Cruise Frog guide
AmaWaterways vs American Cruise Lines
AmaWaterways rates higher than American Cruise Lines on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.1 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. AmaWaterways leads on dining, pools & decks and value; American Cruise Lines on cabins. Pick AmaWaterways for food lovers and multigenerational groups.
Comparison updated
| Fact | AmaWaterways | American Cruise Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Style | River | River |
| Best for | Couples, History and culture, Food lovers, Multigenerational groups, Solo travelers | Couples, History and culture, Solo travelers |
| Fleet rating | 4.1 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
| Cabins | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Dining | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Service | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Pools & decks | 3.0 | 1.9 |
| Value | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Ships in service | 30 | 24 |
| Ships on the way | 8 | 6 |
| Largest ship | — | American Heritage (2,700 GT) |
| Newest ship | AmaSofia (2026) | American Encore (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 134 | 141 |
| Usually sails | Danube, Rhine, Douro, South America | Canada and New England, Mississippi, Pacific Coast, Alaska |
| Solo cabins | Some ships | Every ship |
| Single supplement | The single staterooms on AmaCello, AmaDante, AmaDolce and AmaLyra are sold at the standard cruise fare with no supplement. Elsewhere solo… | Single staterooms have their own fares for one person. A solo guest in a double stateroom is charged 150 percent of the double-occupancy… |
| Loyalty program | AmaWaterways Loyalty Program | Eagle Society |
| Headquarters | Calabasas, California, United States | Guilford, Connecticut, United States |
| Founded | 2002 | 1972 |
Ratings are Cruise Frog's editorial scores of each line's ships in service, 1 to 5, averaged; the higher figure is highlighted. How we rate.
Quick answers
Which is better, AmaWaterways or American Cruise Lines?
AmaWaterways rates higher than American Cruise Lines on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.1 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. AmaWaterways leads on dining, pools & decks and value; American Cruise Lines on cabins.
Is AmaWaterways or American Cruise Lines better value?
AmaWaterways scores higher for value, 4.0 to 3.0 out of 5 (what you get for the fare, extras included).
Is AmaWaterways or American Cruise Lines better for dining?
AmaWaterways scores higher for dining, 5.0 to 4.0 out of 5 (good food in the main dining room and the specialty venues).
Is AmaWaterways or American Cruise Lines better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 3.0 out of 5.
Is AmaWaterways or American Cruise Lines better for cabins?
American Cruise Lines scores higher for cabins, 4.5 to 4.3 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
How many ships do AmaWaterways and American Cruise Lines have?
AmaWaterways has 30 ships in service and 8 on the way; American Cruise Lines has 24 ships in service and 6 on the way.