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. The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. We hope to see you on board soon! Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. 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. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. The Shore Excursions. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. The building design is classy and quality. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. 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. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. Europe can be quite warm in the summer, so short sleeve shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses and a wide-brimmed hat are good items to pack. They have a larger variety of ship sizes than Uniworld, with the AmaDahlia holding 72 passengers and the AmaMagna holding 196. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. 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. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. 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. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023, 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Hello! Uniworld also offers a range of onboard activities, including swimming pools, leisure centers and gyms, libraries, and beautiful sun decks to lounge on. 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. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. Theyre all exterior cabins decorated in the ships signature red-and-gray color palette, equipped with hairdryers, safes, telephones, TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, a desk and chair, and a (somewhat cramped) en-suite bathroom with a shower. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. 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. Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. 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. 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. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. 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. 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). Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. 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. Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. 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. 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. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. It feels very close to all-inclusive. We stayed in one of the suites and it was absolutely beautiful! We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. Although it is considered a more moderately priced line, Emerald offers a fair number of inclusions (see below), primarily because many of its travelers are Australian (and prefer fares to be more bundled than a la carte). Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. Bikers are required to wear helmets. 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. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. [1] History[ edit] The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. Courtesy of AmaWaterways. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. 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 Light bites are served throughout the day in the lounge; there are pastries for early or late risers who miss breakfast, tapas for lunch, afternoon tea, a Sip & Sail cocktail hour (alcoholic beverages are complimentary), and a late-night snack served at 10:30 p.m. You can also access a complimentary coffee station here 24/7. As part of a history-making partnership, Ancestry and AmaWaterways are combining our shared passions for family, heritage and travel to offer guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to uncover their family history while cruising along Europes legendary rivers. Thank you! The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! 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). AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. 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! AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. AmaWaterways River Cruise Tips - Tips For Travellers 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. These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? 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. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. 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. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. 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; Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. Our exclusive Concierge Golf Programme includes 7 nights onboard one of the highest rated ships in Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, a choice of excursions in every port and our unique Twin Balconies, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent. These included spacious staterooms with French balconies (sliding doors with railings) or Twin balconies, glass elevators, plush robes and luxury bedding, marble bathrooms, complimentary Internet, Wi-Fi access and Infotainment Systems; the newer vessels have heated swimming pools with swim-up bars. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. A not-to-be-missed performer. Both cruise lines are all-inclusive and provide excellent service, meaning that no matter which one you choose, it is guaranteed to be worth the money. 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." Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? 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. 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. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. 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. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. 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. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. More of what makes AmaWaterways different: Spacious river view staterooms and suites range from 160 square feet to 710 square feet and most include the revolutionary signature twin balconiesa French balcony and a full outside balcony. Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . Even at the lowest level, Viking's cabins include exceptional storage space, with lots of drawers and underbed space for storing suitcases. 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. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. "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? River cruise dining shows what the little guys can do 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. What Is Included In Amawaterways Cruises - CruiseInfoClub.com Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. On very select rivers and itineraries, the Personal Audio Device we use for shore excursions can also be used for your individual exploration, as pre-recorded commentary may play, based on your current GPS location. 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. 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). For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at
AmaWaterways Drinks Guide - Cruise Lifestyle Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. While most river cruise lines, including Viking, can accommodate dietary restrictions, AmaWaterways stands out because of its clear labeling of all foods, identifying those that are gluten-free, sugar-free, low-calorie or include common allergens, such as nuts or soy. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. At a glance. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. 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. 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. There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. 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. Like Viking's Longships, most of AmaWaterways' European ships are 443 feet long, the maximum length to make it through the lock systems on Rhine and Danube cruises. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises | Cruise Critic 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. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. Five Ama ships -- AmaViola, AmaStella, AmaLea, AmaKristina and AmaMora -- also include several cabins that can accommodate three or four people (with a king-size bed along with a chair that converts into a twin bed). My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. Your email address will not be published. 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. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. You can also venture off without officially joining an excursionbicycles are available to borrow any time the ship is docked, and you can always use your own feet or a taxi to get around. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. While many river lines showcase local wines from the region of sailing, AmaWaterways does that but it also has offers dedicated Wine Cruises 67 such themed cruises in 2020. We will be happy to provide you with a map of each port at our reception desk, and you will find the citys highlights marked. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? 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. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. We never once had a WiFi issue, the service was so quick. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. (Probably Overrated). Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. Did you know that a select few of our amazing land packages are How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. Sandi Barrett 2. AmaWaterways Cruises AMA - CruiseCompete Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. Thanks so much Cheryl! What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. What's Included On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. 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. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. 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 Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. 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. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. 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. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. For more helpful information by destination, click here. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. 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. 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.