Cruise Frog guide
Avalon Waterways vs Emerald Cruises
Avalon Waterways and Emerald Cruises rate the same overall on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Emerald Cruises leads on cabins, with the rest level. Pick Avalon Waterways for solo travelers; Emerald Cruises for value seekers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Avalon Waterways | Emerald Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | River | River |
| Best for | Couples, History and culture, Adventure seekers, Solo travelers | Couples, Value seekers, Adventure seekers, History and culture |
| Fleet rating | 3.7 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 |
| Cabins | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Dining | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Service | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Pools & decks | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Value | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 19 | 13 |
| Ships on the way | — | 4 |
| Newest ship | MS Infinity (2025) | Emerald Astra (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 133 | 147 |
| Usually sails | Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône | Rhine, Danube, Mediterranean, Caribbean |
| Solo cabins | None | Some ships |
| Single supplement | Avalon waives the single supplement for Deluxe Staterooms and Panorama Suites on most Europe departures and on select Mekong sailings… | US solo program: single supplement from 50% on selected river and yacht sailings (Select fares 75%, Preferred fares 50%), waived on select… |
| Loyalty program | — | Scenic & Emerald Rewards |
| Owner | Globus family of brands | Scenic Group |
| Headquarters | Denver, Colorado, United States | Zug, Switzerland |
| Founded | 2004 | 2013 |
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, Avalon Waterways or Emerald Cruises?
Avalon Waterways and Emerald Cruises rate the same overall on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Emerald Cruises leads on cabins, with the rest level.
Is Avalon Waterways or Emerald Cruises better value?
They score the same for value, 4.0 out of 5.
Is Avalon Waterways or Emerald Cruises better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 4.0 out of 5.
Is Avalon Waterways or Emerald Cruises better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 3.0 out of 5.
Is Avalon Waterways or Emerald Cruises better for cabins?
Emerald Cruises scores higher for cabins, 4.4 to 4.2 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
How many ships do Avalon Waterways and Emerald Cruises have?
Avalon Waterways has 19 ships in service; Emerald Cruises has 13 ships in service and 4 on the way.
Are Avalon Waterways and Emerald Cruises owned by the same company?
No. Avalon Waterways is part of Globus family of brands; Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Group.