This week, we received an interesting question from a client that prompted this article of comparison. Below are some details comparing two wonderful, yet quite different river cruise lines.
As two of the most popular luxury river cruise companies in Europe, AmaWaterways and Scenic River Cruises each offer unique experiences for travelers looking to explore the world’s most iconic waterways. In 2024, these two lines continue to distinguish themselves through differences in fleet size, cabin space, itineraries, onboard amenities, and client demographics. For travelers seeking the perfect river cruise, understanding these distinctions can help inform their decision.
AmaWaterways
Company Overview and History
AmaWaterways
Founded in 2002, AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that has built a reputation for delivering high-quality service with a focus on wellness and active travel. The line is known for its dedicated wellness hosts, who offer fitness classes, yoga, and other activities, appealing to an active clientele. AmaWaterways continues to innovate, with its flagship vessel, the AmaMagna, which launched in 2019 as a double-width river ship, offering passengers much larger suites than typical river cruise vessels. The company maintains strong financial health, continuing to expand both in Europe and beyond, including Asia and the upcoming Magdalena River cruises in Colombia, launching in 2024.
Scenic River Cruises
Scenic has been in the luxury travel market since 1986 and began offering river cruises in 2008. Part of the larger Scenic Group, Scenic River Cruises has a well-established reputation for ultra-all-inclusive service, with a focus on butler service for every cabin, and top-tier excursions known as Scenic Enrich experiences. Scenic is financially robust, offering not only river cruises but also Scenic Eclipse, a luxury ocean yacht that extends the brand’s global reach. Scenic continues to attract a more affluent clientele looking for all-inclusive luxury.
AmaWaterways
Fleet Size and Ship Design
AmaWaterways Fleet
As of 2024, AmaWaterways operates 26 river cruise ships, with vessels sailing on the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Mekong, and the soon-to-be-launched Magdalena River. AmaWaterways’ ships tend to be more intimate, with an average of around 156 passengers per ship. The AmaMagna, however, is unique in its class, with a capacity of 196 passengers but double the width of typical river cruise ships, offering larger staterooms and more onboard amenities like additional dining venues.
AmaWaterways emphasizes active travelers, with bicycles on board and a comprehensive wellness program, including a dedicated fitness host for daily fitness and yoga sessions. Their décor is elegant yet modern, with an emphasis on comfort and style without overwhelming opulence.
Scenic Fleet
Scenic operates a fleet of 15 river ships, all classified as Space-Ships because of their emphasis on providing more spacious public areas and suites. The passenger capacity is typically between 151 and 169 passengers, depending on the ship. Scenic vessels feature all-suite accommodations with private balconies that can transform into enclosed spaces using Scenic’s Sun Lounge technology. This makes Scenic's suites feel even larger.
Scenic's décor is distinctly more contemporary and luxurious, leaning toward modern opulence with sleek lines and high-end finishes throughout. Every Scenic ship comes with a butler service for all guests, providing an extra touch of personalized luxury.
Scenic
Crew-to-Passenger Ratio
AmaWaterways: AmaWaterways prides itself on having a high level of service, with a crew-to-passenger ratio of about 1:3, ensuring attentive and personalized care for each guest.
Scenic: Scenic also offers an excellent service standard, with a crew-to-passenger ratio that is generally around 1:3, with butler service available for every cabin, providing even more personalized service, especially in higher-category suites.
Cabin Space and Design
AmaWaterways Cabins
AmaWaterways offers a range of cabins, but the standout is on the AmaMagna, where suites are double the width of standard river ships. The AmaMagna offers larger staterooms (ranging from 205 to 710 square feet) with full balconies. Across the fleet, AmaWaterways cabins are comfortable and stylish, designed for function and comfort with a touch of elegance. French balconies or twin balconies are common in the staterooms.
Scenic Cabins
Scenic cabins are known for their spaciousness, even in the smaller categories. Suites start at around 160 square feet, with larger options available in the Royal Panorama Suites, which can be as large as 500 square feet. The Sun Lounge feature in Scenic’s suites allows guests to enclose their balconies with the push of a button, adding extra space and versatility to each cabin.
AmaWaterways
Itineraries
Both AmaWaterways and Scenic offer a wide range of itineraries across Europe and beyond.
AmaWaterways Itineraries
AmaWaterways operates on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Rhône, Seine, and Mekong rivers, with additional voyages on the Chobe River in Africa and the Magdalena River in Colombia (launching in 2024). Their European itineraries typically range from 7 to 14 nights, with the popular Melodies of the Danube and Romantic Rhine cruises standing out. AmaWaterways places an emphasis on active excursions, with included biking and hiking tours, as well as culinary experiences.
Scenic Itineraries
Scenic sails the major rivers of Europe, including the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, and Douro. The brand is known for its Scenic Enrich excursions, which offer exclusive, private-access experiences. Their itineraries tend to be all-inclusive, with multiple excursions offered at each port. Scenic also operates on the Mokong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most European itineraries range from 7 to 15 days, such as the Jewels of Europe and Normandy & Gems of the Seine.
Scenic
Onboard Experience: Inclusions and Amenities
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways takes a semi-inclusive approach. While most meals, wine, and beer with lunch and dinner are included, there are additional costs for premium drinks and certain excursions. The line offers a wellness program, including a dedicated fitness host on most ships, and free bicycles for use on shore excursions. Specialty dining venues, like The Chef’s Table, are included on all ships at no extra cost.
Scenic
Scenic operates an ultra-all-inclusive model, meaning almost everything—meals, premium drinks, excursions, gratuities, and airport transfers—are included in the fare. Additionally, Scenic offers butler service for every guest and e-bikes on certain itineraries, giving guests the option to explore independently. The Scenic brand’s focus is on luxury, with a heavy emphasis on fine dining and curated experiences. Scenic’s ships also feature salt therapy lounges and other wellness-focused amenities.
Scenic
Clientele and Demographics
AmaWaterways: AmaWaterways tends to attract active travelers in the 50+ age group, including couples and solo travelers. The focus on wellness, biking, and active excursions makes it popular with guests who prefer a more dynamic and exploratory travel style.
Scenic: Scenic caters to a more affluent, luxury-oriented clientele, generally in the 55+ age range. Its all-inclusive pricing and more refined onboard atmosphere appeal to those looking for a stress-free, indulgent experience, including butler service, premium excursions, and exclusive experiences.
AmaWaterways
Decor and Ambiance
AmaWaterways: The ships are designed with a modern, understated elegance, offering warmth and comfort without the opulence seen on some other lines. The focus is more on creating a welcoming, intimate atmosphere with neutral tones and stylish, yet functional, design elements.
Scenic: Scenic’s ships are more contemporary and luxurious, with an emphasis on high-end materials and a sleek, polished aesthetic. Scenic’s decor leans toward modern opulence, with high-end finishes and grand design touches, offering a luxury hotel on water vibe.
Scenic
Final Thoughts
When choosing between AmaWaterways and Scenic, travelers should consider what type of experience they are looking for. AmaWaterways is ideal for active, wellness-focused guests who enjoy personalized service and a balance of included and optional amenities. Scenic, on the other hand, offers an ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive experience with more exclusive excursions and high-end service, perfect for travelers seeking a seamless, indulgent river cruise.
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