Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. 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. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. River cruise drinks packages: Riviera Travel, Viking, Emerald Waterways 13 Night Captivating Rhine from Amsterdam November 23, 2023 AMA 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. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. .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. Definitely coming back. AMA Waterways Profile [2023] - 39 reviews, 26 trips - Travelstride 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 line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. 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. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. 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. Of course there are obvious differences, however today I want to talk about whats included in your river cruise fare, because people of ask us if AmaWaterways is all inclusive. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. AmaWaterways' AmaSiena: A Complete Ship Guide - TripSavvy 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. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Even at the lowest level, Viking's cabins include exceptional storage space, with lots of drawers and underbed space for storing suitcases. AmaWaterways' New All-Inclusive Packages - River Cruise Advisor 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. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! 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. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. Although it is considered a more moderately priced line, Emerald offers a fair number of inclusions (see below), primarily because many of its travelers are Australian (and prefer fares to be more bundled than a la carte). I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. One of the best extras with AmaWaterways is that they have a choice of excursions in most ports at no extra charge, says travel advisor Candie Steinman, franchise owner, Dream Vacations, Fort Myers, FL. Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation onboard a river cruise but dont know which company to travel with? Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. 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. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? 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. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. While most river cruise lines, including Viking, can accommodate dietary restrictions, AmaWaterways stands out because of its clear labeling of all foods, identifying those that are gluten-free, sugar-free, low-calorie or include common allergens, such as nuts or soy. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. 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; AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. These included spacious staterooms with French balconies (sliding doors with railings) or Twin balconies, glass elevators, plush robes and luxury bedding, marble bathrooms, complimentary Internet, Wi-Fi access and Infotainment Systems; the newer vessels have heated swimming pools with swim-up bars. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. [1] History[ edit] 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. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. AmaWaterways' Revolutionary Ship, AmaMagna, Welcomes First Guests On "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? 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 For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. 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. 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. Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. Carving out a niche in the upscale segment of the river cruise industry, AmaWaterways is luxurious in many ways, yet with a contemporary, comfortable vibe. Heres what you need to know. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. 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. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. At night, the Aquavit Terrace serves a set menu that can be enjoyed as often as you'd like throughout your cruise. 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. 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. Europe can be quite warm in the summer, so short sleeve shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses and a wide-brimmed hat are good items to pack. The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. What Makes AmaWaterways Different? - River Cruise Advisor Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. The Bottom Line: Which River Cruise Line is Right for You. You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. 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). 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. 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. Some river cruise operators include wine, beer and soft drinks only with lunch and dinner while others include unlimited drinks, served at your discretion throughout the cruise! [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 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. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. AmaWaterways - Ships and Itineraries 2023, 2024, 2025 - CruiseMapper In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. Our exclusive Concierge Golf Programme includes 7 nights onboard one of the highest rated ships in Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, a choice of excursions in every port and our unique Twin Balconies, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. Complementary drinks River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. Most of our ships in Europe include a fleet of complimentary bikes for you to use on our guided bike tours or for your individual exploration ashore. Top FAQs for First-Time River Cruisers - AmaWaterways The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. At a glance. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. Weve curated a list of questions submitted by first-time river cruisers to give you a better picture of the unparalleled experiences youll have while sailing with us. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. 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. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. You May Like: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al. 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. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship. 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. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. AmaWaterways on Twitter: "Our land packages include some of the most Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. 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. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. AmaWaterways - The Points Guy We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. Five Ama ships -- AmaViola, AmaStella, AmaLea, AmaKristina and AmaMora -- also include several cabins that can accommodate three or four people (with a king-size bed along with a chair that converts into a twin bed). Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? 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. 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. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. 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. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. For more helpful information by destination, click here. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. 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. Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". Everything is taken care of with no worries. 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. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. 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. 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. Number of Ships: 24. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. 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. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. AmaWaterways adds a second ship for Colombia program But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! What's included in a river cruise? - RiverVoyages.com [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. What should I bring to wear for my river cruise?
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