AmaWaterways
AmaLea
- Cruises
- 17
- From
- $1,629
Ship comparison
AmaLea vs Avalon Expression
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Expression
- Cruises
- 61
- From
- $2,868
The verdict
Which should you choose?
AmaLea is an intimate AmaWaterways ship carrying 158 passengers, in service since 2018. Avalon Expression is an intimate Avalon Waterways ship carrying 166 passengers, in service since 2012.
Choose AmaLea if you want more adventure and nature, more of a party or a lower starting fare: it outscores Avalon Expression for adventure & nature (5.0 vs 3.0) and party (5.0 vs 3.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $1,629 (vs $2,868).
Choose Avalon Expression if you want a better-rated spa and gym, more space per passenger or better-rated staterooms: it outscores AmaLea for spa & fitness (7.0 vs 5.0) and staterooms (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 30.1 gross tons per passenger (vs 22.8).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| AmaLea | Avalon Expression | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | AmaWaterways | Avalon Waterways |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2018 (better) | 2012 |
| Gross tonnage | 3,602 | 5,000 |
| Passengers | 158 | 166 |
| Crew | 51 | 47 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.1 (better) | 3.5 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 22.8 | 30.1 (better) |
| Cabins | 79 | — |
| Decks | 4 | 4 |
| Length | 443 ft | 443 ft |
| Beam | 38 ft | 37 ft |
| Speed | — | 9 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 17 | 61 |
| Upcoming sailings | 96 | 192 |
| Cruise lengths | 7–14 nights | 4–24 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $1,629 (better) | $2,868 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. AmaLea leads on 4 of the ten, Avalon Expression on 3, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
AmaWaterways
AmaLea
The AmaLea, which debuted in 2018, is a sister ship to AmaKristina and was touted by AmaWaterways at the time as having "the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation." Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure 210 to 235 square feet, with four suites measuring 350 square feet.
Sailing now
17 cruises on sale, from $1,629.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Expression
There’s both serenity and a measure of adventure when cruising Central Europe’s famed waterways aboard Avalon Expression from Avalon Waterways.
Highlights
- Wall-to-wall panoramic windows
- Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
- Panorama Bistro
- Expanded fitness center
Sailing now
61 cruises on sale, from $2,868.
Questions
AmaLea or Avalon Expression?
Which is bigger, AmaLea or Avalon Expression?
Avalon Expression is bigger at 5,000 gross tons, against 3,602 gross tons for AmaLea. AmaLea carries 158 passengers and Avalon Expression carries 166.
Which ship is newer, AmaLea or Avalon Expression?
AmaLea is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2018 against 2012 for Avalon Expression.
Which has more space per passenger?
Avalon Expression, with 30.1 gross tons per passenger against 22.8 on AmaLea. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
AmaLea, with one crew member for every 3.1 passengers against one for every 3.5 on Avalon Expression.
Which is better for families?
AmaLea scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 5.0 out of 10, against 4.0 for Avalon Expression.
Still deciding?
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