Viking, Uniworld and AmaWaterways are three of the biggest names in river cruising, all sailing Europe’s great rivers and beyond. Their ships, inclusions and atmosphere differ in ways that matter.
Here is how they compare.
You’ll find on this page
- A comparison table of every cruise line in this guide
- The three lines side by side
- Our verdict
- Answers to the questions we’re asked most
- How to book or get expert advice at the end of the page
At a glance: compare the cruise lines
| Cruise line | Style | Fleet | Best for | Included highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viking | River and ocean | 15 Ocean ships | Consistent, cultured cruising | Wi-Fi, Excursion in every port, Beer & wine at lunch and dinner |
| Uniworld Boutique River Cruises | River cruises | 13 Super Ships in the fleet | All-inclusive style | All drinks, Daily excursions, Airport transfers |
| AmaWaterways | River cruises | 27 River ships | Active travellers | All meals, Wine, beer and soft drinks, Daily shore excursions |
Fleet sizes and inclusions are from each line’s own information and can change; inclusions often depend on the fare you book.
Quick verdicts
The three lines side by side
Viking
- River and ocean
- 15 Ocean ships
More than 80 near-identical river Longships, all adults-only (18+), with an excursion in every port, Wi-Fi and beer and wine with lunch and dinner included.
Best for: Consistent, cultured cruising
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
- River cruises
- 13 Super Ships in the fleet
- 110-160 Guests per ship — boutique scale
Boutique Super Ships of 110 to 160 guests with statement interiors, and all drinks, daily excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi and airport transfers included.
Best for: All-inclusive style
AmaWaterways
- River cruises
- 27 River ships
- 196 Max guests / ship
Family-owned, with twin balconies in most cabins, wine, beer and soft drinks with meals, Wi-Fi, and excursions from gentle to active, including bike and Nordic walking pole hire.
Best for: Active travellers
Side by side: the details
| Viking | Uniworld Boutique River Cruises | AmaWaterways | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet | 15 Ocean ships | 13 Super Ships in the fleet | 27 River ships |
| Ship size | – | 110-160 Guests per ship — boutique scale | 196 Max guests / ship |
| Included as standard | Wi-Fi, Excursion in every port, Beer & wine at lunch and dinner, All dining, Gratuities (river), 24-hour room service | All drinks, Daily excursions, Airport transfers, Gratuities, Wi-Fi, Bottled water + speciality coffees | All meals, Wine, beer and soft drinks, Daily shore excursions, Bicycle and Nordic walking pole hire, WiFi |
| Main departure ports | London (Tilbury), Southampton, Bergen, Amsterdam, Basel | Amsterdam, Basel, Vienna, Budapest, Paris | Amsterdam, Basel, Budapest, Paris, Porto |
| Loyalty programme | Viking Explorer Society | River Heritage Club | – |
| Might not suit you if | you’re travelling with kids; you want a high-energy resort atmosphere; you want everything truly all-inclusive | you want ocean cruising; you want big-ship choice; you’re travelling with kids under 8 | you want adults-only; you want full all-inclusive; you want ocean-style entertainment |
Our verdict
Choose Viking for consistent, well-run adults-only cruising with included excursions. Choose Uniworld for the most luxurious interiors and drinks all day. Choose AmaWaterways if you want twin balconies and active excursions like cycling and hiking. All three sail the Rhine and Danube and venture to the Mekong and the Nile.
How we compared them
We compared the three lines using the information on our own cruise-line pages. Our comparisons are based on what each line offers as standard: ship size, what’s included, atmosphere and who it suits. Fares and inclusions change and often depend on the fare type, so check the details for your sailing, or ask a Travel Designer to compare them for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is Viking or Uniworld better?
Viking for consistency and value; Uniworld for luxury interiors and all-inclusive drinks.
Are children allowed on Viking river cruises?
No, Viking is adults-only (18+).
Which includes drinks all day?
Uniworld; Viking and AmaWaterways include drinks with meals.
Which is best for active travellers?
AmaWaterways, with biking and hiking excursions and bike hire.
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Keep planning
Updated October 2026. Cruises can be booked through Travelisto, with flights and hotels added where you need them.
