Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. 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. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. So how do you decide? Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. One bonus that Viking River Cruises has over AmaWaterways is the ability to combine both river and ocean itineraries since they operate both types of ships now. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Cruise Line Cancellation Policies: A Closer Look, Mega-Chart: Compare Hurricane Sandy Cruise Line Compensation, Booking a Cruise Onboard: How to Score Extras and Discounts, Can I Cruise While Pregnant? She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. 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. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. 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. Right outside Amsterdam, this rare experience calls for its visitors to explore, touch and change as part of their journey into Floriade which is set to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls. The onboard entertainment strives to immerse you in local culture during your trip, with live music, storytellers, and dancers who live and work in the destinations the ships travel to. AmaWaterways requires a $400 deposit for Europe and Asia itineraries ($1,200 for Egypt sailings, $2,400 on Africa cruises and $2,400 for the extended Seven River Journey Through Europe itineraries). Budapest illuminated at night. See what 1 line just announced for 2024, Why a Douro River cruise may be the perfect friends group getaway, Demand for cruises on small ships jumps in wake of COVID pandemic. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. 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 main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. Selected drinks are included at meal times on the following cruise lines: AmaWaterways You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Are drinks included on Uniworld? 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. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. Even at the lowest level, Viking's cabins include exceptional storage space, with lots of drawers and underbed space for storing suitcases. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. 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. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. 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. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? Let us know your experience in the comment section below! I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. 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. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! Please view our advertising policy page for more information. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. 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. At night, the Aquavit Terrace serves a set menu that can be enjoyed as often as you'd like throughout your cruise. AmaWaterways' Seven River Journey Through Europe is scheduled to set sail on June 1, 2023, with prices starting at $25,999 per passenger. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. 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). Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. 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. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. Thanks so much Cheryl! 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. 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. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. 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. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. 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. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? Both itineraries are open for sale now, with Karst encouraging the audience of the 'Sip & Sail' event to "contact your travel . Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. For more helpful information by destination, click here. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. 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. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. 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. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. Included in the fares of our featured AmaWaterways river cruises are shore excursions in every port of call all dining on board fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner internet access and Wi-Fi and bicycles that you can use to explore on your own or join our guided bike tours. Definitely coming back. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. She is awesome!!! They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Yes! The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). After all, both look pretty similar from the outside, both cater (and market) to North American passengers and both sail on virtually all of the world's major rivers -- they even include many of the same ports. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. Where to Eat and Drink . Theres also the Chefs Table, a 32-seat specialty restaurant with a panoramic view from the ship's stern that serves a five-course tasting menu. All the restaurants were great. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! Ports of call include Cologne, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, and smaller picturesque towns throughout the Alsace region of France and the Black Forest region of Germany. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at Contact. 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. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. Here Are 15 of the Best New Family-Friendly Cruises to Take in 2020", "Disney amps up European river cruise options", "AmaWaterways to Offer Solo Traveler Promotion", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=AmaWaterways&oldid=1092108243, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 June 2022, at 06:40. Number of Ships: 24. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. 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. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. 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. Another perk is that the line offers multiple pace levels of walking tours gentle, regular and active. Using the example of Rudesheim, Germany, Karst told Avid Cruiser that AmaWaterways typically would offer a choice of a gondola ride to the monument overlooking the Rhine followed by included wine tasting a hike through the areas vineyards a guided bike tour an evening visit to taste the famous Rudesheimer Kaffee, an alcoholic coffee drink or a tour of Siegfrieds Mechanical Music Cabinet, a museum with an amazing array of historical automated instruments musical. 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. Ocean cruisers whove wanted to try a river cruise but have been afraid of feeling too confined will likely find AmaMagna more to their taste. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. I am very picky about my coffee. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. Guests will enjoy a variety of experiences exclusive to this special itinerary, such as guided tours showcasing jazz, food and wine, all while shining a light on Black heritage. 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. This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. Visit our FAQs page, learn more about river cruising with AmaWaterways, contact your preferred travel advisor or call us at 1.800.626.0126. 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. Hello! What You Need to Know. 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. 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. Why? Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. 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. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. 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. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. "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? AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. This website uses cookies. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. 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. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. Everything is taken care of with no worries. Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros.