Which river cruise line is best for solo travelers?

Tauck is the most dependable, with no single supplement on Category 1 cabins on every European river departure. AmaWaterways is best if you want a true single stateroom or a solo balcony deal.

Does Viking have single cabins on river cruises?

No. Viking river longships have no dedicated solo cabins. Solo travelers book a standard stateroom and pay a single supplement, which Viking sometimes reduces during sales.

Which AmaWaterways ships have single staterooms?

AmaCello, AmaDante, AmaDolce and AmaLyra each have a few single-occupancy staterooms of about 140 sq ft with French balconies, with no single supplement.

Is there a promo code for solo river cruises?

Yes, on AmaWaterways: SOLOWAIVED (supplement waived on select 2027 Europe sailings) and SOLO10 (10% supplement on select 2026 and 2027 Europe sailings), both for bookings made by December 31, 2026. Tauck and Viking apply solo savings without a public code.

Does Tauck charge a single supplement?

Not on Category 1 cabins, on any European river departure. Other categories get $1,000 off the supplement on select 2026 departures.

How much is the single supplement on a river cruise?

It ranges from zero on Tauck Category 1 cabins, to 10% to 25% with AmaWaterways offers, to 50% to 100% or more on Viking outside a sale.

Is a river cruise good for solo travelers?

Yes. Ships are small, excursions are guided, and dining is social, so it's easy to meet fellow travelers.

AmaWaterways vs Viking River Cruises 2027 & 2028: Which Line Is Right for You?

Danny Stahl

Jul 18

7 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

By Danny Stahl | Danny’s Adventures

Danny is certified across 18 cruise lines and tour operators, including Viking, AmaWaterways, Tauck, Oceania, Ponant, and Silversea

SKIP THE RESEARCH & GET THE SAVINGS

CONTACT ME TODAY

I’m Danny Stahl, a certified advisor based in Raleigh, NC, serving clients nationwide. Here in North Carolina, there’s no such thing as a stranger. Every client gets the same care I’d give my own family, from researching every promotion to securing exclusive perks not available to the general public.

Ready to plan? Book a complimentary 15-minute call or email me what you’d like me to research. I reply within two business days.

Email. danny.stahl@avoyanetwork.com

Quick answer: Choose AmaWaterways in 2027–2028 if you want newer ships, an active wellness program, several included excursion choices per port, a heated pool and room for families.

Choose Viking if you want the lowest entry fare, adults-only (18+) cruising, a lecture-and-culture pace and the largest river fleet in Europe. Both include one or more guided tours per port, onboard meals, Wi-Fi, and wine and beer with lunch and dinner.

The 2027–2028 headline: AmaWaterways is growing to 38 ships in 2028, led by AmaRudi (spring 2027), Europe's largest river ship alongside AmaMagna. Viking is adding 22 river ships through 2028 for a fleet of about 112, most of them identical 190-guest Longships.

I grew up in Trier, Germany, on the banks of the Moselle, watching river ships glide past my hometown. Before I founded Danny's Adventures, I worked inside AmaWaterways. Today I'm certified across 18 cruise and tour lines, including both AmaWaterways and Viking.

AmaWaterways vs Viking 2027–2028 at a glance

Category	AmaWaterways	Viking
Founded	2002	1997
River fleet size (2028)	38 ships; 50+ planned by 2032	About 112 river ships
Signature 2027 ship	AmaRudi (Danube), 196 guests, double-width	Viking Longships, 190 guests each
Typical European ship	156–162 guests, 51 crew	190 guests, 53 crew
Ship design	Varies ship to ship; twin balconies on many	Near-identical Scandinavian design fleet-wide
Who sails	All ages; families welcome	Adults 18+ only
Included excursions	Multiple choices per port (gentle, active, bike, hike)	One included tour per port; optional paid tours
Drinks included	Wine, beer, soft drinks at lunch and dinner; 30+ wines; Sip & Sail happy hour	Wine, beer, soft drinks at lunch and dinner
Wellness	Wellness Host, daily classes, bikes, fitness room; pool on newer ships	Walking track, sports deck
Specialty dining	The Chef's Table (included)	Aquavit Terrace indoor/outdoor dining
2027 Rhine fare example	Captivating Rhine on new AmaFiora, Sep 2027, from $4,329 pp	Rhine Getaway, peak 2027, from $3,299–$3,399 pp
Beyond Europe	Mekong, Nile, Chobe (Africa), Colombia	Mekong, Nile, Mississippi, India (2027)
Ocean cruises	No (river only)	Yes

New river cruise ships for 2027 and 2028

Year	Line	Ship	River	What's new
Spring 2027	AmaWaterways	AmaRudi	Danube	Double-width, 196 guests in 98 staterooms; cinema, karaoke, billiards; Rudi's Wine Bar; Stage V engines, solar panels
2027	AmaWaterways	AmaFiora	Rhine	79 staterooms in nine categories; heated Sun Deck pool; elevator; Chef's Table
2027	AmaWaterways	AmaMaya	Mekong	60 staterooms, sister to AmaDara
2028	AmaWaterways	AmaMaria	Rhine	AmaFiora design, 76 staterooms
2028	AmaWaterways	AmaGaia	Douro	Fourth Ama ship in Portugal
2028	AmaWaterways	AmaClara / AmaCleo	Rhône / Nile	AmaKristina design on the Rhône; new Egypt ship
2026–2028	Viking	22 new river ships	Rhine, Main, Danube, Nile and more	Mostly 190-guest Longships; recent deliveries include Viking Eldir and Viking Dagur
2027	Viking	Viking Brahmaputra	Brahmaputra (India)	Viking's first India river cruises

New AmaWaterways itineraries: 2027 adds 42 Smithsonian Journeys departures with expert lecturers from $3,699 per person, including a new Mekong program. 2028 adds Elegance of Burgundy & Provence, a 10- or 11-night Rhône and Saône sailing in July–August with longer port stays. New pre- and post-cruise land packages cover Krakow, Nuremberg, Basel, Luxembourg, Brussels, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Dijon and Porto.

2027 pricing and what's included

Viking usually wins on the starting fare; AmaWaterways usually wins on what that fare buys. On a 7-night Rhine cruise in peak 2027, expect roughly a $900–$1,000 per-person gap at entry level, narrower once you price in AmaWaterways' extra inclusions and promotions.

7-night Rhine, 2027	AmaWaterways Captivating Rhine	Viking Rhine Getaway
Peak season (Sep)	From $4,329 pp on new AmaFiora	From $3,299–$3,399 pp (May–Oct)
Late season (Nov)	Christmas Markets pricing applies	From $2,399 pp (Nov 23)
Port charges	Included ($280 pp in 2027)	Included
Solo travelers	50% single supplement on most cabins; solo promos	Solo promos on select dates

Both lines include: your cabin, all onboard meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, guided tours in port, port taxes, and airport transfers when you buy air through the line.

AmaWaterways adds: several excursion choices per port (including bike and hiking tours), the Wellness Host program, The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, and 30+ included wines.

Not included on either: gratuities, premium spirits outside included hours, optional paid tours, and spa services.

Honest pricing note: Brochure fares move. Both lines run early-booking deals, reduced-deposit offers and air promotions. As an Avoya-affiliated advisor, I can often add perks like onboard credit at no extra cost to you. You don't pay more; you get more.

Viking River Cruise Longship — Viking Longship

Onboard: ships, cabins, dining and excursions

Ships and cabins

Most European ships on both lines are 443 feet long, the maximum for Rhine and Danube locks. Viking fits about 190 guests on that hull; AmaWaterways fits 156–162, so you get more space per guest. Many Ama ships have twin balconies (a French balcony plus a full walk-out balcony), and AmaRudi and AmaMagna are double-width. Viking Longships offer true two-room Explorer Suites and identical layouts, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Dining

Viking's Aquavit Terrace is one of the best open-air dining spots on any river. AmaWaterways adds The Chef's Table, an included tasting-menu restaurant, plus the all-day Savor at The Lark lounge dining. AmaWaterways also labels gluten-free, sugar-free and allergen dishes clearly.

Excursions and activity level

Viking includes one guided tour per port with paid upgrades. AmaWaterways typically offers several included choices, from gentle walks to guided bike and hiking tours, plus a dedicated Wellness Host leading daily classes.

Who's on board

Viking is adults-only (18+), with a quiet, lecture-focused evening pace. AmaWaterways welcomes families and multigenerational groups and runs a livelier lounge atmosphere.

River cruise lines compared: where they sail

Both lines sail the Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Mekong and Nile. AmaWaterways adds southern Africa's Chobe River and Colombia's Magdalena. Viking adds the Mississippi, India's Brahmaputra (2027) and a full ocean and expedition fleet.

What My Clients Say - Mary R. and her husband flew out of Chicago O'Hare International Airport for thier romantic & Rhine River cruise and land extension in Lake Como.

" My husband and I weren't sure which river cruise line to choose, but Danny's expertise really made a difference! He took the time to ask us thoughtful questions and helped us narrow down our options to two fantastic itineraries. Ultimately, we chose Amawaterways for its more spacious and luxurious cabins. The Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles itinerary excited us, especially with the Lake Como extension. We had an incredible time on the cruise, and we're so grateful to Danny for helping us choose this perfect option. He even surprised us with a lovely bottle of wine in our cabin, which was such a delightful touch!" - Mary R. Chicago, IL

Which river cruise line is right for you in 2027–2028?

If you want…	Choose
A brand-new ship in 2027–2028	AmaWaterways (AmaRudi, AmaFiora, AmaMaria)
The lowest starting fare	Viking
Adults-only, quiet evenings	Viking
To travel with kids or grandkids	AmaWaterways
Bike rides, hikes and fitness classes	AmaWaterways
Lectures and a structured culture focus	Viking
The most sailing dates and availability	Viking
A pool on a Rhine ship	AmaWaterways (AmaFiora, AmaMaria)
River plus ocean with one brand	Viking
Africa's Chobe River or Colombia	AmaWaterways

My honest bottom line: For first-time river cruisers who value simplicity and price, Viking is hard to beat. For travelers who want more choice each day and the newest ships of 2027–2028, AmaWaterways delivers more per dollar.

Ready to compare real 2027 or 2028 dates?

Book a complimentary 15-minute river cruise consult: I'll price the same week on both lines side by side. Click here to fill out the form.

Get early-booking perks: Email danny.stahl@avoyanetwork.com for current AmaWaterways and Viking promotions plus Avoya-exclusive extras.
Planning a group or family reunion? Visit our Groups & Charters page for cabin blocks on AmaWaterways and Viking Longships.

SKIP THE RESEARCH & GET THE SAVINGS.

CONTACT ME TODAY!

Tell me the occasion, the month, and the dream. I’ll handle the rest, down to the bottle of wine waiting in your stateroom.

Ready to plan? Book a complimentary 15-minute call or email me what you’d like me to research. I reply within two business days.

Email. danny.stahl@avoyanetwork.com

Frequently asked questions

Is AmaWaterways better than Viking for 2027?

Neither is better for everyone. AmaWaterways is better for active travelers, families and anyone who wants a brand-new ship like AmaRudi or AmaFiora. Viking is better for adults-only travelers who want the lowest starting fare and a calm, culture-focused pace.

Is AmaWaterways more expensive than Viking?

Usually at entry level. A September 2027 Captivating Rhine on AmaFiora starts at $4,329 per person, while Viking's 2027 Rhine Getaway starts around $3,299–$3,399 in peak season. AmaWaterways includes more excursion choices, specialty dining and a daily cocktail hour.

What new river cruise ships launch in 2027 and 2028?

AmaWaterways launches AmaRudi (Danube), AmaFiora (Rhine) and AmaMaya (Mekong) in 2027, then AmaMaria (Rhine), AmaGaia (Douro), AmaClara (Rhône) and AmaCleo (Nile) in 2028. Viking is adding 22 river ships through 2028, mostly 190-guest Longships, plus India river cruises in 2027.

What is AmaRudi?

AmaRudi is AmaWaterways' second double-width river ship, debuting on the Danube in spring 2027. It carries 196 guests in 98 staterooms and adds a cinema, karaoke, billiards and Rudi's Wine Bar.

Can children sail on Viking or AmaWaterways?

Viking requires all guests to be 18 or older. AmaWaterways welcomes children and offers family-friendly sailings, making it the better choice for multigenerational trips.

What is included on AmaWaterways and Viking river cruises?

Both include your cabin, all onboard meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, guided tours in port and port taxes. AmaWaterways adds multiple excursion choices, The Chef's Table, a wellness program and a Sip & Sail happy hour.

How far ahead should I book a 2027 or 2028 river cruise?

Book 12–18 months ahead for the best cabin choice, especially balcony suites on new ships. AmaWaterways' 2028 season and Viking's 2027–2028 dates are already open.

Does using a travel advisor cost more?

No. Booking through Danny's Adventures costs the same as booking direct, and Avoya-exclusive perks often add onboard credit or other value.