More excursions offered than any other company. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. Explore Danube River on two wheels with AmaWaterways included onboard bicycles, How Much Are Drinks On Viking River Cruises, Where Do Viking River Cruises Dock In Amsterdam, How To Get Off Viking Cruises Mailing List, Where Do River Cruise Ships Dock In Basel Switzerland, Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip, 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, Which Is The Best River Cruise Company In Europe, Who Has The Best Alaska Land And Sea Cruises, Indoor glass-walled observation lounge at the front of the ship, Three meals a day and group shore tours included. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. AmaWaterways is a wonderful pick for passengers who want to be active or travel with children as well as those who want more amenities onboard. Viking offers a beverage package option, called the Silver Spirits package, which runs about $30 per person per day and allows passengers to drink unlimited premium wine, spirits and beer while onboard. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. And there are plenty of locks. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. AmaWaterways' Seven River Journey Through Europe is scheduled to set sail on June 1, 2023, with prices starting at $25,999 per passenger. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? Why? On AmaWaterways, a chef's table at the stern of the boat seats up to 32 people in an area with an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows; guests experience a tasting menu (available to each . I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. The ships spacious two-level lounge has plenty of comfortable seating areas, a bar, dance floor, space for entertainers, a lower level library with an electric fireplace and a door that opens to reveal a movie theater. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. Theyre all exterior cabins decorated in the ships signature red-and-gray color palette, equipped with hairdryers, safes, telephones, TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, a desk and chair, and a (somewhat cramped) en-suite bathroom with a shower. Your email address will not be published. You May Like: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al. We never once had a WiFi issue, the service was so quick. Carving out a niche in the upscale segment of the river cruise industry, AmaWaterways is luxurious in many ways, yet with a contemporary, comfortable vibe. We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences 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. The What to Expect on a River Cruise series is a resource guide, written by Cruise Critic editors and contributors, where we answer the most common questions about river cruises, including dining, cabins and suites, service and onboard activities. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. The Bottom Line: Which River Cruise Line is Right for You. The line offers luxurious touches at mid-level prices, featuring fantastic service and modern amenities that keep passengers comfortable as they sail rivers in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Our ships also move along at a gentle pace and you can always see land on both sides of the river, removing any additional anxiety for those who may feel stranded out on the open water. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. Even at the lowest level, Viking's cabins include exceptional storage space, with lots of drawers and underbed space for storing suitcases. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Viking also has an impressive lineup of partners, including Masterpiece Theatre, so passengers could elect to visit Highclere Castle, where "Downton Abbey" was shot, and get behind-the-scenes exclusive access as part of a cruise land extension for Paris and Normandy cruises. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. Although most river cruise lines promote themselves as all-inclusive the meaning of all-inclusive tends to vary by operator by that, I mean some river cruise lines are in fact more inclusive than others! I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). [9][2][10], The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. 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. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. Read on for a comparison of AmaWaterways vs. Uniworld, including their ships, itineraries, activities and entertainment, price range, and more, so that you can decide which river cruise line is best for you. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. I am very picky about my coffee. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. Passengers are treated to a multicourse meal with unlimited premium wine, paired to the courses. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. Learn how your comment data is processed. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. AmaWaterways boats feature small (one-room) spas, where moderately priced massages are offered, and salons along with fitness centers, which are moderately used. If cancellation is made 121 days or more from the sailing 50 percent of the deposit is returned and is then on a sliding scale up until the time of departure. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just 3 Meals A Day There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. And as with most European river cruises, the demographic skews towards older couples with a moderate activity level (many guests take advantage of the complimentary bicycles available at every port, for instance). Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. More of what makes AmaWaterways different: Spacious river view staterooms and suites range from 160 square feet to 710 square feet and most include the revolutionary signature twin balconiesa French balcony and a full outside balcony. [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. 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. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the iconic Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. So, yes, you should bring a book. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. Here Are 15 of the Best New Family-Friendly Cruises to Take in 2020", "Disney amps up European river cruise options", "AmaWaterways to Offer Solo Traveler Promotion", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=AmaWaterways&oldid=1092108243, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 June 2022, at 06:40. 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. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Thank you! She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. The great news is that you can do as many or little excursions are you want, dipping in and out of trips is a huge benefit. How? Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of included shore excursions, from walking tours for gentle, regular and active guests to guided hikes and bike rides. While some other major river cruise lines have eliminated their onboard bikes or charge a fee to rent them ashore, AmaWaterways for maintains a fleet of bikes on every European vessel. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here 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. Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. Cabins for both feature similar amenities, with things like mini-fridges stocked with water (replenished daily) umbrellas, robes and veranda blankets for use during your cruise, in-room Wi-Fi and interactive TVs with free on-demand programming. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. There is a cancellation fee of $100 payable on sailings cancelled 121 days or more before the sailing date, which increases on a sliding scale closer to the departure. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. AmaWaterways is another well-known and luxurious river cruise line, with a fleet of 26 ships. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. As most of your daylight hoursand sometimes evening hourswill be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. 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. These requirements,as mandated by airlines and individual countries or regions, may change without notice and cancellation fees will apply should guests no longer meet the country entry requirements for their cruise or land program. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the 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. Despite being different its equally wonderful. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. No matter which company or type of cabin you choose, however, youre sure to enter a world of luxury as soon as you step on board. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. The line offers luxurious touches at mid-level prices, featuring fantastic service and modern amenities that keep passengers comfortable as they sail rivers in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. Courtesy of AmaWaterways. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Our Reception Desk staff and additional crew will be happy to offer their suggestions, though part of the fun of exploring ports is stumbling upon a unique find yourself! Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 Thanks so much Cheryl! Thats not to say that friend groups or multi-gen families wouldnt enjoy sailingseveral cabins do have connecting doors. Budapest illuminated at night. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? 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Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. 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. [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. The onboard entertainment strives to immerse you in local culture during your trip, with live music, storytellers, and dancers who live and work in the destinations the ships travel to. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. You will find a selection of tea and coffee available throughout the day, the main lounge has a coffee machine, fresh iced water and biscuits. Many of these excursions only occupy a portion of your time in port, so theres usually time to explore on your own after a tour, too. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. Both lines offer concierge services, books to borrow on topics like history or tourism, comfortable bars for drinks and dancing and top-deck walking tracks and giant chess boards. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. You are the best. Steinman emphasizes that these wine cruises have all the tours that would be available on a regular cruise, yet guests also can enjoy special wine tastings, wine pairings and interaction with a special wine host. Just be sure to check your Daily Cruiser onboard newsletter to ensure you are back on board the ship before it departs for the next port. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. For example, in 2021, wine enthusiasts might head into France to taste vintages on an Essence of Burgundy & Provence wine-themed sailing or into Austria and Germany for a Melodies of the Danube wine cruise. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets, Treasures of the Main & Rhine (Christmas), Majestic Capitals of the Danube (Christmas), Colors of Provence Soulful Epicurean Experience, A Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Secrets of Egypt and the Nile Epicurean Experience. The greeters was great! At a glance. The Shore Excursions. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. 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. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? As a high-end river cruise line, you'll find an awful lot included in your cruise, including: Unlimited fine wines, sparkling wines, premium spirits and beers on-board; Welcome bottle of sparkling wine and two bottles of wine in-suite; 24-hour self service venue offering tea, coffee, wines and non-alcoholic beverages; What You Need to Know. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. The suites are extremely spacious great for passengers who want larger accommodations, adds Steinman, noting that even lower deck cabins are 200 plus square feet. I will book all future trips with only her. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. 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. Similarly to Uniworld, AmaWaterways has an all-inclusive dining experience, with tapas and snacks served between meals, multi-course dinners prepared right in front of you, and hand-selected red and white wines paired with each meal. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. See what 1 line just announced for 2024, Why a Douro River cruise may be the perfect friends group getaway, Demand for cruises on small ships jumps in wake of COVID pandemic. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. After all, both look pretty similar from the outside, both cater (and market) to North American passengers and both sail on virtually all of the world's major rivers -- they even include many of the same ports. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls.
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