AMA vs. Viking

I realize everyone may have different tastes and expectations but I'm trying to differentiate between AMA Waterways and Viking as I plan a river cruise for next year.

I keep hearing Viking has the newest, ships and is "value priced" and AMA is higher priced but includes more especially in the area of tours, etc. When I compared fairly similar itineraries, Viking was only $300-400 less expensive on the base fare. Some of the extra inclusions on AMA could certainly lessen that gap. Also, if $400p/p is the difference between something "nice" and something "outstanding", I'd rather pay extra.

If anyone has been on both lines, I'd really appreciate your views. Also of import is the quality of dining.

Thanks-appreciate all input.

AMA is a better experience, more included, less passengers. Look at the size of the cabins and passenger count. At the top of the River Cruise board is a comparison between lines.

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AMA is a better experience, more included, less passengers. Look at the size of the cabins and passenger count. At the top of the River Cruise board is a comparison between lines.

 

 

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Yes, I saw that comparison but wanted to get a "wider sampling" of opinions along with what people thought of food, tours, inclusions, etc.

thanks.

Yes, I saw that comparison but wanted to get a "wider sampling" of opinions along with what people thought of food, tours, inclusions, etc.

 

thanks.

I would suggest starting going back a year from April 2015 and reading the board forward. There are tons, litterly tons of great threads about all the river companies.

But save yourself the effort and book AMA.

Sticking to factual points for your comparison of AMA to Viking:

• AMA's ships are just as new as Viking's. AMA adds at least 2 brand-new ships a year. Viking adds more, but their base is much larger so percentage-wise it's a wash. If sailing on a new ship is a priority for you, you can book a brand-new ship on either line.

• Viking's ships pack more passengers (190 vs 164 on AMA) into the same 135m length ["longships" is pure marketing speak -- all new river ships are either 135m or 110m depending on the max size of the locks on the intended river]. Uniworld has 159 passengers, and Tauck only 130 on their 135m ships. Fewer passengers = more space.

• Viking's longships ride lower in the water – published specs don't confirm this, but the proof is in the pudding: Viking stops sailing first of all cruise lines in low water conditions, while AMA keeps sailing the longest.

I would also compare cabin size as there is a significant difference.

We have sailed on 13 river cruises and five with AMA, who is our overall preference. We enjoy the twin balcony staterooms, the consistent quality of food and service across their ships, the comprehensive choice of included excursions, the outstanding crew, staff and Cruise Managers.

AMA offers fitness rooms, bikes (and escorted bike tours), pools (on most of their boats) and excursions ranging from gentle to active. Viking does not.

AMA has their Chef's Table restaurant, a lovely dining experience, in addition to the dining room. They also offer a light (and good) lunch and breakfast in the lounge.

Viking boats look like ice breakers, IMO, and inside are generic.

AMA boats inside are elegant without being stuffy, individually decorated and welcoming.

I cannot make a comparison as Viking is one line we will never cruise. I can only say that AMA has not disappointed and we are sailing with them again in 7 weeks.

Viking and AMA have good features and some bad features. They are similar in many ways. The ships are very nice. AMA has some features that extras on Viking. AMA has bikes, fitness center, hair salon, smaller tables in the restaurant, and smaller tour groups. Viking will charge extra for bikes, no fitness center, no spa, has docks in best locations in many ports, and is usually lower in cost. I would book on either line depending on route and date.

With respect to size vs number of passengers, the real question is how much of the space is areas I will actually use? For example, for a river cruise, I personally have no use for a pool. Small differences in cabin size don't matter much either, IMHO.

I also discount opinions from people (no one in particular) who have not sailed both lines being compared. In this case I have not sailed both so have no opinion as to difference.:)

With respect to size vs number of passengers, the real question is how much of the space is areas I will actually use? For example, for a river cruise, I personally have no use for a pool. Small differences in cabin size don't matter much either, IMHO.

I also discount opinions from:) people (no one in particular) who have not sailed both lines being compared. In this case I have not sailed both so have no opinion as to difference.

There are a number of objective, not subjective, differences. Passenger count, onboard amenities, inclusions, cabin size, staff size are all objective and not matters of opinion.

The pools on AMA do not take away from interior space.

The same size of ship with 20% more passengers would be felt in the lounge, restaurant, lobby and deck.

20% more passengers without an equivalent increase in staff affects staff to guest ratio.

We would not enjoy a French Balcony stateroom with only 135 sq ft, versus 170 on AMA, a difference of more than 25%. Small difference to some, perhaps, but not to us.

Luckily there are choices on the river and for us, there are several lines we enjoy and would cruise with again happily (Viking not being one of those).

With respect to size vs number of passengers, the real question is how much of the space is areas I will actually use? For example, for a river cruise, I personally have no use for a pool. Small differences in cabin size don't matter much either, IMHO.

 

I also discount opinions from people (no one in particular) who have not sailed both lines being compared. In this case I have not sailed both so have no opinion as to difference.:)

Cabin square feet does matter to many people. And, especially if there is a measurable difference. Two people getting dressed in very tight quarters is uncomfortable. Some folks are larger than average size and need space. Almost everyone wants to feel comfortable on vacation.

Another measurable difference is included excursions. On Ama there were only 2 or 3 optional excursions. On Viking there are more optional excursions you need to pay extra for.

As stated food is subjective, but Ama has an included specialty restaurant Chefs Table which is simply outstanding and equivalent to five star dining.

There are other cruiselines one can consider besides these two which have the lower pax count and large cabin size and good quality.

Excellent post fnewman

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I realize everyone may have different tastes and expectations but I'm trying to differentiate between AMA Waterways and Viking as I plan a river cruise for next year.

 

I keep hearing Viking has the newest, ships and is "value priced" and AMA is higher priced but includes more especially in the area of tours, etc. When I compared fairly similar itineraries, Viking was only $300-400 less expensive on the base fare. Some of the extra inclusions on AMA could certainly lessen that gap. Also, if $400p/p is the difference between something "nice" and something "outstanding", I'd rather pay extra.

 

If anyone has been on both lines, I'd really appreciate your views. Also of import is the quality of dining.

 

Thanks-appreciate all input.

Our 1st RC was on the AMA Dagio in July. We previously has 10+ cruises on HAL Princess & celebrity, Have to say the AMA was amazing in terms of service, food (cooked to my desires, excellent choice excellent quality), wine, included excursions. We were in a "B" cabin- nice layout-yes its small but we were only in it to sleep ,shower & change. Loved sitting on the sun deck or forward when we cruised. Yes, there will be rafting so a balcony may not be worth the extra $. Haven't done Viking but from comments on boards and speaking to fellow travelers in ports (most RC itineraries are similar and you will mingle on the docks) Viking charges for things that are included on AMA, deposit /payment requirements are different.

Pick your itinerary and then do a comparison of what is important to YOU and make your choice.

Have a great trip

Carole

I can't speak about AMA, but my wife and I absolutely loved Viking. The food, the included tours, and the service was better than that of any other trip I've taken in my life.

I would expect AMA is also great, based on some of the comments I've read here.

The cost difference for us was significantly more than $400, once we included the airfare. Viking's airfare was priced very low.

Confused about included and not included tours on AMA.

Viking includes a tour most always every day. There may be an additional separate optional for fee tour, usually in the afternoon or evening.

What's the tipping mechanism on AMA?

Included like Uniworld :) or do you pay it as on Viking? :(

My Veranda room is 205 on Viking :), not 130. :(

They do have a few bargain 135 rooms on the small below deck.

Confused about included and not included tours on AMA.

Viking includes a tour most always every day. There may be an additional separate optional for fee tour, usually in the afternoon or evening.

 

What's the tipping mechanism on AMA?

Included like Uniworld :) or do you pay it as on Viking? :(

 

My Veranda room is 205 on Viking :), not 130. :(

They do have a few bargain 135 rooms on the small below deck.

My comment was re the French Balcony cabins on Viking Longships which are indeed 135 sq ft versus 170 on AMA. These are not cabins on the lowest passenger deck. Viking's "small deck below" cabins are actually 150 sq ft.

AMA's twin balcony cabins are either 215 or 235.

AMA does not include tips nor drinks at the bar. In every port, there is a choice of excursions and within those, most have options for level (gentle, average, active).

AMA also includes "Limited Edition Tours" that are booked in advance as they are capacity controlled. These include some biking tours as well as special interest tours.

On our last two AMA cruises, there were no extra cost excursions as everything was included.

I would strong advise you look at each of the websites for the companies you would like to consider. There are some fabulous deals available from all the companies. Some of those deals include Free Air and many other benefits.

You need to visit each website and sign up for their special deals emails, while you are there order a lovely brochure from each company. It's much easier to open up identical itineraries in the brochures and place them side by side then it is to try flipping back and forth on the computer.

Once you have found the trip you want then check on special promotions between the companies.

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Hi - we have a story where we directly compared Ama vs. Viking. Give it a read!

I think this article completely "mis-states" the Viking Final pmt policy that in spite of what is printed in their Passenger Ticket, in nearly all (or most) cases they require final pmt within 30 days of booking for a Date a year or more away. They justify this my saying its in order to take advantage of their special 2 for 1 pricing that is actually their normal per person fare and is always the current promo.

So many people actually believe that 2 people can actually sail for that one price quoted!!!

Disclaimer: have never sailed Viking and likely won't ever as they have banned me from their FB page for no other reason than suggesting a visit to Cruise Critic River Boards would allow passengers to meet other Happy Viking passengers. Yep they did not like that!

Go Figure CC has many of Vikings biggest cheer leaders but they sure don't want their guests finding this board... Gotta wonder ;)

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I think this article completely "mis-states" the Viking Final pmt policy that in spite of what is printed in their Passenger Ticket, in nearly all (or most) cases they require final pmt within 30 days of booking for a Date a year or more away. They justify this my saying its in order to take advantage of their special 2 for 1 pricing that is actually their normal per person fare and is always the current promo.

I also disagree with the conclusion in the article that AMA is great for families with kids while Viking is a great choice for an adult vacation.

We do not have kids and prefer to vacation without them around. We do our best to choose vacations that offer an adult experience and have found AMA to offer a sophisticated and upscale ADULT experience. We have done 7 with AMA and had one kid on one cruise. The most kids we have ever had aboard was two, and that was a Christmas market cruise with Avalon.

Also, it is well known that AMA spends more on food than the other river lines and IMO that is reflected in their quality and variety of food. They offer a casual option for both lunch and dinner as well as the MDR. And their Chef's Table is a wonderful experience.

JMO based on experience.

I also disagree with the conclusion in the article that AMA is great for families with kids while Viking is a great choice for an adult vacation.

 

We do not have kids and prefer to vacation without them around. We do our best to choose vacations that offer an adult experience and have found AMA to offer a sophisticated and upscale ADULT experience. We have done 7 with AMA and had one kid on one cruise. The most kids we have ever had aboard was two, and that was a Christmas market cruise with Avalon.

 

Also, it is well known that AMA spends more on food than the other river lines and IMO that is reflected in their quality and variety of food. They offer a casual option for both lunch and dinner as well as the MDR. And their Chef's Table is a wonderful experience.

 

JMO based on experience.

Based on your experience with AMA are you saying that you don't think children would be welcome or accommodated on AMA?

Hi - we have a story where we directly compared Ama vs. Viking. Give it a read!

A very good and balanced comparison which points out the relatively few features that would tend to make a person favor one over the other based on their activity preferences. I appreciate such a review because I know I can't make a fair comparison not having sailed both!

Thank you all for your replies and input.

The review reminded me of my favorite feature on Viking Longships.

"One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. At night, the Aquavit Terrace serves a set menu that can be enjoyed as often as you'd like throughout your cruise. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either."

I've never had lunch in the MDR preferring the atmosphere and real time choices in the outdoor or nearly outdoor Aquavit buffet. Never had dinner there however.

Looking at AMA & others for a 2018 family cruise with 8th & 10th graders who love museums, history, etc.

The review reminded me of my favorite feature on Viking Longships.

"One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. At night, the Aquavit Terrace serves a set menu that can be enjoyed as often as you'd like throughout your cruise. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either."

 

I've never had lunch in the MDR preferring the atmosphere and real time choices in the outdoor or nearly outdoor Aquavit buffet. Never had dinner there however.

Looking at AMA & others for a 2018 family cruise with 8th & 10th graders who love museums, history, etc.

Should you ever cruise Viking Rivers again, definitely try Aquavit for dinner! We ate there about half the time on our August Rhine cruise and it was lovely. Service is top notch. If you don't care for what's on the buffet offerings, they'll gladly get you whatever is being served in the MDR that evening. If you notice there's a stairwell right behind the Aquavit buffet and that leads directly to the galley below so it's no trouble at all to serve the al fresco diners whatever they please.

Based on your experience with AMA are you saying that you don't think children would be welcome or accommodated on AMA?

Actually, AMA is indeed one of the more children/family-friendly river cruise lines -- at least on their two newest ships which were designed in conjunction with Disney. Some of the dates on those ships are for Disney cruises and feature lots of children-oriented activities; on the rest of the sailings it's a regular AMA cruise but the ship does have special cabins designed to accommodate family groups. Other than these ships, the only river cruise lines I would recommend as especially family-friendly are the Tauck "Bridges" cruises.