For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . 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. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. Debuting in 2023 for the first time ever, our unforgettable Seven River Journeys will forever mark their place in history as the longest and most epic river cruises. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. 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. 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. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. 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. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. 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. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. 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. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. 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. You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. 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. There is more than enough to keep you entertained while onboard, especially since on river cruises you typically spend much of your time at various destinations. AmaWaterways is another well-known and luxurious river cruise line, with a fleet of 26 ships. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. How is your coffee on board? 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. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. AmaWaterways Deck plans AmaDahlia Current cruise: 7 days, round-trip Secrets of Egypt the Nile APT River Cruises Itineraries Deck plans Travelmarvel Polaris Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Vega Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Capella Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. We hope to see you on board soon! Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. Sandi Barrett 2. 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). Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. While jackets for men and cocktail dresses for ladies are recommended for a few special nights at dinner , you most likely wont be stopped at the door if youre not wearing those. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. Thanks so much Cheryl! In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. Absolutely not! Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 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. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. 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. 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. One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. 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. The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. These excursions generally are limited to small groups and take you into smaller venues or provide immersive experiences that expose passengers to a port's culture and tradition on a deeper, often hands-on, level. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. 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. Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. 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. These included spacious staterooms with French balconies (sliding doors with railings) or Twin balconies, glass elevators, plush robes and luxury bedding, marble bathrooms, complimentary Internet, Wi-Fi access and Infotainment Systems; the newer vessels have heated swimming pools with swim-up bars. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. Still have questions? An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. With both lines, exotic itineraries in Asia Africa often combine longer land tours with time on the rivers. Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? 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. 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. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? We chose the Black Sea Voyage since their AmaPrima ship, which was built in 2013, has 82 cabins that can hold a total of 162 passengers. 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 River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. Where to Eat and Drink . Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. [1] History[ edit] Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. So, yes, you should bring a book. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. 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). "AmaWaterways Announces Retirement of Gary Murphy, Senior Vice President of Sales, Promotes Alex Pinelo", "AmaWaterways Unveils Details of Newest Ship, AmaMagna", "AmaWaterways to debut new ship, new itineraries in 2021", "Down the Danube: What would a 20-something make of a river cruise? Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. 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. We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences
Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. The voyage includes meals, beverages, shore excursions, Wi . Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. [9][2][10], The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. 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. There are a lot of river cruise lines to choose from, so do your research to find the ship and company that meets your needs. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. There was no detail that she missed. In celebration of our diverse global AmaWaterways family, we are delighted to announce A Soulful Epicurean Experience, our first-ever Colors of Provence river cruise and 3-night Paris land package highlighting Black history and culture. 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. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. It serves an ever-changing menu inspired mainly by local cuisinethink semmelkndel, or bread dumplings, while sailing through Germany might be paired with a local beer or wine. the differences between ocean and river cruising. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. 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. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail the Douro River in Portugal and the Elbe River in France, which runs through Germany and the Czech Republic. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). Is this the most epic river cruise ever? Trips And Excursions On An AmaWaterways River Cruise, WIFI Throughout Your AmaWaterways River Cruise. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! 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 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. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. Both cruise lines take the same approach to dining, with a combination of buffet and off-the-menu ordering at breakfast and lunch, then a sit-down dinner at a set time each night. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? Typically, theres just one excursion per day, but in some ports, there are nighttime ones; on our sailing, we had the option to leave the ship after dinner in Rdesheim, Germany, to sample the local coffee or visit a music museum. The Shore Excursions. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just
We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. 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. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. 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 AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. 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. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. We stayed in one of the suites and it was absolutely beautiful! 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. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. [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. We invite you to take one of our European river cruises, Asia river cruises, or Africa river cruises and see the world in luxury and comfort. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. However, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises more than delivers on this! The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. If youre looking to travel without children, Uniworld has a selection of adults-only cruises, so you can comfortably enjoy a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Fully-inclusive river cruises Fully inclusive means that selected drinks such as beer and wine are included at meal times only. 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. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. 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. 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. 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. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. In addition, AmaWaterways river cruises offer complimentary guided bicycle tours in at least two ports on every seven-night itinerary along the Rhine, Main, Danube and Rhne rivers. 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. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. Of course there are obvious differences, however today I want to talk about whats included in your river cruise fare, because people of ask us if AmaWaterways is all inclusive. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. 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.