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. Soda, beer and regional wines are included at meal times, and menus source heavily from local markets and reflect the areas through which the ships sail. Sandi Barrett 2. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. 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. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? According to Wendy Perrin, one of the most noted travel experts in the industry, some of these similarities include: Viking ships all feature elevators whereas AmaWaterways only has elevators on the Europe ships. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) The Shore Excursions. 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. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. During our complimentary onboard wellness activities, yoga mats and other equipment such as resistance bands will be available and will be thoroughly cleaned after each use. For trips that require transport, that was also provided. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. 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. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. 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. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. 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. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. 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. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. 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. For more helpful information by destination, click here. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. Explore Danube River on two wheels with AmaWaterways included onboard bicycles, How Much Are Drinks On Viking River Cruises, Where Do Viking River Cruises Dock In Amsterdam, How To Get Off Viking Cruises Mailing List, Where Do River Cruise Ships Dock In Basel Switzerland, Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip, 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, Which Is The Best River Cruise Company In Europe, Who Has The Best Alaska Land And Sea Cruises, Indoor glass-walled observation lounge at the front of the ship, Three meals a day and group shore tours included. "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? Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. 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. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. 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. [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation onboard a river cruise but dont know which company to travel with? They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. 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. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. We look forward to working with you again! 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. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). 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. Once at your destination, you can speak with your guide about going off solojust make sure you dont miss the ride back to the ship. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? 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. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. 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. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. All meals are included in your fare. When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. Learn how your comment data is processed. So, yes, you should bring a book. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Are drinks included on Uniworld? One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. 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. 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. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. 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. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. She is awesome!!! All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. the differences between ocean and river cruising. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. 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. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). 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. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. River cruising is a relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel where you can enjoy ever-changing scenery along the banks of waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Volga and Yangtze. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. 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. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. 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." There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. AmaWaterways will offer pre-cruise packages in both Medellin (2 nights) and Cartagena (3 nights), which can be combined, and a 3-night Panama City package post-cruise that will include a visit to the Panama Canal. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. 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. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . AmaWaterways is very much a luxury river cruise line operating in the more premium area, and their ships, service and the quality of what they offer is very highly rated. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. 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. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. And there are plenty of locks. 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. 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. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. 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. Unlike ocean cruises that may dock in industrial areas in Europe, a river ship docks right in the heart of the city, town or even village. Am I missing something? I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. 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. 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. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. 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. There is an up-charge for this optional tour but its a MUST-SEE experience. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. It feels very close to all-inclusive. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. Many of these excursions only occupy a portion of your time in port, so theres usually time to explore on your own after a tour, too. All the restaurants were great. 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!
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