Avalon Waterways vs. AmaWaterways
- Alicia at Evening Star Travel
- Apr 4
- 6 min read
Which River Cruise is Right for You?
If you’ve been dreaming of a European river cruise, you’ve probably come across Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways—two of the most highly rated river cruise lines. But how do you choose between them?
Both offer luxurious accommodations, incredible dining, and immersive excursions, but they each have a unique style. Whether you're looking for active adventures, gourmet experiences, or simply a relaxing cruise with stunning views, this guide will help you decide which cruise line is the best fit for you.
What Avalon and AmaWaterways Have in Common
No matter which one you choose, you can expect:
Luxury, Small-Ship Experience – Both cruise lines operate intimate, boutique-style ships, with fewer than 160 passengers on board (and sometimes less depending on the ship).
Spacious, Comfortable Staterooms – Expect plush bedding, high-end amenities, and spectacular views from every cabin.
All-Inclusive Perks – Excursions, Wi-Fi, and complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals are included (including a happy hour most nights).
Cultural & Active Excursions – From walking tours and wine tastings to biking and hiking adventures, both cruise lines offer various ways to explore.
Exceptional Dining – You’ll enjoy gourmet, regionally inspired meals paired with local wines.
Now, let’s dive into what makes each cruise line unique.
How Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways Are Different
1. Stateroom Design & Views
Avalon Waterways: If you love the idea of waking up to panoramic river views, Avalon’s signature Panorama Suites might be perfect for you. These wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open up like a French balcony, creating an "open-air balcony" experience without taking up extra space in the room. Plus, the beds face the window, so you can relax and watch the scenery float by.
AmaWaterways: Most AmaWaterways ships feature "twin-balcony" staterooms, which include both a step-out balcony and a French balcony. This gives you the option to sit outside while cruising, but the room itself tends to be a bit smaller than Avalon’s Panorama Suites.
Best for scenic cruising from your room: Avalon
Best for traditional balconies: AmaWaterways
2. Onboard Atmosphere & Entertainment
Avalon Waterways: The vibe onboard is relaxed and laid-back, with an emphasis on scenic cruising and cultural enrichment. Common spaces are much more open to highlight the amazing views and encourage mingling. Evenings are more low-key, with live music, expert lectures, and casual socializing. Occasionally they will bring on local performers as well.
AmaWaterways: AMAWaterways common spaces feel much more cozy, with more areas to have intimate conversations. However, if you prefer a bit more of a livelier onboard experience, AmaWaterways offers more entertainment options, including live music, themed events, and wine tastings. Some ships even have a swimming pool on the sundeck—something you won’t find on Avalon (though most Avalon ships have a hot tub).
Prefer a relaxed, open atmosphere? Avalon
Looking for a more intimate experience with great entertainment? AmaWaterways
3. Excursions & Activities
Avalon Waterways: Avalon includes 1-2 excursions per port with options for other excursions at an additional cost. However, Avalon also offers Active & Discovery cruises which has 2-3 included excursions per port (and only a couple of excursions at an additional cost). Now, if you enjoy active travel, Avalon is a fantastic choice. They pioneered Active & Discovery cruises, which offer excursions like hiking, biking, kayaking, and hands-on cultural experiences. These are great if you like to get off the beaten path and dive into local culture. But even on regular cruises they also have an Activity
AmaWaterways: AMAWaterways typically includes 3 excursions per port included with your cruise fare. There are no excursions that are an additional cost. And, while AmaWaterways also offers biking and hiking tours, they are best known for their wine cruises and culinary experiences. If you love fine dining and wine pairings, Ama’s themed itineraries might be just what you’re looking for.
Want more adventure and active excursions? Avalon
More into wine and culinary experiences and like All-Inclusive Excursions? AmaWaterways
4. Dining & Cuisine
Avalon Waterways: Avalon offers FlexDining, meaning you can eat whenever you like during meal service. Breakfast and lunch are buffett style with select made to order menu items, and supper is a four course plated meal, with menus inspired by the region you’re visiting (psss: the soups are amazing).
AmaWaterways: If you’re a fine food enthusiast, AmaWaterways might be the better choice. They are members of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, a prestigious culinary society, and offer a multi-course Chef’s Table experience with wine pairings. AMAWaterways also has a four course lunch served in the main dining room.
Prefer casual, flexible dining? Avalon
Want a high-end gourmet experience? AmaWaterways
5. Pricing & Value
Avalon Waterways: Generally, Avalon offers lower prices than AmaWaterways while still delivering a luxury experience. They often have special promotions like free airfare or discounted rates, making them an excellent value.
AmaWaterways: AmaWaterways is typically more expensive but includes more excursions, and more upscale amenities, like specialty restaurants and wellness programs. If you’re looking for a luxury, all-inclusive feel, AmaWaterways is a great choice.
Looking for great value? Avalon
Prefer a premium, upscale experience? AmaWaterways
Which River Cruise Line is Best for You?
Feature | Avalon Waterways | AmaWaterways |
Best For | Active travelers, first-time river cruisers | Luxury seekers, food & wine enthusiasts |
Cabins | Panorama Suites, open-air design | Twin-balcony staterooms, more suite options |
Excursions | Active & Discovery, cultural immersion | Theme cruises, more inclusions |
Onboard Vibe | Relaxed, casual | Cozy, upscale |
Dining | Open-seating, FlexDining | Gourmet, specialty restaurants |
Price | More affordable | Typically higher pricing with more inclusions. |
Final Thoughts
Both Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways offer incredible river cruises, but the right choice depends on your personal travel style.
Personally, I love Avalon's cabins. They are amazing - I dream about those beds that face the window. However, while the common areas are nice, I do find that the lounge and dining areas are noisy - the sounds seems to travel more.
On AMA I love their common areas - they are so cozy, with areas for smaller or larger groups. But when I'm in the cabin I miss the amazing views.
I found the food quality comparable between the two. I do really like AMA's chefs table (7 course plated supper in a different dining area), but disliked having a plated course meal for lunch. I loved the soups on Avalon, and preferred the casual breakfasts and lunches. I liked having a casual lounge at the rear of the ship on Avalon with self serve drinks and snacks.
I liked having a pool (that was really warm like a hot tub) on AMA (though Avalon's hot tub is nice, it's not the same).
I found that the excursions were of similar quality, though it is really nice to have the choices on AMA without the extra cost (but really you could say that you paid for them in advance as AMA typically costs more).
I think the service on AMA was a bit better (not to say that the service on Avalon was bad - it was still good) - but that could have been because the ship wasn't full.
Choose Avalon Waterways if you:
Love active excursions like biking and hiking.
Want spacious cabins with panoramic views.
Prefer a relaxed, scenic cruising experience.
Are looking for great value without sacrificing luxury.
Choose AmaWaterways if you:
Are a food and wine enthusiast.
Enjoy lively onboard entertainment and specialty dining.
Want a step-out balcony in your stateroom.
Prefer a more upscale, experience.
Ready to Plan Your River Cruise? Let’s Make It Happen
Choosing the right river cruise line can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a travel advisor specializing in European river cruises, I can help you find the perfect itinerary, secure the best deals, and take care of all the details—so all you have to do is enjoy the journey. Both of these river cruise lines offer wonderful options for the rivers - but they aren't the only options! Reach out today, and I can help you wade through the different options to see what itinerary and cruise line is best for you.
Let’s chat about your dream cruise. Contact me today to start planning!
To book your next dream vacation - when the time is right to travel - 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, Beach Escapes, and Custom Vacations. I am the owner/operator of Evening Star Travel, and I book travel for clients all across Canada.
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