We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. To truly make your vacation, Uniworld ships have a great selection of gourmet restaurants and elegant bars. The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. While most river companies offer just one basic excursion, AmaWaterways has choices for extras including culinary choices and more adventurous offerings such as escorted bike trips. Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. 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. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. The next deck is the Cello Deck, home to staterooms and the main restaurant, followed by the Violin deck, with more staterooms, reception, the lounge, a gift shop, and the Chefs Table restaurant. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. 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. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 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. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. 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. How? You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. More excursions offered than any other company. [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. How is your coffee on board? How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. A not-to-be-missed performer. The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. While our fitness rooms vary from ship to ship, they will typically include a treadmill, elliptical machine or spin bike, as well as an assortment of free weights. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. Despite being different its equally wonderful. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. Exclusively available on board the AmaMagna, the Zen Wellness Studio also includes outdoor spin bikes, two massage rooms, a hair and nail salon, juice bar and a small selection of child-size bicycles to use on shore. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. They have a larger variety of ship sizes than Uniworld, with the AmaDahlia holding 72 passengers and the AmaMagna holding 196. 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 for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. 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. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. Sail through Europe on our Treasures of the Main & Rhine itinerary from Nuremberg to Amsterdam with Emmy award-winning television host, travel expert and AmaWaterways Godmother Samantha Brown as the festive holiday season begins to transform bustling German cities, medieval villages and Amsterdam, the "Venice of the North." Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. The voyage includes meals, beverages, shore excursions, Wi . There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). You May Like: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al. Visit our FAQs page, learn more about river cruising with AmaWaterways, contact your preferred travel advisor or call us at 1.800.626.0126. Definitely coming back. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? 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. 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. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. It serves an ever-changing menu inspired mainly by local cuisinethink semmelkndel, or bread dumplings, while sailing through Germany might be paired with a local beer or wine. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. 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. 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. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here That said, neither cruise line is actually geared toward families, so if your children are always looking for something new to do, you may want to consider alternative options. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. 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!". We never once had a WiFi issue, the service was so quick. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. Some river cruise operators include wine, beer and soft drinks only with lunch and dinner while others include unlimited drinks, served at your discretion throughout the cruise! You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. All the restaurants were great. We hope to see you on board soon! How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. 3 Meals A Day Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. With river cruise ships being so small, there isnt much space for onboard activities, but they certainly offer enough to keep you entertained while youre on the water. Are drinks included on Uniworld? Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. 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. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. 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 We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. All meals are included on AmaSiena. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. Bikers are required to wear helmets. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. (Probably Overrated). How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. We also encourage you to visit some of the local coffee shops ashore. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. 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. Budapest illuminated at night. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. She is awesome!!! [4], AmaWaterways cruise ships ply a number of rivers in Europe, including the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro,[2] Moselle, Main,[5] Garonne,[6] and Rhne. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. In celebration of our diverse global AmaWaterways family, we are delighted to announce A Soulful Epicurean Experience, our first-ever Colors of Provence river cruise and 3-night Paris land package highlighting Black history and culture. We chose the Black Sea Voyage since their AmaPrima ship, which was built in 2013, has 82 cabins that can hold a total of 162 passengers. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. While we offer a wide variety of included excursions to suit your individual interests and encourage you to join us, you are of course welcome to explore on your own. Am I missing something? $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. 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. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. 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. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. River cruising is a relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel where you can enjoy ever-changing scenery along the banks of waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Volga and Yangtze. 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. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. The only slight difference is that with AmaWaterways placing emphasis on their excellent onboard evening entertainment and unlimited premium spirits, it makes a better choice for those who like to enjoy the nightlife onboard the ships. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. 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. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. AmaWaterways will offer pre-cruise packages in both Medellin (2 nights) and Cartagena (3 nights), which can be combined, and a 3-night Panama City package post-cruise that will include a visit to the Panama Canal. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. Part of what makes river cruising so attractive and pricy is that more items such as shore excursions, Wi-Fi or wine at meals are already wrapped into the cost . 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. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. I will book all future trips with only her. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. 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. 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. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. 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. Heres what you need to know. When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. On a moving ship? We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . Hello! AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Learn how your comment data is processed. Why? Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. 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. Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. 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. 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. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992.
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