AmaWaterways vs Viking: Which River Cruise Line is Best for You?

Regarding European river cruising, two names stand out: AmaWaterways and Viking. Both are renowned for offering exceptional experiences but bring unique touches to river cruises. Whether you’re looking for luxurious accommodations, expertly guided tours, or gourmet dining, choosing between these top cruise lines can be challenging. This blog will compare AmaWaterways and Viking across several categories, helping you decide which fits your travel style and preferences best.

1. Ship Design and Comfort

The design and comfort of the ships play a significant role in the overall cruising experience. While AmaWaterways and Viking provide high-quality ships, key differences might influence your decision.

AmaWaterways

It offers smaller ships with fewer passengers, typically accommodating between 120 and 164 guests. This smaller size gives the cruise a more intimate, personal feel. The staterooms are elegantly designed with a focus on comfort. Many rooms offer twin balconies—one French balcony and one full balcony—giving guests plenty of fresh air and stunning river views.

• Ship Size: Smaller, more intimate vessels.
• Key Feature: Twin balcony staterooms offering outdoor and indoor views.

Viking

Viking ships accommodate 190 guests on most river cruises, making them slightly larger while maintaining an intimate experience. The staterooms are comfortable and well-designed, although Viking opts for French balconies on most ships, with fewer options for full balconies.

• Ship Size: Larger vessels but still small by ocean cruise standards.
• Key Feature: Efficient, sleek design focusing on space and Scandinavian aesthetics.

Verdict

If you prefer a smaller, more intimate cruise with the option of a full balcony, AmaWaterways might be your choice. Viking offers a more modern touch for travelers who value sleek design and efficient use of space.

2. Itineraries and Destinations

Destinations and itineraries can significantly impact your river cruise experience. AmaWaterways and Viking offer an extensive range of European cruises but focus on different topics.

AmaWaterways

Now, AmaWaterways has an extensive network of river cruises across Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are known for offering off-the-beaten-path destinations, such as the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia or the Chobe River in Africa. In Europe, they offer various routes, including popular rivers like the Danube, Rhine, and Seine, but also less frequented rivers like the Douro in Portugal.

• Best For: Adventurous travelers seeking unique destinations.
• Key Destinations: Europe, Southeast Asia (Mekong), Africa (Chobe).

Viking

Viking focuses more heavily on Europe, offering various itineraries throughout the continent. Their cruises cover famous rivers like the Danube, Rhine, and Seine, but they also offer trips in Russia on the Volga River, Egypt, and China. However, Europe remains their core focus, with Vikings offering a broader range of European itineraries than AmaWaterways.

• Best For Travelers seeking classic European destinations.
• Key Destinations: Europe, Russia, Egypt, China.

Verdict

If you’re looking for exotic destinations outside Europe, AmaWaterways may be the better option. Viking offers more choices across the continent for those who want a broader selection of European itineraries.

3. Onboard Dining and Cuisine

Food is an integral part of any river cruise, and both AmaWaterways and Viking take great pride in offering excellent dining experiences.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways is known for its culinary excellence. They partner with La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, a prestigious international gastronomic society, to deliver a gourmet dining experience. The meals are regionally inspired, using fresh local ingredients. Additionally, AmaWaterways offers specialty dining options where guests can enjoy an intimate dining experience with customized menus.

• Dining Style: Gourmet meals with locally sourced ingredients.
• Key Feature: Partnership with La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Viking

Viking also offers delicious, regionally inspired cuisine, emphasizing local ingredients. They provide a more casual dining experience but still deliver high-quality meals. Viking’s Aquavit Terrace provides an outdoor dining space, perfect for enjoying the views while savoring your meal.

• Dining Style: Casual yet refined, with locally inspired dishes.
• Key Feature: Aquavit Terrace for outdoor dining.

Verdict

For gourmet dining and special culinary experiences, AmaWaterways takes the edge. Viking provides a more relaxed, casual dining experience, which might appeal to travelers looking for a more laid-back approach.

4. Excursions and Activities

Excursions and activities are a major part of any river cruise, and both AmaWaterways and Viking offer excellent options for exploring your destinations.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways excels in offering active excursions. Their tours include hiking, cycling, and walking tours that cater to different fitness levels. They also provide a wellness program with yoga, stretching, and fitness classes. This emphasis on staying active sets them apart, particularly for travelers who enjoy adventure and physical activities.

• Excursion Type: Active tours, including hiking, biking, and walking.
• Key Feature: Wellness program with fitness classes and activities.

Viking

Viking offers more cultural and historical excursions. Their tours often focus on museums, landmarks, and local cultural experiences, emphasizing learning about each destination’s history and culture. Viking offers some active options but focuses more on enriching educational excursions.

• Excursion Type: Culturally immersive tours with local guides.
• Key Feature: Focus on history, culture, and education.

Verdict

If you prefer active excursions like hiking and biking, AmaWaterways is your best choice. For those more interested in cultural enrichment and history-focused tours, Viking provides a more traditional experience.

5. Onboard Atmosphere and Experience

Your time onboard is just as important as your time spent exploring. Both AmaWaterways and Viking offer luxurious experiences but with slightly different approaches.

AmaWaterways

It emphasizes a social, engaging atmosphere. With fewer passengers, you get a more personalized experience. Onboard entertainment often includes live local performances, wine tastings, and educational lectures. The atmosphere is relaxed but interactive, ideal for travelers who enjoy socializing and engaging activities.

• Atmosphere: Social, interactive, and engaging.
• Key Feature: Local performances and intimate activities.

Viking

Viking focuses on a more relaxed and elegant onboard experience. The atmosphere is slightly quieter, with a focus on relaxation and reflection. The onboard entertainment often includes lectures, presentations, and music, but Viking ships tend to have a more peaceful, laid-back vibe.

• Atmosphere: Quiet, elegant, and relaxed.
• Key Feature: Lectures and cultural presentations.

Verdict

This might be better for travelers who enjoy a social and interactive atmosphere. Viking offers a tranquil environment if you prefer a quiet and refined onboard experience.

Who Should Choose Which Line?

First-Time Cruisers

• Viking: Ideal for first-time cruisers due to its well-organized itineraries, cultural enrichment programs, and inclusive pricing. Viking offers a straightforward cruise experience with excellent onboard lectures, guided tours, and familiar destinations, making it easier for newcomers to navigate their first river cruise.
• AmaWaterways: Also a great option for first-time cruisers who prefer a more personalized and intimate experience. With slightly fewer passengers on each ship and a focus on wellness and active excursions, AmaWaterways is better suited for those looking for a more boutique, luxurious first-time experience.

Verdict: Viking is better for first-timers seeking cultural immersion and a more structured experience. AmaWaterways caters to those who want a smaller, more intimate introduction to river cruising.

Families

• Viking: Not ideal for families with younger children, as the line has an age restriction (usually 18+ for most itineraries). Viking’s cultural focus and quieter ambiance cater to adults, so families looking for kid-friendly activities will need to look elsewhere.
• AmaWaterways: Better suited for families, especially those with older children or teens, thanks to their family-friendly excursions and activities. AmaWaterways occasionally offers special sailings focused on multi-generational travel, making it easier for families to enjoy river cruising together.

Verdict: AmaWaterways is the better choice for families, with more flexibility in accommodating children and offering family-friendly experiences.

Solo Travelers

• Viking: Viking appeals to solo travelers who enjoy a structured itinerary and social environment. The cultural and educational focus allows solo travelers to easily engage with other passengers through lectures, excursions, and mealtimes, making it an excellent choice for those traveling alone.
• AmaWaterways: While AmaWaterways also offers a friendly and engaging atmosphere, the smaller ship size might appeal more to solo travelers seeking an intimate and more relaxed setting. Some AmaWaterways sailings offer solo traveler discounts, which can be a big perk.

Verdict: Viking is great for solo travelers interested in culture and mingling, while AmaWaterways works well for solo travelers looking for a more intimate and boutique experience.

Luxury Travelers

• AmaWaterways: A perfect fit for luxury travelers seeking personalized service, gourmet cuisine, and exclusive experiences. The line’s attention to detail, from the luxurious cabins to wellness programs like yoga and fitness centers, sets it apart as a top choice for high-end travelers.
• Viking: While Viking offers a more minimalist approach to luxury, it still provides excellent service and refined experiences. However, luxury travelers might find Viking’s emphasis on efficiency and cultural immersion less indulgent compared to AmaWaterways.

Verdict: AmaWaterways is better suited for luxury travelers looking for an elevated, personalized experience. Viking offers a high-end experience, but its focus is more on value and cultural learning than luxury pampering.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

AmaWaterways: Customer Feedback Overview

• Praise: AmaWaterways is often praised for its personalized service, high-quality dining, and immersive shore excursions. Guests frequently mention the attentive crew, spacious cabins, and the overall luxurious atmosphere. The inclusion of bicycles for excursions and wellness activities like yoga is a unique touch that appeals to active travelers.
• Critiques: Some reviews suggest that AmaWaterways may cater more to an older demographic, which may result in fewer options for younger travelers or families with children. Additionally, the higher price point compared to some competitors can be a drawback for budget-conscious travelers.
• Satisfaction Rankings: AmaWaterways consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction, particularly for its service, excursions, and attention to detail. Return passengers often cite the intimate experience and exclusive amenities as reasons they return year after year.

Viking: Customer Feedback Overview

• Praise: Viking is well-loved for its cultural enrichment programs, sleek and modern ship design, and exceptional itineraries. Many passengers appreciate the all-inclusive nature of the cruises, with drinks, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi included. Viking’s focus on learning and local culture is frequently highlighted, making it popular among travelers seeking an intellectually stimulating journey.
• Critiques: Some guests feel that Viking’s ships can feel more corporate and less personalized compared to smaller lines like AmaWaterways. The minimalist, no-frills luxury approach may not appeal to travelers looking for opulence. Additionally, Viking’s shore excursions, though well-curated, can sometimes feel rushed due to tight schedules.
• Satisfaction Rankings: Viking has an excellent reputation, particularly among first-time cruisers and those looking for immersive cultural experiences. Many reviews note Viking’s consistency and reliability, which result in a high rate of repeat passengers. However, a few reviews mention that while Viking offers great value, it can lack the warmth or personal touch found on smaller ships like AmaWaterways.

Comparative Rankings

• Customer Satisfaction: Both AmaWaterways and Viking score highly in customer satisfaction, with AmaWaterways often edging ahead in categories like service and attention to detail. Viking appeals more to those seeking a more educational and cultural experience.
• Return Passengers: AmaWaterways tends to have more repeat customers due to its personalized service and unique experiences. Viking, on the other hand, sees strong loyalty from guests who appreciate its value and curated itineraries.
• Overall Reviews: Both lines maintain a high standard, but Viking may appeal more to value-conscious travelers and cultural enthusiasts, while AmaWaterways often attracts luxury-seeking cruisers who enjoy an intimate, personalized experience.

Conclusion

AmaWaterways and Viking offer exceptional river cruise experiences, but each caters to different travel styles. If you value gourmet dining, active excursions, and a social onboard atmosphere, AmaWaterways is likely your top choice. For those who prefer cultural immersion, broader European itineraries, and a relaxed, elegant experience, Viking will provide everything you’re looking for.

When deciding between the two, think about what kind of experiences you want both on and off the ship. Either way, you will surely enjoy a luxurious and unforgettable river cruise adventure!