American Cruise Lines
American Serenade
- Cruises
- 10
- From
- $4,255
Ship comparison
American Serenade vs Viking Var
Viking River Cruises
Viking Var
- Cruises
- 9
- From
- $1,999
The verdict
Which should you choose?
American Serenade is an intimate American Cruise Lines ship carrying 180 passengers, in service since 2023. Viking Var is an intimate Viking River Cruises ship carrying 190 passengers, in service since 2013.
Choose American Serenade if you want a more romantic trip, better-rated staterooms or a newer ship: it outscores Viking Var for romantic (7.0 vs 5.0) and staterooms (7.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2023 (vs 2013).
Choose Viking Var if you want a lower starting fare, better-rated dining or a more active cruise: it outscores American Serenade for dining (8.0 vs 6.0) and active (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $1,999 (vs $4,255).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| American Serenade | Viking Var | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | American Cruise Lines | Viking River Cruises |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2023 (better) | 2013 |
| Gross tonnage | 5,148 | 5,000 |
| Passengers | 180 | 190 |
| Crew | 43 | 45 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| 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 | 9 |
| Upcoming sailings | 111 | 92 |
| Cruise lengths | 7 to 22 nights | 7 to 11 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $4,255 | $1,999 (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 2 of the ten, Viking Var on 4, 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 Var
The 190-passenger Viking Var offers travelers an idyllic weeklong getaway on the storied Danube River, calling on world-class cities Vienna and Budapest as well as small, charming riverside towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley and farther afield.
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 glass doors
- Aquavit Terrace at the bow of the ship is great place to watch the river roll by
Sailing now
9 cruises on sale, from $1,999.
Questions
American Serenade or Viking Var?
Which is bigger, American Serenade or Viking Var?
American Serenade is bigger at 5,148 gross tons, against 5,000 gross tons for Viking Var. American Serenade carries 180 passengers and Viking Var carries 190.
Which ship is newer, American Serenade or Viking Var?
American Serenade is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2023 against 2013 for Viking Var.
Which has more space per passenger?
American Serenade, with 28.6 gross tons per passenger against 26.3 on Viking Var. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 4.2 passengers.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 2.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
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