I’ve always been a fan of river cruising. It’s a unique way to explore new destinations while enjoying the comforts of a floating hotel. But with so many river cruise lines out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
That’s why I’ve decided to compare two of the most popular river cruise lines – Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises – to help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
Both Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises are renowned for their exceptional service, luxurious amenities, and immersive experiences. However, each company has its own unique advantages and drawbacks.
Whether you’re a seasoned river cruiser or planning your first voyage, it’s important to consider factors such as ship size, destinations, dining options, and onboard amenities when making your decision. So, let’s dive in and see how these two river cruise giants stack up against each other.
- Both Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises offer river cruises in Europe and a range of popular European rivers.
- Avalon Waterways provides a wider variety of destinations outside of Europe than Viking River Cruises, including the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galapagos Islands.
- Viking River Cruises has more ships than Avalon Waterways, but Avalon Waterways offers more spacious accommodations with 24/7 open-air access and bigger views.
- Price-wise, Viking River Cruises generally cost more than Avalon Waterways, but Viking includes more amenities such as flights, transfers, taxes, fees, accommodation, meals, wine, beer, soft drinks, excursions, wifi, shore excursions, and onboard gratuities.
Size of Cruise Ships
I’ve learned that the river cruise experience is vastly different from ocean cruising, with the size of the ships being the most noticeable difference. Avalon Waterways has 20 ships, while Viking River Cruises boasts 77, including 55 Viking Longships in Europe.
The passenger capacity of the ships also differs, with Viking Longships carrying up to 190 passengers, while Avalon Waterways’ Suite Ships accommodate up to 166 passengers. The smaller size of river cruise ships allows for a more intimate experience, with fewer passengers onboard and a greater opportunity to get to know fellow travelers.
Additionally, river cruising allows for access to smaller ports and more scenic views that larger ocean liners cannot access. While Viking River Cruises has a larger fleet, Avalon Waterways’ smaller ships provide a unique and personalized river cruise experience.
Ships and Destinations
Navigating the vast array of ship sizes and destinations offered by river cruise lines can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
When it comes to Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises, both companies offer an extensive range of ships and river cruise itineraries.
Avalon Waterways has 20 ships, including 13 owned ‘Suite Ships’ in Europe, while Viking River Cruises has 77 ships, including 55 Viking Longships in Europe.
Both companies offer cruises in Europe, with Avalon Waterways covering popular European rivers, Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galapagos Islands, while Viking covers all popular rivers but not South America or India.
Avalon Waterways does have an edge over Viking when it comes to offering a wider range of destinations outside Europe.
It’s always advisable to check customer reviews before booking, as this can give you a good idea of the quality of ships and services offered by each company.
Dining Options
When choosing a river cruise, it’s important to consider the dining options offered by each company. Both Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises offer a wide variety of dining options, but they each have their own unique approach. Avalon Waterways prides itself on offering fresh, local food, which is a great way to experience the cuisine of the destinations you’re visiting. Viking, on the other hand, focuses on pairing destinations with menus for an enriching culinary experience.
To give you an idea of what each company offers, here’s a table comparing some of their dining options:
| Company | Dining Options |
|---|---|
| Avalon Waterways | Fresh, local food |
| Open-seating dining | |
| Regional wine and beer | |
| Alternative dining venues | |
| Viking River Cruises | Destination-inspired menus |
| Multiple dining venues | |
| Wine, beer, and soft drinks included | |
| Alternative dining venues |
As you can see, both companies offer a great dining experience, but they each have their own focus. If you’re interested in trying local cuisine and experiencing the flavors of each destination, then Avalon Waterways may be the better choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a more curated culinary experience that’s tailored to each destination, then Viking River Cruises may be the better choice.
Onboard Amenities
Let’s explore the onboard amenities offered by Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises to see what sets them apart.
River cruises are generally focused on destinations, so onboard amenities are limited compared to ocean cruises. However, both river cruise lines offer unique experiences and facilities for their guests.
One key difference is that Viking river cruises are strictly for adults only, creating a more serene and relaxing atmosphere. Avalon Waterways, on the other hand, includes a Fitness Centre and Club Lounge Library with books, cards, and board games for those who want to stay active or have some downtime.
Additionally, both river cruise lines offer a range of activities onboard, such as premium lounge chairs, whirlpools, game areas, Club Lounges, Panorama Lounges, and Observation Lounges. Viking also invites local artisans on-board to demonstrate their crafts and culinary demonstrations, while each itinerary includes one or more Destination Performances.
Ship Design and Facilities
I really appreciate the spacious accommodations and al fresco dining opportunities offered by both Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises. The cabins provided by Avalon Waterways are particularly noteworthy, with 24/7 open-air access and larger views.
Viking Longships, on the other hand, offer some of the largest suites on Europe’s rivers, as well as the most al fresco dining opportunities. Both river cruise lines offer alternative dining venues, providing guests with a range of dining options to suit their preferences.
In terms of onboard activities, both Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises offer a range of facilities to keep guests entertained. Viking offers premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, game area, Club Lounge, Panorama Lounge, and Observation Lounge. They also invite local artisans on-board to demonstrate their crafts and culinary demonstrations. Each Viking itinerary includes one or more Destination Performances.
On the other hand, Avalon Waterways includes a Fitness Centre and Club Lounge Library with books, cards, and board games. In general, onboard amenities for river cruises are limited compared to ocean cruises, but both cruise lines make sure to provide their guests with a variety of activities to enjoy during their journey.
Price Comparison
Well, isn’t it just splendid how one can indulge in a luxurious river cruise with Viking, complete with flights, transfers, taxes, fees, accommodation, meals, wine, beer, soft drinks, excursions, wifi, shore excursions, and onboard gratuities all included in the price? Viking’s river cruises are a great value for money and offer plenty of inclusions that make for a stress-free and enjoyable experience. While the initial price tag may be higher than some other river cruise lines, the inclusions make it worth it for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the experience without worrying about additional expenses.
It’s worth noting that bicycle rentals are not included in Viking river cruises, so if you’re interested in exploring the ports on two wheels, you’ll need to rent them locally. When comparing prices between Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises, it’s important to take into account the inclusions and additional expenses that may arise. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide which river cruise line offers the best value for their budget and preferences.
| Viking River Cruises Inclusions | Avalon Waterways Inclusions | Additional Expenses | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | Accommodation | Bicycles (can hire locally) | ||
| Transfers | Meals | Flights | ||
| Taxes and fees | Wine, beer, soft drinks | Transfers | ||
| Excursions | Fitness Centre and Club Lounge Library | Taxes and fees | ||
| Wifi | Range of activities onboard | Excursions | ||
| Onboard gratuities | Wifi | Onboard gratuities are included in the price of the package, so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about tipping. |
Expert Opinion
According to Cruise Tips founder Mike Schimdt, river cruise trends are constantly evolving. When choosing between Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises, it’s important to consider the luxury vs budget options offered by each.
Viking River Cruises may be more expensive, but they include more inclusions like flights, transfers, and excursions. On the other hand, Avalon Waterways offers a wider range of destinations outside Europe, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking to explore more exotic locations.
In terms of onboard amenities, both cruise lines offer a range of activities and dining options. However, Viking River Cruises is known for its premium onboard facilities like curated libraries and guest lectures, making it a more luxurious option.
Ultimately, the choice between Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises depends on personal preferences and budget.
Final Considerations
When considering the final factors, it’s worth noting the differences in ship design and onboard facilities between Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises. Avalon Waterways offers spacious accommodations with open-air access and bigger views, while Viking Longships carry up to 190 passengers and include some of the largest suites on Europe’s rivers. Both river cruise lines offer alternative dining venues and a range of activities onboard. However, Viking River Cruises stands out with its premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, game area, Club Lounge, Panorama Lounge, and Observation Lounge. They also invite local artisans onboard to demonstrate their crafts and culinary demonstrations, and each itinerary includes one or more Destination Performances. Additionally, Viking offers a walking track, sports deck, curated library, short films, guest lectures, and port talks.
To make an informed decision between Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises, it’s essential to consider the booking process and customer service. Both companies offer a user-friendly website, and the booking process is straightforward. However, Viking River Cruises provides exceptional customer service, with a dedicated team available 24/7 to answer any questions and assist with arrangements before and during the cruise. In contrast, customer service from Avalon Waterways can be slow in responding to inquiries. Therefore, suppose customer service is a crucial factor in your decision-making process. In that case, Viking River Cruises may be the better option, despite the higher price point.
What is the average length of a river cruise with Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises?
Duration comparison of river cruise itineraries between Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises varies depending on the specific itinerary. It’s best to compare each itinerary individually to determine the average length of the cruise.
Are there any specific age requirements for passengers on Avalon Waterways river cruises?
Passenger age requirements vary for each Avalon Waterways river cruise, but generally there are no age restrictions. However, some itineraries may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Contact Avalon Waterways for more information on accessibility options.
What type of entertainment is available onboard Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises ships?
Entertainment options onboard Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises include local artisans, culinary demonstrations, and guest lectures. Both offer a range of onboard activities, with Viking also featuring premium lounges and performances. Let’s have some fun while exploring the world!
Can passengers bring their own bicycles on board Viking River Cruises?
Are passengers allowed to bring bicycles on board Viking River Cruises? Yes, but there are pros and cons. Alternatives include renting or buying on shore. Consider the price and convenience before deciding.
How do Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises handle dietary restrictions for passengers?
As a passenger with dietary restrictions, I appreciate the catering options available on both Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises. They offer allergen accommodations to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience for all guests.