AmaWaterways vs Viking River Cruises 2026–2027: Ships, Dining, Excursions, and Value Compared
- Emma Guse
- Mar 6
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
If you have started dreaming about a European river cruise, you have probably asked the same question thousands of travelers before you have: AmaWaterways vs Viking. Which one should I choose?
This comparison matters because these two cruise lines are not only the best-known names in the business, but they also represent two different styles of travel. Viking is the household name, the line you see on television with its iconic longships and understated Scandinavian design. AmaWaterways is the family-owned company that has built its reputation on warmth, culinary excellence, and a willingness to innovate.
The truth is there is no wrong choice here. Both AmaWaterways and Viking deliver elegant ships, thoughtful itineraries, and seamless service. The real question is not “Which is better?” but “Which one fits me best?” That is what I want to help you answer.
Why This Decision Is Important
Booking a river cruise is not something people do lightly. It is a high-value trip that blends cultural exploration, luxury, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The investment is significant, so it makes sense to ask the right questions before you place a deposit.
AmaWaterways and Viking both offer excellent value, but they are different in significant ways:
AmaWaterways appeals to travelers who want flexibility, personal service, more active excursion opportunities and food that feels like a highlight of the journey.
Viking appeals to travelers who want consistency, cultural programming, and the reassurance of a large, familiar brand spanning the river, ocean, and expedition markets.
The brochures and glossy marketing materials will not tell you the subtle, but important differences. My goal is to give you a clear, honest comparison so you feel confident in the choice you make.
Ships and Fleet: Boutique Variety vs. Sleek Consistency
The first difference you notice between AmaWaterways and Viking is the ships themselves:
Viking Longships
Viking operates more than sixty longships, and their signature is consistency:
Design: Scandinavian simplicity with clean lines, neutral tones, and lots of glass for natural light.
Signature Spaces: The Aquavit Terrace for indoor-outdoor dining, the main lounge, and a single main dining room.
Experience: If you have sailed on one Viking longship, you will recognize the design and layout on every other. This consistency is part of the appeal. Travelers who want simplicity and familiarity from one trip to the next will find Viking reassuring.
AmaWaterways Boutique Fleet
AmaWaterways operates a smaller fleet, and each ship carries its own personality:
Design: Elegant décor with warm touches and regional influences.
Signature Spaces: Heated pools with swim-up bars on many ships, wellness studios, and more variety in lounges and dining venues.
Innovation: The AmaMagna is the standout example, at twice the width of a normal river ship, offering four dining venues, larger suites, and more space overall. AmaWaterways is less about uniformity and more about variety. If you want to be surprised and delighted by design details, AmaWaterways delivers.
Staterooms: Layouts and Comfort
Your stateroom is not just where you sleep. On a river cruise, it is often where you sit with a cup of coffee and watch the world float by.
Viking Staterooms
Standardized layouts across the fleet.
French balconies, veranda cabins, and suites available.
Modern, minimal Scandinavian décor.
Functional bathrooms that are efficient but on the smaller side.
AmaWaterways Staterooms
More variety in design, including the unique twin balcony cabins that combine French and full balconies in one room.
Larger bathrooms and more storage in many categories.
Connecting cabins available for families or multi-generational groups.
Suites that feel boutique and personalized.
AmaWaterways offers more variety, while Viking offers comfort through consistency.
Dining and Cuisine: Where AmaWaterways Shines
Dining is one of the most enjoyable parts of any cruise, and it is where AmaWaterways begins to stand out.
Viking Dining
Main dining room with set meal times.
The Aquavit Terrace provides a casual, lighter option.
Wine and beer included with lunch and dinner.
Menus are consistent across the fleet, with regional touches.
AmaWaterways Dining
Multiple dining venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, included at no extra cost.
Wine, beer, and soft drinks included with meals.
A Sip and Sail cocktail hour with complimentary drinks before dinner.
Menus crafted in partnership with La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, a prestigious culinary society.
Viking delivers reliable, straightforward meals, while AmaWaterways treats dining as an experience. If food is important and a highlight of travel for you, I would recommend AmaWaterways.
Excursions and Enrichment: Choice vs Tradition
What you do off the ship shapes your memories as much as what you do on it.
Viking Excursions
One included excursion in every port, often a city walk or panoramic tour.
Additional excursions available for purchase.
Enrichment through onboard lectures and cultural talks.
Strong focus on history and tradition.
AmaWaterways Excursions
Multiple included options in every port, at no extra charge.
Choice of gentle, regular, and active paces.
Active options like guided hikes and bike tours.
A wellness program with onboard fitness instructors.
If you like a more structured, no-frills sightseeing experience, Viking fits the bill. If you want choice, flexibility, and more included options, AmaWaterways is the stronger value.
Atmosphere and Service: Professional vs. Personal
Atmosphere is hard to measure, but you will feel the difference immediately.
On Viking, service is polished, efficient, and professional. The experience reflects the scale of a global brand.
With AmaWaterways, service is warm, personal, and family-like. Guests often comment that crew members remember their preferences and treat them as friends.
Neither approach is wrong. It comes down to whether you prefer professional consistency or personal warmth.
Viking vs. AmaWaterways: Pricing, Inclusions & Value
At first glance, Viking may appear less expensive and the rates are often significantly lower. But it’s important to look at what’s included:
Feature | Viking | AmaWaterways |
Base Fare | Often slightly lower | Slightly higher |
Daily Excursions | 1 included per day | Multiple included |
Specialty Excursions | Extra cost | Included |
Cocktail Hour | Not included | Included |
Wellness Classes | Not included | Included |
Speciality Dining | Not included | Included |
Family-Friendly | Adults-only (18+) | Family welcome |
AmaWaterways’ pricing includes more variety of excursions (biking, hiking, wine tastings), so while the base fare may be slightly higher that Viking, you’re getting more included activities. AmaWaterways also includes amenities like wellness programs, Sip & Sail cocktail hour, and The Chef’s Table, all of which add extra value.
While the base rates are higher, I believe AmaWaterways offers a more all-inclusive value and overall greater value than Viking River Cruises.
Is One Cruise Line Truly Better?
Not at all. But one is probably a better fit for you.
You might prefer Viking if you:
Appreciate sleek, minimalist design and a quiet atmosphere
Prefer structured, educational excursions
Want an adults-only environment
Don’t mind paying extra for specialty experiences
You might prefer AmaWaterways if you:
Want more included excursions and flexibility
Enjoy a social onboard setting with music and mingling
Are traveling with family or in a group
Value gourmet dining and extra touches like wellness classes and cocktail hours
FAQ: Viking vs. AmaWaterways
Here are some brief answers to common initial questions my clients ask me:
Which line is better for first-time river cruisers: Viking or AmaWaterways?
Both are excellent, but Viking’s simple, all-adults model appeals to travelers who want a quiet, classic cruise experience. AmaWaterways may be a better fit if you’re looking for a more social atmosphere, included drinks, or a mix of wellness and cultural programming.
Is one line more luxurious than the other?
AmaWaterways and Viking are both premium river cruise lines, but AmaWaterways tends to focus more on inclusivity, active excursions, and culinary excellence. Viking leans into sleek Scandinavian design, serene onboard environments, and a more minimalist luxury approach.
Which river cruise line is better for active travelers?
AmaWaterways is known for offering wellness hosts, yoga, hiking, and biking excursions, all included in the base fare. Viking provides walking tours, but does not focus as much on physical activity options.
Do Viking or AmaWaterways offer themed cruises?
Yes. AmaWaterways offers themed cruises such as Wine Cruises, Christmas Markets, and Celebration of Classical Music. Viking occasionally offers special-interest cruises, but tends to keep itineraries consistent and focused on cultural enrichment.
Are children allowed on river cruises?
On Viking, passengers must be 18+. AmaWaterways allows children, though the onboard environment is still upscale and quiet.
Which cabins are better: AmaWaterways or Viking?
Viking has larger standard cabins with floor-to-ceiling views. AmaWaterways offers twin-balcony cabins and family staterooms on select ships. Personally, I prefer AmaWaterways when it comes to cabin offerings.
Which is more social: Viking or AmaWaterways?
AmaWaterways tends to have a more sociable, energetic vibe with events like the Sip & Sail cocktail hour, while Viking is more serene and quiet.
Do both offer free excursions?
Yes, both include at least one daily excursion, but AmaWaterways often includes multiple options per day with wellness-focused alternatives.
What are the payment terms for AmaWaterways and Viking?
With AmaWaterways, a deposit holds your space, and final payment is usually due 90 days before the start of travel. With Viking, a deposit holds your space, but final payment is governed by the promotional offer at the time of booking. Many current offers require you to pay in full by a fixed calendar date, which can be well in advance of departure. If you book within about 120 days of sailing, payment is typically due at booking.
Bonus Tip: Consider the Ship & Itinerary Too
Each line operates on the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine, and beyond, but ship size, launch year, and itinerary focus vary. For example, AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna is twice the width of standard river ships and offers an entirely different experience on the Danube. Viking’s longships are consistent and familiar, ideal if you're after uniform comfort. Let's talk and figure out the best ship and itinerary for you.
Why Work with Me
Here is something many travelers do not realize. The cost of a travel advisor is already built into the price of your cruise. If you book directly with the cruise line, you are paying for that service without ever receiving it. When you book with me, you unlock that value at no extra cost. You will never pay more for using me. Every promotion the cruise line offers is applied to your booking, and many times I am able to secure additional perks or exclusive offers on top of what is publicly advertised.
What makes the difference is not the price, but the service and support. I do not hand you off to a call center or leave you to navigate the fine print on your own. You work with me directly, and I guide you step by step from the moment we start planning until you return home. In the months leading up to your departure, you will receive detailed, perfectly timed emails from me that answer questions before you even have to ask them. And if you ever want to pick up the phone or send a quick note, I am happily available to talk through the details.
If something goes wrong during your trip (a flight delay, a weather issue, or even a medical situation) you are not left waiting on hold with a 1-800 number. You have me in your corner, ready to step in and advocate for you. My clients often tell me that peace of mind alone is worth it.
Here is what you always receive when you book with me:
Every cruise line promotion applied to your booking, plus additional perks when available
No fees; you will never pay more for using me
Personalized planning tailored to your travel style and goals
Detailed pre-cruise emails timed perfectly to keep you informed and prepared
Direct communication with me (no call centers, no retelling your story to someone new)
Ongoing support before your trip, during your cruise, and after you return home
In-destination advocacy if something unexpected happens
I would love to send you my free Smooth Sailing Starter Guide to help you begin planning. When you are ready, we can talk through your goals and match you with the river cruise line and itinerary that fits you best.
Let’s Find the River Cruise That’s Right for You
Whether you’re leaning Viking or AmaWaterways, or you still feel unsure, I’ll help you cut through the noise and plan a cruise that fits like a glove.
Have you received your free copy of my 22-page comprehensive River Cruise Guide, Smooth Sailing? It’s packed with expert insights, itinerary recommendations, and essential tips to help you plan the perfect river cruise. Download your free copy today.
Emma Guse is a River Cruise Specialist with Travelmation, helping solo travelers, couples, families, and groups plan unforgettable river cruises with ease. Known for her down-to-earth style and expert guidance, she handles the details so you can focus on making memories.
Emma's services are 100% complimentary and included in the base rates of every river cruise line. Learn more about Emma HERE or submit an inquiry HERE.
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