American Cruise Lines vs Viking
The two big names on the Mississippi, compared point by point.
Compare US River Cruise Fares FreeSide by Side
Most people choosing between US river cruises on the Mississippi end up comparing these two operators. They share the river and many of the same ports, but they approach the trip differently.
| American Cruise Lines | Viking | |
|---|---|---|
| Boats on the Mississippi | Several, modern and paddlewheel-style | One: Viking Mississippi |
| Size | Typically under 200 guests | 386 guests |
| Cabins | Balconies on many or all cabins on the modern boats | 193 staterooms, all facing outward |
| Children | Welcome | Guests must be 18 or over |
| Other rivers | Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Columbia and Snake, Hudson | Ohio from 2027 |
| Design | Traditional American comfort | Light Scandinavian interiors |
Where They Differ Most
Choice of dates and boats
With several boats on the river, American Cruise Lines offers more departure dates and the option of a paddlewheel-style boat. Viking runs one ship, so its calendar is shorter, and popular spring and fall sailings fill early.
Atmosphere
Viking’s adults-only policy and larger public rooms give a calm, polished feel. American Cruise Lines’ smaller boats feel more like a club, with a social cocktail hour and a lot of conversation between guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Viking or American Cruise Lines better on the Mississippi?
Neither is better outright. Viking offers one larger, adults-only ship with all-outside staterooms; American Cruise Lines offers smaller boats, more departure dates and a choice of modern or paddlewheel style.
Which is bigger?
Viking Mississippi carries 386 guests. American Cruise Lines’ riverboats are generally smaller; American Melody, for example, carries 175.
Do both include shore excursions?
Yes. Each includes excursions in port, with optional paid upgrades. Confirm the exact list for your sailing.
How the Fares Compare
We do not publish fares here because they change daily, but the comparison should always be made on the same basis: same month, comparable cabin, and everything added in — port charges, gratuities if not included, flights and any pre-cruise hotel. Viking includes one excursion in each port and beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; American Cruise Lines includes excursions and drinks with meals and adds other inclusions that vary by itinerary. Once both are on one page, the choice is usually obvious. For more about the riverboat cabins themselves, see Deluxe River Cruising; for the Mississippi itself, Mississippi Riverboat Cruises.
Our Short Answer
- Choose Viking if you want a children-free ship, like Viking’s style from Europe, or want a 2027 voyage onto the Ohio with that line.
- Choose American Cruise Lines if you want the most dates, a smaller boat, a paddlewheeler, or a river Viking does not sail.
- Still torn? Compare a specific week on each — our cruise advisors will set it out for you.
Shore Days Compared
Both operators call at many of the same places: Natchez, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge and Memphis downriver, and the bluff towns between St. Louis and the Twin Cities upriver. What differs is how the day runs. A ship of several hundred guests tends to send out several coach groups at set times with a menu of tour choices; a smaller riverboat usually has fewer options and a more casual start. If waiting for coaches bothers you, or you like a wide choice of tours, ask how excursions work on the exact boat before you book.
Compare ACL and Viking for Your Dates
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will price both lines for the same week and cabin type.
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