AmaWaterways vs Viking River Cruises

Why should we cruise with AmaWaterways?

We asked AmaWaterways why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Founded in 2002, AmaWaterways is a global river cruise brand with a wonderfully personal feel. Guests from around the world share the experience, while English is the language used for onboard announcements and activities, making it easy to feel at home and connect with fellow travellers.

That sense of welcome begins with the crew. Their attentive service and the warm, relaxed atmosphere make the ship a pleasure to return to after each day ashore.

The destinations are a huge part of the appeal. AmaWaterways offers river journeys through Europe, read more Asia, Colombia and Egypt, as well as journeys in Southern Africa. The choice of included shore experiences is a real strength. You can explore local history and culture, discover regional food and wine, or choose a more active outing such as a guided walk or bike ride. With multiple, included shore experiences, from cultural, culinary or active, it’s easy for everyone to experience a destination in their own way.

Back on board, locally inspired dining and welcoming spaces give everyone time to unwind and share stories from the day. The details are thoughtfully taken care of, while guests have the freedom to make the journey their own.

For travellers looking for a river cruise that feels personal, enriching and genuinely enjoyable, AmaWaterways delivers an experience that stays with them long after they return home.

What rivers do AmaWaterways explore?

Our thoughts...

The low down on AmaWaterways from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

AmaWaterways is a renowned luxury river cruise line offering premium cruises across Europe’s great rivers as well as in Asia, Africa and more recently in South America! Until only recently, APT and Travelmarvel chartered AmaWaterways' ships for their river cruises, but that changed in 2025 when AmaWaterways setup operations in Australia. So many Aussies and Kiwis have already experienced being on board an Ama ship, but just under a different name!

Known for their spacious staterooms - many with signature twin balconies - and a strong focus on wellness, active excursions and personal service. With a wide variety of itineraries, innovative ship read more design and attention to detail from embarkation to disembarkation, AmaWaterways premium inclusive cruises stand out for thier blend of comfort, service and destination-rich cruise experiences.

Who are we likely to meet on a AmaWaterways river cruise?

A wide variety of travellers from around the world, generally aged 50+, including couples, solo travellers, active travellers and multi-generational groups. They have solo, twin, triple, quad and interconnecting rooms on many of their ships. People of all ages enjoy travelling with AmaWaterways.

Do AmaWaterways river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. AmaWaterways welcomes solo travellers and offers reduced or waived single supplements on selected sailings and cabin categories. Four ships in France offer dedicated solo cabins with no single supplement. The first day of each cruise, AmaWaterways ask for the solo travellers to meet at reception for a ship tour by the Captain, or First Officer to meet each other in a relaxed setting.

How inclusive are AmaWaterways' river cruises?

Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, WiFi, shore excursions in every port, free wellness classes daily, premium regional wines, beers and soft drinks with meals and during Cocktail Hour, you have access to unlimited cocktails or mocktails, to give you time to catch up with fellow guests. Australasian cruise fares also include gratuities for both ship crew and local guides.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Additional costs include top self beverages, plus drinks outside of meals & Cocktail Hour and spa and salon treatments. In Europe, there is only one optional tour - the Classical Music experience in Vienna - which costs extra. In all other regions, shore excursions are included. AmaWaterways offers a variety of pre & post cruise packages, where there are optional excursions if you wish to purchase them.

Do AmaWaterways include shore excursions?

Yes. Shore excursions are included in every port, with guided sightseeing, walking tours, hiking and cycling experiences depending on the destination. You're provided with a choice of up to 6 shore excursions per day, giving you the widest variety of shore experiences of any river cruise line.

What types of excusions are available?

AmaWaterways offers more choice of included shore excursions in Europe than any other river cruise line, with multiple options available on many days. Choose from city tours, cultural experiences, wine tastings, guided hikes and bike rides, often with different activity levels. In destinations such as the Mekong, Colombia and Africa, shore excursions are also included, although the choices avaialabe are be more limited.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Activities include daily fitness and wellness classes on many ships, swimming pools or whirlpools, walking tracks, fitness rooms, live entertainment and lounges. European ships also carry complimentary bicycles for guided or independent exploration ashore.

What are the cabins like on AmaWaterways' river ships?

All staterooms and suites offer river views, with accommodation ranging from picture-window cabins to French-balcony and balcony staterooms. Many of their European ships feature AmaWaterways' signature twin balconies combining a French balcony with an outside balcony.
The suites, besides being bigger, offer additional amenities including laundry, mini bar and personalised stewards. Every room on board AmaWaterways also has a Nespresso machine. And plentiful storage space.

Why should we cruise with Viking?

We asked Viking why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

A Viking river cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Egypt, Asia, Europe or the Mississippi, our itineraries are designed to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.

Our state-of-the-art ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any kids or ‘nickel and diming’ on board. In fact, our fares include read more everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.

Viking has 70 award-winning river ships sailing all over the world, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.

What rivers do Viking explore?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Viking from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Cruising along the rivers of Europe, you’re almost certain to pass a Viking Longship along the way. Viking boasts the world’s largest fleet of river ships, 99 and counting, and while their core market has traditionally been the US and Canada, an increasing number of travellers from Australia and New Zealand are also choosing Viking to explore the waterways of Europe, Asia and even the Mississippi.

Viking has created a style of ship and river cruising that simply works, and has replicated it consistently across its fleet and destinations. That means you can expect a familiar level of service, ship design and cruise inclusions, no matter where you're exploring.

Who are we likely to meet on a Viking river cruise?

Curious, culturally focused adult travellers seeking destination-rich river cruising, with an emphasis on history, art, food and local culture. Viking cruises are exclusively for guests aged 18 and over.

Do Viking river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers can book Viking river cruises, and reduced single supplements are regularly offered on selected voyages and stateroom categories.

How inclusive are Viking's river cruises?

Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, one shore excursion in every port, WiFi, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, 24-hour specialty coffee, tea and bottled water, port charges and enrichment activities. Onboard gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand bookings, but not for North American bookings.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Additional costs can include optional shore excursions, alcoholic drinks outside meal times, premium beverages, laundry and gratuities for local guides and drivers.

Do Viking include shore excursions?

Yes. One complimentary shore excursion is included in every port of call.

What types of excusions are available?

Each port includes a complimentary guided excursion, with hundreds of optional excursions available across Viking's itineraries for travellers wanting additional cultural, culinary and active experiences.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Onboard activities can include destination lectures, port talks, cultural performances, live regional and classical music, craft and cooking demonstrations, films and a curated library. Many ships also have a walking track and other recreational spaces on the Sun Deck.

What are the cabins like on Viking's river ships?

All staterooms are outside-facing with river views. Accommodation includes Standard Staterooms, French Balcony Staterooms, Veranda Staterooms and spacious Veranda and Explorer Suites, with suites generally offering separate living areas and private verandas.