Cruise Frog guide
AmaWaterways vs Avalon Waterways
AmaWaterways rates higher than Avalon Waterways on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.1 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. AmaWaterways leads on cabins, dining and service, with the rest level. Pick AmaWaterways for food lovers and multigenerational groups; Avalon Waterways for adventure seekers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | AmaWaterways | Avalon Waterways |
|---|---|---|
| Style | River | River |
| Best for | Couples, History and culture, Food lovers, Multigenerational groups, Solo travelers | Couples, History and culture, Adventure seekers, Solo travelers |
| Fleet rating | 4.1 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 |
| Cabins | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Dining | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Service | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Pools & decks | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Value | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 30 | 19 |
| Ships on the way | 8 | — |
| Newest ship | AmaSofia (2026) | MS Infinity (2025) |
| Guests per ship, average | 134 | 133 |
| Usually sails | Danube, Rhine, Douro, South America | Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône |
| Solo cabins | Some ships | None |
| Single supplement | The single staterooms on AmaCello, AmaDante, AmaDolce and AmaLyra are sold at the standard cruise fare with no supplement. Elsewhere solo… | Avalon waives the single supplement for Deluxe Staterooms and Panorama Suites on most Europe departures and on select Mekong sailings… |
| Loyalty program | AmaWaterways Loyalty Program | — |
| Owner | — | Globus family of brands |
| Headquarters | Calabasas, California, United States | Denver, Colorado, United States |
| Founded | 2002 | 2004 |
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 Avalon Waterways?
AmaWaterways rates higher than Avalon Waterways on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.1 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. AmaWaterways leads on cabins, dining and service, with the rest level.
Is AmaWaterways or Avalon Waterways better value?
They score the same for value, 4.0 out of 5.
Is AmaWaterways or Avalon Waterways 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 Avalon Waterways better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 3.0 out of 5.
Is AmaWaterways or Avalon Waterways better for cabins?
AmaWaterways scores higher for cabins, 4.3 to 4.2 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
How many ships do AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways have?
AmaWaterways has 30 ships in service and 8 on the way; Avalon Waterways has 19 ships in service.