Avalon Waterways
Avalon Expression
- Cruises
- 61
- From
- $2,868
Ship comparison
Avalon Expression vs Viking Heimdal
Viking River Cruises
Viking Heimdal
- Cruises
- 4
- From
- $2,899
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Avalon Expression is an intimate Avalon Waterways ship carrying 166 passengers, in service since 2012. Viking Heimdal is an intimate Viking River Cruises ship carrying 190 passengers, in service since 2014.
Choose Avalon Expression if you want a better-rated spa and gym, a more family-friendly ship or a more romantic trip: it outscores Viking Heimdal for spa & fitness (7.0 vs 2.0), family friendly (4.0 vs 2.0) and romantic (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Viking Heimdal if you want better-rated entertainment: it outscores Avalon Expression for entertainment (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Avalon Expression | Viking Heimdal | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Avalon Waterways | Viking River Cruises |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2012 | 2014 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Passengers | 166 | 190 |
| Crew | 47 | 50 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.5 (better) | 3.8 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 30.1 (better) | 26.3 |
| Decks | 4 | 4 |
| Length | 443 ft | 443 ft |
| Beam | 37 ft | 37 ft |
| Speed | 9 mph | 17 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 61 | 4 |
| Upcoming sailings | 192 | 119 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–24 nights | 7–14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $2,868 (better) | $2,899 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Avalon Expression leads on 6 of the ten, Viking Heimdal on 1, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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.
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 $2,899.
Questions
Avalon Expression or Viking Heimdal?
Which is bigger, Avalon Expression or Viking Heimdal?
They are the same size, 5,000 gross tons each. Avalon Expression carries 166 passengers and Viking Heimdal carries 190.
Which ship is newer, Avalon Expression or Viking Heimdal?
Viking Heimdal is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2014 against 2012 for Avalon Expression.
Which has more space per passenger?
Avalon Expression, with 30.1 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?
Avalon Expression, with one crew member for every 3.5 passengers against one for every 3.8 on Viking Heimdal.
Which is better for families?
Avalon Expression scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 4.0 out of 10, against 2.0 for Viking Heimdal.
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