Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). As most of your daylight hoursand sometimes evening hourswill be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. 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! Began as a tour group operating in Europe. 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. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. 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. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. 1.3K views, 16 likes, 15 comments, 4 shares, Facebook Reels from AmaWaterways: Did you know that a select few of our amazing land packages are complimentary if you reserve before March 31st, 2023?. If youre not sure about a river cruise and want to investigate ocean cruise lines, you might be interested in these articles: Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian, Carnival Cruise vs Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity, Are Viking Cruises Adults Only, and Royal Caribbean vs. Princess. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. 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. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. Selected drinks are included at meal times on the following cruise lines: AmaWaterways Fully-inclusive river cruises Fully inclusive means that selected drinks such as beer and wine are included at meal times only. When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. AmaWaterways' Seven River Journey Through Europe is scheduled to set sail on June 1, 2023, with prices starting at $25,999 per passenger. Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. There is a cancellation fee of $100 payable on sailings cancelled 121 days or more before the sailing date, which increases on a sliding scale closer to the departure. 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 lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. AmaWaterways' river cruise offerings include the Main River, Moselle River, Rhne River, Douro River, Dutch and Belgium Waterways, Saone River, Seine River, Dordogne, and Garonne Rivers, Mekong River, Nile River, and Magdalena River. Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. Still have questions? Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. 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. The greeters was great! Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. 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. Thanks so much Cheryl! ", "Vacationing With Kids? Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Hello! .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 small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. 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. Your email address will not be published. Definitely coming back. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? With river cruise ships being so small, there isnt much space for onboard activities, but they certainly offer enough to keep you entertained while youre on the water. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. 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." Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. 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. 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. [4], AmaWaterways cruise ships ply a number of rivers in Europe, including the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro,[2] Moselle, Main,[5] Garonne,[6] and Rhne. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. AmaWaterways boats feature small (one-room) spas, where moderately priced massages are offered, and salons along with fitness centers, which are moderately used. All meals are included in your fare. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. Bring a raincoat and warm sweater for chilly evenings, especially in the spring and fall, and warmer clothing and a heavy coat for winter cruises. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. Here's what I thought. Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. 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. Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. 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. [9][2][10], The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023, 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. 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. [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]. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. 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. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. Neither includes gratuities for crew or tour guides.. AmaWaterways suggests 100 euros per person per seven-night cruise (120 euros on AmaMagna), with an additional 25 euros per week-long sailing for the cruise manager. If you are unsure as to what you would like to do, the company is also available to fully plan your trip, leaving you with a relaxing experience packed with potential. 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. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. On a moving ship? An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. 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. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. 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 (of course, if you don't drink, you might feel annoyed at having to pay for all your fellow passengers getting their glasses topped off). Both lines also offer specialized cruises. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. With both lines, exotic itineraries in Asia Africa often combine longer land tours with time on the rivers. Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. 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. How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. Trips And Excursions On An AmaWaterways River Cruise, WIFI Throughout Your AmaWaterways River Cruise. 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. What You Need to Know. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. 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. 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. About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. Learn how your comment data is processed. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. 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. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! 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. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. We never once had a WiFi issue, the service was so quick. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. 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. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Viking also has an impressive lineup of partners, including Masterpiece Theatre, so passengers could elect to visit Highclere Castle, where "Downton Abbey" was shot, and get behind-the-scenes exclusive access as part of a cruise land extension for Paris and Normandy cruises. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Booking your first river cruise? As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. 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. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. 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. I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. the differences between ocean and river cruising. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. More excursions offered than any other company. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? Get expert advice, insider tips and more. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. 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. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. Read on for a comparison of AmaWaterways vs. Uniworld, including their ships, itineraries, activities and entertainment, price range, and more, so that you can decide which river cruise line is best for you. Bikers are required to wear helmets. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. All the restaurants were great. Learn how your comment data is processed. The only things that appear to be included in AMA's package is 1) $110 transfers boat to hotel; 2) 2 nights hotel; and 3) 1/2 day city tour. As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. 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. Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. 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. 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. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? The next deck is the Cello Deck, home to staterooms and the main restaurant, followed by the Violin deck, with more staterooms, reception, the lounge, a gift shop, and the Chefs Table restaurant. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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!". 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. This website uses cookies. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. Number of Ships: 24. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever Soulful Epicurean Experience on the Rhne River in 2023, we are delighted to announce two new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2024. The voyage includes meals, beverages, shore excursions, Wi . The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. I already referred a couple of my friends to book a vacation with Ultimate Travel and planning on contacting Eric soon to book our next trip, this time with our kids just trying to decide were to go next. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. 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. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. On some days, guests have a choice of excursions to different towns in different countries, so its best to do a little research before making your selectionyou often will only have time for one, as theyre usually a bus ride away.