[8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. 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. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. 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. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. What Is Included In Amawaterways Cruises - CruiseInfoClub.com But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. 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; We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. 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. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. Thanks so much Cheryl! In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. Booking your first river cruise? AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. 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. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. The What to Expect on a River Cruise series is a resource guide, written by Cruise Critic editors and contributors, where we answer the most common questions about river cruises, including dining, cabins and suites, service and onboard activities. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. 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. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. Do I need formal attire? Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? some of the leading championship courses on the continent. 13 Night Captivating Rhine from Amsterdam November 23, 2023 AMA 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. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. 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. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. 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. 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. 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. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. All meals are included on AmaSiena. AmaWaterways Cruises AMA - CruiseCompete At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. Still have questions? [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. 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. What's included in a river cruise? - RiverVoyages.com 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. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. We look forward to working with you again! 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. 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 Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. 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 has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. 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. So how do you decide? And as with most European river cruises, the demographic skews towards older couples with a moderate activity level (many guests take advantage of the complimentary bicycles available at every port, for instance). When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. 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 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. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. A not-to-be-missed performer. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. Did you know that a select few of our amazing land packages are AmaWaterways' AmaSiena: A Complete Ship Guide - TripSavvy 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. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises | Cruise Critic You are the best. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. Absolutely not! Selected drinks are included at meal times on the following cruise lines: AmaWaterways Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. Top FAQs for First-Time River Cruisers - AmaWaterways When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. 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. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. 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. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". There is an up-charge for this optional tour but its a MUST-SEE experience. 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. Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. It feels very close to all-inclusive. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. 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. Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. 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. [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. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. Prague Add-on for AmaWaterways Worth it? - River Cruising - Cruise 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. 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. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Rhne with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. Here is a taste of what you can enjoy when you choose to add a incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. For more helpful information by destination, click here. 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. 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. At every stop, theres almost always a general walking tour (guests can choose their activity level: active, regular, or gentle), as well as specialty options like beer or wine tastings, hikes and bike tours, or unique visits to museums. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? 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. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. 2024 Seven River Journeys Spring - What's Included [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. 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. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. The AmaSienas home river is the Rhine in Europe. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. Sandi Barrett 2. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail the Douro River in Portugal and the Elbe River in France, which runs through Germany and the Czech Republic. AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. 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). ", "Vacationing With Kids? [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]. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. AmaWaterways on Twitter: "Our land packages include some of the most Yes! With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. 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. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. 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. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. 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. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails.