AmaWaterways vs. Viking: Which river cruise line suits your travel style?

When it comes to river cruises in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Egypt, two of the most renowned names are AmaWaterways and Viking.

Both brands offer unique features, such as AmaWaterways' complimentary excursions and Viking's modern Scandinavian-inspired decor. But do these differences truly influence which one you should choose?

The answer is yes. Some of these distinctions may surprise you, so keep reading for a direct comparison between AmaWaterways and Viking.

AmaWaterways vs. Viking: Exploring the two river cruise giants

River cruise lines AmaWaterways and Viking were both founded within five years of each other. Led by renowned executives from the travel and cruise industry, both brands feature modern fleets of river ships, but each offers distinct approaches to itineraries, excursions, and onboard experiences.

AmaWaterways, established in 2002 by Vienna-born Rudi Schreiner, German Kristin Karst, and the late Irishman Jimmy Murphy, operates a fleet of 26 ships. Three new vessels are set to launch in 2025 and two in 2026.

AmaWaterways is known for offering a range of excursions included in the cruise fare, usually three or four per port. These include city tours, often with a wine or culinary focus, along with bus trips to nearby attractions. For guests requiring more time to explore, there is a 'Gentle' group, while more active travelers can enjoy challenging hikes or bike rides. Bicycles are available on board for independent exploration at most ports of call.

AmaWaterways is renowned for its custom-designed ships featuring modern, destination-inspired decor. The public spaces exude the charm of a locally-owned boutique hotel. A standout innovation by AmaWaterways is the 'twin balcony' design, combining a French balcony with a full-size step-out balcony, offering spectacular views and enhanced space in the cabins.

Viking's journey began a few years before AmaWaterways, with its launch in 1997 by Norwegian cruise expert Torstein Hagen and several partners. The brand's mission was to offer destination-driven, culturally immersive experiences. By the end of 2024, Viking will operate a fleet of 82 river ships, with an additional 16 set to debut in 2025 and 2026.

Viking's river cruise prices include one complimentary shore excursion at each port, usually a panoramic bus ride or guided walking tour. Guests can also opt for a variety of extra-fee excursions, most with a cultural or culinary focus, though some offer more active pursuits.

The company expanded its river cruise business by attracting mature travelers looking for a seamless way to visit multiple cities and countries in Europe. However, Viking's rapid growth and brand recognition skyrocketed after the debut of its first Viking Longship in 2012, accompanied by a successful marketing campaign, including sponsorship of 'Downton Abbey' on PBS Masterpiece.

Today, Viking's iconic Longships, named after Nordic gods and goddesses (ranging from Viking Agir to Viking Vili), have become synonymous with European river cruising. All of these ships feature light and airy Scandinavian-inspired design.

In contrast to AmaWaterways, which focuses solely on river cruising, Viking has expanded into ocean voyages. In 2015, it launched the 930-passenger Viking Star and now operates a fleet of 11 nearly identical ocean ships, with two more on the horizon. In 2022, Viking introduced two Polar-6-Class expedition ships, each carrying 378 passengers, allowing Viking fans to explore the globe without switching brands.

Ship Size

Both AmaWaterways and Viking offer a variety of ship sizes in their river cruise fleets, ranging from intimate vessels carrying 28 passengers to large ships accommodating up to 386 passengers. These size differences are most noticeable on rivers like the Nile, Mekong, and Mississippi.

AmaWaterways' ships aren't all identical, even within its popular European fleet. Except for one, all ships are either 360 or 443 feet long and carry between 140 and 162 passengers, with 45 to 51 crew members. The majority of the fleet (15 ships) carries 152 to 162 passengers with 51 crew, while four smaller ships hold 140 passengers and 45 crew.

The exception is the 196-passenger AmaMagna, the flagship vessel on the Danube. At 443 feet long and 72 feet wide, it is nearly twice the width of a typical river ship, yet it doesn’t carry a significantly higher number of passengers. This design offers an abundance of space, allowing AmaWaterways to elevate the cruise experience. Cabins and suites range from 205 to 710 square feet, much larger than the 160 to 350 square feet found on other ships. AmaMagna also boasts four dining venues and five bars, a rare feature for a river ship.

On Portugal's Douro River, AmaWaterways operates two ships: AmaDouro and AmaVida. Each carries 102 passengers and 38 crew members. A third ship, AmaSintra, is scheduled to launch in early 2025.

In Egypt, AmaWaterways runs two ships: AmaDahlia, with 72 passengers and 62 crew, and AmaLilia, which accommodates 82 passengers and 65 crew members.

On Southeast Asia's Mekong River, AmaDara is the sole vessel in AmaWaterways' fleet. With French colonial design and intricately carved wood furniture, it hosts 124 passengers and 52 crew members. A second ship, AmaMaya, is expected to launch in 2026.

AmaWaterways also operates a single vessel on Botswana's Chobe River. Like AmaMagna, the Zambezi Queen is an outlier, but for the opposite reason. At just 150 feet long, it was specifically designed in 2019 for wildlife viewing and holds only 28 passengers and 22 crew members.

In 2025, AmaWaterways will expand into South America by launching cruises along the Magdalena River in Colombia. The ships, AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia, will each carry 60 to 64 passengers and 30 crew members.

Viking's fleet of 58 nearly identical Longships is a common sight along Central Europe's key rivers. Each ship, at 443 feet long, carries 190 passengers and 53 crew members.

On Portugal's Douro River, Viking operates four smaller ships, with a fifth set to launch in 2025. Each ship accommodates 106 passengers and 33 crew members. On the Elbe River in Germany, Viking operates two vessels, Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla, each carrying 98 passengers and 33 crew.

On France's Seine River, Viking has four identical ships, all launched in 2020, each carrying 168 passengers and 46 crew members. A fifth ship of the same design is expected in 2025.

Viking currently operates six ships on the Nile in Egypt, with two more planned for the future. Four larger ships accommodate 82 passengers and 48 crew members, while two smaller ships, Viking Ra (2017) and MS Antares (2007), carry just 52 and 62 passengers, respectively, with crews of 55 and 75.

Viking operates a single ship in Asia. Viking Saigon, which launched in 2022, has a capacity of 80 passengers.

The largest ship in Viking's river fleet sails in the U.S. Viking Mississippi, which debuted in 2022, is 450 feet long and can accommodate 386 guests along with 147 crew members.

Although both AmaWaterways and Viking’s main European river ships measure 443 feet in length, Viking’s ships have room for about 30 more guests. Viking cabins tend to be a little smaller, ranging from 135 to 205 square feet, compared to 160 to 235 square feet on AmaWaterways ships. However, suites on Viking ships are typically more spacious.

AmaWaterways slightly outperforms Viking in terms of crew-to-guest ratio on its main European river ships, with 51 crew members serving 156 to 162 guests, compared to Viking's 53 crew for 190 guests. While the difference is modest, it may become noticeable when a Viking ship is at full capacity, particularly during peak mealtimes in the dining room.

Who can you expect to see on board with AmaWaterways and Viking?

Several factors influence the mix of passengers on these rival river cruise lines. For example, Viking’s ships cater exclusively to adults, with a minimum age of 18, while AmaWaterways is family-friendly and welcomes multigenerational groups. While you won’t find children running wild on AmaWaterways, it’s more common to see families with teens or grandparents traveling with younger children during peak seasons like summer and spring break.

A more noticeable difference for many will be the age and physical activity level of passengers on each line.

Viking is especially popular among American travelers, particularly those aged 65 and older, who appreciate the line's consistency and emphasis on easy, bus-based sightseeing. More active guests may find the slower pace of guided walking tours frustrating, but can opt for more challenging excursions labeled as "moderate" or "demanding" to better match their fitness level and avoid being held back by less speedy fellow travelers.

AmaWaterways also attracts U.S. guests but has a more international clientele, with a slightly younger and more active crowd. This is due in part to its range of hiking and biking excursions in most ports, as well as the presence of a Wellness Host on board offering morning and afternoon yoga, fitness, and meditation classes. Guests on AmaMagna can even enjoy pickleball on a full-size court.

AmaWaterways collaborates with the bike touring company Backroads to organize special cycling cruises, typically hosting 30 to 40 cyclists per trip. These tours are designed to be more demanding and longer than those offered on regular itineraries.

Wine enthusiasts are another key demographic for AmaWaterways. The line offers a variety of wine-focused cruises that feature renowned wineries, primarily based in the U.S. but also including some European estates on Rhone river routes. On these cruises, winemakers join guests for tastings, lectures, and guided tours. These special sailings attract both members of the wineries' wine clubs and independent travelers interested in learning more about wine, offering an experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned connoisseurs.

Cabins and suites

The design of cabins and suites on most of AmaWaterways' core European vessels follows a consistent style. Each room is spacious, featuring a flat-screen TV and a bathroom equipped with a large shower.

The cabins on the lowest deck, with fixed windows, range from 160 to 170 square feet, while French balcony cabins are between 155 and 170 square feet. Twin balcony cabins, which include both a French balcony and a step-out veranda, span from 210 to 235 square feet, and suites are between 255 and 350 square feet. The ships operating along the Douro River also feature cabins and suites of similar sizes.

While all of AmaWaterways' European ships share a contemporary design with touches inspired by their destinations, the decor of the suites differs from vessel to vessel. Overall, cabin interiors have evolved to be lighter and brighter with each new or newly renovated ship, with bold textures and modern patterns replacing traditional fabrics.

In 2017, AmaWaterways introduced the first river ship with connecting rooms, AmaKristina, catering to multigenerational families and groups of friends. This feature was soon extended to nine additional ships: AmaLea, AmaMagna, AmaMora, AmaLucia, AmaSiena, AmaSerena, AmaStella, AmaViola, and AmaLilia.

Viking Longships are identical to one another, ensuring passengers know exactly what to expect when they book. Although the cabins are smaller compared to those on AmaWaterways' ships, they are designed to feel spacious with light wood furnishings, neutral tones, and modern bathrooms equipped with heated floors.

Standard cabins on Viking Longships are 150 square feet, featuring a small window just above the waterline. French balcony cabins are a bit cozier at 135 square feet but include full-length sliding glass doors. Veranda cabins measure 205 square feet, while veranda suites are 275 square feet. The two Explorer Suites are the largest, measuring 445 square feet, and offer a 270-degree wraparound veranda.

For those seeking more spacious accommodations, AmaWaterways' AmaMagna stands out with its double-width design, offering larger cabins. Its two top-tier balcony categories provide ample space, ranging from 474 to 710 square feet, comparable to the size of suites on many ocean-going vessels.

Dining Experiences: AmaWaterways vs. Viking

When it comes to dining, you're in for a treat on both AmaWaterways and Viking river cruises. Both lines feature culinary offerings designed to cater to a broad spectrum of tastes, including vegetarian options. Expect a combination of traditional dishes as well as regional specialties that reflect the destinations you’re visiting.

AmaWaterways, the only river cruise line affiliated with the prestigious La Chaine des Rotisseurs, provides a la carte dining with daily-changing menus for lunch and dinner. For breakfast, there’s a mix of lighter buffet items and a menu of hot dishes you can order, ranging from eggs Benedict and omelets to smoked trout and avocado toast.

For guests who prefer a lighter, more casual breakfast, the Main Restaurant is optional. Instead, a selection of breakfast items is available in the Lounge's central buffet area.

Lunch in the Main Restaurant offers a family-style serving of appetizers, followed by a selection of main courses that often highlight local specialties, such as goulash in Budapest or wiener schnitzel in Vienna. Dinner boasts an even broader menu with three to four appetizers or soups and multiple main courses, including thoughtfully prepared meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes. To finish, enjoy two irresistible dessert choices, fresh seasonal fruits, and a variety of cheeses.

Every AmaWaterways ship features the Chef's Table, an exclusive dining area located at the back of the ship, offering sweeping panoramic views. Guests can reserve a shared table to indulge in a specially curated multicourse meal at no extra cost.

AmaMagna provides additional dining options with two unique restaurants: Jimmy's, serving relaxed, family-style meals, and the Al Fresco Restaurant, offering fresh, vegetable-centric dishes in an inviting outdoor setting.

AmaWaterways offers a superb selection of complimentary wines (mostly sourced from local vineyards along the cruise route) and beers at both lunch and dinner. Guests can also enjoy complimentary mixed drinks, wines, and beers during the nightly Sip and Sail cocktail hour, while sparkling wine is available at breakfast.

Viking offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes. At breakfast and lunch in The Restaurant, passengers can choose from a buffet featuring freshly baked pastries, cheeses, smoked salmon, oatmeal, fruits, and eggs, or they can order off the day's menu, with choices like buttermilk pancakes, eggs Benedict, and more.

Lunch mirrors the breakfast spread, with a buffet selection and a daily menu that includes soup, salad, and two main course options, plus a few always-available dishes such as salad niçoise and burgers. While the menu doesn't always feature local specialties, guests can opt for alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, where the same menu from The Restaurant is served and where the surrounding views add to the experience. (Breakfast may also be enjoyed here on some days.)

Dinner is where Viking brings in local flavors, with a Regional Specialties Tasting Menu featuring three courses (for example, chicken paprikash as a main course in Hungary). The meal is complemented by a choice of two starters, two main dishes (always including a vegetarian option), and one dessert. For those who prefer something familiar, there's also a Classics menu with popular, everyday favorites.

Viking offers unlimited complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, though the selection is somewhat limited. For a wider variety, passengers can purchase the Silver Spirits drink package, which includes the sommelier's choice of wines, often local varieties, as well as cocktails and other beverages, available at any time.

Although Viking does not host a complimentary evening cocktail hour, it occasionally offers free wine tastings on the Aquavit Terrace on select days during the cruise.

What to expect on board

On river cruise ships, the majority of space is dedicated to guest accommodations, the main dining room, and the lounge, leaving little room for extravagant amenities beyond a small gift shop.

Despite this, AmaWaterways has introduced a bonus feature: a heated pool or hot tub located on the Sun Deck of most ships. However, guests who require an elevator will only be able to access the interior decks, as the Sun Deck is not reachable by elevator.

In addition to a fleet of bicycles, AmaWaterways ships offer a wellness program led by a dedicated Wellness Host. The program includes morning sessions of yoga, meditation, or core strengthening on the Sun Deck or in the Lounge, and afternoon activities like stretching or brisk walks. Every ship is also equipped with a small fitness center and a massage room, while AmaMagna boasts a full-size pickleball court.

Guests can enjoy nightly entertainment featuring live music from a piano player or DJ, as well as performances by local artists showcasing everything from traditional folk dances to modern tunes.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, although there is no designated internet center.

Viking's Longships don't offer pools or wellness facilities beyond a walking track and a small putting green, but they do have a library filled with books and an internet corner where guests can use laptops. Shipwide Wi-Fi is also provided free of charge, along with a small gift shop.

The Sun Deck includes a shaded seating area, solar panels, and an herb garden that provides fresh ingredients for the chefs. Elevators on Viking ships can reach the middle decks, but they do not provide access to the Sun Deck.

Viking's entertainment is in line with other river cruise lines, featuring a mix of musicians or DJs along with local performers offering folkloric, classical, or contemporary performances.

AmaWaterways and Viking offer a variety of itineraries, catering to diverse travel preferences.

River cruise itineraries in Europe tend to be quite similar across different cruise lines. The typical cruising season runs from late March to mid-December. Popular rivers like the Danube, Rhine, and Rhone are frequently visited, with most cruise lines, including AmaWaterways and Viking, stopping at the same prominent ports.

AmaWaterways operates a wide range of European itineraries along rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Douro, Main, and Moselle, as well as the canals of Belgium and the Netherlands. Cruises generally span from five to fourteen nights.

Starting in 2024, AmaWaterways will offer sailings in February and March aboard the AmaMagna on the Danube and the AmaLucia on the Rhine. Although temperatures will be cooler, travelers can enjoy fewer crowds and save hundreds of dollars compared to peak season fares.

AmaWaterways is not limited to European sailings. In Egypt, the company offers a unique Nile cruise itinerary called 'Secrets of Egypt and the Nile.' This includes a three-night hotel stay in Cairo, a seven-night cruise, and an additional night in Cairo after the cruise.

The cruise line also offers a seven-night journey along the Mekong River, covering both Vietnam and Cambodia.

AmaWaterways provides seven different African itineraries, each combining a four-night Chobe River cruise in Botswana with land extensions in South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Tanzania, for a total of nine to sixteen nights.

In 2025, AmaWaterways will make history as the first premium river cruise line to sail the Magdalena River in Colombia. Two new seven-night itineraries will be offered: 'Magic of Colombia' from Barranquilla to Cartagena and 'Wonders of Colombia' from Cartagena to Barranquilla.

Viking offers European itineraries along popular rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Douro, and Elbe, as well as the waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands. Most cruises, ranging from seven to sixteen nights, operate from early March to mid-December. In 2025, Viking will also offer two nine-night itineraries – 'Treasures of the Rhine' and 'Treasures of the Danube' – with sailings available in January and February.

Viking goes beyond Europe with its unique river cruises. In Egypt, the line offers the 11-night 'Pharaohs & Pyramids' itinerary, which includes both pre- and post-cruise stays in Cairo and a scenic Nile cruise. In Southeast Asia, Viking’s 14-night 'Magnificent Mekong' journey takes you from Hanoi, Vietnam, to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, featuring an eight-day river cruise and hotel stays in Hanoi, Siem Reap (Cambodia), and Ho Chi Minh City.

Viking Mississippi offers cruises through America's Heartland, ranging from seven-night round-trip voyages starting in New Orleans to extended 21-night trips that cover the entire 2,350-mile stretch of the Mississippi River from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota.

Bottom line

Both AmaWaterways and Viking share many similarities — comparable itineraries, pricing, outstanding cuisine, and a laid-back dress code — but their differences will appeal to specific travelers. This includes those who prioritize wellness-focused activities or a variety of included tours, or perhaps those who value both.

Choose AmaWaterways if you prefer a cruise fare with more inclusions, a diverse selection of regional wines, and a younger, more international passenger demographic. Opt for Viking if you enjoy spacious, contemporary design and appreciate guided tours that highlight history, culture, and cuisine.