Embarking on a river cruise is an enchanting way to explore the world’s most captivating destinations. Among the multitude of river cruise lines, two names often stand out: Viking Cruises and Avalon Waterways. Both are renowned for their luxury river experiences. They offer distinct offerings that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Viking Cruises advertises heavily in the Southern US, so it is the line that many think of first. But once you discover what Avalon has to offer, you will fall in love with their ship design and philosophy.
Let’s embark on a journey to compare these two giants of river cruising and uncover what sets them apart.
Destination Diversity
Viking Cruises boasts an impressive array of destinations spanning the rivers of Europe, Russia, Asia, Egypt, and even the U.S. With over 60 ships, they offer a wide range of itineraries, from the historic Danube to the exotic Mekong.
On the other hand, Avalon Waterways specializes primarily on Europe, but also host sailings to on the Mekong, Nile, Amazon, and a Galapagos Island experience.
Ship Design & Amenities
When it comes to ship design and amenities, both Viking and Avalon excel in providing luxurious accommodations and top-notch facilities. River cruise ships are limited by the rivers they cruise in both width and height. For this reason, river cruise companies have adopted a longship design.
Viking’s Longships feature elegant Scandinavian-inspired interiors and innovative stateroom designs. Balcony staterooms feature a traditional balcony on which travelers can enjoy the view as they pass life on the river. Travelers can enjoy panoramic views from the Aquavit Terrace. Viking’s Longships accommodate 150-190 passengers.
Avalon’s Suite Ships, on the other hand, boast slightly larger, more spacious staterooms. The Panorama Suites with their unique open-air balconies allow guests to enjoy breathtaking views right from their rooms. This design also allows travelers enjoy more square footage when the balcony door is closed. Avalon’s Suite Ships accommodate between 128-166 passengers.
While Viking’s ships exude a modern and sleek ambiance, Avalon’s vessels tend to offer a more intimate and cozier atmosphere.
Cuisine & Dining Experience
Food enthusiasts will find themselves spoilt for choice on both Viking Cruises and Avalon Waterways. Viking’s dining options include regional specialties, farm-to-table cuisine, and a variety of international dishes served in multiple onboard venues.
Meanwhile, Avalon’s culinary offerings focus on gourmet dining experiences with a local flair, complemented by an extensive wine selection. Whether you’re craving traditional French cuisine or exotic Asian flavors, both cruise lines ensure a gastronomic adventure that delights.
Excursions & Enrichment Activities
One of the highlights of river cruising is the opportunity to explore fascinating destinations through guided excursions and enrichment activities. Unlike ocean cruise lines, most river cruise lines provide shore excursions in port without additional cost.
Viking Cruises include complimentary shore excursions in each port, led by knowledgeable local guides who provide insightful perspectives on the region’s history and culture.
Avalon Waterways also include complimentary shore excursions in each port. But they also take a more personalized approach, offering a variety of optional excursions tailored to individual interests, from culinary tours to active adventures like biking and hiking.
Whether you prefer a structured itinerary or the freedom to customize your experience, both cruise lines ensure unforgettable shore excursions that enrich your journey.
Service & Hospitality
Exceptional service is the hallmark of a memorable cruise experience, and both Viking and Avalon are renowned for their attentive staff and impeccable hospitality. From the moment you step onboard, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles and personalized attention, ensuring that every aspect of your journey is seamless and enjoyable.
Whether it’s a friendly chat with the onboard crew or a special request to accommodate dietary preferences, both cruise lines go above and beyond to exceed your expectations and make you feel right at home.
Other River Cruise Lines
Viking and Avalon are by no means the only river cruise lines out there. Categorizing river cruise lines involves considering several factors, including the style of the cruise, target demographic, destinations served, onboard amenities, and overall experience.
Each river cruise line offers a unique blend of experiences, catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you seek luxury, adventure, or cultural immersion, there’s a river cruise line to suit your travel style. Here’s a breakdown of how various river cruise lines can be categorized:
Luxury River Cruise Lines
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is renowned for its opulent ships with lavish décor, personalized service, and all-inclusive experiences. Their itineraries focus on Europe, Asia, and Egypt, offering immersive cultural experiences and gourmet cuisine.
Crystal River Cruises sets the standard for luxury with its spacious suites, Michelin-inspired cuisine, and butler service. Their ships sail through Europe’s most iconic waterways, offering exclusive experiences and curated shore excursions.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours offers all-inclusive luxury river cruises featuring innovative amenities such as balconies that convert into sun lounges, as well as award-winning dining and enriching excursions in Europe, Russia, Southeast Asia, and Egypt.
Premium River Cruise Lines
AmaWaterways combines luxury and value, offering spacious staterooms, locally inspired cuisine, and immersive shore excursions along Europe’s rivers as well as in Asia and Africa.
Viking River Cruises provides a comfortable and enriching experience with modern Scandinavian-inspired ships, included excursions, and diverse itineraries spanning Europe, Russia, Asia, and Egypt.
Avalon Waterways emphasizes panoramic views and spacious accommodations with its Suite Ships, offering personalized service, regional cuisine, and customizable shore excursions primarily in Europe.
Contemporary River Cruise Lines
CroisiEurope offers affordable river cruises with a focus on European destinations, featuring comfortable accommodations, French-inspired cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Emerald Waterways provides value-oriented river cruises with contemporary ships, included excursions, and diverse dining options on European waterways.
Riviera Travel offers budget-friendly river cruises in Europe with comfortable accommodations, guided excursions, and a friendly onboard atmosphere.
Which River Cruise Line Is Right For You?
Choosing a cruise line ultimately comes down to personal preferences and priorities. While Viking offers a broader range of destinations and a modern, contemporary ambiance, Avalon excels in providing intimate, personalized experiences with a focus on gourmet dining and customizable excursions.
Whichever line you choose, rest assured that any of these cruise lines will provide a journey of a lifetime, filled with unforgettable moments and enriching discoveries along the world’s most iconic rivers.
Plan Your Trip on Viking or Avalon Today!
Plan your trip! Shoot me an email or give me a ring to start planning your next cruise vacation. As River Cruising Specialist, I am able to help you book the perfect cruise on any of the major lines. Tell me what you are looking for! Plan to book online? Give me a try. I promise it won’t cost you a penny extra and it may even save you a bit!
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