American Cruise Lines
American Serenade
- Cruises
- 10
- From
- $4,255
Ship comparison
American Serenade vs Viking Heimdal
Viking River Cruises
Viking Heimdal
- Cruises
- 4
- From
- $2,599
The verdict
Which should you choose?
American Serenade is an intimate American Cruise Lines ship carrying 180 passengers, in service since 2023. Viking Heimdal is an intimate Viking River Cruises ship carrying 190 passengers, in service since 2014.
Choose American Serenade if you want more of a party, a better-rated spa and gym or more adventure and nature: it outscores Viking Heimdal for party (5.0 vs 1.0), spa & fitness (5.0 vs 2.0) and adventure & nature (5.0 vs 3.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Viking Heimdal if you want a lower starting fare, better-rated dining or better-rated entertainment: it outscores American Serenade for dining (7.0 vs 6.0) and entertainment (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $2,599 (vs $4,255).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| American Serenade | Viking Heimdal | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | American Cruise Lines | Viking River Cruises |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2023 (better) | 2014 |
| Gross tonnage | 5,148 | 5,000 |
| Passengers | 180 | 190 |
| Crew | 43 | 50 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 4.2 | 3.8 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 28.6 (better) | 26.3 |
| Decks | 5 | 4 |
| Length | 269 ft | 443 ft |
| Beam | 56 ft | 37 ft |
| Speed | 14 mph | 17 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 10 | 4 |
| Upcoming sailings | 111 | 108 |
| Cruise lengths | 7 to 22 nights | 7 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $4,255 | $2,599 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. American Serenade leads on 4 of the ten, Viking Heimdal on 2, with 4 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
American Cruise Lines
American Serenade
American Serenade offers elegant decor, panoramic views and spacious staterooms in its sailings along the upper and lower Mississippi River.
Sailing now
10 cruises on sale, from $4,255.
Viking River Cruises
Viking Heimdal
Launched in 2014, Viking Heimdal (named for the Norse guardian of the gods) was designed for river cruising. Since entering the river cruise market, Viking River Cruises has received numerous awards for its itineraries and innovative ship designs and onboard programming.
Highlights
- Sun deck with 360-degree views and shaded sitting area; organic herb garden and solar panels; putting green, chess and walking track
- Free shipwide wireless Internet service
- "Balcony" cabins have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Aquavit Terrace at the bow of the ship is great place to watch the river roll by
Sailing now
4 cruises on sale, from $2,599.
Questions
American Serenade or Viking Heimdal?
Which is bigger, American Serenade or Viking Heimdal?
American Serenade is bigger at 5,148 gross tons, against 5,000 gross tons for Viking Heimdal. American Serenade carries 180 passengers and Viking Heimdal carries 190.
Which ship is newer, American Serenade or Viking Heimdal?
American Serenade is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2023 against 2014 for Viking Heimdal.
Which has more space per passenger?
American Serenade, with 28.6 gross tons per passenger against 26.3 on Viking Heimdal. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Viking Heimdal, with one crew member for every 3.8 passengers against one for every 4.2 on American Serenade.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 2.0 out of 10.
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