AmaWaterways vs. Scenic
My Honest River Cruise Comparison
If you've been dreaming of a European river cruise, you've probably looked at AmaWaterways and Scenic. They're two of the most popular lines on the rivers, and on paper they look very similar.
So how do you choose? What are the real differences, and which one is the better value?
I've sailed on both: AmaWaterways on a Christmas Market cruise on the Rhine and Moselle, and Scenic on an early Tulip Time sailing through the Dutch and Belgian waterways. Here's my honest take on each.
Quick overview
AmaWaterways is a premium river cruise line. It's known for food, wine, active excursions and a warm onboard atmosphere that makes you feel like family.
Scenic markets itself as luxury and truly all-inclusive. On paper, that sounds like the better option. In reality, it's a little more nuanced.
What they have in common
Before the differences, here's what you get on both:
Small ships, usually around 164 guests at most, so larger cabins and more common space than mass-market lines
Spacious cabins, with plenty of upgraded suite options
All meals onboard, with more than one sit-down dining option
Onboard Wi-Fi
A knowledgeable cruise director to guide you through the trip
Several excursion choices in every port, all included at no extra cost
Cabins
Both lines have smaller window staterooms on the lower deck. These are fine for sleeping and storing your things, but they aren't a space you'll enjoy spending time in.
The balcony cabins are where they differ:
AmaWaterways uses a twin-balcony design in most balcony staterooms: a French balcony plus a step-out balcony. I stayed in a smaller twin balcony cabin (210 sq. ft.). It felt cozy and comfortable, but the twin balconies block some of the view and make the layout a little awkward in the smaller cabin.
Scenic uses its Sun Lounge, an enclosed balcony where the window comes down so the space feels like part of your cabin. I stayed in a standard balcony suite (204 sq. ft.) on the Sapphire Deck. I liked the layout and the view much better. But the finishes didn't feel like true luxury. There was a gap between the two pushed-together beds, the closets and storage weren't great, and the Sun Lounge was noisier than I expected. (The beds are nicer in the higher-end suites.)
One tip for both lines: watch where the larger suites sit. Cabins at the very front can be noisy because they're close to the common areas. Cabins at the very back sit above the engine, so expect more noise, vibration and sometimes exhaust.
My recommendation: go up one cabin type on both lines. On AmaWaterways, choose the larger twin balcony cabin. On Scenic, choose a deluxe balcony suite on the Diamond Deck.
Onboard atmosphere and service
AmaWaterways feels warm, social and inviting. It's easy to meet people, and there's a nice balance between activity and relaxation.
Scenic gives you more spaces to explore in the same area where AmaWaterways has its lounge: a main lounge, a café, and a sitting area that becomes the Portobellos restaurant in the evening. Each one has its own feel.
Service is where Scenic shines. It was the best I've experienced on a river cruise. The crew worked beautifully as a team and went above and beyond. AmaWaterways' service was good too, but Scenic stood out.
The physical ship is a different story. Many of the finishes and fixtures felt underwhelming, and some areas were a little worn. AmaWaterways felt like good quality, with finishes in good condition.
Is Scenic really luxury? Here's my slightly hot take: I'd call it premium with luxury touches, not true top-tier luxury. If you're coming from mainstream ocean cruising, it will probably feel very luxurious. If you expect ultra-luxury, you'll notice the gaps.
Excursions
Both lines give you several excursion choices in every port, and I love being able to pick what suits me each day.
AmaWaterways includes active options like hiking and cycling, plus plenty of wine tastings and food tours.
Scenic has fewer active excursions, but every sailing includes one Scenic Enrich experience, a special outing you wouldn't get on a standard excursion. Ours was an evening at Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam, and it was lovely.
Food and drinks
The food was fairly comparable overall, but I give the edge to AmaWaterways. Its Chef's Table is fantastic, and I found it had more options. I also love the dining room layout, with booths and partitioned areas.
Scenic includes all drinks, premium drinks too, throughout the day. Its specialty restaurant, Portobellos, was a nice change of pace, but the food didn't feel better than the main dining room. The dining room is also much more open.
Price and value
The two lines are usually priced similarly, and both run good sales. The difference is what's included:
Scenic is one of the few truly all-inclusive river cruise lines: open bar, several excursions per port, butler service and gratuities.
AmaWaterways includes several excursions per port, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and a happy hour. Gratuities are extra, but I always include them in my quotes so you can compare fairly.
My verdict: who each line is best for
Best for: Scenic if you want everything included, with no extra fees. The open bar and butler service really elevate the experience.
Best for: AmaWaterways if you want quality finishes, a cozy atmosphere and a top food and wine experience.
Both are wonderful, but for different reasons. Every river cruise line has its own personality, and finding the right fit for how you travel makes all the difference.
Let's find your perfect match
If you're trying to choose between these two lines, or any river cruise, I'd love to help. Contact me and we can start planning.
Not ready to book yet? Sign up for my newsletter and get my free Insider's Guide to River Cruising. You'll get honest tips and comparisons like this one in your inbox.
P.S. Curious about trying an Active & Discovery cruise yourself? I'm hosting a group sailing with Avalon Waterways on the Danube in May 2027, with sightseeing, hiking, biking and discovery excursions to choose from. Find out more and join me.
To book your amazing river cruise adventure - reach out to me through email at Alicia@EveningStarTravel.ca, or by calling 587 772 2525. I am located in Sherwood Park, Alberta (a suburb of Edmonton), and am a Travel Advisor specializing in River Cruising. I have clients from all across Canada and the USA. I am the owner/operator of Evening Star Travel.
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