Viking vs AmaWaterways — and Every Big River Cruise Rivalry
How the river lines compete for the same traveler, one matchup at a time.
Quote Both Lines for MeViking vs AmaWaterways is the matchup more river travelers weigh than any other, because the two lines so often sail the same rivers in the same weeks. River Cruise Compete looks at how the lines compete for exactly the same traveler — one rivalry at a time — and who each one really suits.
We do not crown winners. Each line wins for somebody, and the useful question is which one wins for you. The facts below come from the lines’ own material; when you are ready, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will quote both on your dates.
Viking vs AmaWaterways at a Glance
| Viking | AmaWaterways | |
|---|---|---|
| Who sails | Adults 18+ only | Adults, plus families on set departures |
| Shore excursions | One included guided tour in every port | Several guided choices most days, from gentle walks to active outings |
| Bikes | Not a standard feature on board | Bikes on most European ships |
| Drinks | Beer, wine, soft drinks with lunch and dinner | Wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus a cocktail hour in Europe |
| Gratuities (Europe) | Extra | Extra |
| Signature cabins | Veranda Suites and Explorer Suites with wraparound verandas | Twin balconies — a French and a step-out balcony — on many ships |
| Dining | Main restaurant and Aquavit Terrace | Main restaurant plus The Chef’s Table on many ships |
| Standout ship | Longships: up to 190 guests, 443 ft | AmaMagna: about twice the usual width |
| Beyond Europe | Nile, Mississippi | Mekong, Africa, Colombia |
Facts from each line’s own published material, checked October 2026. Inclusions can vary by river and fare; our advisors confirm them for your sailing.
Where They Really Differ
Pace and choice ashore. Viking keeps the day simple: one included tour, with optional extras you can buy. AmaWaterways offers more ways to see each port, including bike rides and hikes, so active couples often lean toward it. If you like a set plan and fewer decisions, Viking’s approach is restful rather than limiting.
Who you sail with. Viking’s adults-only rule creates a calm, grown-up atmosphere. AmaWaterways’ family departures make it one of the few strong choices for a multi-generation river trip.
Cabins. Viking’s suites are the standout at the top; AmaWaterways’ twin balconies are the clever touch in its mid-range cabins.
More River Cruise Rivalries
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Scenic vs Uniworld
Two all-inclusive luxury lines with very different personalities.
Emerald vs Avalon
Two contemporary premium lines from rival travel groups.
River cruise vs land tour
Unpack once and float, or move by coach and see more inland?
How river cruise lines compete
New ships, richer inclusions and booking offers, explained.
Facts First, Then Opinions
For every line in one table, see our sister site River Cruise Compare. If you want straight opinions, River Cruise Critic gives them, and River Cruise Lines profiles each company. Considering an ocean cruise instead? Cruising by River sets river against ocean. Our complete set of river sites is indexed in the Official River Cruise Directory.
Who Is Behind This Site
River Cruise Compete is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise book every line on this site and will quote rival lines side by side for your dates. Meet Mister Cruise →
Viking vs AmaWaterways: FAQ
Viking vs AmaWaterways: which is better?
Neither, in general. Viking suits adults who want a consistent, well-organised trip with one included tour in each port. AmaWaterways suits travelers who want more choice ashore, active options and bikes, and families on its set family departures. The better line is the one that matches your style.
Do both include drinks?
Both include wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. AmaWaterways adds a pre-dinner cocktail hour on European cruises; Viking sells a Silver Spirits package for drinks beyond meals.
Can children sail on either line?
Viking accepts guests 18 and over only. AmaWaterways welcomes children, and runs family-focused departures with Adventures by Disney.
Are gratuities included?
Not in Europe on either line. AmaWaterways includes them on its Mekong, Nile and Africa programs.
Quote Viking and AmaWaterways Side by Side
Tell us your river and dates. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will quote both lines on comparable cabins, free.
Quote Both LinesMore From Our Cruise Network
New ships and line news appear in the Mister Cruise special-offers newsletter. If you enjoy matching travelers to the right line, Be a Travel Agent explains how to do it professionally. For all travel, see the Official Travel Directory; for America at its best, Best of the USA.