The four 350-square-foot suites have separate living and sleeping spaces, the former of which has a pull-out sofa that can accommodate two extra guests. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. 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. The voyage includes meals, beverages, shore excursions, Wi . The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, A River Cruise with a Butler: We Try It on Uniworld and Scenic, 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 in every port (all excursions included on voyages in Africa), Special events, such as dinner in a castle, Complimentary entertainment on-demand in staterooms and suites, Some complimentary shore excursions, depending on itinerary, One-night hotel stay before trip on select itineraries, Hop-on, hop-off bus service in every port, Two dinners at the specialty restaurant, per cruise, Gratuities for crew and local guides and drivers, Butler service (for some suite categories), One bag of laundry per cabin on seven-night cruises; two bags per cabin for 14-night cruises (for guests in some suites on an APT Collection cruise on Aria or Concerto river ships), One waiter-served dinner (the rest of the meals are buffets -- you'll have to pay if you want a second served dinner). This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. Booking your first river cruise? The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. 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. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. 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. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. Still have questions? Let us know your experience in the comment section below! 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. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. If youre not sure about a river cruise and want to investigate ocean cruise lines, you might be interested in these articles: Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian, Carnival Cruise vs Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity, Are Viking Cruises Adults Only, and Royal Caribbean vs. Princess. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. Backroads even provides the high-end bikes for these sailings, set up for each person ahead of time based on factors like height, weight and cycling style. Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. 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 (Probably Overrated). What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? At a glance. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. 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. For more helpful information by destination, click here. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. Here's what I thought. AmaWaterways requires a $400 deposit for Europe and Asia itineraries ($1,200 for Egypt sailings, $2,400 on Africa cruises and $2,400 for the extended Seven River Journey Through Europe itineraries). On a moving ship? All guests traveling with AmaWaterways remain responsible for ensuring they meet the travel entry requirements for each country they plan to visit before, during or after their river cruise. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. AmaWaterways' river cruise offerings include the Main River, Moselle River, Rhne River, Douro River, Dutch and Belgium Waterways, Saone River, Seine River, Dordogne, and Garonne Rivers, Mekong River, Nile River, and Magdalena River. It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. 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. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. 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. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. If youre looking for honeymoon cruise options, you may want to check out our article 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. We hope to see you on board soon! Get expert advice, insider tips and more. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. 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. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. One bonus that Viking River Cruises has over AmaWaterways is the ability to combine both river and ocean itineraries since they operate both types of ships now. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. A not-to-be-missed performer. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. Most of the public areas are forward of or just behind the central atrium, which houses the elevators, though the Chefs Table, which is all the way aft. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. Viking offers a beverage package option, called the Silver Spirits package, which runs about $30 per person per day and allows passengers to drink unlimited premium wine, spirits and beer while onboard. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. 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 (of course, if you don't drink, you might feel annoyed at having to pay for all your fellow passengers getting their glasses topped off). ", "Vacationing With Kids? 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Budapest illuminated at night. There is more than enough to keep you entertained while onboard, especially since on river cruises you typically spend much of your time at various destinations. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. 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. We will be happy to provide you with a map of each port at our reception desk, and you will find the citys highlights marked. In 2023 it will launch a series of 46-night sailings through Europe on four ships and in 2024 will become the first line to offer sailings on Colombia's Magdalena River. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. 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. The great news is that you can do as many or little excursions are you want, dipping in and out of trips is a huge benefit. Viking's Longships feature square bows, which creates space for the line's Aquavit Terrace, an alfresco spot for drinking and dining on the third deck. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. This beach is gorgeous. 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. The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. 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. Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. Trips And Excursions On An AmaWaterways River Cruise, WIFI Throughout Your AmaWaterways River Cruise. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. All Rights Reserved. How? These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. 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. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. [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. Uniworld also offers a range of onboard activities, including swimming pools, leisure centers and gyms, libraries, and beautiful sun decks to lounge on. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. Your cruise fare on both will include at least one shore excursion in each port; wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner; all onboard meals; Wi-Fi; and cultural enrichment. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. So, yes, you should bring a book. 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. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. Contact. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. [1] History[ edit] Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. 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 Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. Complementary drinks Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. 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. River cruise lines with European owners, such as CroisiEurope and A-Rosa, tend to be the most a la carte. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Depart From Norfolk Va. AmaWaterways opened the ODA Free Village English School in the province of Siem Reap, Cambodia in association with ODA the Orphans and Disabled Arts Association. One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. 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. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. 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. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. Thats not to say that friend groups or multi-gen families wouldnt enjoy sailingseveral cabins do have connecting doors. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. 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. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. We look forward to working with you again! Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. At every stop, theres almost always a general walking tour (guests can choose their activity level: active, regular, or gentle), as well as specialty options like beer or wine tastings, hikes and bike tours, or unique visits to museums. So how do you decide? On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. 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. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. 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 line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. Our ships also move along at a gentle pace and you can always see land on both sides of the river, removing any additional anxiety for those who may feel stranded out on the open water. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. More excursions offered than any other company. "AmaWaterways Announces Retirement of Gary Murphy, Senior Vice President of Sales, Promotes Alex Pinelo", "AmaWaterways Unveils Details of Newest Ship, AmaMagna", "AmaWaterways to debut new ship, new itineraries in 2021", "Down the Danube: What would a 20-something make of a river cruise? This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). 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. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. Fully-inclusive river cruises Fully inclusive means that selected drinks such as beer and wine are included at meal times only. 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. I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). 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. Both cruise lines are all-inclusive and provide excellent service, meaning that no matter which one you choose, it is guaranteed to be worth the money. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 5 Reasons Why Families Will Love the Refurbished Norwegian Jewel, 10 Cruise Alcohol Hacks for Better Drinking on the Cheap. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! Courtesy of AmaWaterways. With both lines, exotic itineraries in Asia Africa often combine longer land tours with time on the rivers. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. There is an up-charge for this optional tour but its a MUST-SEE experience. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023, 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). We stayed in one of the suites and it was absolutely beautiful! We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. Learn how your comment data is processed. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. We really enjoyed Finest for our Destination Wedding and would highly recommend it as a wedding or vacation destination! I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. AmaWaterways' Seven River Journey Through Europe is scheduled to set sail on June 1, 2023, with prices starting at $25,999 per passenger.
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