Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. Selected drinks are included at meal times on the following cruise lines: AmaWaterways There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. 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. How is your coffee on board? This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. So, yes, you should bring a book. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. More excursions offered than any other company. The building design is classy and quality. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. 14 Days - Travel to Medellin and return from Panama City, 16 Days - Travel to Medellin and return from Panama City, AmaWaterways Ltd | Abbots Place Suite B | Walnut Tree Close | Guildford | GU1 4RW. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? They have a larger variety of ship sizes than Uniworld, with the AmaDahlia holding 72 passengers and the AmaMagna holding 196. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. I will book all future trips with only her. At a glance. The cruise begins in Budapest, Hungary, where you board the ship in the afternoon and start sailing after dark, when all the buildings and bridges along the Danube are illuminated. .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. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. 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. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. Sail through Europe on our Treasures of the Main & Rhine itinerary from Nuremberg to Amsterdam with Emmy award-winning television host, travel expert and AmaWaterways Godmother Samantha Brown as the festive holiday season begins to transform bustling German cities, medieval villages and Amsterdam, the "Venice of the North." 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. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? 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. As most of your daylight hoursand sometimes evening hourswill be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. 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. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. 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. 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. As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here 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. Right outside Amsterdam, this rare experience calls for its visitors to explore, touch and change as part of their journey into Floriade which is set to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls. 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. The closet and drawers were roomy. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. 3 Meals A Day 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. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. 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 She is awesome!!! AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. AmaWaterways Beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch, dinner and happy hour, sparkling wine at breakfast, along with tea, gourmet coffee and bottled water At least one complimentary shore excursion. [8], To attract families with younger children, AmaWaterways partnered with Adventures by Disney to create Disney-themed cruises that feature the Christmas markets in cities on the Danube and Rhine rivers, among others. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. 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. Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. Thank you! While we offer a wide variety of included excursions to suit your individual interests and encourage you to join us, you are of course welcome to explore on your own. 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. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. You May Like: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. 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. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. 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. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. 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 . [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. 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. This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 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!". Where to Eat and Drink . 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. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. 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. 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. AmaWaterways is now offering a comprehensive package with a 7-night river cruise in a French balcony stateroom, round-trip airfare, transfers, a pre- or post-cruise land package, port charges and Travel Waiver Plus all included with a starting price of US$5,499 per person. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. 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. 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). The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Do I need formal attire? The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. 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. 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. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. However, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises more than delivers on this! The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . You are the best. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. 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. Included in the fares of our featured AmaWaterways river cruises are shore excursions in every port of call all dining on board fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner internet access and Wi-Fi and bicycles that you can use to explore on your own or join our guided bike tours. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. Select itineraries, such as our Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain sailings, also include a select number of meals on shore. For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. 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). Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. 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. Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. 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. 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. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. Your email address will not be published. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! Thanks so much Cheryl! Contact. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. The line offers luxurious touches at mid-level prices, featuring fantastic service and modern amenities that keep passengers comfortable as they sail rivers in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. 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! While most river companies offer just one basic excursion, AmaWaterways has choices for extras including culinary choices and more adventurous offerings such as escorted bike trips. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. 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. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! 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. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . 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. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. Heres what you need to know. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? Hello! Viking Cruises started with a fleet of four ships from Russia and has expanded to operating a fleet of more than 60 vessels on three continents. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique.