Trip Bacon — The secret ingredient to the perfect getaway logo

AmaWaterways vs. Avalon Waterways vs. Viking River Cruises | Which River Cruise Is Right for You?

Yaycations - The River Cruise Queen
Yaycations - The River Cruise Queen
🥈Expert
👁️ 4 views📅 Yesterday⏱️ 5:53
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsShip Comparison🥈Expert Creator
Veteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

If you are huge into food, and that is a big consideration for you, then AmaWaterways definitely takes the lead on that one.

It is absolutely stunning. On top of that, they have their classic fixed window or standard rooms on the first floor for those who are looking for a little bit of cost savings.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Choose AmaWaterways if you want more active excursions and diverse dining options.
Choose Avalon Waterways if you prefer large window/balcony-style views via the Panorama Suite.
Choose Viking if you prefer a Scandinavian aesthetic and a focus on art, culture, and history.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhich river cruise line is right for my travel style?
QWhat are the differences between AmaWaterways, Avalon, and Viking?
QHow do the excursion offerings differ between these companies?

Topics Covered

Ship Condition4 Happy BaconExcursions2½ Happy BaconDining Main4 Happy BaconCabin Interior2½ Happy BaconCabin Balcony2½ Happy BaconDining Specialty4½ Happy BaconDining Buffet3½ Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

Which river cruise line should you choose for your next European vacation? 🚢 In this detailed comparison, I break down three of the most popular river cruise companies—AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Viking River Cruises. We cover ship design aesthetics, stateroom balcony options, excursion variety, and onboard dining so you can pick the perfect match for your travel style! 📌 Video Highlights: 00:18 - AmaWaterways: Rich aesthetics, dual balconies, active excursions & the exclusive Chef's Table tasting menu 🍷 01:37 - Avalon Waterways: Wall-to-wall Panorama Suites, 7ft wide openings, and 3 excursion categories (Classic, Active, Experiential) 🚴‍♂️ 03:11 - Viking River Cruises: Identical Longship design, light Scandinavian aesthetic, Aquavit Terrace, and focused classic walking tours 🏰 05:00 - Final Summary: Which line to choose based on age, activity level, culinary focus, and travel style! 👋 Hi! I’m Melissa Baum—The River Cruise Queen. I help Canadians and Americans plan and book unforgettable river cruise vacations. 💬 Have you sailed with any of these three lines? Share your experience in the comments below! 🔔 Subscribe for more river cruise comparisons, route guides, and expert travel advice!