Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. That said, both Uniworld and AmaWaterways have wellness centers, swimming pools, sun decks, and lounges in which you can sit comfortably with a good book or enjoy a drink and a chat with fellow guests. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. I already referred a couple of my friends to book a vacation with Ultimate Travel and planning on contacting Eric soon to book our next trip, this time with our kids just trying to decide were to go next. Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. All meals are included in your fare. Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. Yes! AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. Here is a taste of what you can enjoy when you choose to add a 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. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. What You Need to Know. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. 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. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? 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. How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. On AmaWaterways, a chef's table at the stern of the boat seats up to 32 people in an area with an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows; guests experience a tasting menu (available to each . [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! 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. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. 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!". The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. 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 Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. 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. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. [1] History[ edit] Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. 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. 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. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. AmaWaterways Drinks Guide - Cruise Lifestyle How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. 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. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. 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. There are fitness classes (during COVID times, these were provided outdoors, weather permitting, rather than in the fitness center), massages and beauty treatments in the one-room spa and salon, a small pool, and an outdoor giant chess set. 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. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. 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. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. On very select rivers and itineraries, the Personal Audio Device we use for shore excursions can also be used for your individual exploration, as pre-recorded commentary may play, based on your current GPS location. Your cruise fare on both will include at least one shore excursion in each port; wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner; all onboard meals; Wi-Fi; and cultural enrichment. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). Why? AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. 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. The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. AmaWaterways adds a second ship for Colombia program Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. 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. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . (Probably Overrated). Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. AmaWaterways is another well-known and luxurious river cruise line, with a fleet of 26 ships. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. 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. AmaWaterways - Wikipedia Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . 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. So how do you decide? Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. What's included in a river cruise? - RiverVoyages.com 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. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? 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. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. This website uses cookies. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, 13 Night Captivating Rhine from Amsterdam November 23, 2023 AMA Sandi Barrett 2. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. 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 Bottom Line: Which River Cruise Line is Right for You. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. 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. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. AmaWaterways boats feature small (one-room) spas, where moderately priced massages are offered, and salons along with fitness centers, which are moderately used. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. Hello! 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. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! 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. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Lisa Long, owner of Luxury Vacations LLC, an independent travel agency in the Avoya Network, Marietta, GA, sells many river cruises and from her perspective, I would classify AmaWaterways as a luxury river cruise experience with a warm and friendly staff and excellent food. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. What's Included in My River Cruise Fare? - Cruise Critic Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship. 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. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. For more helpful information by destination, click here. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. 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). Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. [9][2][10], The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. 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. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. And there are plenty of locks. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . 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. If you dont plan on spending much time in your room, these categories will do just fine, but be forewarnedpart of the fun of the Rhine itineraries is sitting outside watching the castles and locks go by.