If you've heard anything about river cruise lines, the names "Viking" and "AmaWaterways" likely sound familiar. We break down the key differences between and similarities between these two leading river cruise lines. Join us as we discuss ship design, dining experiences, excursion options, pricing, and the target audience for each option.

With firsthand experiences, we provide insights to help you choose the right river cruise for your needs. Spoiler alert: the best cruise option of the two for you may not be what you initially thought!

Here are some helpful resources for you that go along with this episode:

VIKING:

• Bordeaux River Cruise Review on Viking Forseti
• Our Experience on a Viking Douro River Cruise (In-Depth Review)
• My Viking Journey: What to Expect After Booking a Cruise (Before You Sail)
• Viking Christmas River Cruise with Dazzling Markets Along the Danube

AMAWATERWAYS:

• AmaWaterways Mekong River Cruise Review: 30 Unexpected Surprises
• Rhone River Cruise Review: AmaWaterways Colors of Provence
• AmaWaterways Colors of Provence Excursions during a Rhone River Cruise
• AmaWaterways Food Review (with Drinks) on AmaKristina
• AmaKristina Cruise Review: River Ship with AmaWaterways

Send us a text

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.