Deciding on a river cruise through the European waterways is no easy task. After experiencing a Viking ocean cruise, we wanted a river cruise that offered similar levels of service and quality. The two biggest river cruise lines in Europe are Viking and AmaWaterways, so we researched both to see who offers the best value for mature travellers.
In this Viking vs AmaWaterways guide we share our research to help you choose between these two giants. We compare cabins, ship layouts, dining and drinks, shore excursions and onboard vibe, then put two almost identical Romantic Danube itineraries head‑to‑head so you can see which line delivers the best experience and value for your market.
Quick Answer: Viking vs AmaWaterways
Viking is usually better value, especially for UK and Australian travellers where gratuities (and sometimes flights) are included.
AmaWaterways offers more space and activity, with larger cabins, multiple included daily excursions, a hosted cocktail hour and a more intimate onboard feel.
For mature travellers wanting predictable pricing and a polished experience, Viking often wins. For those who value space, wellness and culinary variety, AmaWaterways may justify the higher fare.
Viking vs AmaWaterways at a Glance
| Feature | Viking | AmaWaterways |
|---|---|---|
|
Starting Price (US – French Balcony Example) |
~$5,349 pp | ~$6,348 pp |
| Cabin Size (French Balcony) | ~135 sq ft | ~170 sq ft |
| Drinks Outside Meals | Optional package (~$27/day) | Hosted cocktail hour included |
| Activity Level | Moderate | More active options (bikes, hikes, wellness) |
| Best For | Value & predictability | Space, activity & culinary variety |
Prices based on a sample 7-night Romantic Danube sailing (Sept 2026). Always check live fares for your market.
While this comparison focuses on two leading river cruise lines, many mature travellers also want to step back and look at how river and ocean cruise lines compare overall for comfort, accessibility, onboard support, and value.
Why this comparison matters
- Biggest fleets in Europe = more dates, ships, and availability
- Consistency across vessels
- Nearly identical Romantic Danube routes
- Key deciders: price in your market, cabin size, inclusions, activity level, and onboard vibe
Price & inclusions (by market)
Comparing different cruise lines is not easy as there are always differences in quality, service, facilities, and extras which may or may not be included with your base fare. From a pure cost perspective we researched and found 2 similar itineraries, both titled a classic Romantic Danube cruise lasting 7 days. The AmaWaterways river cruise is aboard the AmaVerde departing Vilshofen on September 21, 2026 and finishing in Budapest. The Viking cruise is aboard the Viking Egil and departs on September 20, 2026 from nearby Regenburg and also finishes in Budapest.
We’ve also shown prices for US, UK and Australian residents as there are differences when it comes to gratuities and added perks like discounted airfares for US residents.
We have also compared the cheapest option aboard, each that come with a balcony or a French balcony, and considered the entry level for both cruise lines.
The prices we have here are what was advertised at the time of our research but these can change until you lock them in with a booking. You may find the prices differ if you are checking after reading our research because prices can move up (or down) depending on demand, costs of inclusions, like food, drinks and any added benefits such as shore excursions.
Because prices move with demand and promotions, it’s smart to compare the total trip cost rather than just brochure fares. Our guide on how to budget for a cruise and our free Cruise Budget Planner make it easy to plug in your own dates and see whether Viking vs AmaWaterways comes out ahead for you.
Price Comparison
- United States (French balcony):
- Viking: 5,349pp; drinks with meals included. Optional Silver Spirits package: $27 pp/day ($189 each).
- AmaWaterways: $6,348 pp; drinks with meals plus daily hosted cocktail hour; no drinks package option.
- Verdict: Viking wins on price; Ama adds value with cocktail hour and bigger room.
- Australia:
- Viking: A$8,995 pp including onboard gratuities.
- AmaWaterways: A$9,756 pp; tips not included.
- Verdict: Viking offers simpler, stronger value.
- United Kingdom:
- Viking: £3,995 pp including onboard gratuities + free roundtrip air from London (on this departure).
- AmaWaterways: £5,479 pp; tips not included.
- Verdict: Viking is the clear value leader on this date.
Once you’ve narrowed down your dates, visit the official Viking and AmaWaterways sites to confirm current fares and promotions, then cross‑check with a cruise specialist or marketplace like CruiseDirect to see if any added-value offers (onboard credit, air deals, upgrades) are available.
Cabins: your everyday comfort
- Viking French Balcony (Egil): ~135 sq ft—efficient, minimalist, very compact.
- AmaWaterways French Balcony (AmaVerde): ~170 sq ft—noticeably roomier; easier for two to get ready, more storage and breathing space.
- Winner for space: AmaWaterways.
Ships, layout, and amenities
- Capacity:
- AmaVerde: ~160 guests, ~51 crew (slightly better guest-to-crew ratio).
- Viking Egil: ~190 guests, ~53 crew.
- Wellness/fitness:
- Viking: no gym, no bikes, quiet lounges; elevator typically doesn’t reach sun deck.
- AmaWaterways: small fitness room, wellness host/classes, complimentary bikes and guided rides, varied‑pace walking tours, sun deck pool with swim‑up bar.
- Ambiance:
- Viking: clean Scandinavian design, Aquavit Terrace, polished and consistent.
- Ama: warm contemporary lounges, Chef’s Table venue, slightly more intimate feel.
With European river cruises, you’ll usually be paying in euros or US dollars, even if you’re based elsewhere. A low‑fee multi‑currency card like the Wise travel card can reduce exchange fees on deposits and onboard spending, and good travel insurance is essential for any Danube itinerary.
Dining & drinks
- With meals: Both include regional wines/beer/soft drinks.
- Distinctives:
- Viking: The Restaurant + Aquavit Terrace; highly consistent timing and execution. No tables for two in main restaurant (expect 6–8s; 4s on Aquavit).
- AmaWaterways: Main restaurant + included Chef’s Table tasting menu; daily hosted cocktail hour; will accommodate tables for two on request.
- Outside mealtimes:
- Viking: Optional Silver Spirits package (~$27 pp/day) can be great if you enjoy multiple beverages throughout the evening.
- Ama: Hosted cocktail hour included; otherwise pay‑as‑you‑go, no package.
Excursions and pacing
- Viking: One included tour in most ports; optional paid upgrades for niche interests; crisp logistics and guides with audio headsets.
- AmaWaterways: Multiple included choices most days (gentle walkers, panoramic, active bike/hike) with smaller groups due to fewer guests.
- Winner for choice and activity: AmaWaterways.
Walking pace, elevator access, and excursion design can make or break a river cruise for travellers with limited mobility.
For a deeper breakdown of which river cruise lines are best suited to a gentler pace, see our complete guide to the best river cruises for seniors with walking difficulties, where we compare ship layouts, elevators, and excursion styles in more detail.
Service style
- AmaWaterways: Slightly higher crew-to-guest ratio—more personalised touches, staff learn preferences quickly.
- Viking: Polished, efficient, highly consistent across the fleet.
Quick comparison table
Verdict: Which wins?
- Choose Viking if you want:
- Best overall value in AU and UK (gratuities and, in UK, air included)
- Lower US fare, with optional drinks package to keep costs predictable
- Consistency, efficient schedules, and the Aquavit indoor‑outdoor concept
- Choose AmaWaterways if you want:
- Larger staterooms and a more intimate onboard feel
- Included Chef’s Table tasting dinner and hosted cocktail hour
- More active options (bikes, hikes, wellness) and multiple included tours daily
- Pool with a casual, social vibe
Bottom line: In Australia and the UK on these dates, Viking is the value leader. In the US, Viking remains less expensive, but AmaWaterways justifies its premium if you value space, activity, and culinary variety. Both end with Budapest’s unforgettable night‑time finale—pick the ship that matches how you actually travel.
If you’re still on the fence after this Viking vs AmaWaterways comparison, our complete guide to the best cruise lines for seniors compares river and ocean cruise options side-by-side for comfort, accessibility, inclusions and overall value.
Our articles on how to choose the right cruise, the best river cruises for couples and our various Viking cruise tips and reviews will give you more context for picking the right line and itinerary.
How to Check Live Viking vs AmaWaterways Prices
Before you fall in love with one itinerary, it’s worth checking current fares and inclusions for your dates and home country. Here are the tools we use when updating this Viking vs AmaWaterways comparison:
- Cruises – CruiseDirect: Browse Viking river cruises and comparable premium river lines to see how prices and inclusions stack up.
- Flights – KAYAK: Check flight costs to and from Europe; this is crucial if one fare includes air and the other doesn’t.
- Hotels – Booking.com: Price pre‑ and post‑cruise nights in cities like Budapest or Munich to build a realistic total trip budget.
- Shore days – GetYourGuide: Look up Danube ports to see what independent excursions cost so you can judge how valuable each line’s included tours really are.
With European river cruises, you’ll usually be paying in euros or US dollars, even if you’re based elsewhere. A low‑fee multi‑currency card like the Wise travel card can reduce exchange fees on deposits and onboard spending, and good travel insurance is essential for any Danube itinerary.
