Viking, AmaWaterways or Avalon: what do you get for your money?

Similar journeys. Different cabins and prices.

These departures fall within three days of each other. Viking and Avalon travel from Amsterdam to Basel; Ama travels in the opposite direction. The route is comparable, but the port stops and daily programs are not identical.

Price snapshot, not a booking quote. Viking and Avalon are advertised category fares from AffordableTours. Ama’s CB and CA website prices were supplied by Rob Smith. Prices, availability, promotions and fee treatment must be reconfirmed in written quotes. The amounts above are cruise-fare comparisons, not final trip totals.

A French balcony has opening doors and a railing, without a separate outdoor seating area. Avalon’s Open-Air Balcony is its closest equivalent: a wide opening glass wall within the suite. It is a larger room with a different design, not a walk-out balcony.

Ama’s larger French-balcony option: Category CA is 170 sq ft at $6,178 per person, or $12,356 for two. That adds 15 sq ft for $800 more per couple than CB.

What the fare includes—and what it doesn’t

More excursion choices mean more flexibility. Ama’s regular scheduled excursions do not carry an extra tour charge. Some choices run at the same time, so guests select the experience that suits them; several options do not mean every option can be taken. Programs vary by day and port.

These observations apply to the named Rhine ships. Viking’s ocean, expedition and other river ships have different facilities.

The true-price question: what would you actually buy?

The advertised French-balcony fare puts Viking $1,958 below Ama CB per couple. Avalon’s listed fare is $1,044 above Ama CB. Those differences are a starting point, subject to matched quote and fee confirmation.

If you want drinks outside lunch and dinner or Viking’s optional excursions, add those costs. Ama and Avalon already include their daily cocktail hour, and Ama includes its regular excursion choices. Drinks beyond the included offerings can still cost extra.

A drinks example—not a mandatory surcharge

Viking currently publishes Silver Spirits at $27 per guest per night. Both guests must purchase it for the full cruise: $378 for two over seven nights. Adding that to the listed Viking fare produces a $9,976 fare-plus-drinks subtotal, leaving a $1,580 difference from Ama CB before other costs. Silver Spirits covers more than a cocktail hour, so this is a scenario rather than an identical beverage comparison.

Items to confirm in every quote

• Taxes and port fees: verify whether they are already included. Ama’s current USD itinerary terms include port fees; do not add them twice.
• Gratuities: check the selected offer. Ama’s published seven-night guidance is €125 for crew plus €30 for the cruise manager per person—€310 for two. Avalon’s U.S. terms exclude crew/director gratuities unless otherwise specified. Confirm Viking’s current prepaid amount and any guide/driver tips separately.
• Ground transfers: excluding airfare does not make airport or station transfers free. Match the same arrival and departure arrangements.
• Selected paid experiences: include only tours and drinks you would actually purchase, not an arbitrary allowance charged to one line.

Lowest bill and best experience are different decisions. A fitness center, hosted wellness program and separate tasting restaurant cannot be added to Viking Eir with an onboard purchase. Ama’s broader experience may be worth the premium even when Viking’s final bill is lower. Avalon offers the largest room in this comparison.