazing 👍

[@toccoa]

Again, TYVM! Viking has already been on my want-to-try list and this reinforces that. Alas, it will be a while for me as I have not seen any with a Single Supplement of less than 100% whereas you can find a number of Seabourn with 25% and even some Oceania.

[@caitlingallagher2970]

I actually have over 15 sailings with reduced Single Supplements. From 25% to 50% off the Single Supplement. Jim has my contact info at the end of the video. Please fee free to reach out to me.

[@susancarriker6645]

The River cruises are fantastic / ocean cruise planned for 2020 / sells out way in advance- have to plan ahead!!!

[@michaelmabrey6969]

Marco Polo? You've never been on a cruise with me. I'm 49 but refuse to grow up.

[@joshuayao1760]

FIRST btw Love your vids!

[@corinnemcleod1804]

Jim, can you do a video showing what shore excursions are free on Viking? I. Am interested in doing their 11 day Caribbean cruise. I did watch your video which was awesome but we're any of those beach excursions included for free.

[@JimZim]

The free tours are generally the walking tours or bus tours that give you an overview of the city or island the ship is visiting. It's never the more involved tours like going on a sailboat or visiting a resort or a beach. But, something that really surprised me was how inexpensive the Viking tours were that were not the "included" tours. Viking just isn't out to make a killing on extra revenue from the passengers on shore excursions. So, they don't add a huge markup to the cost of a tour, beyond what the tour operator actually charges Viking. On the big cruise lines, there is a very large markup! So, I was surprised at how reasonably priced all the beach tours were during our Viking cruise.

[@corinnemcleod1804]

thank you, I was wondering about that. I found most of the excursions on RC to be quite expensive for what you get and was trying to figure out how much extra it would cost me to do those nice beach excursions you did on your 9-island 11-day cruise

[@erics607]

If you go to the Viking website, choose the itinerary you want to do, and then scroll down to the area that lists all of the ports the ship will stop at, it will have an area to the right of that that will say "read more". If you click on that, it will show you all of the excursions they generally have for all of the ports on that itinerary. It will even say "included" with the excursions that are listed as a walking tour or panoramic bus tour, while it won't list a price for the other excursions.

[@stevenmondazzi4192]

Had planned to book a Viking cruise for next September before finding out that they require the full payment at time of booking, ouch! Fronting $10k is quite a lot. Haven’t had that with any other cruise line we’ve sailed with

[@TheTylerShow]

Great video Jim keep up the good work

[@globalnomad3488]

You forgot to mention that Viking automatically deducts gratuities. Le Ponant, Seaborn and other do noy charge for gratuities.

[@dkbrig2000]

Jim, one thing that wasn't mentioned was tipping. Are your tips included in your fare as well? Thanks for the great video!

[@DGExplorers]

Thanks Jim for sharing, we didn't know what Viking offered, they are beautiful ships.

[@joeykunz]

Thanks for the video, we are definitely looking at Viking now. Also your travel agent is in Jacksonville and so are we. What are the chances..

[@tysonhuanh4641]

would love to go on a viking cruise one day. but with 2 little ones i'll have to wait a few years. it looked like an awesome cruise though.

[@willynorris1739]

You my friend....know how to mix your rum and coke! Great video! Cheers!

[@JimZim]

Yeah, that's how I roll when I'm on vacation!!! At first glance, it looks like a more generous pour than it really was. If you look carefully, you will notice that the stream of Coke had a lot more volume to it than the stream of rum did. In real life, I would actually pour an even stronger mix than what's on the video! But you also have to keep in mind that it was Malibu Rum, which is a lot lighter on alcohol content than some other rums. For example, if you were making a rum and coke with Bicardi 151, you would not want to do a one-to-one pour!!!

[@CarolEscher]

Great video! It really convinces me to go to a Viking cruise

[@vmhlake]

We LOVE Viking....always treated royally, and we love the NO KIDS....very relaxing and enjoyable. Great food, great tours, new friendships! And you aren't 'nickeled and dimed" for everything!

[@Mr.shaikh592]

sir i m from india and i m watching your video .. regularly you are doing wonderful job in terms of show cruising and best of luck for 50th cruising🙂

[@chakwong]

Very professional videoing! IBIS camera? Gimbal? Watched all your Viking Ocean Cruises videos. Very good editing and narration. A class above. Thanks! My wife and I will cross the Atlantic on the Viking Sea in April, San Juan to Barcelona, in the lowest category stateroom. We had been on a few Viking river cruises (which we quite liked), but that will be our first Viking ocean cruise. I'm an amateur still photographer. After seeing your smooth handiwork, I want to take some image-stabilised videos myself!

[@JimZim]

I used a gimbal on a few of the shots, but most of it was just using the built-in image stabilization on the GoPro Hero 7 Black. The electronic stabilization is pretty amazing! Not as smooth as using a gimbal, but pretty good in most situations. Also, a few of the shots were using my big Canon DSLR on a tripod. But the majority of the shots were from the GoPro, using only the built-in stabilization.

[@RiverRaid2]

Do you know where should I apply to work as a cook in Viking Ocean Cruises? Great video Jim, like always!

[@JimZim]

If you Google "Viking Ocean Cruises careers" you will find the answer!

[@lesjeunesblache4854]

This video was very informative thank u

[@alexandersonmei]

Great video. Looking forward to try Viking!

[@ryanmunn6193]

Love it Jim!!

[@govols535]

Thank you for the information!

[@londondiaz27]

This is the type of cruise which everyone enjoys! When do you plan to go on a Disney Cruise, Jim?

[@JimZim]

I'd welcome the opportunity if Disney invited me at their expense, but I don't really see myself booking a Disney cruise at my own expense. Since it's just me and my wife cruising, with no kids or grandkids coming along, I tend to lean towards other cruise lines.

[@mindfulskills]

Hi Jim, I'm a big fan of your cruise videos, and wondered whether you have cruised on any Regent Seven Seas ships. I'd be interested in how the value proposition on Regent stacks up against Viking. Any thoughts?

[@JimZim]

I haven't cruised with Regent, so I'm afraid I can't offer any information on that. Sorry!

[@grigisgoon6679]

I want to go on that itinerary so badly. On the ship I think a casino would add to the fun.... but I understand their point about being destination focused.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

Casinos are always a cheat and cruise ships even more ,than land casinos.

[@prebenhansen3945]

Love you're videos, keep them coming:0) Hope you have the chance to cruise with Oceania Marina or Riviera, loved them, think they are same class:0)

[@JimZim]

Viking and The Haven on NCL are pretty much at the top of my budget. It looks like Oceania would be about 20% more for a comparable cabin on a comparable cruise. I noticed that Oceania visits St Barts during some of their Caribbean cruises. That's cool! I've got a big map of the Caribbean in my office, with push pins on each of the islands I've been to. St Barts is one of just a few Caribbean destinations still on my bucket list. In a perfect world, Oceania would invite me aboard for a cruise as their guest (at their expense) to make some videos about how Oceania compares to the other cruise lines I've sailed on. If they're as good as you say, it would be good publicity for them!

[@prebenhansen3945]

Hmm I thought Viking and Oceania was same price range, I did take a quick look, Nov 19 10 night caribbien Oceania 2400$ pr person and Viking 2700$ pr person Veranda stateroom, but as you say not the cheapest any of them, how much Is The Heaven normal fare? I hope you will have the chance of putting a pin on St Barths soon;0) Would say thats the nicest place In the carabbien I have been to, I was so lucky my ship had overnight there so we rented a Mini convertable and drove around a hole day, so nice:0) If there is any place In the Caribbien I am gona rent a house for a week It Is there:0)If you can stick with an Ocean view it was even cheaper, but that Is when i checked prices from Norway(Europe)

[@seapops]

Oh it’s Jim! He did it again...great review and I must say I'm so so interested to try Viking. So which is the latest of all the ships? I'd like to try the latest ship for sure. Great voice as always, so cool!

[@actsclan]

Is the alcohol limited per day?

[@dawnbaxter3917]

I really enjoy your video's. You have the most awesome voice, like it's made for this. It's so soothing if you know what I mean.

[@JimZim]

Thank you, Dawn. That's nice of you to say. I started in radio in the 1970s. Couldn't make any money at it, though... so I had to get a "real job". In my heart, I'm just an old radio guy. The big microphone that I use in my videos is a homage to the good ol' days of radio broadcasting.

[@dawnbaxter3917]

@@JimZim I like the microphone. You'd be great on the travel channel..you have a voice you could just listen to for hours. Big fan..have a wonderful sunday 🚢⚓☺

[@susanleong4704]

Hi Jim, thank you for all the reviews as always! Just one question, how is the food compared to the haven restaurant? Thanks, susan

[@JimZim]

It's always dangerous to ask me a question about cruise ship food... because my tastes in food are a bit different than most people's taste in food. My food palette basically is that of a 13 year old boy. Meat, potatoes, hamburgers, pizza, lasagna, tacos, enchiladas. I am about as far away from a foodie as you can get. So, anytime I'm talking about food, you have to keep that in mind! With that said, considering the overall food situation on Viking versus Norwegian, I much prefer the dining on Norwegian over the dining on Viking. Our recent cruise on Norwegian Bliss was a nearly perfect match for my tastes in food. Some aspects of Viking's food are excellent... but others not as good for me. I enjoyed the steak and the big steak fries in the main restaurant. The croissants at breakfast are the best I've ever had. They make a good omelet at breakfast. The burger out at the pool grill is second only to Guy Fieri burgers. But a lot of the other food just wasn't my style. On the other hand, my wife -- who has to eat gluten and dairy free -- really loved the lengths that Viking went to in making sure they had good meals for her. Your question was specifically about The Haven Restaurant. I like The Haven Restaurant a lot... especially breakfast! I've had some good steaks there... and their burger is pretty good... perhaps third on my list, behind Guy Fieri and the one at the pool grill on Viking. The French Dip sandwich was also good, on my most recent cruise. But the problem with The Haven Restaurant is the very limited menu, which is the same every day of the cruise. I certainly wouldn't want to eat every meal in The Haven Restaurant. The menu is too limited for me. But considering the overall mix of having both The Haven Restaurant AND all the other NCL dining options available during the course of a cruise, it's an easy choice for me... I pick NCL over Viking in that competition. But of course, food and dining is just one aspect of a cruise. Viking wins out in some areas, The Haven on NCL wins out in others, and I even think Carnival's Vista-class ships would win in a few categories if there were such a thing as the Jim Zim cruise awards. Those three would be the big winners, and Royal Caribbean's Anthem Of The Seas would probably win a couple of categories, too.

[@susanleong4704]

Thank you for the detailed response Jim! You are actually the reason why my husband and I tried out the haven. We absolutely loved it and ate almost every meal there. We are big foodies and your rave review was one of the reasons why we chose it. Your recent Viking experiences have sparked our interest. The ships look lovely and quite frankly very relaxing. If Jim Zim awards were a thing, picking cruises would be a lot easier! Can’t wait to see your next video. Please thank your wife as well! Best wishes, Susan

[@camaro2sswhiteghost992]

Love the review but a slight disagreement with you on the Haven. I cruise NCL large ships and am a fan of the Haven. Though the menu is very limited in the Haven, please keep in mind that you can have anything you like, you have to open your mouth and ask. For instance I am a fan of Filipino food and I eat rice and a protein meat for breakfast daily, that being said. I specifically asked for 3 of our dinner nights to have Filipino cuisine and for my daily breakfast as at home I had chicken breast, rice, and or beef and rice with plenty of fruit. now my point none of what I ordered for dinner and or breakfast is on the menu but I asked for it and with the provisions on the ship it was easily accommodated. Its like McDonalds finally figured out that they could serve breakfast all day because guess what? They have the provisions in the kitchen.You are given a butler service, concierge etc., With a very diverse crew and various cuisines on the ship I never even thought that I had to stick to a 10 item menu when I paid a premium for Haven. Large NCL ships I've cruised Haven are Escape, Bliss, Epic, Getaway, and then the suites on the smaller ships Star, and Pearl. NCL examined the issue of Haven guest paying a premium to only be subject to a limited menu all the way down to silverware, plates, premium drinks etc., I know as I was aboard the Escape when they had folks from their Miami office in Haven speaking to guest purposely about change and feedback. I am sure we don't cruise as much as you but when we do NCL its the Haven and the suites. RCCL, Celebrity, Princess, Carnival, and MSC again all different but their goal is revenue. Love the differences you pointed out and I see several advantages from your review. Regarding butler service that is also under utilized because 'we' don't ask questions, I asked plenty of questions. Example as we all know the general cruise population can not access the Haven unless invited which there is a cost, on the other hand haven guest can enjoy the rest of ship. We hung out at the general pool area and though we were Haven Guest, we had our butler bring our drinks with mixers from our stateroom to where we were. Yes, those little phones that they tell you at the start of your cruise ring directly to your butler are for that use. Just ask. sorry for the long response but I would agree on the nickel and diming you, but though I will be cruising Viking in August on the 11 day I have done the math and nothing is really different regarding cost. Viking seems to be big on its included but price reflects those items that you are paying for. I wise old lady (grandmother) told me 50+ years ago "nothing is free" or in this case included, you pay for it all. Viking just adds it all in from the start. Adults only is nice so again we will be cruising Viking in August and yes to truly compare we are doing the same accommodations we would normally get on NCL, RCCL, Celebrity, and Carnival. Again love your reviews thanks as it has helped a great deal.

[@jodura3363]

Wow! I am wondering if some difference has to do with the numbers. Wished I could afford. Love the destination focus

[@russoul8633]

Thanks for sharing.

[@KitKat1965]

I would love to go on a Viking cruise; however, I remember from one of your past videos that Viking does not allow wheelchairs or mobility scooters on the ship. I am disabled dwarfism and bad hips) and walking would not be an option for me. Shame, it all looks so lovely.

[@JimZim]

They do allow wheelchairs, just not electric scooters. If you had someone with you to push your wheelchair, you'd be fine on Viking.

[@KitKat1965]

@@JimZim True, but I do not. My travel partner would more than likely be my sister and she needs a scooter as well. Oh, and her husband is also disabled, and they use scooters when they travel. Anyway, thank you for replying back.

[@l.m.8468]

Another awesome video! Thank you so much! ❤ I wouldn't have even considered Viking Cruises, but now we can't wait to go! I'd love to see you do a Viking cruise to Alaska! 😉 hint hint! Viking should hook ya up for your promo! Haha. Thanks again!

[@JimZim]

It's funny you should mention Alaska. About a hundred different times during my cruise on the Viking Sea, I thought to myself how perfect any of the Viking Ocean Cruise ships would be for Alaska. It totally makes sense, as I think they were really designed with Norway in mind. I would absolutely LOVE to take a Viking cruise to Alaska!

[@terrymike7524]

Viking has a cruise from Tokyo to Vancouver and reverse that does an itinerary thru Alaska on their website.

[@a-hvlogs2046]

Jim did you see the sweepstakes that RCI is doing? I think you’d be a perfect fit.

[@JimZim]

I did see that! Unfortunately, I do have a "real job" and a contract to stick with it for at least two more years. So, I can't cruise full time quite yet. Maybe someday!

[@a-hvlogs2046]

@@JimZim that would have been a blast!

[@jaydenb-j8411]

whats that movie

[@pretyblkgrl]

If you enjoyed this experience with Viking, I'd really love to see a video after you've sailed with Azamara.

[@colleenh2939]

Sounds great, however I just looked into one and the price was starting at 3k per person, but maybe that was just that one cruise I looked at.

[@JimZim]

First off, the Viking cruises are usually longer than the other cruise lines, so it's important to compare the cost per day. Also, even the least expensive cabin is a balcony cabin. Then there's all the things that are included, that you would pay extra for on other cruise lines... plus things like cocktails, which cost significantly less than you'd pay on other lines. But you're absolutely right that it's a more expensive cruise than a Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian cruise. But then again, there are good reasons that a Lexus is more expensive than a Toyota.

[@17thRepublic]

Why am I watching dis when I’m not old enough

[@faithmoore3243]

Very nice!

[@samchin3812]

viking is a nice cruises line thank you jim

[@michaelhartman2823]

No disrespect intended here; are you being paid or in anyway compensated for this infomercial? You've done a couple videos praising Viking lately,

[@JimZim]

I feel like maybe you are new to my channel. Let's look at my cruises from 2018, and the number of videos I made about them. In December, I cruised on the Norwegian Getaway... and posted 12 videos to my channel that I made during that cruise, plus 3 more pre-cruise videos such as ones about the hotel we stayed at and the airline flights we took to get there. In May, I cruised on Norwegian Bliss... and posted 14 videos that I made during the cruise, plus two about shore excursions I took during the cruise, and one about the hotel we stayed at before the cruise. In January, I sailed on the MSC Seaside... the cruise I liked the least out of all the cruises I've ever been on... and still managed to post five videos about the cruise and two videos about the pre-cruise stuff. So, there is really nothing unusual about me posting nine videos from my cruise on the Viking Sea. It's pretty much what I do! And as far as the fact that I praised Viking... yeah, same thing I did two years ago after my first cruise with them. It probably has something to do with the fact that out of all the cruises I've been on, Viking's the only one that ranks up there at the top of the list with The Haven on NCL as being the most enjoyable ways to cruise.

[@michaelhartman2823]

@@JimZim I have seen a lot of your videos. It just comes across as you're praising them more then the other's. You make nice videos

[@JimZim]

It was one of the best cruises I've been on! So, they deserve the praise.

[@michaelhartman2823]

@@JimZim how about making a video about the 3 best cruises you've been on? Surely there have been other nice one's? Aren't Viking cruises more expensive upfront and that's why they can charge less fpr drinks and not worry about the towels etcetera?

[@JimZim]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWS7kGSfodOSgK8 It's like most things in life... the best things cost more.

[@JHFHOLLERBACH]

Hi Jim. I'm expecting more videos about your last cruise on Viking. In March my wife and I will sail on Riviera(Do you have any experience with Oceania Cruises?). It will be our 9th cruise(I know you are "a little bit beyond"...). Greetings from Brazil.

[@klinzons]

JHFHOLLERBACH, I’m going on Oceania’s Riveria in February 2020, how was it?

[@robschaffer2189]

Are excursions comparable to the other lines?

[@JimZim]

Pretty much, yes. The only difference is that more of the excursions are geared to an older crowd and less of the excursions are geared toward an active, younger crowd. So you would see less choices of super athletic shore excursions like kayaking and more choices that are geared towards people who want to visit a place or see a thing.

[@davidslaton]

Wow.. When I can get someone to watch the kids, would love to sail on this with my wife!

[@studioardz7941]

davidslaton sadly I’m only seventeen 😂

[@brucesumter4327]

wow so cool ship look like count the decke is 10?? i so glade you2 had a good time

[@FunGetAways]

This sounds like a great cruise

[@samchin3812]

jim love your vids

[@TheStrengthForce]

Jim, do you plan on cruising on the Carnival Horizon any time soon?

[@JimZim]

As a matter of fact, I do. I'll be on the Horizon a few months from now.

[@TheStrengthForce]

Jim Zimmerlin Awesome! Can’t wait for the videos to come!

[@palaginghuli]

Well, I’m a Gold Disney cruiser. My youngest is only 16, so I guess we can’t cruise Viking yet.

[@cruisecrazy7066]

On Princess I Get unlimited, FREE laundry and dry cleaning. (after 15 cruises) Therefore I don't bring luggage, just carry-on.