Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises are often compared by travelers who want a quieter ship, destination-focused itineraries and a more inclusive vacation. But their advertised fares do not buy the same package. Viking usually begins with a lower cruise fare. Regent includes considerably more once you are aboard—and its current air program is optional rather than automatically bundled.
The useful question is not simply, “Which fare is lower?” It is: What will the trip I actually want cost after I add the things I will use?
Pricing note: The published examples below were checked September 12, 2026. Cruise fares and promotions change frequently. They are examples, not quotes or promises of availability. Airfare is excluded because its cost depends on the travelers’ home airport, dates, cabin class and routing preferences.
Regent vs. Viking at a glance
| Category | Regent Seven Seas | Viking Ocean |
|---|---|---|
| Basic positioning | Ultra-luxury, highly inclusive | Premium/luxury, destination-focused |
| Accommodations | All-suite; most suites have balconies | Every ocean stateroom has a veranda |
| Dining | Main and specialty restaurants included | Main and alternative restaurants included |
| Alcohol | Premium beverages available throughout the ship | House beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner |
| Shore excursions | Broad selection of unlimited included excursions; premium Regent Choice experiences may cost extra | One included guided excursion in each port; optional tours cost extra |
| Wi-Fi | Included | Included |
| Gratuities | Prepaid gratuities included | Not listed among Viking’s published Inclusive Value benefits; confirm the current charge in your quote |
| Laundry | Valet laundry included | Self-service launderettes included |
| Pre-cruise hotel | One night for Concierge Suites and above | Not a standard inclusion |
| Airfare | Optional through Air Concierge; not automatically part of every fare | Cruise-only fares and promotional air offers vary |
Regent’s current inclusions list covers unlimited shore excursions, specialty dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, prepaid gratuities and valet laundry. Concierge Suites and higher add a one-night pre-cruise hotel package. Regent: What’s Included
Viking includes one shore excursion in every port, Wi-Fi, onboard meals, alternative restaurants, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, access to the Nordic Spa and self-service laundry. Viking Inclusive Value
A real 2027 Alaska fare snapshot
To demonstrate why the first number on the screen is not enough, consider two published Alaska examples for two adults in entry-level veranda accommodations.
Regent example
Regent’s seven-night Inside Passage Journey aboard Seven Seas Explorer departs Whittier on June 16, 2027 and arrives in Vancouver on June 23. On September 12, 2026, a booking summary for a guaranteed Veranda Suite H displayed $8,349 per person, or $16,698 for two. The itinerary page identifies the voyage and its included shore-excursion program. Regent June 16, 2027 sailing
That works out to approximately $1,193 per person per night, before airfare, travel insurance and personal spending.
Viking example
Viking’s ten-night Alaska & the Inside Passage itinerary runs for 11 days between Vancouver and Seward. A September 12 booking summary for a guaranteed Veranda V2 displayed $6,499 per person, or $12,998 for two, under an End of Season Sale. The itinerary lists seven guided tours. Viking 2027 Alaska itinerary and pricing
Because Viking describes the itinerary as 11 days—or ten nights—while Regent is seven nights, the totals are not an apples-to-apples comparison. In this snapshot, Viking cost $3,700 less for two guests while providing three additional nights. Regent supplies more inclusions within its shorter voyage.
Fair-comparison note: Both screenshots show guaranteed entry-level veranda accommodations for two and exclude airfare and hotel extensions. The departures are close in date, but the routes, ports and number of nights are not identical. Prices and promotions can change at any time.
What happens when we price the experience rather than the cabin?
| Cost component for two | Regent example | Viking example |
|---|---|---|
| Published cruise fare for two | $16,698 | $12,998 |
| Voyage length | 7 nights | 10 nights / 11 days |
| Approximate price per person per night | $1,193 | $650 |
| Specialty dining | Included | Included |
| Wi-Fi | Included | Included |
| Standard shore touring | Broad program of included excursions | One included guided tour in each port |
| Premium drinks throughout the day | Included | Add $27 per guest per day for Silver Spirits if desired |
| Gratuities | Included | Confirm current amount when quoted |
| Laundry | Valet service included | Self-service included |
| Airfare | Excluded from this comparison | Excluded from this comparison |
| Pre-cruise hotel | Not included in the entry Veranda Suite | Not included as a standard benefit |
Viking currently prices its Silver Spirits beverage package at $27 per guest per day, including its service charge. For two guests on a 10-night voyage, that would add approximately $540 if both guests purchase it. Viking requires both adults sharing a stateroom to buy the package for the full cruise. Viking Silver Spirits Beverage Package
Regent includes premium spirits, wines, cocktails and other beverages in the cruise fare. Regent: What’s Included
That does not mean every Viking guest should buy a package. Someone content with included beer or wine at meals may spend very little more. The package matters when comparing Regent with Viking for travelers who regularly enjoy cocktails, wine outside meal periods or an after-dinner drink.
Shore excursions create the largest variable
Both brands can truthfully say excursions are included, but the scope differs.
Viking includes one guided excursion in each port of call. These are often useful introductions to a destination, while optional excursions offer more specialized or active experiences. Viking Inclusive Value
Regent includes a wider selection of shore excursions and allows guests to reserve multiple included experiences when scheduling permits. Regent Choice excursions and certain highly specialized experiences carry an additional charge. Regent: Immersive Exploration
In Alaska, this distinction matters. A traveler interested in a basic city overview may be satisfied with the included Viking tour. A traveler who plans organized sightseeing in every port—or sometimes morning and afternoon excursions—may obtain more practical value from Regent. Helicopter landings, flightseeing and small-capacity wildlife experiences can still cost extra on either line.
Airfare is a separate decision on both lines
Older Regent comparisons often say airfare is automatically included. That is no longer a reliable description for new U.S. and Canadian bookings. Regent introduced Air Concierge for bookings beginning April 1, 2026, allowing travelers to request preferred schedules, cabin classes, airlines and seats using real-time market pricing. Regent Air Concierge announcement
Viking publishes cruise-only fares and periodically offers reduced or included air on selected itineraries and gateways. Its booking terms state that airfare varies by gateway and departure; transfers are included when air is purchased through Viking. Viking 2027 Alaska pricing terms
For that reason, airfare should be quoted separately for the travelers involved. Assigning one arbitrary departure city would make the article less useful and could reverse the result depending on where the reader lives.
Pre-cruise hotels and transfers
Regent includes a one-night pre-cruise hotel package beginning with Concierge Suites. It is not included in the entry Veranda Suite used in the sample comparison. Regent June 16, 2027 sailing
Viking’s standard list of ocean-cruise inclusions does not include a pre-cruise hotel. Ground transfers are included when Viking Air is purchased; otherwise transfers may be available separately. Viking Inclusive Value
This creates a legitimate cabin-category decision on Regent: the price difference between Veranda and Concierge should be compared with the value of the hotel, transfers and earlier reservation access—not treated only as a larger-suite upgrade.
Dining: both are more inclusive than mainstream cruising
Regent includes its specialty restaurants without an added dining charge, although reservations are required. Regent dining inclusions
Viking also includes alternative restaurant dining and 24-hour room service. Viking Inclusive Value
This category is unlikely to create a large cost difference. The choice is more about cuisine, atmosphere and reservation availability than avoiding specialty-dining fees.
Laundry: included, but not equivalent
Regent includes valet laundry service in every suite. Viking provides complimentary self-service launderettes. Regent: What’s Included Viking Inclusive Value
Both reduce the need to pack heavily, but Regent’s service is more convenient. The dollar value may be modest; the vacation value can be meaningful on a longer trip.
Which line offers the better value?
Viking can be the better value when:
- You want more days for a lower per-night price.
- One included overview tour in each port suits your plans.
- Beer or wine with meals is enough.
- You do not mind handling your own laundry.
- You value Viking’s consistent ship design, Nordic spa and cultural programming.
Regent can be the better value when:
- You expect to take several organized excursions.
- You want premium beverages available throughout the day.
- You value prepaid gratuities and valet laundry.
- You prefer a smaller, all-suite ship and a higher staff-to-guest service level.
- You want more of the vacation price settled before boarding.
The bottom line
In the Alaska examples reviewed, Viking was $3,700 less for two guests and provided three additional nights. That produces a substantial nightly-price advantage: approximately $650 per person per night on Viking versus $1,193 on Regent. Regent may close part of the experiential gap for travelers who would otherwise buy a beverage package, several upgraded shore excursions and additional services, but its higher fare should be evaluated deliberately.
There is no honest universal answer to “Which costs less?” until the itinerary, cabin and travelers’ habits are defined. A good comparison needs to price the same choices the clients will actually make.
Why use a travel advisor for this comparison?
Cruise-line websites show fares; they do not necessarily show the most relevant total for your priorities. I can compare the current promotions, suite locations, deposit and cancellation rules, air options, excursion availability and likely extra spending on both lines. That is especially useful when a higher fare includes benefits you would have purchased anyway—or when a lower fare already includes everything you personally need.
Request a personalized Regent or Viking comparison →
Frequently asked questions
Is Regent more expensive than Viking?
Regent generally begins at a higher nightly price, but it includes more beverages, shore excursions, gratuities and service benefits. Compare the final trip design rather than the first fare displayed.
Does Regent still include airfare?
Airfare is no longer automatically part of every new U.S. and Canadian booking. Regent’s optional Air Concierge program began for new bookings on April 1, 2026. Regent Air Concierge
Does Viking include excursions?
Viking includes one guided excursion in each port of call. Optional excursions are available at additional cost. Viking Inclusive Value
Does Viking include drinks?
House beer, wine and soft drinks are included with onboard lunch and dinner. The Silver Spirits package expands the selection and makes drinks available throughout the day. Viking Silver Spirits
Which is more luxurious, Regent or Viking?
Regent is positioned as an ultra-luxury, all-suite line with more service and inclusions. Viking delivers an elegant, adults-only, destination-oriented experience at a lower typical nightly cost. The better choice depends on whether the traveler values inclusivity and personalized service or itinerary length and cultural programming most.