Trying to decide whether to cruise with AmaWaterways or Scenic can be tricky, as on the outside both lines look pretty much the same. They also share a similar heritage as they are both family-owned. AmaWaterways' President Rudi Schreiner, who was born in Vienna next to the Danube, came from a background in the travel industry and the line was launched in 2002. Scenic's family tree goes back to 1986, when founder Glen Moroney began operating motorcoach tours in Australia before entering the river cruise market in 2008.
AmaWaterways says it provides passengers with the "luxury of more" -- in terms of dining options, excursion choices and onboard amenities, while Scenic gives itself a self-styled five-star rating (unlike hotels, there is no official rating system for river vessels). In general, Scenic tends to be more on the luxury side of river cruising, although AmaWaterways keeps upping the amount of inclusions in their fare.
Here's a look at the details between the two lines.
Choose Scenic if you want to go all-inclusive or are worried about disruptions
The fares might be higher, but if you enjoy your drinks and don't want to worry about tipping, then Scenic will suit you. It also provides peace of mind with its included insurance policy for cruise disruptions.Choose AmaWaterways if you prefer to pay for your drinks as you go
If you're a light drinker and enjoy a glass of wine or two with dinner, then AmaWaterways is the best choice as you won't be subsidising other passengers and paying, through your higher fare, for beverages that you don't consume.Choose AmaWaterways if you enjoy sleeping in
The line has "Late Starter" excursion options for passengers who want to sleep in but not miss out on key tour highlights in the places being visited. Choose Scenic if you like exploring independently and want all choices covered
Passengers can pick up GPS handsets that are pre-programmed with walks and maps on personal recordings. Available in more than 140 locations, they start and finish at the ship's location so you'll never get lost. Scenic also includes every excursion choice in the fare.
Choose AmaWaterways for a wider choice of European itineraries
With a larger -- and growing -- fleet of ships, AmaWaterways offers a wider choice of sailings in Europe, including themed wine and golf cruises. The line also partners with Adventures by Disney to offer family cruises. Choose Scenic for additional itineraries
Scenic also sails on the Volga in Russia and the Irrawaddy in Myanmar (Burma).Choose AmaWaterways if you want to sit out on a balcony
In 2010, AmaWaterways introduced the "double balcony" concept on its ships. A total of 52 of the 81 cabins on these ships are Twin Balcony Suites with both a French balcony, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open out over a railing, plus a walkout veranda with room for a table and chairs.Choose Scenic if you want butler service
All passengers on Scenic have butlers, with the level of service depending on the cabin category. Butlers in all cabins will shine shoes, arrange shore excursions and bring drinks, and services in higher level suites include room service breakfast, free laundry and suitcases packed and unpacked, arranging in-room cocktail drinks and even running baths.
Choose AmaWaterways for a main dining room that looks like a proper restaurant
Concerto-class ships feature a dining room that is divided down the middle with buffet stations behind screens at each end. This gives it the feel of restaurant during the evening meal. On certain nights, typically number nine on a 14-night cruise, it is actually run as two venues with separate menus, with the Bella Cucina Italian restaurant on one side and the Verde Grill international restaurant on the other.Choose Scenic if you want to dine around the clock
Scenic offers all passengers a 24-hour room service menu. AmaWaterways offers a limited room service menu to passengers in the higher cabin categories.
Updated November 16, 2017