{"id":13219,"date":"2014-05-07T05:00:41","date_gmt":"2014-05-07T11:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/?page_id=13219"},"modified":"2022-05-25T08:42:59","modified_gmt":"2022-05-25T12:42:59","slug":"viking-river-cruises-vs-uniworld-river-cruises","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/cruise-companies\/viking-river-cruises-vs-uniworld-river-cruises\/","title":{"rendered":"River Cruise Reviews, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

With so many river cruise lines in operation along the waterways of Europe and elsewhere throughout the world, it\u2019s never easy to answer one of the most basic questions travelers are likely to have: How are each of these river cruise companies different from one another?<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"CroisiEurope<\/a>
CroisiEurope Mistral docked in Vienne. What’s different about it? The French ambience, for starters. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Compare River Cruise Companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you’re planning a river cruise in Europe or Africa or Asia or South America or the United States, you have a dizzying number of choices. To better understand what your choices are, we\u2019ve prepared the table below with some of the features our readers most commonly ask us about, coupled with a brief overview of what makes each line unique in its own right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This makes it easy for you to compare river cruise companies at a glance and to find out which may work best for your tastes. If you prefer prepaid gratuities<\/a>, you’ll want to select a river cruise company that includes those. If you like the idea of biking along the river or cycling in the cities where your ship docks, then choose river companies that offer complimentary use of their on-board bicycles. In fact, there are nearly as many variables as there are cruise companies. The chart helps you compare them to choose what’s best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready? Let\u2019s go river cruising!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Attributes Of The Top River Cruise Companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/th>AmaWaterways<\/strong><\/th>Avalon<\/strong><\/th>CroisiEurope<\/strong><\/th>Emerald<\/strong><\/th>Riverside<\/strong><\/th>Riviera<\/strong><\/th>Scenic<\/strong><\/th>Tauck<\/strong><\/th>Uniworld<\/strong><\/th>Viking<\/strong><\/th><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Excursions Included?<\/B><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Beer\/Wine Lunch & Dinner?<\/B><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>**<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Onboard Bicycles<\/B><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fitness Center<\/B><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Exterior Balconies\/Veranda<\/B><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Two Room Suites<\/B><\/td>\"checkmark\"**<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"**<\/td><\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"**<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Own & Operate<\/B><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"**<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Room Service<\/B><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>**<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>**<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mini Bar<\/B><\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"**<\/td><\/td>**<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>**<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dining Venues<\/B><\/td>3**<\/td>2**<\/td>1<\/td>3<\/td>5<\/td>2<\/td>6<\/td>2<\/td>**<\/td>2<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Personal Butler<\/B><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Port Charges Included<\/B><\/td><\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Airport Transfers<\/B><\/td>**<\/td>**<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>**<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prepaid Gratuities<\/B><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>**<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gratuities Included<\/B><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td>**<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Laundry Included<\/B><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>**<\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>\"checkmark\"<\/td><\/td>**<\/td>**<\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nPlease note that the table can be scrolled horizontally so that you may view all data on mobile devices or small screens.<\/b><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

AmaWaterways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Defining Feature<\/em><\/strong>: Modern, contemporary ships combining elegant style and service, and a focus on health and wellness<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Destinations: <\/strong>Europe, Portugal, Africa, Cambodia & Vietnam, Myanmar<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"AmaKristina\"<\/a>
Christened in 2017, AmaKristina is a sister ship to the AmaViola & AmaStella. AmaWaterways’ exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210 square feet to 235 square feet, with four suites measuring 350 square feet each. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

I recommend AmaWaterways for anyone seeking a stylish and personable river cruise experience and also for those who appreciate wellness and activity. Notable is the company’s emphasis on walks, hikes and both guided and independent bicycling excursions along with theme cruises, such as those that focus on wine. Although the company emphasizes active excursions, it caters well to all levels of mobility, even featuring foldable wheelchairs and other assistive devices on its ships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner<\/strong>, Kristin Karst<\/strong> and the late Jimmy Murphy<\/strong>, AmaWaterways boasts a fleet of more than 20 modern ships that sail the waterways of Europe, plus the AmaDara<\/a> <\/strong>operating in Vietnam and Cambodia; and the Zambezi Queen<\/a><\/strong> in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"AmaPrima\"<\/a>
AmaPrima on the Danube, approaching Vienna. \u00a9 2013 Ralph Grizzle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Personable service has been a hallmark of the line since day one. It\u2019s a theme that transcends each of AmaWaterways’ stylish river cruise ships and even applies to the company itself. Co-founder Kristin Karst even writes her own blog for the line<\/a>. Expect to feel not like a number, but like an old friend, when you sail with AmaWaterways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, the line has been taking its lauded brand of cruising to other parts of the world. In addition to Europe, AmaWaterways offers luxury voyages to South Africa, Cambodia and Vietnam with a focus on cultural immersion and authentic experiences both onboard and ashore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AmaWaterways also operates the double-width AmaMagna<\/strong><\/a>, representing a game-changing new design elevating modern luxury even further. See 6 Types Of Travelers Who Are Perfect For AmaMagna, Are You One Of Them?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve enjoyed many wonderful cruises through Europe and abroad on AmaWaterways, and those voyages consistently rank as my favorites<\/a>. See Cruising The Rhone On AmaWaterways: Lyon To Arles<\/a>, A Cruise Along The Seine With AmaWaterways<\/a>, and AmaWaterways’ Taste Of Bordeaux<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also check out my Live Voyage Reports, AmaLotus – Vietnam & Cambodia<\/a> as well as 12 Things To Like About The New AmaPrima<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of my favorite restaurants resides on AmaWaterways’ vessels, The Chef’s Table. Situated aft, the complimentary, reservations-only dining experience pairs fine wines with multi-course dinners prepared in a show kitchen right in front of you. Ships also offer light lunches, late night snacks and complimentary tapas in the Lounges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AmaWaterways’ core philosophy is to \u201cunder-promise\u201d and \u201cover-deliver.” Thus, you may be surprised by such events as German Fruehschoppen<\/em> with Beer, German Sausages, Pretzels, Leberkaese<\/em> and Potato Salad, as well as Austrian Spritzers, and Ice-cream Parties on the Sundeck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ships feature complimentary WiFi (probably the best I’ve experienced<\/a> on the rivers), free movies and music in the staterooms, unlimited complimentary bottled water, complimentary postcards and postage (the only company I know of that does this), 24-hour complimentary specialty coffee & tea station and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also for an overview of what to expect on AmaWaterways, be sure to check out my Riverside Chat: Q&A AmaWaterways & Magnificent Europe<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about AmaWaterways<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avalon Waterways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Defining Feature: <\/strong>Some of the most uniquely-designed staterooms afloat.  <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Destinations:<\/strong> Europe, Asia, Amazon, Galapagos Islands<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Avalon<\/a>
Avalon Waterways sails the waterways of Europe, and offers river cruise journeys around the world. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The first of Avalon\u2019s \u201cSuite Ships<\/strong>,\u201d Avalon Panorama<\/a>, debuted in May 2011 and pioneered the use of two full decks featuring Panorama Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create what the line calls Open Air Balconies<\/strong>. And while Avalon states that up to 100 cruisers could fit within the spacious, 200-square-foot Panorama Suite, we wouldn\u2019t recommend it. But let\u2019s not split hairs \u2013 these are still some of the most spacious river cruise ships out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On two full decks of every Suite Ship, beds face the views. The Open-Air Balcony turns your room into a balcony thanks to an 11-foot wide wall of windows that opens 7-feet wide. The design also functions to preserve room space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all of Avalon’s ships in Europe are Suite Ships. On Avalon Creativity, Avalon Felicity, Avalon Luminary and Avalon Affinity, all staterooms, except for the Royal Suites, measure 172 square feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 2003, Avalon has worked quickly to ensure that all of its new river cruise vessels are now Suite Ships, each offering some unique features like beds positioned to face the balcony windows, and some of the best-designed bathrooms we’ve seen on a river cruise ship. That the line offers itineraries throughout Europe and to farther-flung destinations like Asia, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands (the latter of which is operated by a ship) is just the icing on the cake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See A Journey through France aboard Avalon Creativity<\/a> | From Amsterdam To Paris On An Avalon Waterways<\/a> |<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about Avalon Waterways<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CroisiEurope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Defining Feature: <\/em><\/strong>Family owned, shallow-draft cruises exploring nearly every corner of Europe.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Destinations: <\/strong>Europe, Asia<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\u00a9<\/a>
CroisiEurope’s newest barge, Anne-Marie, in France. \u00a9 2015 Ralph Grizzle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Strasbourg-based CroisiEurope has a lot of ships, more than 50. The company\u2019s all-inclusive cruises impress me with their French flair, inventive itineraries and innovative ships, including paddlewheelers that can operate on the Elbe and Loire. CroisiEurope also serves up one of the best values in river cruising. But CroisiEurope is not for everyone. See my story: Is CroisiEurope Right For You?<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded by G\u00e9rard Schmitter<\/strong> in 1976, CroisiEurope River Cruises is still a family run business, responsible for the construction, ownership and day-to-day operations of river cruise vessels that are capable of carrying between 100 and 200 passengers. CroisiEurope is one of the few lines to offer sailings on nearly every  river in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of CroisiEurope\u2019s defining features is its shallow-draft river cruise vessels. By reducing the amount of the ship that exists below the waterline, CroisiEurope can sail into the heart of cities \u2013 like Strasbourg, where CroisiEurope is headquartered \u2013 while other river cruise operators are forced to dock on the other side of the Rhine, in the German town of Kehl, and bus guests in.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\u00a9<\/a>
Interior details onboard CroisiEurope’s new Loire Princesse. \u00a9 2015 Ralph Grizzle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The line also offers pseudo river-ocean voyages through the Mediterranean that are wholly unique within the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2013, CroisiEurope began actively marketing to North American travelers for the first time. Check out our Live Voyage Reports from onboard CroisiEurope’s sleek vessels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n