AmaWaterways, Viking & Riverside Luxury Cruises COMPARISON

Join us on this exciting episode of RTE-Travel Talk as Ken welcomes special guest Christy Fitzharris, the owner and founder of Wheels Up Travel Company, for an insightful discussion on her recent adventures in the world of river cruising. Christy shares her firsthand experiences from ASTA's River Cruise Expo 2024 and provides an exclusive review of her recent voyage with Riverside Luxury Cruises.
The conversation delves into the highlights of the ASTA River Cruise Expo, where Christy had the opportunity to immerse herself in the latest trends and offerings in the river cruise industry. Discover the allure of Riverside, a new player in the market that caught Christy's attention, prompting her to choose them for her recent river cruise adventure.
As Christy elaborates on her decision to opt for Riverside, the discussion navigates through the key aspects of luxury cruising, exploring whether Riverside lives up to its name. Drawing comparisons with industry giants like AmaWaterways and Viking River Cruises, Christy provides valuable insights into guest ratios, cabin accommodations, dining options, and the level of personalized service, including butler service.
Delve into a detailed analysis of excursion offerings, inclusions, itinerary lengths, and the availability of pre and post-land stays, shedding light on the unique selling points of each cruise line. Gain valuable insights into the guest demographics on each line, as well as the solo traveler offers and loyalty programs available.
In a candid comparison of price points, Christy offers practical tips for travelers looking to make informed decisions when choosing their ideal river cruise experience. As the episode concludes, Christy shares her top recommendations and insider tips for maximizing your river cruising adventure.
Don't miss out on this captivating discussion filled with insider insights and expert advice - tune in now and embark on a journey of discovery with RTE-Travel Talk!
#RiverCruiseExpo #RiversideLuxuryCruises #AmaWaterways #VikingRiverCruises #LuxuryTravel #TravelExpert #CruiseComparison #RTETravelTalk
00:00 Introduction
00:19 Special Guest, Christy Fitzharris
01:32 ASTA River Cruise Expo
02:30 Riverside river cruise line
03:11 Why Christy chose Riverside
03:55 Is Riverside luxury?
04:32 How do AmaWaterways and Viking compare
05:59 Guest ratio comparisons
06:25 Cabin comparisons
07:32 Dining options compared
09:45 Butler Service
10:52 Excursions compared
12:14 Inclusions compared
14:16 Itinerary Lengths
15:35 Pre and post land stays
16:13 Guest demographic on each line
18:06 Solo traveler offers compared
19:29 Loyalty programs compared
20:21 Price point comparisons
21:44 Christy's tips
22:33 Contact Christy
23:27 Christy's future travels
Contact Real Travel Experts: [e-mail]
realtravelexperts.com/​
/ realtravelexperts
/ realtravelexperts
Contact Wheels Up Travel Co [e-mail]
Website:​ wheelsuptravelco.com/
Phone: [phone]
Image Credits:
Images and Clips: Courtesy of AmaWaterways, Viking River Cruises and Riverside Luxury Cruises
Other images : Courtesy of Wheels Up Travel Co
RTE Travel Talk does not endorse any of their guests' products or services. The opinions of the guests may or may not reflect those of the host and RTE Travel Talk.

[@Paradise-on-Earth]

And again, I have learned some things new. You really manage to amaze me each time, Ken! Thank you!!

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Hi Elke you are to kind.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks again!

[@GlobalAdventurer]

Thank you Ken and Christy. This episode was very enlightening. I'm glad Christy is located in the USA because I'm actually interested. She is very knowledgeable of all the lines discussed. I'm actually looking at Riverside for September 2026. Unfortunately, I'm booked all the way through next year on regular cruises.
I saw a video tour earlier this week about the Riverside line. I plan to save your video on my cruise list for future reference. I'm interested in the route that goes to Serbia for 8 or more nights for a solo traveler. I haven't been on a river cruise yet, but your video explained everything perfectly. Again, thank you both!

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks so much for the comment, it’s kind words like yours that makes our efforts so worthwhile. Riverside is going to have to be on our travel to do list for the future.

[@wheelsuptravelcompany]

@GlobalAdventurer, thank you for the feedback! Riverside launched their 2025 schedule this week and will be launching 2026 "soon"! - Christy

[@GlobalAdventurer]

@@wheelsuptravelcompany Thank you very much👍

[@izengolf1]

While she never mentions them by name, many Uniworld taglines were used to describe Riverside so that must be who they see as their main competitor. I will be on the SS Victoria, former Crystal / Riverside Bach, this summer and can't wait!
I contacted Riverside last year about a cruise and they had a 4 tiered pricing format based on inclusions so they must have changed to all inclusive since then. They were responsive and helpful and could accommodate a gluten free diet.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

We agree Uniworld and Scenic and Tauck would be their direct competitors.

[@wheelsuptravelcompany]

@izengolf, the tiered pricing structure does still exist on Riverside but some levels are a bit odd to the point where some food items begin to not be included, so it's not something many advisors discuss until consulting with their clients. The all-inclusive option is by far the best value!

[@izengolf1]

​@@wheelsuptravelcompany Thank you Christy, that makes for an interesting option for independent travellers that want a luxury ship but no excursions or drinks. It must get complicated for the staff remembering who has what package and what each package includes.