Why Compare AmaWaterways and Viking?
AmaWaterways vs Viking River Cruises, Rhine River cruise review, European river cruise comparison—type any of those phrases into Google or YouTube and you’ll see thousands of search results but surprisingly few first-hand head-to-head reviews. That’s what inspired this long-form guide.
Just a few months apart, we sailed the Basel-to-Amsterdam Rhine itinerary with both cruise lines—AmaLucia on AmaWaterways and Viking Sigyn on Viking. After sharing snippets on our YouTube channel, followers flooded us with one request:
“Please give us a detailed comparison—tell us who wins in each category and why.”
So that’s exactly what this post delivers.
We’ll cover ten key categories—demographics, excursions, food, wine & drinks, cabins, ship design, entertainment, dining-room style, price & value, and final-payment policy—then reveal which line was our overall winner. We paid our own way, accepted no compensation from either company, and donate all channel revenue to charity, so what you read here is 100 % candid.
1. Who’s on Board: Younger Energy vs. Adults-Only Calm
AmaWaterways draws a slightly younger, more active crowd—typically mid-50s to early-60s. Children 4+ are allowed, but you rarely see them except on holiday sailings. Couples, multigenerational families, and friend groups create a lively, sociable atmosphere.
Viking River Cruises is strictly 18+ and averages late-60s to early-70s. It’s quiet, calm, and highly structured—perfect for travelers who prefer a kid-free environment.
Why it matters: Your shipmates shape everything from dining-room conversation to how fast a walking tour moves. We enjoy meeting active travelers who want to hike, bike, and swap gear tips, so AmaWaterways wins this round for us.
2. Excursions: Flexibility vs. Depth
AmaWaterways
All excursions are included.
Most ports offer three walking-tour pace groups (gentle, regular, active) plus an active option (hiking or cycling).
No paid add-ons, so what you see at booking is what you get.
Viking
One included tour per port—usually a walking tour at a single pace.
Optional excursions (often $99–$149 pp) add activities like e-biking or specialty tastings.
Strong emphasis on Jewish-heritage content—sobering, important, and deeply appreciated.
Who wins for us? AmaWaterways. The ability to choose pace and activity level—without paying extra—fits our “move more, spend wisely” philosophy. But travelers craving specialized cultural tours may prefer Viking’s à-la-carte model.
3. Food: Variety & Presentation vs. Signature Events
AmaWaterways impressed us daily: more lunch choices, fresh breads, afternoon tapas, regional cheeses, and a Chef’s Table tasting menu (included once per cruise). Presentation felt Michelin-adjacent—thoughtful plating and stylish tableware.
Viking scored points for hearty soups, excellent bread, and a German theme night that turned dinner into a festival. Overall variety, however, leaned traditional.
Winner: AmaWaterways for daily variety and consistent presentation.
Related gear: We always pack silicone wine-glass covers to protect our pours on deck—handy on both lines.
Check out our full video review at Youtube by clicking below!
4. Wine & Drinks: Quality vs. Happy-Hour Value
Viking surprised us with superior included wines and an extensive premium list (many German private-label selections). Local schnapps tastings appeared on multiple nights.
AmaWaterways offers the beloved Sip ’n Sail cocktail hour (complimentary bar drinks before dinner) but both the included and premium wine lists felt underwhelming on our sailing.
Winner: Viking, especially for wine lovers who plan to order premium bottles.
5. Cabins: Bright Practicality vs. Scandinavian Minimalism
| Feature | AmaWaterways | Viking |
|---|---|---|
| Décor | Warm, bright, cozy (table lamps, accent colors) | Sleek, Scandinavian, neutral |
| Bathroom | Larger, cabinets, rain & handheld shower | Smaller except suites |
| Storage | Under-bed drawers; tiny night-stand drawers | Full-size drawers; magnetic walls (great for hooks) |
| Balcony options | Fixed window, French, Twin Balcony (French + step-out) | Fixed window, French, step-out; suites |
| Suites | One studio-style category | Veranda & Explorer (true separation) |
We rarely book suites, so Ama’s standard and French balcony cabins fit us better—brighter décor, roomier baths, twin-balcony wow-factor. AmaWaterways wins.
 |
| AmaWaterways Larger French Balcony |
6. Ship Design: Wellness Space vs. Cabin Count
AmaWaterways (79 cabins, 158 pax) dedicates square footage to a fitness center, spa room, salon, Chef’s Table, and a small pool with swim-up bar plus forward cushioned lounges.
Viking (95 cabins, 190 pax) sacrifices those amenities to add cabins and two Explorer Suites. The Aquavit Terrace is a standout al-fresco venue but there’s no gym or pool.
Our active lifestyle makes those extra wellness spaces priceless. AmaWaterways wins.
7. Entertainment: Social Trivia vs. Evening Shows
Viking hosts trivia and interactive games every few nights—lounges stayed packed even after busy tour days. AmaWaterways leans on piano sets and guest performers; attendance dwindled after dinner.
Winner: Viking for energizing passenger engagement.
8. Dining-Room Style: Communal vs. Flexible Seating
We love Viking’s airy main restaurant and communal tables—they spark conversation. The Aquavit Terrace lets us dine al fresco in good weather.
Ama’s dining room feels cozier and offers tables for two through ten—ideal for couples who value privacy.
For our style—meet everyone, share stories—Viking wins.
9. Price & Value: Practically a Draw
We priced a July 2025 Rhine cruise with similar balcony cabins:
| Line | Cruise + Land Extension* | Base Fare (2 pax) |
|---|---|---|
| Viking | 8-day Basel-Amsterdam + 2-night Lucerne | ≈ $10,396 |
| AmaWaterways | 7-day Basel-Amsterdam + 4-night Zurich & Lucerne (daily tours) | ≈ $12,876 |
Add—or subtract—promos like free air (Viking) or $1,000 off + free land (Ama) + more included excursions (Ama), and totals converge. Given near-parity, we call it a tie.
10. Final Payment Policy: 90 Days vs. Up to 18 Months
AmaWaterways: 90 days before departure—industry standard, traveler-friendly.
Viking: Due dates depend on promotions and can be 12–18 months out. Viking does not publish a single policy in its passenger contract, which complicates planning.
For flexibility and cash-flow sanity, AmaWaterways wins hands-down.
Overall Winner & How to Choose
AmaWaterways wins 7 categories (demographics, excursions, food, cabins, ship design, price flexibility, final payment).
Viking wins 2 (wine & drinks, entertainment) and shines in communal dining.
Price is essentially a tie once promos are factored.
Our pick: AmaWaterways. Active excursions, wellness-minded ship design, clear payment terms, and younger energy tipped the scales.
But: If premium wine, trivia camaraderie, or adults-only serenity are top priorities, Viking may suit you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are tips included?
AmaWaterways includes gratuities on select promos; Viking never does. Budget €15–20 per guest per day if not included.
Q: Wi-Fi quality?
Ama’s was usable for video uploads; Viking’s lagged—fine for email, not for streaming.
Q: Can I bring my own wine?
Yes on Ama (no corkage). Viking sells reasonably priced premium bottles; outside alcohol technically discouraged.
Gear We Never Cruise Without
| Must-Have | Why We Love It | |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic hooks (100 lb) | Hang hats, daypacks, wet jackets—work on Viking walls | |
| Compression packing cubes | Fit more layers for cooler Rhine nights | |
| Lightweight travel umbrella | Rhine weather is unpredictable | |
| Women's waterproof running jacket | Doubles as windbreaker on deck |
(Things from our packing list → Our Amazon Cruise Essentials Store)
 |
| Knirps Umbrella in Cologne |
Conclusion
Choosing between AmaWaterways and Viking River Cruises isn’t about right vs. wrong—it’s about aligning yourpriorities with each line’s strengths. Use this head-to-head guide, watch our comparison video, and weigh what matters most: active excursions or wine pairings, spa time or suite luxury, flexible payments or early-bird discounts.
Whichever you pick, remember to make meaningful and healthy travel happen—and if our reviews help, consider booking through our affiliate links or leaving a comment below. We read every one.
See you on the river!
