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. Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. 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. How? After pandemic-induced delays, family-owned river cruise line AmaWaterways had a big year in 2021, debuting three new ships to its international fleet, including the AmaSiena, sister to the AmaLea and AmaKristina, which was christened on Europes Rhine River in August 2021. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). 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. Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". All meals are included on AmaSiena. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. So how do you decide? It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. Are drinks included on Uniworld? I will book all future trips with only her. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. 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. 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. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? 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. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. 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 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? 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. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. Am I missing something? Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. 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. 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). If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? 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. Our Reception Desk staff and additional crew will be happy to offer their suggestions, though part of the fun of exploring ports is stumbling upon a unique find yourself! Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. 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. 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. It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Learn how your comment data is processed. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. Booking your first river cruise? Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 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. 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. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . Where to Eat and Drink . 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. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. The four 350-square-foot suites have separate living and sleeping spaces, the former of which has a pull-out sofa that can accommodate two extra guests. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. The only slight difference is that with AmaWaterways placing emphasis on their excellent onboard evening entertainment and unlimited premium spirits, it makes a better choice for those who like to enjoy the nightlife onboard the ships. Thank you! 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. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. 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. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. 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. 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. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. Do I need formal attire? She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. 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. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. 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. However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. 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. 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. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. 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. Known for their European heritage and pioneering spirit, AmaWaterways leads the industry in innovation, highlighted by the announcement of their history-making 45- and 46-night Seven River Journeys, their new Heritage on the River experiences in partnership with Ancestry, and launching a new river cruise destination and eco-friendly ship on 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. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. Our land packages include some of the most amazing destinations pre- and/or post-cruise but, what's included? You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. These requirements,as mandated by airlines and individual countries or regions, may change without notice and cancellation fees will apply should guests no longer meet the country entry requirements for their cruise or land program. You May Like: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al. 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!". 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. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. The great news is that you can do as many or little excursions are you want, dipping in and out of trips is a huge benefit. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. Uniworld tends to put more focus on guided tours and daytime entertainment at various destinations. 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. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. 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. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. 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. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. While our fitness rooms vary from ship to ship, they will typically include a treadmill, elliptical machine or spin bike, as well as an assortment of free weights. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. ", "Vacationing With Kids? You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. All meals are included in your fare. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. 14 Days - Travel to Medellin and return from Panama City, 16 Days - Travel to Medellin and return from Panama City, AmaWaterways Ltd | Abbots Place Suite B | Walnut Tree Close | Guildford | GU1 4RW. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. 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 . 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. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. Why? Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If youre looking for honeymoon cruise options, you may want to check out our article 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. 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. 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. Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway.
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