Viking & AmaWaterways: Extra Costs You Need to Know Before Your River Cruise in 2025
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
We cruised with both lines just weeks apart in 2025, so the comparisons are fresh.
Between the two, Viking comes out slightly ahead if you're in a veranda suite or above since laundry is fully included.
For our style of cruising, Amma Waterways was the winner here.
We think it's important to go in with your eyes open.
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AmaWaterways vs Viking • Rhine River cruise review • European river cruise comparison • AmaWaterways review • Viking River Cruises review • Rhine River cruise 2025 • Best river cruises 2025 • River cruise tips • Viking longships • AmaWaterways ships Thinking about booking a European river cruise with Viking or AmaWaterways? These cruises are often described as “all-inclusive,” but there are still unexpected extra costs that can take first-time river cruisers—and even experienced travelers—by surprise. In this video, we break down what’s not included on a European river cruise, based on our recent experiences sailing the Rhine aboard the Viking Mimir and AmaWaterways AmaLucia. We’ll walk you through common and uncommon additional expenses on river cruises—from gratuities and optional excursions to drinks packages, specialty services, laundry, and more. Whether you’re planning a Viking Grand European Tour, a Danube or Rhine itinerary, or another European sailing, like the Enchanting Rhine, this guide will help you budget smarter and avoid surprise charges once onboard. If you're wondering how much a European river cruise really costs, or you're comparing Viking vs AmaWaterways inclusions, this video has what you need to cruise confidently—and cost-consciously. Why Trust This Review? We sailed the exact same river—the Rhine—on both lines within one season. We paid our own way, received no compensation from either cruise line, and donate all channel revenue to charity. Everything you see and hear comes from firsthand experience. 👉 Need help deciding what to wear on your Viking River Cruise? Grab our full guide plus a printable packing list here: https://www.luxurytraveldocs.com/2025/08/what-to-wear-and-pack-on-viking-river.html ______________________________ 🌍 Planning your perfect cruise day ashore? We book our adventures through Shore Excursions Group and Viator—two trusted platforms for unforgettable experiences on both ocean and river cruises. 🛳️ Our go-to links for easy booking: Shore Excursions Group: http://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1819925&data=luxurytraveldocs@gmail.com Viator: https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00216351&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=General ______________________________________________ Quick Reference: Ships Covered in This Video AmaWaterways Vessels (Europe fleet) AmaBella • AmaCerto • AmaCello • AmaDante • AmaDara • AmaDolce • AmaKristina • AmaLea • AmaLucy • AmaMora • AmaPrima • AmaReina • AmaSerena • AmaSonata • AmaStella • AmaVenita • AmaLucia • AmaMagna (Danube only) • AmaVerde • AmaViola Viking Longships (Europe fleet) Viking Aegir • Viking Alruna • Viking Alsvin • Viking Atla • Viking Baldur • Viking Bragi • Viking Buri • Viking Delling • Viking Egir • Viking Egil • Viking Einar • Viking Eir • Viking Embla • Viking Forseti • Viking Freya • Viking Gefjon • Viking Gersemi • Viking Gullveig • Viking Gymir • Viking Heimdal • Viking Herja • Viking Hermod • Viking Hervor • Viking Hild • Viking Hlin • Viking Idi • Viking Idun • Viking Ingvi • Viking Jarl • Viking Kadlin • Viking Kara • Viking Kvasir • Viking Lif • Viking Lofn • Viking Magni • Viking Mani • Viking Sigyn • Viking Modi • Viking Njord • Viking Rinda • Viking Rolf • Viking Sigrun • Viking Skadi • Viking Skirnir • Viking Tialfi • Viking Tir • Viking Tor • Viking Ullur • Viking Vali • Viking Var • Viking Ve • Viking Vidar • Viking Vilhjalm • Viking Vili @VikingTV @amawaterways Products Featured in This Video All items below are gear we used on both cruises and more. We’re Amazon Associates; if you purchase through these links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and 100 % of channel profits go to charity. You should always check Viator for transfers 👉🏼 https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00216351&mcid=42383&medium=link Earth Breeze Detergent sheets 👉🏼https://amzn.to/4mThZWY Downy Wrinkle Release Spray 👉🏼 https://amzn.to/3GVrMwi Magnetic Hooks (100 lb) – https://amzn.to/3sV8xcB Airfly Pro for QuiteVox -- https://amzn.to/47UXIdF Women’s Black Fleece – https://amzn.to/4edWdZw Men’s Brooks Waterproof Running Jacket – https://sovrn.co/10srqlf Travelon Classic Messenger Bag – https://amzn.to/3B79tB2 Cole Haan Zerogrand Stitchlite – https://amzn.to/3TseHgU Osprey Daypack – https://amzn.to/3B0xWrn Bagail Compression Packing Cubes -- https://bit.ly/4ljepVE …and dozens more in our Cruise Essentials Store: https://amzn.to/3HvEeiY Support & Subscribe If you found this comparison helpful, please give the video a thumbs-up, subscribe, and share it with fellow cruisers. Drop your questions in the comments—we reply to every one. Your engagement helps us keep creating ad-free, honest cruise content while supporting our charitable partners. Make meaningful and healthy travel happen. See you on the next voyage! #AmaWaterways #vikingcruises #rivercruise #RhineRiver #BestRiverCruises2025 #cruiseship #CruiseTips #CruiseReview #europeanrivercruises