Cruise Frog guide
American Cruise Lines vs Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises rates higher than American Cruise Lines on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.8 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. American Cruise Lines leads on cabins; Viking River Cruises on pools & decks and value. Pick American Cruise Lines for solo travelers; Viking River Cruises for adults only and first-time cruisers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | American Cruise Lines | Viking River Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | River | River |
| Best for | Couples, History and culture, Solo travelers | Couples, History and culture, Adults only, First-time cruisers |
| Fleet rating | 3.6 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Cabins | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Dining | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Service | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Pools & decks | 1.9 | 2.2 |
| Value | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 24 | 87 |
| Ships on the way | 6 | 13 |
| Largest ship | American Heritage (2,700 GT) | Viking Mississippi (12,621 GT) |
| Newest ship | American Encore (2026) | Viking Annar (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 141 | 170 |
| Usually sails | Canada and New England, Mississippi, Pacific Coast, Alaska | Rhine, Danube, Nile, Seine |
| Solo cabins | Every ship | — |
| 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… | — |
| Loyalty program | Eagle Society | Viking Explorer Society |
| Owner | — | Viking Holdings Ltd |
| Headquarters | Guilford, Connecticut, United States | Basel, Switzerland |
| Founded | 1972 | 1997 |
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 Viking River Cruises?
Viking River Cruises rates higher than American Cruise Lines on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.8 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. American Cruise Lines leads on cabins; Viking River Cruises on pools & decks and value.
Is American Cruise Lines or Viking River Cruises better value?
Viking River Cruises 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 Viking River Cruises better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 4.0 out of 5.
Is American Cruise Lines or Viking River Cruises better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 3.0 out of 5.
Is American Cruise Lines or Viking River Cruises better for cabins?
American Cruise Lines scores higher for cabins, 4.5 to 4.3 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
Which has bigger ships, American Cruise Lines or Viking River Cruises?
Viking River Cruises's largest ship, Viking Mississippi, measures 12,621 gross tons, against 2,700 for American Heritage, American Cruise Lines's largest. An average American Cruise Lines ship carries 141 guests, a Viking River Cruises ship 170.
How many ships do American Cruise Lines and Viking River Cruises have?
American Cruise Lines has 24 ships in service and 6 on the way; Viking River Cruises has 87 ships in service and 13 on the way.