September 4, 2026
9-Night Africa Cruise
Departing from Cape Town
From
$14,470
Price / day
$1,608
Zambezi Queen|AmaLyra
Zambezi Queen vs AmaLyra
Compare ship age, size, passenger capacity, itineraries and upcoming cruise prices.
VS
Newer Ship
Both ships are the same
Lower Price Per Day
AmaLyra
$705 / day
$793 less per day
More Spacious Ship
Both ships are the same
Zambezi Queen vs AmaLyra: Quick Comparison
Zambezi Queen and AmaLyra both entered service in 2009. AmaLyra also carries 112 more passengers. Zambezi Queen has upcoming sailings in Africa, while AmaLyra has sailings in Europe. Based on the upcoming cruises currently displayed, AmaLyra has the lower average starting price per day. The sailings shown cover different itineraries, so the price per day figures are not a like-for-like comparison. Cruise fares vary significantly by itinerary, departure date and cabin availability, so any price difference should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent gap.
Ship Comparison
| Spec | Zambezi Queen | AmaLyra |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 2009 | 2009 |
| Gross Tonnage | — | — |
| Passenger Capacity | 28 | 140 |
| Space per Passenger | — | — |
| Length | 45.72 m | 109.73 m |
| Decks | — | — |
| Cabins | 14 | 71 |
Key Differences: Zambezi Queen vs AmaLyra
Age
Zambezi Queen and AmaLyra were both built in 2009.
Passenger capacity
AmaLyra carries up to 140 passengers compared with 28 aboard Zambezi Queen, a difference of 112 passengers.
Itineraries
The upcoming sailings shown for Zambezi Queen (Africa) and AmaLyra (Europe) currently cover different regions or departure ports.
Price
Among the upcoming sailings currently displayed, AmaLyra has the lower average starting price per day at $705 per day.
Compare Ports of Call
Zambezi Queen
Discover Africa
- Departure Port
- Cape Town
- Region
- Africa
- Nights
- 9
- Round Trip
- No
- Day 1 · Sep 4, 2026Cape Town
- Day 2 · Sep 5, 2026Cape Town
- Day 3 · Sep 6, 2026Cape Town
- Day 4 · Sep 7, 2026Cape Town
- Day 5 · Sep 8, 2026Chobe River
- Day 6 · Sep 9, 2026Chobe River
- Day 7 · Sep 10, 2026Chobe River
- Day 8 · Sep 11, 2026Chobe River
- Day 9 · Sep 12, 2026Victoria Falls
- Day 10 · Sep 13, 2026Johannesburg
Dates are estimates based on the published departure date.
AmaLyra
Paris & Normandy
- Departure Port
- Paris
- Region
- Europe
- Nights
- 7
- Round Trip
- Yes
- Day 1 · Sep 3, 2026Paris
- Day 2 · Sep 4, 2026Les Andelys
- Day 3 · Sep 5, 2026Le Havre
- Day 4 · Sep 6, 2026Le Havre
- Day 5 · Sep 7, 2026Rouen
- Day 6 · Sep 8, 2026Vernon
- Day 7 · Sep 9, 2026Paris
- Day 8 · Sep 10, 2026Paris
Dates are estimates based on the published departure date.
Upcoming Cruises & Prices
Zambezi Queen
September 4, 2026
14-Night Africa Cruise
Departing from Cape Town
From
$19,420
Price / day
$1,387
AmaLyra
September 3, 2026
7-Night Europe Cruise
Departing from Paris
From
$5,349
Price / day
$764
September 10, 2026
14-Night Europe Cruise
Departing from Paris
From
$9,049
Price / day
$646
Prices shown are starting fares and may change.
Which Ship Is Cheaper?
Zambezi Queen
Average
$1,498 / day
VS
AmaLyra
Average
$705 / day
AmaLyra has the lower price per day among the sailings shown
$705/day vs $1,498/day
About $793 less per day
This comparison is based on the upcoming sailings currently shown and may not represent like-for-like itineraries.
Cruise prices vary by departure date, itinerary, cabin type and availability.
Which Ship Should You Choose?
Choose Zambezi Queen if…
- You prefer the ship with the lower passenger capacity.
- You want to sail in Africa.
- Departing from Cape Town works for your plans.
Choose AmaLyra if…
- You do not mind sailing on a ship with a higher passenger capacity.
- You want to sail in Europe.
- Departing from Paris works for your plans.
- The lower price per day among the sailings currently shown matters to you.
Zambezi Queen vs AmaLyra: Final Comparison Summary
Newer
Both ships are the same
Bigger
Both ships are the same
Lower Price Per Day
AmaLyra
$705 / day
About $793 less per day
- Both ships were built in 2009.
- Gross tonnage is not available for both ships.
- AmaLyra carries 112 more passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ship carries more passengers?
AmaLyra has a passenger capacity of approximately 140, compared with 28 for Zambezi Queen.
Which ship is cheaper, Zambezi Queen or AmaLyra?
Among the upcoming sailings currently displayed, AmaLyra has the lower average starting price per day at $705 per day versus $1,498 per day. Fares vary by itinerary, departure date, cabin type and availability.
Where does Zambezi Queen sail?
The upcoming Zambezi Queen sailings currently listed cover Africa, departing from Cape Town.
Where does AmaLyra sail?
The upcoming AmaLyra sailings currently listed cover Europe, departing from Paris.
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