Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? 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. A not-to-be-missed performer. 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. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. 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! The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. 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. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. It feels very close to all-inclusive. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. AmaWaterways Cruises AMA - CruiseCompete Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. General What's Included What's Included - AmaWaterways Your AmaWaterways Package Includes: All meals on board Comfortable accommodations Ocean transportation Entertainment and daily activities Port charges Europe Cruises Coffee, tea & complimentary bottled water Local wines, soft drinks and beer during lunch and dinner Complimentary Wi-Fi So, yes, you should bring a book. We look forward to working with you again! Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, 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. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. Here are my 17 reasons to go on a Lower Danube river cruise with AmaWaterways: Note: Tips are not included for the guides and bus drivers so do remember to bring some small bills. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. 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. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. 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. Cabin categories for Viking and AmaWaterways are pretty similar and vary from a standard riverview cabin with small windows all the way to suites with French and walk-out balconies. Why? First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. 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!". 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. All Rights Reserved. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. Learn how your comment data is processed. So how do you decide? 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. 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. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. ", "Vacationing With Kids? At night, the Aquavit Terrace serves a set menu that can be enjoyed as often as you'd like throughout your cruise. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. River cruise drinks packages: Riviera Travel, Viking, Emerald Waterways 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. 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. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. Absolutely not! 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?. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. 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If you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. 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. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. The voyage includes meals, beverages, shore excursions, Wi . One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. We strongly encourage getting a slice of Sacher Torte or strudel with your cup at one of Viennas coffeehouses on the Danube River, and tasting authentic Rdesheimer coffee made with Asbach brandy in Rdesheim, Germany along the Rhine. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. 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. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. More excursions offered than any other company. We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Rhne with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements. If you are unsure as to what you would like to do, the company is also available to fully plan your trip, leaving you with a relaxing experience packed with potential. There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. [9][2][10], The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. 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. in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 Modern coaches provide the primary mode of transportation for each, though Viking's are branded with the cruise line's logo and photos of the ships or exotic locations (making them easily identifiable among the crowd), while only some of AmaWaterways' buses are branded. 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. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. Top FAQs for First-Time River Cruisers - AmaWaterways AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. 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. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. 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. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. Am I missing something? The Bottom Line: Which River Cruise Line is Right for You. Select itineraries, such as our Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain sailings, also include a select number of meals on shore. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. 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 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 use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. With both lines, exotic itineraries in Asia Africa often combine longer land tours with time on the rivers. Like Viking's Longships, most of AmaWaterways' European ships are 443 feet long, the maximum length to make it through the lock systems on Rhine and Danube cruises. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. Still have questions? Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. 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. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. Using the example of Rudesheim, Germany, Karst told Avid Cruiser that AmaWaterways typically would offer a choice of a gondola ride to the monument overlooking the Rhine followed by included wine tasting a hike through the areas vineyards a guided bike tour an evening visit to taste the famous Rudesheimer Kaffee, an alcoholic coffee drink or a tour of Siegfrieds Mechanical Music Cabinet, a museum with an amazing array of historical automated instruments musical. 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. AmaWaterways 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. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. 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. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. What's Included in My River Cruise Fare? - Cruise Critic And there are plenty of locks. 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. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. Entertainers will board the ship at various locks along the route, with their driver dropping them off at one lock and picking up the performers further down the river at another lock. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. All meals are included in your fare. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. AmaWaterways is now offering a comprehensive package with a 7-night river cruise in a French balcony stateroom, round-trip airfare, transfers, a pre- or post-cruise land package, port charges and Travel Waiver Plus all included with a starting price of US$5,499 per person. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. AmaWaterways | Panache Cruises AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. 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. Bikers are required to wear helmets. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly.