Viking Ocean Cruises Cruises

Viking's ocean ships are built for travelers who cruise to see places rather than to be entertained at sea. There are no casinos, no kids - every guest must be 18 or older - and no waterslides; the ships are mid-sized and near-identical in layout, with a Nordic spa and a quieter evening program. The passengers are mostly older couples, typically 55 and up.

The fare is designed to remove most of the small bills. It includes one guided shore excursion in each port, every onboard restaurant with no surcharge, house wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, specialty coffee and tea, Wi-Fi, the spa's thermal suite and self-service laundry. Drinks outside mealtimes, optional premium excursions and spa treatments cost extra, and a daily gratuity is added to the shipboard account, which guests can adjust at Guest Services.

There are no formal nights. Daytime is casual and evenings are elegant casual - collared shirts, trousers or skirts - in the restaurants.

Oceania is the usual comparison: similar ship size and port-intensive routes, more dining choice and a bit more evening life, but no included tour in every port. Against Holland America or Princess, Viking costs more up front but leaves less to add on. Families have to look elsewhere.

Sources: upgradedpoints.com, cruisecritic.co.uk, alaskacruises.com