The Battle of the Galley: Is AmaWaterways’ Specialty Dining Better Than Viking’s Regional Fare?
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River cruising has evolved far beyond castles, cathedrals and guided walking tours. Food has simply become one of the biggest factors that influences where travelers want to cruise. And you mention two names whenever you discuss: AmaWaterways and Viking.
The real question is simple. Which one boasts best food experience for you.
When it comes to the argument of Viking vs. AmaWaterways, the answer lies in what sort of traveler − and eater − you are, of what in the now-burgeoning debate.
Same Ships, Different Dining Approaches: Two Cruise Lines
Both cruise lines look the same when you first land on them. Elegant ships. European itineraries. Fine wines. Polished service.
Yet once dinner starts, we see their personalities.
AmaWaterways: Dining as Entertainment
On AmaWaterways, food is part of the show. Meals are vibrant, imaginative, and often unexpected.
Perhaps most distinctive is a multi-course dining experience at “The Chef’s Table,” which is included in the cruise fare and is highly personalized. The guests eye the chefs at work on dishes in an open kitchen, and the dishes arrive with restaurant-style presentation for the courses.
You might enjoy:
- Seared duck with cherry reduction
- Lobster bisque
- Perfectly plated desserts
- Wine pairing selected for every course
It feels pretty fancy without being stuffy.
And the best part? There is no extra fee.
This is where the Viking vs AmaWaterways debate is won for food lovers: AmaWaterways.
Viking: Consistency Over Flash
Viking takes a different approach.
More concerned with regional authenticity and reliable quality than culinary theatrics, its dining experience. Meals are more refined, but less adventurous.
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Dishes that reflect the destinations on the route are found in the main dining room. For the Rhine, a German sausage, an Austrian pastry, a French-inspired entrée.
Next comes the Aquavit Terrace.
This open-air room has become one of Viking’s standardized trademarks. Ideal for relaxed lighter meals, cheeses, smoked salmon, and sweeping river views, guests can sit back and chill out in an informal venue.
Viking’s food is excellent. More conventional and less adventurous than AmaWaterways, however.
Best Cruise Line for Food
It depends on what you have in mind.
Choose AmaWaterways if you want:
- Interactive dining experiences
- Multi-course tasting menus
- More variety during dinner
- A modern restaurant atmosphere
- There are luxurious and memorable food
Choose Viking if you prefer:
- Familiar fine dining
- Regional European dishes
- Relaxed outdoor dining spaces
- Simpler menus done well
- A quieter dining environment
AmaWaterways frequently does seem more thrilling, at least, to travelers who plan entire vacations around meals.
For these travelers seeking brand consistency and an entrée into an alternate culture, Viking still is an excellent option.
What About Christmas Market Cruises?
During health and wellness, the difference food is simply going to be even larger throughout wintertime sailings.
Hot spiced wine, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and local festive dishes make for a totally different cruising experience.
This is a river cruise itinerary that many travelers considering the best Christmas market cruise for first timers, too − Viking and Riviera are two cruise lines you hear compared a lot!
During dinner service, you will likely find a livelier and exuberant atmosphere from AmaWaterways. While Viking plays into cozy elegance with a seasonal nod to tradition.
Neither choice is wrong. It all depends on your personality as a traveler.
Final Verdict
When it comes to onboard dining, AmaWaterways takes the bigger risks − and tends to get bigger rewards as a result.
Viking serves up polished, reliable regional fare that many travelers actually enjoy. However, it is exactly moments of AmaWaterways that people discuss long after the cruise.
Therefore, the winner of the Viking vs AmaWaterways battle of the boats for foodies is likely to be AmaWaterways.
However, if the very definition of your ideal meal includes quiet views, traditional European dishes, and slower service, Viking deserves a place in the conversation.
