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. Did you know that a select few of our amazing land packages are 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. Both itineraries are open for sale now, with Karst encouraging the audience of the 'Sip & Sail' event to "contact your travel . Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. 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. AmaWaterways - The Points Guy Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. On some days, guests have a choice of excursions to different towns in different countries, so its best to do a little research before making your selectionyou often will only have time for one, as theyre usually a bus ride away. If youre looking to travel without children, Uniworld has a selection of adults-only cruises, so you can comfortably enjoy a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. AmaWaterways' New All-Inclusive Packages - River Cruise Advisor Absolutely not! Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. AmaWaterways boats feature small (one-room) spas, where moderately priced massages are offered, and salons along with fitness centers, which are moderately used. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! At least one complimentary shore excursion in every port, Interactive entertainment on-demand system in staterooms and suites, Gratuities onboard and on shore excursions, Select complimentary shore excursions in every port, Interactive entertainment system with complimentary movies in cabins, Wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner, complimentary coffee, tea and bottled water throughout, At least one shore excursion in each port, Interactive television system with complimentary movies in cabins and suites, Two glasses of wine, beer or soda at dinner, In-room entertainment system with complimentary movies, Complimentary hotel stays or land extensions on select itineraries, All alcoholic drinks, sodas, specialty coffees, teas, and water, Complementary specialty dining venue on select ships, Gratuities ashore on shore excursions for guides and drivers, Special, private Tauck-exclusive events, such as dinner in a castle, In-room television system with complimentary movies, Wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, Special events, such as dinner in a castle (mostly on theme cruises), Complimentary coffee, tea and water; juice at breakfast, At least one shore excursions in every port, Alternative restaurant with lighter meals, Beer, wine and soda at lunch and dinner; complimentary coffee, teas and water throughout, At least one shore excursion in every port, Interactive entertainment system in all cabins with complimentary movies. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. 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. Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. 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. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. 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. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. 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. This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. Bikers are required to wear helmets. 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. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. 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). Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. 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. Are drinks included on Uniworld? I am very picky about my coffee. This beach is gorgeous. .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. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. 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. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. As Uniworld places emphasis on its guided tours, this cruise line is the more popular choice for those who like to stay active and explore. In addition, AmaWaterways river cruises offer complimentary guided bicycle tours in at least two ports on every seven-night itinerary along the Rhine, Main, Danube and Rhne rivers. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? Top FAQs for First-Time River Cruisers - AmaWaterways For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. AmaWaterways: A Guide to European River Cruises - Every Avenue Travel Visit our FAQs page, learn more about river cruising with AmaWaterways, contact your preferred travel advisor or call us at 1.800.626.0126. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. Number of Ships: 24. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. 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. 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; She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Our land packages include some of the most amazing destinations pre- and/or post-cruise but, what's included? Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. 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. 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. You are the best. 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. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. 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. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. Thank you! Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. 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. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. 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. 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. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. Despite being different its equally wonderful. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. 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. 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. We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . 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. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! What's included in a river cruise? - RiverVoyages.com She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. 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. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? This Epic New European River Cruise Visits 14 Countries and 7 - Travel Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. I already referred a couple of my friends to book a vacation with Ultimate Travel and planning on contacting Eric soon to book our next trip, this time with our kids just trying to decide were to go next. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. Both AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer Christmas cruises of the markets in Europe. 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. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. A not-to-be-missed performer. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. 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. 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 The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. 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. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. AmaWaterways' Seven River Journey Through Europe is scheduled to set sail on June 1, 2023, with prices starting at $25,999 per passenger. 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 What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. The voyage includes meals, beverages, shore excursions, Wi . Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. 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. That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. 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. Fully-inclusive river cruises Fully inclusive means that selected drinks such as beer and wine are included at meal times only. 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!". Viking Cruises started with a fleet of four ships from Russia and has expanded to operating a fleet of more than 60 vessels on three continents. How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? 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. The Shore Excursions. 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. 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 . River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Debuting in summer 2019, the creatively designed AmaMagna is twice the width of a normal Danube river vessel and offers some of the largest staterooms on European rivers. We hope to see you on board soon! Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. The clientele of a cruise can vary widely depending on the cruise line, and even the itinerary, but both Uniworld and AmaWaterways tend to attract similar guests. We are pleased to offer guests the opportunity to experience Floriade in 2022 while sailing along the Rhine River and Dutch and Belgian Waterways between April 14 and October 9. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Definitely coming back. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. 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. 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. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. Heres what you need to know. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. 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. 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 We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. the differences between ocean and river cruising. 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. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Learn how your comment data is processed. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. 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. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really?