Cruise Frog guide
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises vs Viking River Cruises
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises rates higher than Viking River Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.0 to 3.8 out of 5 across their rated ships. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises leads on cabins, dining and pools & decks; Viking River Cruises on value. Pick Uniworld Boutique River Cruises for food lovers and multigenerational groups; Viking River Cruises for adults only and first-time cruisers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Uniworld Boutique River Cruises | Viking River Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | River | River |
| Best for | Couples, History and culture, Food lovers, Multigenerational groups | Couples, History and culture, Adults only, First-time cruisers |
| Fleet rating | 4.0 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Cabins | 5.0 | 4.3 |
| Dining | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Service | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Pools & decks | 3.0 | 2.2 |
| Value | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 17 | 87 |
| Ships on the way | 7 | 13 |
| Largest ship | — | Viking Mississippi (12,621 GT) |
| Newest ship | S.S. Emilie (2026) | Viking Annar (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 112 | 170 |
| Usually sails | Rhine, Danube, Nile, South America | Rhine, Danube, Nile, Seine |
| Loyalty program | River Heritage Club | Viking Explorer Society |
| Owner | The Travel Corporation | Viking Holdings Ltd |
| Headquarters | Calabasas, California, United States | Basel, Switzerland |
| Founded | 1976 | 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, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises or Viking River Cruises?
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises rates higher than Viking River Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.0 to 3.8 out of 5 across their rated ships. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises leads on cabins, dining and pools & decks; Viking River Cruises on value.
Is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 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 Uniworld Boutique River Cruises or Viking River Cruises better for dining?
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises scores higher for dining, 5.0 to 4.0 out of 5 (good food in the main dining room and the specialty venues).
Is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises or Viking River Cruises better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 3.0 out of 5.
Is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises or Viking River Cruises better for cabins?
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises scores higher for cabins, 5.0 to 4.3 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
How many ships do Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Viking River Cruises have?
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has 17 ships in service and 7 on the way; Viking River Cruises has 87 ships in service and 13 on the way.
Are Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Viking River Cruises owned by the same company?
No. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is part of The Travel Corporation; Viking River Cruises is part of Viking Holdings Ltd.