This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! Most of the public areas are forward of or just behind the central atrium, which houses the elevators, though the Chefs Table, which is all the way aft. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. AmaWaterways Cruises AMA - CruiseCompete Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. All meals are included on AmaSiena. This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. [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]. Uniworld tends to put more focus on guided tours and daytime entertainment at various destinations. AmaWaterways - Ships and Itineraries 2023, 2024, 2025 - CruiseMapper 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. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. 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. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? The closet and drawers were roomy. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. So how do you decide? They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. Thank you! Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. At night, the Aquavit Terrace serves a set menu that can be enjoyed as often as you'd like throughout your cruise. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. 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. AmaWaterways River Cruise Tips - Tips For Travellers We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. Why? On Uniworld ships, you will enjoy a 5-star all-inclusive experience, inclusive of fine wines, premium spirits, and every meal on board, as well as onshore excursions, access to the fitness center and wellness classes, all gratuities, and airport transfers. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. .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. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. 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. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? 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. 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. For trips that require transport, that was also provided. This website uses cookies. These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. 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!". We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! Prague Add-on for AmaWaterways Worth it? - River Cruising - Cruise 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. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). 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! During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. 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. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. What's Included in My River Cruise Fare? - Cruise Critic Booking your first river cruise? 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. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. And as with most European river cruises, the demographic skews towards older couples with a moderate activity level (many guests take advantage of the complimentary bicycles available at every port, for instance). Top FAQs for First-Time River Cruisers - AmaWaterways [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. 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. 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. Elbe River Cruise Ships Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild, The 8 Best Cruises for Solo Travelers of 2023, Carnival Magic - Cruise Ship Photo Tour and Profile, This 49-Night European River Cruise Is Open to Book for 2024, The Worlds Longest River Cruise Itinerary Was Just Announced, A Three-Story Racetrack, Food Hall, and Infinity Pools: Inside the Norwegian Prima, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Our Reception Desk staff and additional crew will be happy to offer their suggestions, though part of the fun of exploring ports is stumbling upon a unique find yourself! The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. What You Need to Know. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. some of the leading championship courses on the continent. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. These requirements,as mandated by airlines and individual countries or regions, may change without notice and cancellation fees will apply should guests no longer meet the country entry requirements for their cruise or land program. Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. 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). 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. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! Complementary drinks Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. While most river cruise lines, including Viking, can accommodate dietary restrictions, AmaWaterways stands out because of its clear labeling of all foods, identifying those that are gluten-free, sugar-free, low-calorie or include common allergens, such as nuts or soy. 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. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. While many river lines showcase local wines from the region of sailing, AmaWaterways does that but it also has offers dedicated Wine Cruises 67 such themed cruises in 2020. 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. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. Heres what you need to know. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. 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. 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 . Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. 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Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. The clientele of a cruise can vary widely depending on the cruise line, and even the itinerary, but both Uniworld and AmaWaterways tend to attract similar guests. Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. More of what makes AmaWaterways different: Spacious river view staterooms and suites range from 160 square feet to 710 square feet and most include the revolutionary signature twin balconiesa French balcony and a full outside balcony. If you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at
What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? 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. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? Number of Ships: 24. AmaWaterways Cruises - Travel Weekly An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. 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. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. 13 Night Captivating Rhine from Amsterdam November 23, 2023 AMA 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. 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. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. AmaWaterways | Cruise Deals, Itineraries & Packages | Avoya Travel Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. We look forward to working with you again! Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Hello! AmaWaterways | Panache Cruises When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. 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. When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. AmaWaterways is a wonderful pick for passengers who want to be active or travel with children as well as those who want more amenities onboard. Everything is taken care of with no worries. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. I will book all future trips with only her. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. Black Sea Voyage with AmaWaterways: What's It Like? Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 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. There was no detail that she missed. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. 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. Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. 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. 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. Definitely coming back. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. This beach is gorgeous. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Europe can be quite warm in the summer, so short sleeve shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses and a wide-brimmed hat are good items to pack. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? 2024 Seven River Journeys Spring - What's Included Viking requires a $500 nonrefundable deposit, with final payment due 90 days before the cruise is scheduled to begin (a 20 percent deposit of the full fare is required for World and Grand Cruise itineraries with payment 180 days prior to departure). First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. River cruise dining shows what the little guys can do However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. 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. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine,
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. How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. 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. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. How? Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. 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.