Cruise Frog guide
American Cruise Lines vs Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways rates higher than American Cruise Lines on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.7 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. American Cruise Lines leads on cabins and service; Avalon Waterways on pools & decks and value. Pick Avalon Waterways for adventure seekers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | American Cruise Lines | Avalon Waterways |
|---|---|---|
| Style | River | River |
| Best for | Couples, History and culture, Solo travelers | Couples, History and culture, Adventure seekers, Solo travelers |
| Fleet rating | 3.6 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 |
| Cabins | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Dining | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Service | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Pools & decks | 1.9 | 3.0 |
| Value | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 24 | 19 |
| Ships on the way | 6 | — |
| Largest ship | American Heritage (2,700 GT) | — |
| Newest ship | American Encore (2026) | MS Infinity (2025) |
| Guests per ship, average | 141 | 133 |
| Usually sails | Canada and New England, Mississippi, Pacific Coast, Alaska | Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône |
| Solo cabins | Every ship | None |
| Single supplement | Single staterooms have their own fares for one person. A solo guest in a double stateroom is charged 150 percent of the double-occupancy… | Avalon waives the single supplement for Deluxe Staterooms and Panorama Suites on most Europe departures and on select Mekong sailings… |
| Loyalty program | Eagle Society | — |
| Owner | — | Globus family of brands |
| Headquarters | Guilford, Connecticut, United States | Denver, Colorado, United States |
| Founded | 1972 | 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, American Cruise Lines or Avalon Waterways?
Avalon Waterways rates higher than American Cruise Lines on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.7 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. American Cruise Lines leads on cabins and service; Avalon Waterways on pools & decks and value.
Is American Cruise Lines or Avalon Waterways better value?
Avalon Waterways scores higher for value, 4.0 to 3.0 out of 5 (what you get for the fare, extras included).
Is American Cruise Lines or Avalon Waterways better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 4.0 out of 5.
Is American Cruise Lines or Avalon Waterways better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 3.0 out of 5.
Is American Cruise Lines or Avalon Waterways better for cabins?
American Cruise Lines scores higher for cabins, 4.5 to 4.2 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
How many ships do American Cruise Lines and Avalon Waterways have?
American Cruise Lines has 24 ships in service and 6 on the way; Avalon Waterways has 19 ships in service.