Cruise Frog guide
Avalon Waterways vs Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises rates higher than Avalon Waterways on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.8 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Avalon Waterways leads on pools & decks; Viking River Cruises on cabins and service. Pick Avalon Waterways for adventure seekers and solo travelers; Viking River Cruises for adults only and first-time cruisers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Avalon Waterways | Viking River Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | River | River |
| Best for | Couples, History and culture, Adventure seekers, Solo travelers | Couples, History and culture, Adults only, First-time cruisers |
| Fleet rating | 3.7 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Cabins | 4.2 | 4.3 |
| Dining | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Service | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Pools & decks | 3.0 | 2.2 |
| Value | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 19 | 87 |
| Ships on the way | — | 13 |
| Largest ship | — | Viking Mississippi (12,621 GT) |
| Newest ship | MS Infinity (2025) | Viking Annar (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 133 | 170 |
| Usually sails | Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône | Rhine, Danube, Nile, Seine |
| Solo cabins | None | — |
| Single supplement | Avalon waives the single supplement for Deluxe Staterooms and Panorama Suites on most Europe departures and on select Mekong sailings… | — |
| Loyalty program | — | Viking Explorer Society |
| Owner | Globus family of brands | Viking Holdings Ltd |
| Headquarters | Denver, Colorado, United States | Basel, Switzerland |
| Founded | 2004 | 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, Avalon Waterways or Viking River Cruises?
Viking River Cruises rates higher than Avalon Waterways on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.8 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Avalon Waterways leads on pools & decks; Viking River Cruises on cabins and service.
Is Avalon Waterways or Viking River Cruises better value?
They score the same for value, 4.0 out of 5.
Is Avalon Waterways or Viking River Cruises better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 4.0 out of 5.
Is Avalon Waterways or Viking River Cruises better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 3.0 out of 5.
Is Avalon Waterways or Viking River Cruises better for cabins?
Viking River Cruises scores higher for cabins, 4.3 to 4.2 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
How many ships do Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises have?
Avalon Waterways has 19 ships in service; Viking River Cruises has 87 ships in service and 13 on the way.
Are Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises owned by the same company?
No. Avalon Waterways is part of Globus family of brands; Viking River Cruises is part of Viking Holdings Ltd.