Viking Star

    Viking Ocean Cruises

    Viking Star

    Viking Mira

    Viking Ocean Cruises

    Viking Mira

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Viking Star vs Viking Mira

    For discerning adults seeking cultural immersion and understated luxury, Viking Star and Viking Mira offer refined Scandinavian elegance with a focus on destination-rich itineraries and exceptional inclusions.

    The verdict

    Viking Star, launched in 2014, established Viking Ocean Cruises' reputation for destination-focused, adult-oriented voyages, blending modern Scandinavian design with generous inclusions like complimentary specialty dining and a Nordic spa. Its intimate atmosphere and attentive service cater to well-traveled guests prioritizing cultural enrichment. Viking Mira, set to debut in 2026, builds on this successful blueprint, offering a nearly identical experience with slightly larger cabin categories and an expanded capacity of 998 guests. While Mira's Chef's Table will be an additional cost, its Owner's Suite offers enhanced inclusions like a beverage package and private transfers. Both ships promise a tranquil, sophisticated journey, appealing to those who value immersive travel and a serene onboard environment over high-energy entertainment.

    Choose Viking Star if…

    Viking Star is ideal for well-traveled adults seeking deep cultural immersion through port-intensive itineraries, appreciating a quiet, sophisticated onboard atmosphere, and valuing generous inclusions like complimentary specialty dining and spa access.

    Best for

    • Cultural explorers seeking deep immersion with included tours
    • Value-oriented sophisticates who appreciate extensive inclusions (e.g., specialty dining, spa access)
    • Wellness seekers prioritizing a comprehensive, complimentary Nordic spa
    • Culinary connoisseurs enjoying diverse, high-quality dining with included Chef's Table

    Avoid if

    • Families traveling with children under 12
    • Guests seeking high-energy nightlife or a casino
    • Travelers who prefer large, bustling ships with numerous entertainment options
    • Those wanting extensive fitness facilities beyond the compact gym

    Choose Viking Mira if…

    Viking Mira is suited for discerning adults who appreciate modern Scandinavian luxury, cultural enrichment, and tranquil, adult-only voyages, especially those interested in specific itineraries like the Mediterranean, Iceland, or Scandinavia.

    Best for

    • Discerning gourmands who appreciate diverse dining, including for-fee cookery classes
    • Cultured explorers seeking intellectual stimulation and specific itineraries (Mediterranean, Scandinavia)
    • Scandinavian style enthusiasts drawn to minimalist, elegant design
    • Serene seekers looking for tranquil, adult-only relaxation with a complimentary spa

    Avoid if

    • Travelers with children or those seeking family-oriented amenities
    • Guests looking for vibrant nightlife or a casino
    • Those who prefer a wide array of ultra-casual dining options
    • Passengers who desire extensive onboard activities beyond enrichment and relaxation

    Overall Vibe

    Viking Star

    The Viking Star, launched in 2014, offers a distinctly modern Scandinavian ambiance, evoking the comfortable intimacy of a boutique hotel. This vessel, designed for 930 guests, centers its experience on connecting travelers deeply with their destinations. Its understated elegance and thoughtful design create a serene environment where the focus remains on enrichment and discovery, rather than flashy onboard distractions. Guests will find a refined setting that feels both welcoming and sophisticated, built to facilitate a journey of exploration across its many decks.

    Viking Mira

    Set to debut in 2026, the Viking Mira continues Viking's commitment to sophisticated Scandinavian design, offering a tranquil and consistent experience across its fleet. Accommodating 998 guests, this new build prioritizes a serene atmosphere and understated luxury. The ship is crafted to be a comfortable base for exploration, with modern aesthetics and a focus on destination immersion. Its design ethos ensures a refined journey, allowing guests to relax in a beautifully appointed environment as they travel.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Viking Star

    Onboard the Viking Star, the atmosphere is decidedly adult-oriented and understated, appealing to those who appreciate a quiet, intellectual cruise experience. With a capacity for 930 guests and a dedicated crew of 550, the ship maintains a comfortable guest-to-crew ratio of approximately 1.69 to 1, contributing to attentive service. The vibe is serene and focused on cultural enrichment, drawing a crowd of well-traveled individuals eager for destination immersion rather than high-energy parties. It's a place for contemplation and camaraderie.

    Viking Mira

    The Viking Mira is designed as an adult-only vessel, fostering a sophisticated and tranquil ambiance for its 998 guests. With a crew count of 470, the guest-to-crew ratio stands at roughly 2.12 to 1. The ship caters to a discerning crowd seeking cultural richness and a low-key environment. Guests can expect a calm and refined cruise, where the emphasis is on relaxation, learning, and appreciating the journey's destinations, rather than bustling crowds or boisterous entertainment.

    Dining

    Viking Star

    Dining on Viking Star is a highlight, with most venues included in the fare. Guests can savor regionally inspired cuisine at The Restaurant, enjoy casual alfresco meals at Aquavit Terrace and World Cafe, or indulge in Norwegian specialties at Mamsen's within the Explorers' Lounge. For more refined evenings, Manfredi's offers superb Italian fare, and The Chef's Table provides an included themed tasting menu with wine pairings. The for-fee Kitchen Table offers an immersive, market-to-table experience, complemented by 24-hour room service.

    Viking Mira

    The Viking Mira offers a diverse culinary journey, featuring The Restaurant for main dining, Manfredi's for Italian classics, and The Pool Grill for casual fare. Mamsen's, located in the Explorers' Lounge, serves Norwegian specialties. While Aquavit Terrace provides indoor and outdoor casual dining, The Chef's Table on Viking Mira comes with an additional cost for its multi-course tasting menus and wine pairings. The Kitchen Table also remains a for-fee cookery class, providing varied options for every palate.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Viking Star

    Entertainment on Viking Star is thoughtfully curated and understated, aligning with its destination-focused ethos. The Theatre & Cinema hosts live production shows, enrichment lectures tied to ports, and films. Guests can enjoy live music, from melodic piano tunes in The Viking Living Room to a dance band in Torshavn after dinner. Organized daytime activities like trivia and board games are available, alongside the unique Viking Heritage Museum, providing a calm and cultured evening experience without a casino.

    Viking Mira

    Viking Mira's entertainment is designed to be fairly low-key, focusing on enrichment and relaxed enjoyment. The Theatre & Cinema serves as a venue for lectures, movies, and production shows. Guests can enjoy live music, including classical compositions by the Viking Resident Musicians in The Viking Living Room, and more lively bands in Torshaven. Afternoon tea in The Wintergarden provides a refined social experience. Consistently, neither ship features a casino, ensuring a tranquil atmosphere for evening activities.

    Cabins & Suites

    Viking Star

    All accommodations on Viking Star feature private verandas, ranging from the comfortable 270 sq ft Veranda and Deluxe Veranda staterooms to the expansive 1,448 sq ft Owner's Suite. Each cabin offers contemporary Scandinavian decor, a king-size Viking Explorer Bed, and a superb bathroom with a glassed-in shower and heated tile floors. Suites like the Penthouse Junior Suite (405 sq ft) and Explorer Suite (757-1,163 sq ft) provide additional space and enhanced amenities, including custom-stocked mini-bars.

    Viking Mira

    The Viking Mira offers 455 all-outside cabins, each with a full balcony and decorated in tranquil, understated tones. Stateroom sizes are slightly more generous, starting at 288 sq ft for Veranda and Deluxe Veranda categories, and extending to the 1,488 sq ft Owner's Suite. All bathrooms feature heated floors, premium Freyja toiletries, and plush robes. The Owner's Suite further distinguishes itself with a private dining room, lounge, bedroom, sauna, and includes the Silver Spirits beverage package and private transfers.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Viking Star

    The onboard service on Viking Star is known for its attentiveness, supported by a favorable guest-to-crew ratio of 1.69 to 1. The style is that of an intimate boutique hotel, where Personalized touches are evident, such as staggered check-in times and priority access to amenities based on cabin category. Higher-tier suites receive generous inclusions like complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, pressing, and shoe shine services, alongside excellent, free, and unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

    Viking Mira

    Viking Mira maintains the sophisticated and consistent onboard style characteristic of Viking Ocean Cruises, with a focus on refined service. Guests in higher-tier suites benefit from priority embarkation, stateroom access, and advanced booking for shore excursions and specialty dining. Complimentary laundry, pressing, and shoe shine services are extended to Explorer and Penthouse Junior Suites, while the Owner's Suite enjoys even more extensive inclusions like the Silver Spirits beverage package and private transfers, enhancing the Personalized experience.

    Best Itineraries

    Viking Star

    Viking Star is built for the culturally curious, excelling in destination-focused, port-intensive itineraries that often include frequent overnights. This approach allows guests ample time to immerse themselves deeply in the history, art, and local customs of each region. While specific regions aren't detailed in its primary description, the ship's design and enrichment programs strongly support journeys where the destination is the main event, often exploring routes with a European charm.

    Viking Mira

    The Viking Mira is poised to offer culturally rich itineraries, specifically highlighted for destinations such as the Mediterranean, Iceland, the British Isles, and Scandinavia. These voyages are crafted for in-depth exploration, enabling travelers to truly engage with the local cultures and landscapes. The ship's design and programming support a journey of discovery, providing a refined base from which to explore some of the world's most captivating historical and natural wonders.

    What reviewers say

    Viking Star

    5/5

    Viking Star successfully translates the river cruise experience to the ocean, offering a destination-focused journey with port-intensive itineraries and frequent overnights. Its modern Scandinavian design, intimate boutique hotel feel, and generous inclusions like the Nordic spa and complimentary dining provide exceptional value for well-travelled adults.

    Viking Mira

    Viking Mira is set to join Viking's adult-only ocean fleet in summer 2026, offering a consistent and sophisticated Scandinavian-influenced experience. While the editor rating is currently 0.0, the detailed review highlights a vessel designed for discerning travelers seeking enrichment, tranquil luxury, and diverse culinary experiences without a high-energy party scene.

    Itineraries to compare

    Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.

    Viking Star

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    Viking Mira

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    Compare different ships

    Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.

    Ship A

    Ship B

    More comparisons