Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. Where to Eat and Drink . Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. 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. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. We really enjoyed Finest for our Destination Wedding and would highly recommend it as a wedding or vacation destination! The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. Still have questions? This website uses cookies. 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! This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? It feels very close to all-inclusive. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. Our Programme takes you straight from your ship to the course and back making your golfing experience seamless Golf and River Cruise truly is a marriage made in heaven. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. All excursions are included for guests on the AmaSiena, and while theres a range for all types of travelers, Amawaterways as a company offers more active excursions than its competitors. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. The next deck is the Cello Deck, home to staterooms and the main restaurant, followed by the Violin deck, with more staterooms, reception, the lounge, a gift shop, and the Chefs Table restaurant. I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. A not-to-be-missed performer. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. You May Like: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. 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. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. AmaWaterways is another well-known and luxurious river cruise line, with a fleet of 26 ships. These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. 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 . Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. 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. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. 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. Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. 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. Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. 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. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation onboard a river cruise but dont know which company to travel with? [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. She is awesome!!! These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. If you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. .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. For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? 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. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. There was no detail that she missed. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. 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. 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 was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . 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. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. 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). The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. 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 Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. Light bites are served throughout the day in the lounge; there are pastries for early or late risers who miss breakfast, tapas for lunch, afternoon tea, a Sip & Sail cocktail hour (alcoholic beverages are complimentary), and a late-night snack served at 10:30 p.m. You can also access a complimentary coffee station here 24/7. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) The onboard entertainment strives to immerse you in local culture during your trip, with live music, storytellers, and dancers who live and work in the destinations the ships travel to. 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. We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! Debuting in 2023 for the first time ever, our unforgettable Seven River Journeys will forever mark their place in history as the longest and most epic river cruises. 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). 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. 3 Meals A Day Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. 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. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. River cruise lines with European owners, such as CroisiEurope and A-Rosa, tend to be the most a la carte. [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. If theyre able to keep themselves entertained, enjoy traveling and seeing the sights, and are happy with a good dip in the onboard pool, then both AmaWaterways and Uniworld are excellent choices. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. 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. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. Thats not to say that friend groups or multi-gen families wouldnt enjoy sailingseveral cabins do have connecting doors. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. 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. Your email address will not be published. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. According to Wendy Perrin, one of the most noted travel experts in the industry, some of these similarities include: Viking ships all feature elevators whereas AmaWaterways only has elevators on the Europe ships. On a moving ship? Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. Both AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer Christmas cruises of the markets in Europe. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. ", "Vacationing With Kids? 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Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at
It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. We invite you to take one of our European river cruises, Asia river cruises, or Africa river cruises and see the world in luxury and comfort. Discover local culture and sights on included tours, and then hop back on your luxurious river cruise ship and sail to the next stunning city or charming town. AmaWaterways has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. 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. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. 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. 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. You will find a selection of tea and coffee available throughout the day, the main lounge has a coffee machine, fresh iced water and biscuits. As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. 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. All the restaurants were great. How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. 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. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . 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. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. 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. Do I need formal attire? 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. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. 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. Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? As most of your daylight hoursand sometimes evening hourswill be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. 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. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Those looking to get their hearts pumping might choose an active tour, which could include a little more mileage or climbs up stairs or other steep inclines, or the pace might simply be slightly faster. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. 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. Contact. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. 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 . The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. Trips And Excursions On An AmaWaterways River Cruise, WIFI Throughout Your AmaWaterways River Cruise. Read on for a comparison of AmaWaterways vs. Uniworld, including their ships, itineraries, activities and entertainment, price range, and more, so that you can decide which river cruise line is best for you. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. 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!". For more helpful information by destination, click here. Are drinks included on Uniworld? Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. We stayed at the Dreams Resort & Spa in La Romana, Dominican Republic and it was perfect for our family reunion of our former foreign exchange students. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. 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?. The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). Definitely coming back. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. Typically, theres just one excursion per day, but in some ports, there are nighttime ones; on our sailing, we had the option to leave the ship after dinner in Rdesheim, Germany, to sample the local coffee or visit a music museum. that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal.