Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? We look forward to working with you again! About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. Discover local culture and sights on included tours, and then hop back on your luxurious river cruise ship and sail to the next stunning city or charming town. AmaWaterways requires a $400 deposit for Europe and Asia itineraries ($1,200 for Egypt sailings, $2,400 on Africa cruises and $2,400 for the extended Seven River Journey Through Europe itineraries). You can also venture off without officially joining an excursionbicycles are available to borrow any time the ship is docked, and you can always use your own feet or a taxi to get around. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. [9][2][10], The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . There are a lot of river cruise lines to choose from, so do your research to find the ship and company that meets your needs. Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. All excursions are included for guests on the AmaSiena, and while theres a range for all types of travelers, Amawaterways as a company offers more active excursions than its competitors. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? Through financial support to the school, AmaWaterways sponsorship brings English-language skills to local children of grammar-school age to help improve their lives and assist with subsequent employment opportunities. We hope to see you on board soon! Most of the public areas are forward of or just behind the central atrium, which houses the elevators, though the Chefs Table, which is all the way aft. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. AmaWaterways is very much a luxury river cruise line operating in the more premium area, and their ships, service and the quality of what they offer is very highly rated. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. To truly make your vacation, Uniworld ships have a great selection of gourmet restaurants and elegant bars. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. You'll enjoy the following: Dining Expert chefs craft menus in a range of restaurants onboard to ensure every meal is a culinary experience to remember. 1.3K views, 16 likes, 15 comments, 4 shares, Facebook Reels from AmaWaterways: Did you know that a select few of our amazing land packages are complimentary if you reserve before March 31st, 2023?. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, A River Cruise with a Butler: We Try It on Uniworld and Scenic, Beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch, dinner and happy hour, sparkling wine at breakfast, along with tea, gourmet coffee and bottled water, At least one complimentary shore excursion in every port (all excursions included on voyages in Africa), Special events, such as dinner in a castle, Complimentary entertainment on-demand in staterooms and suites, Some complimentary shore excursions, depending on itinerary, One-night hotel stay before trip on select itineraries, Hop-on, hop-off bus service in every port, Two dinners at the specialty restaurant, per cruise, Gratuities for crew and local guides and drivers, Butler service (for some suite categories), One bag of laundry per cabin on seven-night cruises; two bags per cabin for 14-night cruises (for guests in some suites on an APT Collection cruise on Aria or Concerto river ships), One waiter-served dinner (the rest of the meals are buffets -- you'll have to pay if you want a second served dinner). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. They run around lunch and breakfast schedules, thus allowing you to pop on board for a sport of lunch or indeed head in to town for lunch and some time exploring. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Soda, beer and regional wines are included at meal times, and menus source heavily from local markets and reflect the areas through which the ships sail. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail the Douro River in Portugal and the Elbe River in France, which runs through Germany and the Czech Republic. Heres what you need to know. Booking your first river cruise? But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. [8], To attract families with younger children, AmaWaterways partnered with Adventures by Disney to create Disney-themed cruises that feature the Christmas markets in cities on the Danube and Rhine rivers, among others. The cruise begins in Budapest, Hungary, where you board the ship in the afternoon and start sailing after dark, when all the buildings and bridges along the Danube are illuminated. If you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. Typically, theres just one excursion per day, but in some ports, there are nighttime ones; on our sailing, we had the option to leave the ship after dinner in Rdesheim, Germany, to sample the local coffee or visit a music museum. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. Neither includes gratuities for crew or tour guides.. AmaWaterways suggests 100 euros per person per seven-night cruise (120 euros on AmaMagna), with an additional 25 euros per week-long sailing for the cruise manager. Your cruise fare on both will include at least one shore excursion in each port; wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner; all onboard meals; Wi-Fi; and cultural enrichment. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. Known for their European heritage and pioneering spirit, AmaWaterways leads the industry in innovation, highlighted by the announcement of their history-making 45- and 46-night Seven River Journeys, their new Heritage on the River experiences in partnership with Ancestry, and launching a new river cruise destination and eco-friendly ship on Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. All the restaurants were great. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Despite being different its equally wonderful. Our Programme takes you straight from your ship to the course and back making your golfing experience seamless Golf and River Cruise truly is a marriage made in heaven. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. Our land packages include some of the most amazing destinations pre- and/or post-cruise but, what's included? The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. As Uniworld places emphasis on its guided tours, this cruise line is the more popular choice for those who like to stay active and explore. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. AmaWaterways Deck plans AmaDahlia Current cruise: 7 days, round-trip Secrets of Egypt the Nile APT River Cruises Itineraries Deck plans Travelmarvel Polaris Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Vega Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Capella AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. During our complimentary onboard wellness activities, yoga mats and other equipment such as resistance bands will be available and will be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. Selected drinks are included at meal times on the following cruise lines: AmaWaterways Where to Eat and Drink . With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. We invite you to take one of our European river cruises, Asia river cruises, or Africa river cruises and see the world in luxury and comfort. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. AmaWaterways has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. Black Sea Voyage with AmaWaterways: What's It Like? Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com According to Wendy Perrin, one of the most noted travel experts in the industry, some of these similarities include: Viking ships all feature elevators whereas AmaWaterways only has elevators on the Europe ships. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. That said, both Uniworld and AmaWaterways have wellness centers, swimming pools, sun decks, and lounges in which you can sit comfortably with a good book or enjoy a drink and a chat with fellow guests. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. Our exclusive Concierge Golf Programme includes 7 nights onboard one of the highest rated ships in Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, a choice of excursions in every port and our unique Twin Balconies, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. One of the best extras with AmaWaterways is that they have a choice of excursions in most ports at no extra charge, says travel advisor Candie Steinman, franchise owner, Dream Vacations, Fort Myers, FL. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . 3 Meals A Day If theyre able to keep themselves entertained, enjoy traveling and seeing the sights, and are happy with a good dip in the onboard pool, then both AmaWaterways and Uniworld are excellent choices. Learn how your comment data is processed. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. While many river lines showcase local wines from the region of sailing, AmaWaterways does that but it also has offers dedicated Wine Cruises 67 such themed cruises in 2020. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. What You Need to Know. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. These excursions generally are limited to small groups and take you into smaller venues or provide immersive experiences that expose passengers to a port's culture and tradition on a deeper, often hands-on, level. [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. 2024 Seven River Journeys Spring - What's Included Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023 We will be happy to provide you with a map of each port at our reception desk, and you will find the citys highlights marked. This beach is gorgeous. AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. Yes! In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. Hello! There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. Theres also the Chefs Table, a 32-seat specialty restaurant with a panoramic view from the ship's stern that serves a five-course tasting menu. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! AmaWaterways Cruises AMA - CruiseCompete incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at Definitely coming back. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. These 210-square-foot cabins offer guests AmaSienas signature double balconies; one true balcony with two chairs and a small table and a French balcony right beside it. Guests will enjoy a variety of experiences exclusive to this special itinerary, such as guided tours showcasing jazz, food and wine, all while shining a light on Black heritage. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) There are fitness classes (during COVID times, these were provided outdoors, weather permitting, rather than in the fitness center), massages and beauty treatments in the one-room spa and salon, a small pool, and an outdoor giant chess set. Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? And there are plenty of locks. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. In addition, AmaWaterways river cruises offer complimentary guided bicycle tours in at least two ports on every seven-night itinerary along the Rhine, Main, Danube and Rhne rivers. The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. There is more than enough to keep you entertained while onboard, especially since on river cruises you typically spend much of your time at various destinations. 14 Days - Travel to Medellin and return from Panama City, 16 Days - Travel to Medellin and return from Panama City, AmaWaterways Ltd | Abbots Place Suite B | Walnut Tree Close | Guildford | GU1 4RW. These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 5 Reasons Why Families Will Love the Refurbished Norwegian Jewel, 10 Cruise Alcohol Hacks for Better Drinking on the Cheap. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Once at your destination, you can speak with your guide about going off solojust make sure you dont miss the ride back to the ship. The clientele of a cruise can vary widely depending on the cruise line, and even the itinerary, but both Uniworld and AmaWaterways tend to attract similar guests. Each month, I love to share with you my thoughts, personal stories, travel tips and latest news on the people and places that help turn every mile of our guests' river cruise experience into one of their most cherished memories!". The greeters was great! What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. River cruise dining shows what the little guys can do The AmaSienas home river is the Rhine in Europe. Ocean cruisers whove wanted to try a river cruise but have been afraid of feeling too confined will likely find AmaMagna more to their taste. Unlike ocean cruises that may dock in industrial areas in Europe, a river ship docks right in the heart of the city, town or even village. Right outside Amsterdam, this rare experience calls for its visitors to explore, touch and change as part of their journey into Floriade which is set to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. Complementary drinks AmaWaterways | Cruise Deals, Itineraries & Packages | Avoya Travel The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Bikers are required to wear helmets. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. Debuting in 2023 for the first time ever, our unforgettable Seven River Journeys will forever mark their place in history as the longest and most epic river cruises. Europe can be quite warm in the summer, so short sleeve shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses and a wide-brimmed hat are good items to pack. Ports of call include Cologne, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, and smaller picturesque towns throughout the Alsace region of France and the Black Forest region of Germany. AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. Five Ama ships -- AmaViola, AmaStella, AmaLea, AmaKristina and AmaMora -- also include several cabins that can accommodate three or four people (with a king-size bed along with a chair that converts into a twin bed).