This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. 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. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. [2] Roughly twice as wide as other cruise ships on the Danube,[12] the AmaMagna is meant to offer passengers more roomy accommodations and more dining options than would be possible on a narrower river cruise ship.[4]. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. 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. 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. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. 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. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. 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. What You Need to Know. The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. Black Sea Voyage with AmaWaterways: What's It Like? 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). Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. 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. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. It feels very close to all-inclusive. The Shore Excursions. Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. 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. How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? How is your coffee on board? You are the best. Am I missing something? One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. AmaWaterways Drinks Guide - Cruise Lifestyle Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. 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. Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. AMA Waterways Profile [2023] - 39 reviews, 26 trips - Travelstride What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. Did you know that a select few of our amazing land packages are Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. Where to Eat and Drink . Our land packages include some of the most amazing destinations pre- and/or post-cruise but, what's included? 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. Your email address will not be published. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. AmaWaterways' AmaSiena: A Complete Ship Guide - TripSavvy AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises | Cruise Critic With both lines, exotic itineraries in Asia Africa often combine longer land tours with time on the rivers. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just 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. An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. 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. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? 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. For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. Although most river cruise lines promote themselves as all-inclusive the meaning of all-inclusive tends to vary by operator by that, I mean some river cruise lines are in fact more inclusive than others! Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. 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. AmaWaterways - Ships and Itineraries 2023, 2024, 2025 - CruiseMapper With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. 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. Theyre all exterior cabins decorated in the ships signature red-and-gray color palette, equipped with hairdryers, safes, telephones, TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, a desk and chair, and a (somewhat cramped) en-suite bathroom with a shower. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. Number of Ships: 24. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. 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. Cabins for both feature similar amenities, with things like mini-fridges stocked with water (replenished daily) umbrellas, robes and veranda blankets for use during your cruise, in-room Wi-Fi and interactive TVs with free on-demand programming. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. 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). For more helpful information by destination, click here. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. 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). Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. 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. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. How? Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. AmaWaterways' New All-Inclusive Packages - River Cruise Advisor Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? [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. They run around lunch and breakfast schedules, thus allowing you to pop on board for a sport of lunch or indeed head in to town for lunch and some time exploring. Prague Add-on for AmaWaterways Worth it? - River Cruising - Cruise There is a cancellation fee of $100 payable on sailings cancelled 121 days or more before the sailing date, which increases on a sliding scale closer to the departure. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? 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. Uniworld also offers a range of onboard activities, including swimming pools, leisure centers and gyms, libraries, and beautiful sun decks to lounge on. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. 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. 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 . 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!". Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. AmaWaterways will offer pre-cruise packages in both Medellin (2 nights) and Cartagena (3 nights), which can be combined, and a 3-night Panama City package post-cruise that will include a visit to the Panama Canal. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. As most of your daylight hoursand sometimes evening hourswill be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. Heres what you need to know. 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. 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. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. Still have questions? 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: A Guide to European River Cruises - Every Avenue Travel But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. I am very picky about my coffee. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Rhne with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements. 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. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. 2024 Seven River Journeys Spring - What's Included Thanks so much Cheryl! The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. Here is a taste of what you can enjoy when you choose to add a 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. AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of included shore excursions, from walking tours for gentle, regular and active guests to guided hikes and bike rides. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. ", "Vacationing With Kids? What's included in a river cruise? - RiverVoyages.com 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. What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. 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. Visit our FAQs page, learn more about river cruising with AmaWaterways, contact your preferred travel advisor or call us at 1.800.626.0126. The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. 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. 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. AmaWaterways | Panache Cruises The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. 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. 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. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. 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. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? If you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. We hope to see you on board soon! What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? Bed configuration for both lines is flexible: Two twins can be combined into one king. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. She is awesome!!! My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. We also encourage you to visit some of the local coffee shops ashore. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. There was no detail that she missed. Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. Definitely coming back. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. 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. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. the differences between ocean and river cruising. When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. 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. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. The What to Expect on a River Cruise series is a resource guide, written by Cruise Critic editors and contributors, where we answer the most common questions about river cruises, including dining, cabins and suites, service and onboard activities. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). AmaWaterways | Cruise Deals, Itineraries & Packages | Avoya Travel For trips that require transport, that was also provided. 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. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better.