AmaWaterways vs. Viking: Which River Cruise Line Is Right for You?

AmaWaterways and Viking offer award-winning river cruise experiences exploring some of the most coveted regions. The AmaWaterways vs. Viking debate ultimately boils down to your personal preference, budget and priorities. With this in mind, choosing a cruise line is a simple and enjoyable process.

We’ll share important factors clarifying which line checks the right boxes for you, from the ship’s atmosphere to its unique amenities. This way, you decide how you want to travel, not just where, and you can confidently go with the option that brings your dream cruise itinerary to life. 

AmaWaterways’ fleet consists of 29 international river ships as of 2025. It has fewer ships than Viking but offers more variety in ship size. Boutique vessels such as the Zambezi Queen create an intimate experience for a maximum of 28 guests, while the AmaMagna model offers 443 feet of entertainment for 196 passengers.

Viking operates over 80 river ships across the globe, with 10 more of their award-winning Longships arriving in 2025 and 2026. With twice as many ships as AmaWaterways, cruisers may find more availability and coverage. Ship sizes range from a modest 80 to a whopping 386 passenger capacity. However, most accommodate 190 passengers, resulting in a more predictable crowd size for AmaWaterways vs Viking River Cruises.

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If you want access to as many unique destinations as possible, AmaWaterways is for you, as the fleet is on more continents than its counterpart. The line is known for some of the best European river cruises, with renowned routes running through the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Douro rivers. It’s one of the few operators in South America and boasts a new route exploring the biodiversity of the Magdalena River in Colombia. 

Viking spans the broadest range of itineraries and also caters to historically notable European routes, including visits to architectural landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Other standout trips include multi-day Nile River cruises to major archaeological sites. You can also cruise the Mississippi Viking, exploring the second-largest river in the United States. 

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AmaWaterways caters to social travelers, and cruisers are encouraged to mingle and join in group activities. A Zen Wellness Studio is available on all European routes, and AmaMagna crafts boast pickleball courts. 

These amenities make it easy for active guests to stick to their exercise routines. For a splash of relaxation, book a massage at the spa afterwards. Bikes, walking tracks, lounges and board games are dotted throughout the ship, beckoning you to engage. 

Viking River ships offer a quieter retreat with a refined adults-only experience. You can quietly enjoy your morning coffee in the Viking library, attend culturally enriching lectures, or watch an educational film that provides cultural insights into upcoming port stops. 

At night, guests can savor the notes of a classical performance. Viking’s onboard experience is curated for the cultural and academic aficionado eager to dive deep into the cultural heart of regional heritage. 

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Is the shore excursion your favorite part of a river cruise? If you can’t get enough of them, AmaWaterways is the way to go. On their fleet, you can choose multiple daily excursions, which are all included in the fare. 

Opt for a historic city tour, wine tasting, or scenic bike ride right from the port. Your fare lets you enjoy several excursions at once for one day, while laying low with a single, laid-back tour on another. You can choose from easy, moderate, or rigorous activities for the most comfortable fit.

Viking River Cruises only includes a single excursion at each port of call. The complimentary activity is usually a small group walking tour led by a local specialist. These tours highlight cultural topics and natural vistas, rather than adrenaline-pumping activities. 

If you enjoy river cruises with a bit more adventure, you can opt for additional offshore excursions at an extra cost. This lets cruisers only pay for the activities they want, rather than bundling excursions you may not take into the cruise fare. 

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All AmaWaterways ships offer an award-winning main restaurant and a Chef’s Table venue. Wherever you enjoy a meal, rest assured that wine, beer and soda are included. Tapas-style snacks are available around the clock, and daily rotating menus keep culinary intrigue at the forefront.

You can expect locally sourced ingredients and easy modifications for most dietary preferences. They’re held to high culinary standards as members of the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs fine dining society. Depending on the ship, you may be able to have a continental breakfast delivered to your cabin and stay under the covers a bit longer. 

Viking’s main dining room focuses on destination-inspired dishes like Caribbean jerk coconut shrimp or Norwegian-style meatballs. They also serve western-leaning cuisine, including omelets, sandwiches, pasta and steaks. All Viking Longships have an Aquavit Terrace on board, an elegant all-weather cafe scenically placed at the bow of each vessel. 

There’s no specialty dining experience aboard the Viking River Cruise, letting the journey itself shine during mealtime. Wine, beer and soft drinks are complimentary, and they can accommodate dietary needs — just make sure to let the team know beforehand. 

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AmaWaterways’ luxury ships start at about $3,070 for a 7-day European River Cruise, including all meals, unlimited drinks and the popular daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour. Best of all, Amawaterways allows you to book up to eight complimentary excursions per day. If you value all-inclusive options that include a variety of activities in the base fare, this line may be best for you. 

For even deeper value, AmaWaterways regularly runs promotions such as $1,700 off per couple’s booking and complimentary land packages before or after you sail. You can also add the AirPlus program to your booking, which offers fixed-rate airfare and airport transfers — a potentially more affordable bundle that simplifies your commute. 

Viking cruises start at $1,999 for 7 days in a European region like the Rhine. Like AmaWaterways, you can expect complimentary drinks, meals and snacks. You can expect to pay for excursions if you want to experience more than one a day, which may add up fast if you’re particularly adventurous. 

However, you can take advantage of a two-for-one airfare and cruise deal, a dramatic discount. It’s an excellent option for cruisers who prefer a slower pace and are content with a single daily excursion, offering a peaceful and affordable experience. 

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If you're booking a European river cruise and looking for a high-energy environment with a culinary flair, AmaWaterways is the ideal choice. Active cruisers can enjoy fitness centers, recreational amenities and rigorous offshore activities, such as guided bike tours and hikes.

With over 800 wine cruises a year, it’s perfect for learning more about regional grapes, alongside food pairings. Speaking of food, guests who appreciate high-end culinary preparations will love the Chef’s Table Experience, a multi-course tasting with an intimate view into the kitchen. 

First-time cruisers may prefer the Viking line for its comfortable and slightly pared-down offerings. This makes it easy to settle in, relax and avoid overwhelm while still soaking in the luxurious offerings. 

It’s also the best choice for academically-minded travelers who want to dive deep into the history and cultural highlights, with a library, theater and excursions that let you learn about each destination in a variety of formats. With Viking vs Amawaterways’ slower pace, it’s also one of the best cruises for seniors seeking tranquility. 

Here are some final tidbits that can help clarify your decision between AmaWaterways vs Viking River Cruises: 

AmaWaterways is all-inclusive, offering complimentary wine, beer, beverages and meals. Multiple daily offshore excursions are also included, but you may need to pay if you exceed eight a day. 

Viking offers the same all-inclusive food and beverage package, but has fewer onsite restaurants. It also includes only one offshore activity daily, with the option to purchase additional activities.

Amawaterways offers an active and engaging experience with wellness amenities, group activities and culinary experiences, attracting a social crowd. 

Viking river cruises are quieter, adults-only and focus on cultural enrichment. Ship programs include classical performances, educational films and deep-dive lectures. 

Younger cruisers tend to book with AmaWaterways, but it’s also popular with older travelers. It’s a multigenerational cruise line that accommodates a broad diversity of people. 

Viking attracts an older demographic, partly because guests must be 18 or older. Its peaceful atmosphere is ideal for and regularly attracts retirees. 

Choosing AmaWaterways vs Viking comes down to your travel preferences. Are you the life of the party, looking to connect and explore? Go with AmaWaterways. Prefer relaxation and education? Book with Viking. Either way, both lines provide an unforgettable experience along the world’s most iconic rivers. 

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