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. Learn how your comment data is processed. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . Number of Ships: 24. What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. 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. 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. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. At a glance. What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. So, yes, you should bring a book. We look forward to working with you again! If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? If you dont plan on spending much time in your room, these categories will do just fine, but be forewarnedpart of the fun of the Rhine itineraries is sitting outside watching the castles and locks go by. Everything is taken care of with no worries. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023, 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. It serves an ever-changing menu inspired mainly by local cuisinethink semmelkndel, or bread dumplings, while sailing through Germany might be paired with a local beer or wine . Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. 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. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! 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. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. 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. For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . 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. Exclusively available on board the AmaMagna, the Zen Wellness Studio also includes outdoor spin bikes, two massage rooms, a hair and nail salon, juice bar and a small selection of child-size bicycles to use on shore. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. AmaWaterways Deck plans AmaDahlia Current cruise: 7 days, round-trip Secrets of Egypt the Nile APT River Cruises Itineraries Deck plans Travelmarvel Polaris Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Vega Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Capella AmaWaterways will offer pre-cruise packages in both Medellin (2 nights) and Cartagena (3 nights), which can be combined, and a 3-night Panama City package post-cruise that will include a visit to the Panama Canal. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Weve curated a list of questions submitted by first-time river cruisers to give you a better picture of the unparalleled experiences youll have while sailing with us. 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. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. 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 four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. We stayed at the Dreams Resort & Spa in La Romana, Dominican Republic and it was perfect for our family reunion of our former foreign exchange students. Some river cruise operators include wine, beer and soft drinks only with lunch and dinner while others include unlimited drinks, served at your discretion throughout the cruise! 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. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) 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." Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. 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. 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. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. ", "Vacationing With Kids? It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. Carving out a niche in the upscale segment of the river cruise industry, AmaWaterways is luxurious in many ways, yet with a contemporary, comfortable vibe. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Our land packages include some of the most amazing destinations pre- and/or post-cruise but, what's included? Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. If theyre able to keep themselves entertained, enjoy traveling and seeing the sights, and are happy with a good dip in the onboard pool, then both AmaWaterways and Uniworld are excellent choices. "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? Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. The Shore Excursions. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. The greeters was great! Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. 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. When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Here are my 17 reasons to go on a Lower Danube river cruise with AmaWaterways: Note: Tips are not included for the guides and bus drivers so do remember to bring some small bills. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. 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. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. 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. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? 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 covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. This beach is gorgeous. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. 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. About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. 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. [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. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets, Treasures of the Main & Rhine (Christmas), Majestic Capitals of the Danube (Christmas), Colors of Provence Soulful Epicurean Experience, A Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Secrets of Egypt and the Nile Epicurean Experience. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. 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. 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! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Yes! Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. Here's what I thought. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. 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 Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. As a high-end river cruise line, you'll find an awful lot included in your cruise, including: Unlimited fine wines, sparkling wines, premium spirits and beers on-board; Welcome bottle of sparkling wine and two bottles of wine in-suite; 24-hour self service venue offering tea, coffee, wines and non-alcoholic beverages; The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). Debuting in 2023 for the first time ever, our unforgettable Seven River Journeys will forever mark their place in history as the longest and most epic river cruises. For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. 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 is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. 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. 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. AmaWaterways has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. For more helpful information by destination, click here. The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. No matter which company or type of cabin you choose, however, youre sure to enter a world of luxury as soon as you step on board. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. How? Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? 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. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. 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.