Cruiseable Plan my cruise

Ship comparison

Viking Atla vs Viking Embla

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Viking Atla is an intimate Viking River Cruises ship carrying 190 passengers, in service since 2013. Viking Embla is an intimate Viking River Cruises ship carrying 190 passengers, in service since 2012.

Choose Viking Embla if you want a lower starting fare: its cruises start from $1,999 (vs $2,499).

Viking Atla does not lead by a clear margin on any measure we track, so pick it for its itinerary or its dates.

Side by side

Specifications

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

Viking AtlaViking Embla
Cruise line Viking River Cruises Viking River Cruises
Ship size Intimate Intimate
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2013 (better) 2012
Gross tonnage 5,000 5,000
Passengers 190 190
Crew 45 50
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 4.2 3.8 (better)
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 26.3 26.3
Decks 4 4
Length 443 ft 443 ft
Beam 37 ft 37 ft
Speed 17 mph 17 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 9 / 10 9 / 10
Cruises on sale 8 11
Upcoming sailings 57 92
Cruise lengths 7 to 10 nights 7 to 11 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $2,499 $1,999 (better)

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Viking Atla leads on 1 of the ten, Viking Embla on 1, with 8 level.

  • Active Viking Atla: 7.0 Viking Embla: 7.0
  • Adventure & nature Viking Atla: 3.0 Viking Embla: 3.0
  • Cultural Viking Atla: 7.0 Viking Embla: 7.7
  • Dining Viking Atla: 7.7 Viking Embla: 7.7
  • Entertainment Viking Atla: 6.0 Viking Embla: 6.0
  • Family friendly Viking Atla: 2.0 Viking Embla: 2.0
  • Party Viking Atla: 1.0 Viking Embla: 1.0
  • Romantic Viking Atla: 6.0 Viking Embla: 6.0
  • Spa & fitness Viking Atla: 2.0 Viking Embla: 2.0
  • Staterooms Viking Atla: 8.0 Viking Embla: 7.7

Viking River Cruises

Viking Atla

The 190-passenger Viking Atla sails the Danube River, exploring both charming riverside towns and major cities such as Vienna and Budapest.

Highlights

  • Observation Lounge and Bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
  • Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride
  • Free shipwide wireless Internet service
  • Aquavit Terrace with a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the ship and grills for al fresco dining

Sailing now

8 cruises on sale, from $2,499.

Viking River Cruises

Viking Embla

The 190-passenger Viking Embla sails along the Rhine River Gorge, exploring a scenic, historic region made for river cruising.

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
  • Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride

Sailing now

11 cruises on sale, from $1,999.

Questions

Viking Atla or Viking Embla?

Which is bigger, Viking Atla or Viking Embla?

They are the same size, 5,000 gross tons each. Viking Atla carries 190 passengers and Viking Embla carries 190.

Which ship is newer, Viking Atla or Viking Embla?

Viking Atla is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2013 against 2012 for Viking Embla.

Which has more space per passenger?

They are level at 26.3 gross tons per passenger.

Which has more crew per passenger?

Viking Embla, with one crew member for every 3.8 passengers against one for every 4.2 on Viking Atla.

Which is better for families?

They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 2.0 out of 10.

Still deciding?

Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing

Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about Viking Atla, Viking Embla or a ship that suits you better.

Plan my cruise

Compare different ships