Choosing Between Viking and Avalon River Cruises for Your Next Adventure

When it comes to European river cruising, two names consistently rise to the top: Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways. Both companies are leaders in the industry, offering unforgettable journeys along legendary waterways like the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Rhône. While they share some similarities, each line has its own unique style, atmosphere, and approach to travel. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to the type of vacation experience you’re looking for.

Viking River Cruises: Tradition and Cultural Immersion

Viking is often considered the gold standard in river cruising — and for good reason. Their ships are known for sleek Scandinavian design, with clean lines, open spaces, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Viking places a strong emphasis on cultural enrichment, making each journey feel like a deep dive into the history and traditions of the regions you visit.

Most Viking itineraries include curated, guided excursions at nearly every port, so you’ll always have something meaningful to experience onshore. These excursions often focus on local history, art, and culinary traditions. Evenings onboard are typically filled with lectures, music, and local performances, giving guests a chance to continue learning and connecting long after the day’s sightseeing is over.

Viking's corporate video which gives a great glimpse into their river voyage "formula for success"

The food and hospitality on the Viking cruise is top notch. Evertone's goal was to make each customer happy.

Viking is an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate structure and planning. With carefully crafted itineraries and an emphasis on learning, guests can sit back and let Viking handle all the details, knowing they’ll come away with a richer understanding of the places they’ve visited.

Avalon Waterways: Flexibility and Scenic Views

While Avalon Waterways shares Viking’s commitment to quality, it offers a slightly different cruising experience. Avalon’s ships are designed with innovation in mind, especially their signature Panorama Suites. Unlike traditional cabin layouts, Avalon’s beds face floor-to-ceiling windows, turning your room into a floating balcony and giving you breathtaking river views from the comfort of your bed.

Avalon also stands out for its flexibility and variety of excursions. While Viking provides one main guided tour per port, Avalon offers several options — from traditional city tours to active excursions like biking, hiking, or even kayaking, depending on the destination. This makes Avalon especially appealing to travelers who enjoy customizing their experience and mixing relaxation with adventure.

Avalon is part of the Globus family of brands and has been in business as a travel company for generations. They have easily translated their success n the land as a guided tour company into a successful river cruise company.

The atmosphere onboard is slightly more relaxed and modern, appealing to guests who prefer a less structured, more casual vibe without sacrificing comfort or service

There are some differences between these two companies

• Cabins:

  • Avalon – Panorama Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air balconies.

  • Viking – Sleek Scandinavian design with traditional side balconies.

• Fleet & Destinations:

  • Avalon – Smaller fleet, focuses on Europe with some exotic rivers like the Nile and Mekong.

  • Viking – Larger fleet with more routes worldwide, including the U.S.

• Excursions:

  • Avalon – Multiple complimentary, active, and immersive excursions per port.

  • Viking – One included excursion per port, others available at extra cost.

• Onboard Experience:

  • Avalon – Boutique feel, wellness amenities, relaxed and flexible atmosphere.

  • Viking – Elegant, cultural focus with lectures and traditional entertainment.

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Shared Perks and Choosing What Fits You

Both Viking and Avalon include meals, excursions, and wine or beer at dinner, so you don’t have to worry about hidden costs. Both also offer exceptional service and intimate ships that allow you to truly connect with fellow travelers and crew.

The decision really comes down to personal travel style:

• Choose Viking if you value structure, cultural enrichment, and a classic, elegant experience.

• Choose Avalon if you prefer flexibility, modern design, and opportunities for active exploration.

No matter which line you choose, you’ll enjoy a memorable journey through Europe’s most beautiful waterways, discovering cities, villages, and landscapes that can only be experienced by river.