Which is the right River Cruise Line for you!
There are quite a few different cruise line companies that offer river cruises throughout Europe and around the world. It can be difficult to figure out which line is right for you. Today, this blog will compare two of those lines, AmaWaterways and Viking. Both are fantastic cruises and you can’t go wrong with either one, but there are some differences that might set one apart for you and your family. Let the battle begin: Viking vs. AmaWaterways!
Cost
The cost of both river cruise lines are similar. Cost of sailing includes accomodations, all meals onboard, beer, wine and soft drinks included during meals (additional cost other times of day), an excursion in every port, specialty coffees, tea and bottled water, and quite a few other amenities.
Deposit
- AmaWaterways: $400/person ($2400/person for Africa).
- Viking: $500/person (20% for cruises more than 35 days)
- Both have additional deposit amount for adding flights but that depends on flights
Final Payment Date
- AmaWaterways: 90 days before departure
- Viking: Depends on booking offer–could be 4-6 months before or longer
Cancellation Fees (just for cruise or land fare)
- AmaWaterways: more than 121 days before departure–$200/person ($1200 Africa) fee; up to 90 days prior–$400/person ($2400 Africa); beyond this you receive a percentage back, 7 days prior to sailing fares become non-refundable.
- Viking: more than 120 days before departure–$100/person; 90 days before departure fees are 20% of fare; percentage raises as departure gets closer up until 29 days prior when fares become non-refundable.
Itineraries and Ships
Both river cruise lines sail the same rivers in Europe, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia. But there are some differences in other parts of the world.
- AmaWaterways: sails the Chobe in Southern Africa
- Viking: sails the Nile in Egypt, the Yangtze in China and rivers in Russia
Both sail the rivers of Europe with similar size longships but Viking sails with a few more passengers (around 190) than AmaWaterways (around 150 except on the AmaMagna which is about 190).
Viking has more than twice the amount of ships sailing down the rivers than AmaWaterways which means there are more sailing dates available and a better possibility of getting the stateroom that you want.
Viking ships have more of a Scandanavian modesty to their decor. The feel is more of natural hues, calm, and minimalism. Ships across the fleet all feel similar. AmaWaterways decor, on the other hand, are quite elegantly colorful in the cabins as well as around the ship. Also, each ship has it’s own decorating flavor.
Cabins
This is an area where there are definite differences between the two lines. Both have all the fabulous amenities that you want–robes, bottled water replenished daily in the mini-fridge, wi-fi, toiletries, blankets to use on the balcony, and beds that configure from two twins to a king. Even cabin categories are similar but AmaWaterways cabins are generally a bit larger across the board since their ships have fewer passengers aboard. But, Viking adds some really nice touches to their cabins such as additional storage, accent lighting, and my favorite, heated bathroom floors.
The other super cool thing about AmaWaterways is that on a few of their ships they have cabins and suites that will accomodate 3 or 4 people. They also have cabins that connect with an inside door. This makes AmaWaterways more friendly for families. On the flip side, AmaWaterways also has a couple of cabins on some of their ships just for singles which do not require a supplement. Woohoo for the single traveler! Tip: BOOK EARLY!
Family Travel
Only AmaWaterways allows children to sail onboard. They also partner with Adventures by Disney to offer some amazing river cruise itineraries to actively engageg every member of the family. Since some ships have staterooms that can accomodate 3-4 people and with the connecting staterooms it is easier than ever to take the whole family and discover Europe together.
Viking ships create a wonderful atmosphere for adults as all passengers must be 18 years old prior to boarding. Viking is serious about creating a quiet, culturally immersive cruise for its passengers.
Excursions
Each cruise line includes an excursion at each port. Both also have additional premium small group outings available for an extra cost that really delve into the culture of the area. Both have excellent, knowledgeable, English-speaking guides to lead the tours.
AmaWaterways has more varied excursions. They have different activity levels to choose from–general, gentle walking, and active as well as a late started excursion for those who want to sleep in. They also have bicycles aboard each ship (takes up a bit of upper deck space) for passengers to use on guided bicycle tours or check out for their own exploration.
Viking has a huge network of excursion opportunities and has a few more unique and off the beaten path excursions.
Dining
Both cruise lines offer all meals onboard and complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. Viking has a little more flexibility with dining times and has the option of dining places. AmaWaterways shines if you like to drink wine as they feature different ones (usually from the area) during the cruise. They also are wonderful for those with special dietary needs.
Other Amenities
AmaWaterways has a few more things aboard their ships than Viking. On AmaWaterways you will find a small spa and fitness center, heated pools, swim-up bars,
Specialty Cruises
AmaWaterways offers Wine Cruise Itineraries that include a Wine Host on the ship and special excursions to wineries–a fantastic opportunity for wine lovers!
Phew! The winner of the battle: Viking vs. AmaWaterways depends on your family needs. As you can see both Viking and AmaWaterways will give you a wonderful vacation and opportunity to see the beautiful countries of Europe and other parts of the world.
If you would like more information about either AmaWaterways or Viking please do hesitate to give me a call (907) 952-7055 or fill out my contact form here or click above.
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