With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com 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. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. 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. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? 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' New All-Inclusive Packages - River Cruise Advisor No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. 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. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). Complementary drinks Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. Despite being different its equally wonderful. AmaWaterways River Cruise Tips - Tips For Travellers Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. The only things that appear to be included in AMA's package is 1) $110 transfers boat to hotel; 2) 2 nights hotel; and 3) 1/2 day city tour. But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. 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. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. There was no detail that she missed. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. All the restaurants were great. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. After pandemic-induced delays, family-owned river cruise line AmaWaterways had a big year in 2021, debuting three new ships to its international fleet, including the AmaSiena, sister to the AmaLea and AmaKristina, which was christened on Europes Rhine River in August 2021. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. As part of a history-making partnership, Ancestry and AmaWaterways are combining our shared passions for family, heritage and travel to offer guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to uncover their family history while cruising along Europes legendary rivers. 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. Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. AmaWaterways boats feature small (one-room) spas, where moderately priced massages are offered, and salons along with fitness centers, which are moderately used. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Those looking to get their hearts pumping might choose an active tour, which could include a little more mileage or climbs up stairs or other steep inclines, or the pace might simply be slightly faster. 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. So how do you decide? 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. I am very picky about my coffee. 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. She frequently sails seven-night itineraries between Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland, sailing through Germanys scenic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with castles. Elbe River Cruise Ships Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild, The 8 Best Cruises for Solo Travelers of 2023, Carnival Magic - Cruise Ship Photo Tour and Profile, This 49-Night European River Cruise Is Open to Book for 2024, The Worlds Longest River Cruise Itinerary Was Just Announced, A Three-Story Racetrack, Food Hall, and Infinity Pools: Inside the Norwegian Prima, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. What's Included in My River Cruise Fare? - Cruise Critic 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. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. How? 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. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. Where to Eat and Drink . Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever Soulful Epicurean Experience on the Rhne River in 2023, we are delighted to announce two new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2024. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. Here's what I thought. 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. These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}AmaWaterways and Viking are similarly priced across all cabin categories, from the lowest on up to the suites, and both offer comparable inclusions. 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. When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. AmaWaterways: A Guide to European River Cruises - Every Avenue Travel AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. 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 also encourage you to visit some of the local coffee shops ashore. 2024 Seven River Journeys Spring - What's Included These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. We stayed at the Dreams Resort & Spa in La Romana, Dominican Republic and it was perfect for our family reunion of our former foreign exchange students. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences 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. River cruise drinks packages: Riviera Travel, Viking, Emerald Waterways 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. What's included in a river cruise? - RiverVoyages.com 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. 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. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. 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. 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 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. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. The closet and drawers were roomy. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. 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. Heres what you need to know. Now that you have an idea of what Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer, lets take a look at the similarities and differences of Uniworld vs. Ama river cruises. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at 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. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. To truly make your vacation, Uniworld ships have a great selection of gourmet restaurants and elegant bars. 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. [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. 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. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. 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. As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. Your email address will not be published. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here 13 Night Captivating Rhine from Amsterdam November 23, 2023 AMA But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. AmaWaterways on Twitter: "Our land packages include some of the most For trips that require transport, that was also provided. What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. 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. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. We hope to see you on board soon! Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. 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!". Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. More excursions offered than any other company. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The Shore Excursions. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. 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. The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. 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. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. 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. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. Thank you! These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. 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. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? Contact. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. 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 . Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. Are drinks included on Uniworld? AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock.