Both Viking and Uniworld’s river cruise lines stand out in the world of luxury travel, but it’s tough to choose between the two, since both offer a suite of award-winning amenities.
Fortunately, when it comes to Uniworld vs. Viking, there’s no single right choice—just the right choice for you. River cruises are awesome, and choosing a fleet that aligns with your budget, interests and travel style lets you enjoy your vacation on your own terms.
This guide will help you determine which cruise line is the best fit so that you can confidently book your river adventure.
Fleet and Ship Size: Opulent Boutiques vs. Consistent Elegance
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Custom-designed luxurious ships for an intimate, opulent and personalized experience
- Viking River Cruises: Consistently elegant, expansive fleet for a sophisticated, minimalist experience
Uniworld operates a fleet of 17 jewel-toned boutique ships that are custom-designed and have the touches of a high-end hotel. The smallest shop accommodates 56 guests, and their flagship Super Ships hold up to 152 passengers. They’re equipped with larger suites and additional recreational areas.
When choosing a cruise line with Uniworld, you can guarantee an artisanal experience on any craft. Each vessel is adorned with Murano chandeliers, gold leaf antiques and hand-curated artistic touches.
Viking is known for its 70 sleek Longships and 80 vessels in its overall portfolio. The smallest cruise is the Nile itinerary, carrying 52 to 82 guests, and the largest sails the Mississippi River in the United States, accommodating an impressive 386 passengers.
Each ship features a collection of original artwork and custom furnishings, boasting unique styles and opulent details such as marble-lined interiors, stained glass doors and regional influences.
Itineraries and Destinations: Historical Routes vs. Extraordinary Global Options
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Best for river cruisers seeking culturally rich regions, best explored with smaller ships
- Viking River Cruises: Best for cruisers seeking more departure dates from global ports and longer European river cruises
Viking has a broad focus on high-end river cruises in Europe. They offer a Mississippi River tour, an unforgettable trip down Asia’s Mekong and Yangtze Rivers, and a Nile River cruise dotted with ancient pyramids and historic dwellings.
Uniworld River Cruises vs. Viking Cruises are higher-end and more personalized. They have routes to extraordinary destinations in Southeast Asia, India and Peru. These off-the-beaten-path destinations offer a more intimate experience, made possible by their smaller ships.
Onboard Amenities and Experiences: Regionally-Inspired Design vs. Modern Scandinavian Minimalism
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Each ship boasts unique decor that mirrors the region it sails in, alongside luxury lounges and onboard amenities
- Viking River Cruises: Blonde-wood interiors create a warm environment, alongside open, minimal spaces designed for relaxation and educational activities
Each Uniworld river cruise ship has customized decor that thoughtfully reflects its destination. You can expect luxury Savoir Beds, flat-screen TVs and basic amenities and toiletries. Uniworld’s spacious suites have separate sleeping areas and may include butler service for an elevated experience.
Most ships offer a range of spa treatments, and all vessels have fitness centers for active cruisers. Enjoy daily yoga, cardio and TRX classes to mingle and connect with fellow sailors. The lounge offers nightly live music, and a handful of ships have small theaters showing local films. Like Viking, there is an array of historic and ecological lectures that can help you better connect with the region.
The Scandinavian interiors of Viking’s ships are lined with blonde wood, floor-to-ceiling glass and clean, calm lines. The minimal modern aesthetic reflects the simple yet elegant charm of the brand, and their amenities reflect this.
The Viking luxury cruise line is geared towards heritage and education, with documentary viewings, lectures, cooking classes and musical performances onboard. They’re curated to deepen one’s understanding of the region for a culturally immersive experience. It’s best for the curious cruiser who thrives on thoughtful learning opportunities.
Shore Excursions: Premium Experiences vs. Culture-Rich Exploration
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Offers one to three shore excursions per day, with a focus on premium collections for bucket-list activities
- Viking River Cruises: One shore excursion is included each day, often focused on cultural walking tours or visits to UNESCO heritage sites
Uniworld River Cruises usually includes one to three standard shore excursions a day in your fare. The line also offers updated “Masterpiece Collection” and “Nights Out” excursions at a premium. Offerings include local tours, after-hours museum visits, active wilderness outings and private concerts, suitable for varying activity levels.
Viking River Cruises includes a single excursion per day within the fare price, and you can purchase additional specialized activities. You can expect visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, orientation buses and walking tours that provide an overview of the stopover cities.
Dining and Cuisine
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Luxury restaurants onboard, gala dinners, well-known for wine-themed cruises
- Viking River Cruises: Houses a straightforward main restaurant offering regional specialties, with an Aquavit Terrace available on the Longship fleet
Uniworld’s ships are known for their culinary flair, with several highly-rated restaurants amongst their fleet. You can expect a light early-riser breakfast, a full breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner in your fare. Each dining room is expertly decorated to reflect each destination, and hosts gala dinners and immersive events during your time onboard.
The team caters to health-conscious guests, offering a lighter menu and accommodating a variety of dietary preferences when submitted in advance. Sip on distinctive local wines and craft beers, hand-selected by onboard sommeliers, on wine-themed cruises.
All Viking ships include a main dining room serving multicourse meals and regional cuisine. You’ll also find Western classics like steak, salmon, roast chicken and Caesar salad. The Viking’s Longship fleet features the atmospheric Aquavit Terrace, with pastries, yogurts, soups and salads for lighter cafe fare.
There’s a mixture of buffet-style and a la carte regional options like roast iberico pork, schnitzel and piri piri chicken. Fresh ingredients are sourced from onboard herb gardens. Complimentary wine, beer and soda are available during lunch and dinner, with coffee and tea on tap all day.
Pricing: All-Inclusive Luxury vs. Budget-Friendly River Cruising
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: A high-luxury option with seven-night cruises starting at $3,779 per person, with fares climbing into five figures
- Viking River Cruises: More affordable fares, with a seven-night cruise starting at about $1,999 per passenger, with two-for-one deals regularly offered
High-end cruisers will appreciate Uniworld’s all-inclusive luxury, but it comes at an elevated price. A seven-night cruise along the Rhine starts at around $3,779 per passenger. Fares climb into the five-figure range with the most exclusive options, and most routes range between $4,000 and $8,000. Look for early booking savings for a reduced price, which can reduce the overall price by up to 20 percent.
Uniworld works hard to earn its worth, with a valuable all-inclusive offering. You’re privy to gourmet meals, premium fine wines and spirits and a broad selection of standard shore excursions. While you can invest in upgraded experiences, the base package provides a luxurious experience.
Viking offers more affordable options, starting at around $1,999 for a seven-night cruise. Fares climb over $6,000 for higher-end European itineraries in coveted cabins. Your fare includes meals, beverages, wi-fi and one shore excursion per day.
The Scandinavian cruise line regularly offers two-for-one deals, which significantly drop the price. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable cruise or for those who want a low-cost way to book a nicer cabin.
Ideal Traveler Type: Seasoned Luxury vs. Beginner-Friendly Cruising
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Brings the wow factor with sleek interior design, high-end amenities and cruisers seeking off-the-beaten-path riverways
- Viking River Cruises: Best for those interested in cultural programming, educational opportunities and first-time cruisers who don’t want to be overwhelmed by options
If comfort and luxury are high on your list, Uniworld’s cruises are the way to go. The vessel also caters to honeymooners, interior design enthusiasts and cruisers seeking a top-of-the-line experience. Its diverse routes are also a perfect fit for adventurous types who want to explore novel parts of the world.
If you’re a first-time cruiser seeking a stress-free experience, a Viking river cruise may be best for you. It’s also great for solo travelers. The property is adults-only, so you won’t stick out amongst the family crowds if you travel alone, as a couple or with friends. It’s also perfect for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts who want to check cultural gems off their bucket list.
FAQs
Here are answers to the most common questions about sailing with Uniworld River Cruises vs. Viking:
What should I consider when choosing a river cruise line?
River cruise lines are a great way to see the world, and when you’re ready to take the journey, consider:
- The destinations you want to visit
- The onboard experience you prefer
- Your vacation budget
- The amenities that matter the most to you
Weigh these factors to decide which cruise line is the right fit for you and your loved ones.
How do Uniworld and Viking differ in their onboard experiences?
Uniworld’s lavish atmosphere focuses on high-end design, like a 5-star resort on the river. It offers a generous all-inclusive package and thoughtful touches, such as hot towels and specialty drinks. It’s a more luxurious option, both in style and amenities.
When it comes to Viking vs. Uniworld, Viking’s ships are based in a simple, stately Scandinavian design that focuses on refined minimalism. It offers educational activities and excursion options that enrich the cruiser’s understanding of the local destinations.
Are there differences in what’s included in the cruise fare?
Uniworld and Viking River Cruise Lines offer all-inclusive options, but they differ in their offerings:
- Uniworld offers a comprehensive premium beverage plan, while Viking has a limited selection of wine and beer available.
- Uniworld may include one to three excursions a day, while Viking only includes one a day.
- Viking doesn’t include gratuities in the fare, but Uniworld does.
Uniworld offers more options, while Viking offers pared-down, straightforward fare inclusions.
Book Your Next River Cruise With AAA Travel
When choosing Uniworld vs. Viking, choose the option outfitted for the unique experience you’re dreaming of.
Consider the Viking River Cruise line if you want an economical luxury experience. Indulge in Uniworld's luxury cruise line for a once-in-a-lifetime trip that pulls out all the stops.
Now that you’ve decided which cruise line best pairs with your travel plans, it’s time to make your vacation a reality. AAA members can unlock exclusive benefits and book packages perfectly curated for your trip.
Booking the best European river cruise has never been easier with AAA Travel services, offering comprehensive booking assistance and customized travel planning. AAA’s team handles cruise fares, flights and hotels as needed. Contact our team today to book an unforgettable river cruise.