River Cruises
Viking vs. AmaWaterways: My Honest Two-Week River Cruise Comparison
I sailed both Viking and AmaWaterways within a two-week period, giving me a rare firsthand opportunity to compare the two river cruise experiences side by side. This guide breaks down the differences in ships, staterooms, dining, excursions, activity level, onboard atmosphere and overall traveler fit.
A real traveler question
“Which is better for me: Viking or AmaWaterways for a European river cruise?”
Quick Answer
Viking and AmaWaterways both offer excellent European river cruises, but they suit different travelers. Viking tends to appeal to travelers who prefer a refined, traditional and highly consistent experience, while AmaWaterways often offers more excursion choices, a more active atmosphere and additional flexibility. After sailing both within a two-week period, I found that the “better” cruise line depends much more on your travel style than on which brand is more popular.
This article also answers
- Is Viking or AmaWaterways better?
- What is the difference between Viking and AmaWaterways?
- Which river cruise line has better excursions?
- Is AmaWaterways more active than Viking?
- Which river cruise line is better for first-time river cruisers?
- Which river cruise line has better staterooms?
- Does Viking or AmaWaterways include more?
- Which river cruise line is better for travelers 50+?
Key takeaways
- Viking and AmaWaterways are both strong river cruise choices, but they provide noticeably different onboard experiences.
- Viking generally offers a refined, consistent and traditional river cruise atmosphere.
- AmaWaterways typically provides more excursion choices and options for active travelers.
- Ship design, stateroom layout and onboard amenities differ between the two brands.
- The best cruise line depends on your travel style, activity level and priorities—not simply price.
- Sailing both cruise lines firsthand made the differences much easier to recognize than comparing brochures alone.
River cruising has such a beautiful way of slowing travel down.
Instead of moving from hotel to hotel, unpacking and repacking, and navigating trains and transfers, you settle in once, let the river carry you, and wake up somewhere new each day.
After spending two consecutive weeks sailing with two of the best-known European river cruise brands — Viking and AmaWaterways — I came away with an even greater appreciation for river cruising.
Our first week was aboard Viking Forseti on the Châteaux, Rivers & Wine itinerary, sailing roundtrip from Bordeaux through one of France’s most celebrated wine regions.
Our second week was aboard AmaWaterways' AmaVenita on the Captivating Rhine itinerary, sailing from Amsterdam to Basel through the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
These were two very different itineraries, which made the experience especially interesting.
Bordeaux offered a slower, immersive journey through one region, with wine, cuisine, châteaux, villages, and French culture at the heart of the experience.
The Rhine offered a more varied journey through several countries, filled with historic cities, castles, scenic sailing, cultural experiences, and active excursions.
Both cruises were wonderful.
What stood out most was how each brand creates its own style of river cruising.
Viking vs. AmaWaterways: A Quick Comparison
If you are considering Viking or AmaWaterways for a European river cruise, I would describe them this way based on our experience:
| Viking | AmaWaterways |
|---|---|
| Scandinavian-inspired design | Warm, contemporary design |
| Calm and refined onboard atmosphere | Active and wellness-focused experience |
| Strong destination immersion | Extensive excursion choices |
| Spacious-feeling public areas | Multiple ways to explore each destination |
| Thoughtful cabin organization | Signature Twin Balcony cabin options |
| Relaxed onboard rhythm | Fitness, wellness, and biking opportunities |
| Excellent for regionally focused itineraries | Excellent for active and multigenerational travelers |
Neither experience is about being “better.”
They simply offer different ways to enjoy the rivers of Europe.
What Both Viking and AmaWaterways Do Well
Before comparing the details, one thing deserves to be said clearly:
We genuinely enjoyed both cruises.
The staff on both ships were welcoming and attentive, the onboard experiences were comfortable, and both itineraries gave us memorable ways to experience Europe.
Both brands also make river cruising wonderfully convenient.
You unpack once, enjoy guided experiences throughout your journey, dine onboard, and wake up close to the destinations you came to see.
The real question is not:
Which river cruise line is better?
It is:
Which river cruise experience feels most like you?
Our Viking Experience: Immersive Bordeaux
Our Viking cruise focused entirely on the Bordeaux wine region of France.
That regional focus gave the itinerary a beautifully immersive quality.
Instead of traveling through several countries, we were able to spend the week exploring Bordeaux, wine country, châteaux, villages, local cuisine, scenic rivers, and French culture.
The experience felt wonderfully connected to the destination.
What Viking Does Especially Well
One of the first things we noticed was Viking's signature Scandinavian design.
The ship felt light, bright, clean, and beautifully streamlined.
Spacious Public Areas
We really enjoyed the lounge and dining areas.
They felt open and welcoming, making them comfortable places to gather before dinner, relax after excursions, or simply enjoy the scenery.
Thoughtful Cabin Design
We stayed in a lower-level stateroom with a porthole, and we were pleasantly surprised by how well the room worked for us.
We especially appreciated:
- Helpful bathroom shelving
- Usable counter space
- Smart storage
- A clean and uncluttered layout
When you are living in a cabin for a week, those small design details can make everyday life onboard very comfortable.
A Calm Onboard Rhythm
Our Viking sailing had a relaxed and refined atmosphere.
It was easy to return from an excursion, enjoy the lounge, have a drink, sit outside, and simply watch the scenery go by.
Outdoor Dining
One of our favorite features was the outdoor seating near the lounge.
We enjoyed dinner outside several times, which became such a lovely way to end the day.
For travelers who appreciate beautiful design, relaxed evenings, destination immersion, and an elegant onboard atmosphere, Viking has a lot to offer.
Our AmaWaterways Experience: An Active Journey Along the Rhine
The following week, we boarded AmaWaterways for the Captivating Rhine itinerary from Amsterdam to Basel.
This journey had a completely different personality.
Rather than exploring one region in depth, we traveled through several countries and experienced charming towns, historic cities, castles, scenic river landscapes, and a wide variety of excursions.
AmaWaterways made it very easy to customize how active or relaxed we wanted each day to be.
What AmaWaterways Does Especially Well
One of AmaWaterways' greatest strengths is choice.
Included Excursions
A wide selection of excursions was included with our cruise.
Depending on the destination, guests could often choose between different styles of touring.
And on some longer port days, there were opportunities to enjoy more than one experience.
That flexibility is wonderful for travelers who like having options.
Wellness and Fitness
AmaWaterways has made wellness an important part of its river cruise experience.
Depending on the ship and sailing, guests may enjoy:
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Fitness classes
- Strength or movement classes
- A fitness room
- Massage services
- Guided active excursions
You could participate as much or as little as you wanted.
Bikes Onboard
AmaWaterways also carries bicycles on many European ships.
For travelers who love exploring a destination on two wheels, this adds another wonderful way to experience the river.
Cocktail Hour
Before dinner, we enjoyed AmaWaterways' included Sip & Sail cocktail hour.
Guests could gather in the lounge and enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, mocktails, and featured daily drinks.
It created a fun and social transition from afternoon sightseeing into the evening.
The Chef's Table
AmaWaterways also offers The Chef's Table, an intimate specialty dining experience available to guests during the cruise.
It was a wonderful addition to the dining experience and gave guests another setting to enjoy dinner.
For travelers who enjoy activity, wellness, excursion choices, social experiences, and flexibility throughout the day, AmaWaterways does an excellent job creating options.
Comparing the Lower Stateroom Experience
On both cruises, we stayed in lower-level porthole staterooms.
That gave us the opportunity to experience each brand's entry-level accommodations firsthand.
Viking
Our Viking cabin emphasized organization and efficient use of space.
We especially appreciated the shelving, counter space, and streamlined layout.
AmaWaterways
Our AmaWaterways cabin had a comfortable layout with two chairs, giving us additional seating inside the room.
The design offered a slightly different use of the available space and reflected AmaWaterways' own cabin style.
Both cabins gave us everything we needed for a comfortable week onboard.
For me, this reinforced something I tell travelers often:
Cabin layout can matter just as much as cabin size.
Balcony Cabins: Two Different Approaches
One of the most interesting differences between Viking and AmaWaterways is how they approach balcony cabins.
Neither approach is better — they simply appeal to different travelers.
AmaWaterways Twin Balconies
AmaWaterways is well known for its Twin Balcony design on many of its European ships.
Many of these cabins combine:
- A French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass
- A separate step-out balcony with chairs and a table
Having both gives travelers two ways to enjoy fresh air and river views.
You can open the French balcony while relaxing inside or step outside onto your private balcony.
For travelers who really value indoor-outdoor living, this is one of AmaWaterways' signature features.
Viking French Balconies and Verandas
Viking offers several distinct cabin styles.
Travelers can choose a French Balcony cabin for floor-to-ceiling river views and fresh air or select a Veranda Stateroom for a private step-out balcony.
This gives travelers the opportunity to choose the cabin style that best matches how they plan to use their room.
Viking Cabin Categories
Viking keeps its primary Longship cabin categories relatively streamlined.
| Viking Cabin Category | Approximate Size |
|---|---|
| Standard Stateroom | 150 sq. ft. |
| French Balcony | 135 sq. ft. |
| Veranda Stateroom | 205 sq. ft. |
| Veranda Suite | 275 sq. ft. |
| Explorer Suite | 445 sq. ft. |
One thing worth understanding when selecting a Viking cabin is that room size varies by category.
The French Balcony emphasizes the floor-to-ceiling river view, while the Veranda Stateroom offers additional interior space along with a private outdoor balcony.
At the suite level, Viking's Explorer Suites offer an especially spacious river cruise accommodation.
What I Like About Viking's Cabin Choices
Viking may appeal to travelers who appreciate:
- Simple cabin categories
- Scandinavian design
- Efficient organization
- A choice between French Balcony and Veranda styles
- Very spacious top-level suite options
AmaWaterways Cabin Categories
AmaWaterways offers a broad selection of cabin styles, although exact categories vary by ship.
On many of its 135-meter European vessels, they generally include:
| AmaWaterways Cabin Category | Approximate Size |
|---|---|
| Riverview Cabin | 155–170 sq. ft. |
| French Balcony Cabin | 155–170 sq. ft. |
| Twin Balcony Cabin | 210–235 sq. ft. |
| Suite | Around 350 sq. ft. |
The Twin Balcony category is one of AmaWaterways' signature features.
It can be especially appealing for travelers who want a generous cabin along with both a French balcony and an outdoor balcony.
What I Like About AmaWaterways' Cabin Choices
AmaWaterways may appeal to travelers who appreciate:
- Several cabin categories
- French Balcony choices
- The signature Twin Balcony design
- Indoor-outdoor flexibility
- Generous mid-level balcony accommodations
Dining: Different Styles, Wonderful Experiences
Dining is an important part of river cruising, and both brands offered enjoyable meals throughout our journeys.
The biggest difference for us was not necessarily the food itself, but the atmosphere and dining options.
Viking
Viking's main dining room felt bright and open.
We also loved having the option to eat outside near the lounge.
There was something special about having dinner outdoors while surrounded by the scenery of Bordeaux.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways offered several different dining environments.
In addition to the main restaurant, guests could experience The Chef's Table during the cruise.
The Chef's Table space was also used for an Italian-style lunch offering during the day.
I appreciated having those additional dining experiences available onboard.
Onboard Atmosphere
The personality of each cruise also felt a little different.
Viking: Relaxed and Refined
Our Viking sailing had a calm, sophisticated rhythm.
Guests seemed to enjoy excursions during the day and relaxed evenings onboard.
It was a lovely environment for travelers who enjoy slowing down and immersing themselves in the destination.
AmaWaterways: Active and Social
AmaWaterways had a little more activity woven into the day.
Between excursions, bicycles, fitness classes, wellness activities, Sip & Sail, and specialty dining, there were plenty of opportunities to participate.
We also noticed several families traveling with adult children, giving our sailing a lovely multigenerational feel.
That makes AmaWaterways worth considering for parents, grandparents, and adult children who would like to experience Europe together.
Viking May Be Wonderful for Travelers Who Enjoy:
- Scandinavian-inspired design
- A calm and elegant onboard atmosphere
- Spacious-feeling public areas
- Destination-focused itineraries
- Regional immersion
- Thoughtful cabin organization
- Relaxed evenings onboard
- Outdoor dining
- Streamlined cabin choices
- Generous suite accommodations
AmaWaterways May Be Wonderful for Travelers Who Enjoy:
- A wide variety of included excursions
- Active touring
- Wellness and fitness activities
- Biking
- Multiple excursion choices
- Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- Specialty dining
- The Chef's Table
- Twin Balcony cabins
- Multigenerational travel
- A social and flexible onboard experience
Viking vs. AmaWaterways: Which One Fits Your Travel Style?
This is ultimately where I think the comparison becomes most helpful.
| If This Sounds Like You... | Consider |
|---|---|
| I love calm, sophisticated spaces | Viking |
| I enjoy Scandinavian design | Viking |
| I want to immerse myself deeply in a destination | Viking |
| I enjoy a relaxed onboard rhythm | Viking |
| I like having several excursion choices | AmaWaterways |
| I want wellness and fitness options | AmaWaterways |
| I would love to bike in Europe | AmaWaterways |
| I like the idea of a French balcony AND outdoor balcony | AmaWaterways |
| I am traveling with adult children or extended family | AmaWaterways |
| I enjoy a more social and activity-filled day | AmaWaterways |
And some travelers could easily love both.
The itinerary itself may ultimately be what makes the decision.
My Travel Advisor Takeaway
After spending one week with Viking and one week with AmaWaterways, I came away appreciating both brands even more.
Viking does a beautiful job creating a calm, elegant river cruise experience centered around thoughtful Scandinavian design and destination immersion.
AmaWaterways does a beautiful job giving travelers choices — different excursions, wellness opportunities, active experiences, specialty dining, and creative cabin designs.
What surprised me most was how much the small details influence the overall experience.
Cabin layout.
Balcony style.
Excursion choices.
Dining venues.
Wellness options.
Public spaces.
Onboard atmosphere.
None of these details necessarily makes one brand better than another.
They simply help determine which cruise feels most natural for you.
And that is exactly why I do not believe choosing a river cruise should start with:
“Which river cruise line is the best?”
I think the better question is:
“Which river cruise line is the best fit for the way I want to travel?”
Should You Book a River Cruise With a Travel Advisor?
River cruise lines can look very similar when you are scrolling through websites and brochures.
But once you begin comparing itineraries, ships, cabins, balconies, excursions, promotions, and what's included, the differences become much more meaningful.
That is where I can help.
When I work with river cruise clients, we look at:
- Your preferred travel pace
- The destinations you most want to experience
- How active you want to be
- Your preferred cabin style
- How important a balcony is to you
- Dining preferences
- Wellness and fitness interests
- Whether you are traveling as a couple, solo, with friends, or as a multigenerational family
- Current cruise promotions and advisor benefits
The goal is not simply to book a river cruise.
The goal is to find the river cruise that feels right for you.
Currently, I also have access to select AmaWaterways Future Cruise Benefits that I may be able to extend to clients.
Depending on the sailing and eligibility, these benefits may include a reduced deposit and additional savings off published rates.
Benefits are limited and subject to availability and change, so contact me for current details.
My Final Takeaway After Sailing Viking and AmaWaterways
After two weeks on the rivers of Europe, I can honestly say I would happily sail with either brand again.
Viking gave us a beautiful, refined journey through Bordeaux with a calm atmosphere, Scandinavian design, thoughtfully organized cabins, spacious public areas, and wonderful opportunities to immerse ourselves in one region.
AmaWaterways gave us a dynamic journey along the Rhine filled with excursion choices, wellness activities, bicycles, specialty dining, Sip & Sail, and the flexibility to experience each destination in different ways.
Two cruise lines.
Two beautiful experiences.
Two different styles of river cruising.
And that is what makes choosing the right river cruise so much fun.
Ready to Find the River Cruise That Fits You?
If you are comparing Viking, AmaWaterways, or another European river cruise line, I would love to help you sort through the options.
Maybe you dream of sipping wine as you sail through Bordeaux.
Maybe you want to bike alongside the Danube.
Maybe your perfect afternoon is sitting on your balcony watching castles pass by.
Or maybe you want a little bit of everything.
The right river cruise is not simply about where the ship goes.
It is about how you want to experience the journey.
And I would love to help you find the one that feels like you.
From our travelers
Mary helped my extended family on a River Cruise and when things didn’t plan on perfectly, she was on the phone making changes with the River Cruise Line. While I went to work out, she had the issued resolved by the time I was done. I didn’t have to worry, didn’t have to bother my parents with details…. Mary just took care of it. I would highly recommend La Semilla Travel with all our River Cruises. If a river cruise has been on your bucket list for years, stop waiting! Book with Mary now. I guarantee you’ll be booking your second one soon.
— Julie M - Viking The Grand European Tour
Who this is best for
This comparison is for travelers considering Viking and AmaWaterways for a European river cruise, especially first-time river cruisers and travelers 45+ who want to understand how the two experiences actually differ before choosing a cruise line.
Frequently asked questions
Is Viking or AmaWaterways better?
What is the biggest difference between Viking and AmaWaterways?
Which river cruise line is better for active travelers?
Does Viking include excursions?
Does AmaWaterways include excursions?
Which has better staterooms, Viking or AmaWaterways?
Which river cruise line is better for travelers 45+?
Sources & references
- Viking — “Viking Inclusive Value”
- Viking — “Shore Excursions”
- Viking — “Viking Longships”
- AmaWaterways — “Wellness River Cruises”
- AmaWaterways — “AmaSofia River Cruise Ship”
- Amawaterways — “Magna on the Danube - Christmas Market”
Keep exploring
Comparing Viking and AmaWaterways?
Let’s Match You With the River Cruise That Fits You
Viking and AmaWaterways can both be excellent choices, but the right fit depends on how you like to travel. I can help you compare the itinerary, ship, stateroom, excursions and overall experience so you can book with confidence.
About the author
Mary Plousha
Founder of La Semilla Travel, La Semilla Travel · Carlsbad, California
Mary Plousha is the founder of La Semilla Travel, a boutique travel agency based in Carlsbad, California. She specializes in thoughtfully designed custom group journeys, with particular expertise in women's group travel, river cruises, Bali, Vietnam and meaningful cultural travel.
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