Cruise Frog guide
Emerald Cruises vs Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises rates higher than Emerald Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.8 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Emerald Cruises leads on cabins and pools & decks; Viking River Cruises on service. Pick Emerald Cruises for value seekers and adventure seekers; Viking River Cruises for adults only and first-time cruisers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Emerald Cruises | Viking River Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | River | River |
| Best for | Couples, Value seekers, Adventure seekers, History and culture | Couples, History and culture, Adults only, First-time cruisers |
| Fleet rating | 3.7 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Cabins | 4.4 | 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 | 13 | 87 |
| Ships on the way | 4 | 13 |
| Largest ship | — | Viking Mississippi (12,621 GT) |
| Newest ship | Emerald Astra (2026) | Viking Annar (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 147 | 170 |
| Usually sails | Rhine, Danube, Mediterranean, Caribbean | Rhine, Danube, Nile, Seine |
| Solo cabins | Some ships | — |
| Single supplement | 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 | Viking Explorer Society |
| Owner | Scenic Group | Viking Holdings Ltd |
| Headquarters | Zug, Switzerland | Basel, Switzerland |
| Founded | 2013 | 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, Emerald Cruises or Viking River Cruises?
Viking River Cruises rates higher than Emerald Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.8 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Emerald Cruises leads on cabins and pools & decks; Viking River Cruises on service.
Is Emerald Cruises or Viking River Cruises better value?
They score the same for value, 4.0 out of 5.
Is Emerald Cruises or Viking River Cruises better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 4.0 out of 5.
Is Emerald Cruises or Viking River Cruises better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 3.0 out of 5.
Is Emerald Cruises or Viking River Cruises better for cabins?
Emerald Cruises scores higher for cabins, 4.4 to 4.3 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
How many ships do Emerald Cruises and Viking River Cruises have?
Emerald Cruises has 13 ships in service and 4 on the way; Viking River Cruises has 87 ships in service and 13 on the way.
Are Emerald Cruises and Viking River Cruises owned by the same company?
No. Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Group; Viking River Cruises is part of Viking Holdings Ltd.