River cruising is one of the most relaxing, scenic, and culturally rich ways to see the world. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises offer a slower pace that lets you explore life along the riverside, from historic castles in Europe to vibrant port towns and local vineyards.
In this article, we help you compare two of the most popular river cruise companies, AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways. We explain their itineraries, onboard experience, activities, costs, perks, and who they’re best for. Whether you’re dreaming of your first river cruise or trying to decide between these two lines, this comparison will give you everything you need to plan your journey with confidence.
What Is River Cruising?
Before we begin the comparison, let’s define river cruising in simple terms.
River cruising means traveling on a smaller ship along a river, like the Rhine, Danube, Seine, or Mekong. Because the ships are smaller and closer to shore, you’ll dock in town centers, walk off to explore local markets, and enjoy views that change every day.
River cruising is perfect for:
- First-time travelers who want an easy travel style
- Couples or solo adventurers seeking cultural immersion
- Food and wine lovers
- People who enjoy guided activities and sightseeing
Now, let’s explore the two major river cruise lines: AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways.
Overview: AmaWaterways vs Avalon Waterways
Before diving into details, here’s a snapshot comparison to help you understand the major differences at a glance:
| Feature | AmaWaterways | Avalon Waterways |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Higher (premium) | Mid-range to premium |
| Cabin Style | Twin balconies (some ships) | Panorama Suites |
| Included Excursions | 3 per port | 1-2 per port (active & discovery options) |
| Drinking with Meals | Wine/beer included; more perks | Wine/beer included |
| Wi-Fi | Complimentary high-speed | Complimentary standard |
| Onboard Vibe | Lively & entertainment-rich | Relaxed & scenic |
| Best For | Culinary enthusiasts, wine lovers, premium experiences | Scenic views, suite comfort, active explorers |
Popular Itineraries
Both AmaWaterways and Avalon sail on multiple rivers worldwide. Here are some of the most popular river cruise itineraries you’ll find for first-timers:
AmaWaterways Sample Itineraries
AmaWaterways offers several classic river trips, including:
- Rhine River Cruises – Amsterdam → Basel / Cologne → Amsterdam
See charming Dutch windmills, German medieval castles, and Swiss wine regions. - Danube River Cruises – Budapest → Vienna → Bratislava → Passau
Explore Eastern European capitals with rich history and architecture. - Seine River Cruises – Paris → Normandy
Enjoy French countryside, Monet’s gardens, and historic WW2 sites. - Douro River (Portugal) – Porto → Douro Valley
Visit UNESCO villages, vineyards, and taste world-famous Port wine. - Mekong River – Vietnam & Cambodia
Exotic markets, ancient temples, and floating villages.
Avalon Waterways Sample Itineraries
Avalon also serves major rivers, such as:
- Danube Dreams – Budapest → Deggendorf
Classic Central Europe with optional hikes and cultural experiences. - Romantic Rhine – Amsterdam → Basel
Fairy-tale towns, vineyards, and castle ruins. - Active Rhine – Amsterdam → Frankfurt
Includes biking and walking excursions. - France’s Rivers (Garonne & Dordogne) – Bordeaux→ Arcachon
Wine tastings, oyster tastings, and château visits. - French Waterways – Burgundy & Provence Cruises
Learn about French villages, vineyards, and historic sites.
As you can see, both lines offer classic European river routes with varying levels of activity. AmaWaterways also extends into more exotic options like the Mekong and South America for adventurous travelers.
Dining & Onboard Experience
Different cruise lines emphasize different aspects of the onboard experience. Let’s take a closer look.
AmaWaterways Dining Experience
AmaWaterways is known for its gastronomic style and partnerships with European culinary societies. Dinner is often multiple courses, highlighting local flavors. They also offer:
- Chef’s Table specialty dining
- Wine pairings with meals
- Signature “Sip & Sail” happy hour with included drinks
Additionally, AmaWaterways was the first river cruise line inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, a prestigious culinary organization.
Avalon Waterways Dining Experience
Avalon’s dining is excellent as well but often described as more flexible and laid-back. Highlights include:
- FlexDining — dine when you want
- Regional dishes reflecting local culture
- Wine and beer with lunch and dinner included
Both cruise lines accommodate dietary preferences and offer scenic mealtime views.
Excursions & Activities
What sets a river cruise apart from other vacations is the shore excursions — guided experiences that take you into the heart of each destination.
AmaWaterways Excursions
AmaWaterways includes multiple excursions in each port, usually with options like:
- Guided walking tours
- Cultural experiences
- Biking or easy hikes
- Wine tastings and culinary tours
They often let you choose your “pace” — gentle, general, or active — which is great if you have mobility considerations.
Avalon Waterways Excursions
Avalon’s excursions tend to include:
- Classic sightseeing tours
- Active & Discovery options — hiking, biking, hands-on local experiences
- Cultural workshops or tastings
On Avalon, the number of included excursions per port might be fewer than AmaWaterways, but the variety is still strong — especially for active explorers.
Cabins & Comfort
Your stateroom is your home on a river cruise. Here’s how the two lines compare:
AmaWaterways Cabins
AmaWaterways often features twin balconies — a French balcony plus a full step-out balcony. This makes the cabins slightly more versatile for outdoor viewing.
They also offer:
- Larger suites on select ships
- Solo cabins on some vessels
- Family-friendly cabins on specific ships
Avalon Waterways Cabins
Avalon is famous for its Panorama Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and beds facing the river — this design maximizes your view.
Cabins are generally considered:
- Spacious and bright
- Designed for comfort
- Great for scenic passengers who want unobstructed views
Estimated Budgets
Pricing for river cruises varies based on season, cabin type, itinerary, and promotions. Here are general estimates for a first-time cruiser:
| Category | AmaWaterways* | Avalon Waterways* |
|---|---|---|
| 7-night River Cruise | ~$3,000–$6,000+ | ~$2,500–$5,500+ |
| Day-by-Day Cost | ~$250–$300/day | ~$200–$250/day |
| Included Drinks & Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Excursions Included | Multiple per port | 1-2 per port |
| Gratuities | Often included in promos | Usually not included |
* Prices are approximate and subject to change based on itinerary, date, and cabin choice.
Generally, Avalon Waterways tends to be less costly than AmaWaterways. However, AmaWaterways often includes more excursions and extras, which can add value to the experience.
Onboard Perks & Amenities
Both cruise lines offer excellent amenities, but some differences are worth noting:
AmaWaterways Perks
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Daily wine/beer with meals, Sip & Sail happy hour included
- Wellness programs and spa
- Onboard entertainment and themed activities
- Complimentary bikes for port exploration
Avalon Waterways Perks
- Panorama Suites with river-facing beds
- FlexDining options
- Complimentary bikes and Wi-Fi
- Casual, relaxed social spaces
Who Should Choose Which?
Now that we’ve covered the details, here’s how to decide based on your travel style.
Choose AmaWaterways If:
- You love gourmet dining and wine experiences
- You want multiple excursions included in every port
- You prefer active entertainment and wellness events
- You enjoy a slightly more upscale and lively onboard environment
Choose Avalon Waterways If:
- You prioritize panoramic river views from your cabin
- You want flexible dining and scenic relaxation
- You enjoy active excursion options and discovery tours
- You’re aiming for a balanced budget and excellent value
Tips for First-Time River Cruisers
Here are some practical tips to make your first river cruise a success:
- Book early — popular itineraries sell out fast, especially in peak seasons.
- Check what’s included — some excursions and gratuities might not be part of the base fare.
- Choose cabin placement wisely — upper deck cabins usually offer better views.
- Pack layers — weather along rivers can change quickly.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes — you’ll explore cities on foot.
- Consider travel insurance — it’s worth it for international trips.
How We Can Help You Plan
Planning your first river cruise doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s how we can support you:
1. Personalized Trip Planning
We can help you select the right itinerary, cruise line, dates, and cabin based on your interests — whether you love food, wine, history, or active exploration.
2. Budget Advice
We’ll provide estimated costs, promotions, and extras so you can plan your budget and avoid surprises.
3. Customized Travel Itineraries
Whether you want a river cruise combined with a land tour — like adding Paris or Prague — we can build that into your plan.
Expert Tips & FAQs
We can answer common questions like:
- What’s the best season to cruise?
- How to get to your departure city
- What vaccinations or documents you might need
If you’re ready, we can build a detailed proposal or route suggestion based on your travel dates and interests.
Final Thoughts
AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways are both excellent choices for first-time river cruisers. Each has its own strengths, and the best choice depends on what experience you value most.
- AmaWaterways is perfect for foodies, wine lovers, and those who want more included excursions and a lively onboard vibe.
- Avalon Waterways is ideal for scenic immersion and relaxed cruising, especially if you cherish panoramic views from your cabin.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong — river cruising is one of the most enriching ways to see the world’s riverside cultures and landscapes.
BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION WITH US
Related Article
Leave a Reply