Comparing U River Cruises vs Viking River Cruises
How does hip newcomer U River Cruises (formerly U by Uniworld) stack up against Viking River Cruises? We’ve got the lowdown on all the important differences to help you make the most informed decision.
Check out the comparison chart below, or scroll down to read detailed breakdowns.
| U River Cruises (formerly U by Uniworld) | Viking | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range for 8 Day Cruise | $1,499+ | $2,099+ |
| All Inclusive? | Includes meals, excursions, onboard WiFi, and gratuities, but not alcohol or port fees. | Yes |
| Cruises Offered | 6, within Western Europe | Dozens, throughout Europe, as well and China and Egypt |
| Ship Size | 62 Rooms | 95 Rooms |
| Charge a Single Supplement Fee? | Yes | Yes |
| Ship Amenities | Rooftop Lounge, Gym, Spa, Bar, Laundry Service (for additional fee) | Sun deck, Bar, Library, Walking Track, Laundry Service (for additional fee) |
| Decor | Modern | Traditional |
| Demographics | 20s-40s | Retirees |
| Age Restrictions | All passengers must be 18+. While there was some initial talk of upper age limits, there is actually no maximum age. | All passengers must be 18+, no maximum age. |
| Dress Code | None | None, but recommended "elegant casual" attire for evenings |
| Size of Standard Room | 128 sq ft, Queen size bed | 150 sq ft, Bed in between Full and Queen size dimensions |
| Private Bathroom in all Rooms? | Yes | Yes |
U by Uniworld vs Viking: Things to Consider
Budget:
If you’re on a tight budget, U River Cruises is a an easy choice. In addition to fares that are easily half or less than Viking, their unique Triple Standard rooms allow you to bunk with 2 friends (I’m dying to do this for a girls trip!), bringing the cost down even further.
Viking has a lot to recommend it if you’re working with a larger budget, but the demographic can be a little stodgier. Which brings us to the next consideration…
Socializing:
You’ll be spending a week with the other travelers on your ship, so who will they be? Travelers in their 20s and 30s may find it easier to socialize among U River Cruises’ younger-skewing demographic.
One of the things I love about U River Cruises is that excursions start later in the day to allow you to sleep in after a late night out. But if you’re more of an early riser and not big on partying, Viking may be a better bet for you.
Vibe:
Viking cruises aren’t cheap, and they follow through with high quality food and amenities, with an old-school luxury hotel feel on board.
Being geared to a younger demographic means a different vibe on board U River Cruises, including an on-board nightclub, spa and gym, along with a sleek boutique hotel feel. I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s specifically geared towards Instagrammability, but like so many new brands, they’re always conscious of it.
