Two Giants, Two Very Different Experiences
If you’ve looked into European river cruises, chances are Viking and AmaWaterways were the first two names you found.
Both are respected, both deliver exceptional service, and both have passionate followings. Yet, the onboard experience is strikingly different — and understanding those differences can help you avoid surprises and choose a cruise that truly fits you.
After personally touring or sailing 17 river ships — including vessels from both lines — here’s how they compare across the key categories that matter most.
Category One: Pricing & Booking Policies
Viking often starts with the lower fare, but AmaWaterways regularly offers limited-time promotions that close the gap — and sometimes beat Viking on value.
Sales & Promotions
Viking: Focuses on reduced deposits or airfare deals.
AmaWaterways: Runs percentage discounts, cabin upgrades, prepaid gratuities, and bundled air promotions throughout the year.
Inclusions
Both lines include wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. AmaWaterways adds an evening Sip & Sail cocktail hour — an extra perk Viking doesn’t match.
Gratuities
Not included with either line. Expect to pay these onboard or prepay them during booking.
Deposits & Final Payment
AmaWaterways: $800 per cabin, non-refundable; final payment 90 days before sailing.
Viking: $500 per cabin (occasionally as low as $25 per person during special promos); final payment due up to 12 months before sailing.
Solo Travelers
Viking rarely offers reduced single supplements; expect to pay 100%.
AmaWaterways regularly offers reduced or waived solo supplements and even has dedicated solo cabins (~140 sq ft) on select ships.
Families
Viking is strictly adults-only (18+).
AmaWaterways welcomes children 4 and up, with family-friendly connecting cabins on select ships.
Verdict:
Choose AmaWaterways if you prefer flexible payment timelines, travel with family or solo, or enjoy the added cocktail hour.
Choose Viking if early payment isn’t an issue and you’re simply seeking the lowest initial price.
Category Two: Ship Design & Cabins
The visual difference between the two lines is clear the moment you step aboard.
Viking embraces a Scandinavian aesthetic — light wood, clean lines, and neutral palettes. All ships are nearly identical in layout and décor, so frequent Viking guests know exactly what to expect.
AmaWaterways leans European contemporary, with warm tones, rich fabrics, and more variation between ships. Their fleet is individually designed but unified by a sense of understated luxury.
Cabin Sizes
Viking Longships: Most standard cabins are around 205 sq ft.
AmaWaterways: 170–235 sq ft, with the standout AmaMagna, double the width of a standard ship, featuring suites starting at ~250 sq ft.
Accessibility & Connectivity
AmaWaterways: Some ships have elevator access to all decks, plus limited connecting cabins and triples (rare in river cruising).
Viking: Elevators skip the lowest deck, and there are no connecting rooms.
Amenities
Both offer free Wi-Fi, but AmaWaterways goes further — with onboard bikes, a fitness room, pool or whirlpool, and optional massage and salon services.
Viking keeps things minimalist, focusing on open-air lounges and large observation spaces instead.
Verdict:
Choose AmaWaterways if onboard amenities and wellness options matter.
Choose Viking if you value consistency, simplicity, and Scandinavian design.
Category Three: Excursions & Daily Experiences
Both cruise lines include at least one complimentary excursion per port, but the similarity ends there.
Viking’s included tours are typically introductory walking or panoramic bus tours. They’re reliable and well-run, but additional options (like cooking classes or tastings) usually come at a fee.
AmaWaterways provides multiple included options in most ports — such as hiking, biking, or cultural experiences — with no extra charge.
Verdict:
This is an easy win for AmaWaterways, especially for travelers who enjoy active or immersive experiences without worrying about add-on costs.
Category Four: Dining & Culinary Style
Both lines focus on regional cuisine and fresh, locally inspired dishes — but their approach and recognition differ.
Viking
Meals are elegantly presented, with à la carte and buffet options. In 2024, Viking ranked #8 on Food & Wine’s Global Tastemakers list, the highest of any river cruise brand.
AmaWaterways
Equally impressive, Ama ranked #10 on that same list and remains a culinary leader thanks to The Chef’s Table — an intimate, multi-course tasting dinner available at no extra cost.
AmaWaterways is also part of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Tables et Auberges de France, prestigious culinary guilds celebrating excellence in gastronomy.
Room Service:
Neither line offers room service, though AmaWaterways often includes flexible mealtimes and more individualized service in its main restaurant.
Verdict:
AmaWaterways takes the edge here for creativity, culinary partnerships, and the Chef’s Table experience. That said, Viking’s consistency is excellent — especially for travelers who value predictability in menus and service.
Category Five: Onboard Atmosphere
Viking
Elegant, quiet, and highly structured. The ambiance feels polished and consistent from ship to ship. You’ll rarely encounter onboard announcements or nightlife — evenings are low-key, with soft piano music or a local performance.
AmaWaterways
Feels more boutique and family-owned, with warm, personal service. The onboard vibe is relaxed yet social — think conversation over wine, small group camaraderie, and attentive crew who quickly know your name.
Verdict:
Choose AmaWaterways if you prefer a boutique feel and friendly atmosphere.
Choose Viking if you value sleek consistency, quiet elegance, and a sense of order.
Category Six: Wellness & Active Travel
AmaWaterways leads this category. Every ship includes a Wellness Host who guides yoga, stretching, and fitness sessions, and coordinates hiking or biking excursions. Viking provides basic walking tours but lacks onboard wellness programming.
Verdict:
AmaWaterways is the clear choice for travelers who enjoy staying active or balancing indulgence with movement.
Category Seven: Value & Booking Considerations
A few practical differences that matter when booking:
Final Payments: Viking often requires payment 12+ months before sailing; AmaWaterways allows payment at 90 days.
Promotions: Viking’s airfare deals are strong but rigid. AmaWaterways’ promotions are more flexible and varied.
Price Trends: As ships fill, both lines increase fares, but Viking’s uniform product can make timing more predictable.
Verdict:
AmaWaterways wins for flexible policies and late payment timelines; Viking wins for predictability and structured offers.
Final Verdict: Two Leaders, Two Styles
Category | Slight Edge |
|---|---|
Pricing & Payment Flexibility | AmaWaterways |
Ship Design | Viking |
Excursions | AmaWaterways |
Dining | AmaWaterways |
Atmosphere | Depends on Style (Structured vs Boutique) |
Wellness | AmaWaterways |
Viking offers consistency, refined Scandinavian minimalism, and excellent brand recognition — perfect for travelers who like structure and value simplicity.
AmaWaterways delivers warmth, flexibility, and personality — perfect for travelers who prefer a little more luxury, variety, and a family-owned feel.
At the end of the day, both lines offer extraordinary river experiences. The best one for you depends on how you love to travel — and which details make your time on the river most meaningful.
Planning Tip:
We’ve personally toured and sailed with both AmaWaterways and Viking — and can help you match the right river, itinerary, and sailing date for your preferences.
Our planning service costs nothing more than booking direct, and gives you one trusted point of contact from start to finish.
