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Ship comparison

American Symphony vs Viking Eir

The verdict

Which should you choose?

American Symphony is an intimate American Cruise Lines ship carrying 175 passengers, in service since 2022. Viking Eir is an intimate Viking River Cruises ship carrying 190 passengers, in service since 2015.

Choose American Symphony if you want a newer ship, a better-rated spa and gym or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Viking Eir for spa & fitness (6.0 vs 5.0) and family friendly (1.0 vs 0.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2022 (vs 2015).

Choose Viking Eir if you want a more romantic trip, a lower starting fare or more adventure and nature: it outscores American Symphony for romantic (7.0 vs 2.0) and adventure & nature (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $2,499 (vs $4,255).

Side by side

Specifications

marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.

American SymphonyViking Eir
Cruise line American Cruise Lines Viking River Cruises
Ship size Intimate Intimate
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2022 (better) 2015
Gross tonnage 5,400 5,000
Passengers 175 190
Crew 43 50
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 4.1 3.8 (better)
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 30.9 (better) 26.3
Cabins 91
Decks 6 4
Length 269 ft 443 ft
Beam 56 ft 37 ft
Speed 17 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 6 / 10 9 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 15 4
Upcoming sailings 131 91
Cruise lengths 7–15 nights 7 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $4,255 $2,499 (better)

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. American Symphony leads on 3 of the ten, Viking Eir on 4, with 3 level.

  • Active American Symphony: 6.0 Viking Eir: 6.0
  • Adventure & nature American Symphony: 5.0 Viking Eir: 6.0
  • Cultural American Symphony: 5.0 Viking Eir: 6.0
  • Dining American Symphony: 6.0 Viking Eir: 6.0
  • Entertainment American Symphony: 6.0 Viking Eir: 6.0
  • Family friendly American Symphony: 1.0 Viking Eir: 0.0
  • Party American Symphony: 5.0 Viking Eir: 6.0
  • Romantic American Symphony: 2.0 Viking Eir: 7.0
  • Spa & fitness American Symphony: 6.0 Viking Eir: 5.0
  • Staterooms American Symphony: 8.0 Viking Eir: 7.0

American Cruise Lines

American Symphony

The 175-passenger American Symphony launched in August 2022 and offers historic sightseeing along the Mississippi River. The ship features an updated modern interior design to complement its spacious all-balcony staterooms, numerous lounges and public spaces with panoramic views.

Sailing now

15 cruises on sale, from $4,255.

Viking River Cruises

Viking Eir

You'll take in castles, windmills and charming riverbank towns in the Black Forest region when you sail on a Rhine River vacation aboard Viking Eir.

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 $2,499.

Questions

American Symphony or Viking Eir?

Which is bigger, American Symphony or Viking Eir?

American Symphony is bigger at 5,400 gross tons, against 5,000 gross tons for Viking Eir. American Symphony carries 175 passengers and Viking Eir carries 190.

Which ship is newer, American Symphony or Viking Eir?

American Symphony is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2022 against 2015 for Viking Eir.

Which has more space per passenger?

American Symphony, with 30.9 gross tons per passenger against 26.3 on Viking Eir. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

Viking Eir, with one crew member for every 3.8 passengers against one for every 4.1 on American Symphony.

Which is better for families?

American Symphony scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 1.0 out of 10, against 0.0 for Viking Eir.

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