Which River Cruise company is right for you? Learn about Ama, Avalon and Viking River Cruise!

Choosing the right river cruise company can significantly impact your travel experience, blending comfort, luxury, and cultural immersion along the world's most scenic waterways. In this informative video, we dive deep into three prominent river cruise companies-AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Viking River Cruises-to help you discern which aligns best with your travel style, preferences, and expectations.
AmaWaterways: Elevating River Cruising with Elegance and Enrichment
AmaWaterways sets itself apart with a reputation for luxury and personalized service, offering a fleet of modern ships designed for comfort and style. Each vessel features spacious staterooms with French balconies or full balconies, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views of Europe's rivers. AmaWaterways' emphasis on cultural enrichment is evident in its curated shore excursions led by knowledgeable guides, offering deeper insights into local history, art, and cuisine. Onboard, guests can indulge in gourmet dining with regionally inspired cuisine, complemented by fine wines and attentive service. AmaWaterways also prioritizes wellness and relaxation, featuring onboard spas, fitness centers, and unique activities like yoga classes and bike tours. Whether cruising along the Danube, Rhine, or Douro, AmaWaterways promises an unforgettable journey characterized by elegance, enrichment, and personalized experiences.
Avalon Waterways: Panoramic Views and Personalized Comfort
Avalon Waterways redefines river cruising with its innovative Suite Ships, setting a standard for spaciousness and scenic cruising. Each Suite Ship features expansive staterooms with Open-Air Balconies®, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views from the comfort of their rooms. Avalon's emphasis on panoramic vistas extends to its public spaces, including the Sky Deck with lounges designed for optimal viewing and relaxation. Onboard, guests can savor farm-to-table cuisine inspired by local ingredients, paired with regional wines. Avalon also offers a range of enrichment activities, from cooking demonstrations to language classes, enhancing the cultural immersion experience. With itineraries covering Europe's major rivers and lesser-known gems, Avalon Waterways caters to travelers seeking personalized comfort, scenic beauty, and a relaxed cruising pace.
Viking River Cruises: Destination-Focused Cruising with Scandinavian Elegance
Viking River Cruises combines destination-focused exploration with Scandinavian elegance, epitomized by its fleet of sleek longships. Each ship is designed with understated luxury, featuring spacious accommodations and a serene ambiance conducive to relaxation and reflection. Viking's itineraries span Europe's iconic rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, and Seine, offering in-depth cultural immersion through guided shore excursions and onboard lectures. Dining onboard is a culinary journey with a focus on regional specialties and international cuisine, complemented by panoramic views from the dining venues. Viking also emphasizes enrichment with onboard cultural performances, lectures by guest speakers, and hands-on demonstrations that deepen guests' understanding of each destination's heritage. Known for its exceptional service and attention to detail, Viking River Cruises appeals to travelers seeking a blend of exploration, comfort, and educational enrichment.
Choosing the Right River Cruise Company for You
Deciding between AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Viking River Cruises hinges on your personal preferences, travel style, and desired onboard experience. Consider the following factors:
Destination Coverage: Each cruise line offers itineraries along Europe's major rivers, but their focus may vary. AmaWaterways and Viking River Cruises often include smaller ports and cultural experiences, while Avalon Waterways emphasizes panoramic views and spacious accommodations.
- Onboard Experience: Evaluate the amenities and activities offered onboard, such as dining options, enrichment programs, wellness facilities, and entertainment.
- Service and Atmosphere: Research reviews and testimonials to gauge the level of service and overall atmosphere onboard each cruise line.
- Cost and Inclusions: Compare pricing structures, inclusive amenities (such as gratuities, excursions, and Wi-Fi), and special offers to determine the best value for your budget.
Finding Your Perfect River Cruise Experience
AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Viking River Cruises each offer unique advantages tailored to different types of travelers. Whether you prioritize cultural enrichment, scenic beauty, personalized comfort, or a blend of these elements, one of these esteemed river cruise companies is sure to align perfectly with your travel aspirations. Join us as we explore the distinctive features and highlights of AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Viking River Cruises, helping you make an informed decision for your next unforgettable river cruising adventure.

[@priscillamengyan6883]

We did our first river cruise with AmaWaterways on the AmaKristina - cruising the Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel. It was wonderful. The staff was super accommodating, the excursions were great, the food awesome and our stateroom was spacious and warm! We loved everything about it!!

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

I am so happy you enjoyed Ama. They are an amazing company with such personal service.

[@bradfordpatterson8770]

I took a Danube cruise on Uniworld. Great food, nice room and I didn't have to pay for extra for a liquor package. It was accessible any time of the day.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

That's interesting. Typically you have to pay for the Silver Spirits Package. I wonder if they had a promo when you booked?

[@DileepB]

Included tours on AMA has me sold. The total cost of your vacation is important. Sounds like food is similar. I did not see art, architecture etc featured on Viking walking tours.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

Yes, the Ama excursions are great. With Viking, the tours are usually walking tours that focus on the history of the town/region. I find it depends on the guide but their interests always shine through, so if they have a fondness for architecture they may focus more on that during the tour.

[@franktozier3184]

I have done 2 Viking River Cruises with a third scheduled for next year. My wife has food allergies and Viking lives up to their staement about preparing food for people with food allegies. I highly recommend Viking.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

Yes, they are so good with food allergies! Which river are you sailing next?

[@franktozier3184]

We will be going on the Seine Paris to Normandy in July 2025 with our youngest son and daughter in law.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

@@franktozier3184 Amazing! What a great experience to have as a family!

[@JT_70]

We did the 15 day Viking Grand European river cruise and a Viking ocean cruise. We’ve booked another Viking river cruise for next spring. We have been totally pleased with Viking.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

Yes, they are a great company. Which ocean itinerary are you sailing?

[@JT_70]

@@TheRiverCruiseQueen Paris to Zurich river cruise

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

@@JT_70 Amazing. That will be gorgeous!

[@JT_70]

@@TheRiverCruiseQueen we hope so. We plan on continuing on to Zermatt after the cruise.

[@JaJa-qt5sf]

Avalon is very bad towards the crew in general especially after covid.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

Oh no, I am sorry if you had that experience. That is not what I have experienced onboard with Avalon. Which river did you sail?

[@JaJa-qt5sf]

@@TheRiverCruiseQueen a lot of crew members have had awful experience with Avalon plus from this year they keep most of the tips from tipbox.

[@jmmalone]

Viking offers numerous shore excursions in each port. Generally, only one is included for no additional fee. The included tour is not always just a walking tour, as some of them are a panoramic bus tour, such as in Paris.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

Yes, they do have additional tours you can pay for, but there is only one included tour. In my experience, when they have a bus tour to cover more of the city, there is always a walking component as well.

[@ThanksJanie]

which of these cruises have gyms, pools/hot tubs? I regularly work out and want that option. We also really enjoy a good soak.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

The only company that does not have a gym or pool is Viking. Pools and hot tubs can be found on all the other companies, but it does vary ship by ship. If you are active look at Ama or Avalon.

[@pamelawooden6012]

We will be taking our second cruise with Emerald Waterways next month. Needless to say, we were pleased with them our first time. In the fall, we will be doing a cruise with Avalon. Excited for both. Fingers crossed all goes well.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

Both companies are great! Small differences but overall similar experiences! Which rivers are you sailing?

[@pamelawooden6012]

@@TheRiverCruiseQueen The Rhine (Amsterdam to Basel) and then the Seine (Paris to Normandy). Our first cruise was Budapest to Amsterdam.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

@@pamelawooden6012 so fun! Id love to sail Amsterdam to Budapest, just have to wait for the kiddos to be a bit older.

[@pamelawooden6012]

@@TheRiverCruiseQueen yes I understand completely! And it was wonderful! I absolutely love river cruising!

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

@@pamelawooden6012 Me too! Every minute is enjoyed!

[@par43532002]

Did a Rhine River cruise back in March from Amsterdam to Basel Switzerland on AMA Waterways. Overall it was a good experience, however the food for me was a tad disappointing. They seem to try make it a gourmet experience, but the tastes were generally on the bland slide. With that being said, the service was impeccable. River cruises are a great way to see a lot of Europe in a short time.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

Thanks for the feedback! I am happy to hear you enjoyed the experience overall. Did you provide comments about the food on the ship? I am sure they would love to hear what you think too.

[@par43532002]

@@TheRiverCruiseQueen yes we did.

[@heidibeechuk9203]

What is the tipping culture on these river cruises? Great comparisons. Tips for tour guides, etc. Thanks.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

All three of these you can pre pay gratuities pey them at the end of your cruise. These cover all the onboard staff. It is encouraged to tip guides 2-5 euros and drivers 1-2 euros off the ship.

[@heidibeechuk9203]

@@TheRiverCruiseQueen thank you! I’ve only done ocean cruises, tipping is similar to them. I bring usually tips for tour guides separately from the prepaid gratuities for staff on ship. 😊

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

@@heidibeechuk9203 Yes, they are similar in that way! But soooo different in almost every other way. You will have a great time comparing all the differences.

[@martyscheall9626]

So far we’ve been on two river boat cruises, both on Viking, Rhine River Amsterdam to Basel and the Christmas Market on the Danube from Hungary to Passau. We only have positive things to say. It is a fabulous learning experience and we’ve planned another river boat cruise for this summer in Portugal and an ocean cruise with Viking as well, this fall.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

That's so great to hear! Viking's ocean cruises are spectacular. Where are you sailing this fall?

[@christinakilada259]

This is so so helpful! Thank you!!

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

No problem. I am always happy to hear that people find my content useful!

[@marionnolan9612]

We love VIKING SO MUCH!

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

I agree. I loved my sailing with them. Everything was exceptional!

[@DileepB]

I do not like their very early full payment policy. Service is good.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

@@DileepB Yes, many people do not like the fact you have to pay so early. Past guests usually get the option to pay later.

[@bdimon]

We did a river cruise with Grand Circle Travel from Vienna to Amsterdam. Loved the people. Our tour director introduced us to a butcher, a carriage driver, and a German family. We visited the home of the German family and talked and snacked for hours. Onboard, the food was delicious and each plate was a work of art Free house beer & wine all day. The rooms are about the same size on all the river cruise lines. Grand Circle cabins have two single beds that fold up into benches during the day. In the day configuration, there is more open space to walk around. My wife and I never got into each other's way. We will go again next year.

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

Wow, that sounds like a great experience. Thanks for sharing. I have never sailed with them before, but I am intrigued now. What river are you sailing next year?

[@bdimon]

@@TheRiverCruiseQueen Next year we plan to sail the Rhine & Mosel from Bern to Antwerp.

[@DexterLee-z8f]

We’ve had great experiences with Amadeus/Luftner

[@jenniferparry8709]

I did a Danube cruise on Amawaterways on the AmaSonata at Easter. It was so good I have booked another one with them on the Rhone in August

[@TheRiverCruiseQueen]

That's amazing! The Rhone is very pretty!