[7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. One of the best extras with AmaWaterways is that they have a choice of excursions in most ports at no extra charge, says travel advisor Candie Steinman, franchise owner, Dream Vacations, Fort Myers, FL. 3 Meals A Day Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. We are pleased to offer guests the opportunity to experience Floriade in 2022 while sailing along the Rhine River and Dutch and Belgian Waterways between April 14 and October 9. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. AmaWaterways | Panache Cruises 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. Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. The greeters was great! Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). We hope to see you on board soon! Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Viking Cruises started with a fleet of four ships from Russia and has expanded to operating a fleet of more than 60 vessels on three continents. AmaWaterways Cruises - Travel Weekly They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. 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? As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. AmaWaterways: A Guide to European River Cruises - Every Avenue Travel I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. I am very picky about my coffee. [8], To attract families with younger children, AmaWaterways partnered with Adventures by Disney to create Disney-themed cruises that feature the Christmas markets in cities on the Danube and Rhine rivers, among others. The closet and drawers were roomy. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. Despite being different its equally wonderful. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. AmaWaterways' AmaSiena: A Complete Ship Guide - TripSavvy 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. 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. Yes! This website uses cookies. in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises | Cruise Critic Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. 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. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? Thank you! 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. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. 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. 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. Another perk is that the line offers multiple pace levels of walking tours gentle, regular and active. Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. 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. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. River cruise dining shows what the little guys can do What's Included On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. Did you know that a select few of our amazing land packages are Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. Contact. Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. Now that you have an idea of what Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer, lets take a look at the similarities and differences of Uniworld vs. Ama 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. 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. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. All Rights Reserved. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. 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. 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. If you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. A not-to-be-missed performer. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. 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. 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. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023 They have a larger variety of ship sizes than Uniworld, with the AmaDahlia holding 72 passengers and the AmaMagna holding 196. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. 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. 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. 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. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. 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! This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. More excursions offered than any other company. 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. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. The suites are extremely spacious great for passengers who want larger accommodations, adds Steinman, noting that even lower deck cabins are 200 plus square feet. Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. Bikers are required to wear helmets. Fully-inclusive river cruises Fully inclusive means that selected drinks such as beer and wine are included at meal times only. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. 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. For more helpful information by destination, click here. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. What You Need to Know. The building design is classy and quality. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. 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. As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". So, yes, you should bring a book. 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. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. AmaWaterways has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. 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. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) Cabin categories for Viking and AmaWaterways are pretty similar and vary from a standard riverview cabin with small windows all the way to suites with French and walk-out balconies. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. 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. Booking your first river cruise? 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. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. To truly make your vacation, Uniworld ships have a great selection of gourmet restaurants and elegant bars. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? How? Am I missing something? Learn how your comment data is processed. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. 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. 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. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. River cruise lines with European owners, such as CroisiEurope and A-Rosa, tend to be the most a la carte. 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. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. Why? Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. AmaWaterways - Ships and Itineraries 2023, 2024, 2025 - CruiseMapper Everything is taken care of with no worries. 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). Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. 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. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. 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." Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. 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). At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. Thanks so much Cheryl! 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. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Depart From Norfolk Va. AmaWaterways opened the ODA Free Village English School in the province of Siem Reap, Cambodia in association with ODA the Orphans and Disabled Arts Association. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. On a moving ship? some of the leading championship courses on the continent. You May Like: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! 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.