You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. The Bottom Line: Which River Cruise Line is Right for You. Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. 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. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. I am very picky about my coffee. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. 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. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. With both lines, exotic itineraries in Asia Africa often combine longer land tours with time on the rivers. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here 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. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. Trips And Excursions On An AmaWaterways River Cruise, WIFI Throughout Your AmaWaterways River Cruise. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. 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. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. 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. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? 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. 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. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? Am I missing something? She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. I will book all future trips with only her. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. Here's what I thought. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Elbe River Cruise Ships Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild, The 8 Best Cruises for Solo Travelers of 2023, Carnival Magic - Cruise Ship Photo Tour and Profile, This 49-Night European River Cruise Is Open to Book for 2024, The Worlds Longest River Cruise Itinerary Was Just Announced, A Three-Story Racetrack, Food Hall, and Infinity Pools: Inside the Norwegian Prima, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 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. Absolutely not! These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. AmaWaterways has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. Why? What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. 3 Meals A Day More excursions offered than any other company. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. All guests traveling with AmaWaterways remain responsible for ensuring they meet the travel entry requirements for each country they plan to visit before, during or after their river cruise. 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. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. 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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. 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 . An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. 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. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. At a glance. These excursions generally are limited to small groups and take you into smaller venues or provide immersive experiences that expose passengers to a port's culture and tradition on a deeper, often hands-on, level. The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. Your cruise fare on both will include at least one shore excursion in each port; wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner; all onboard meals; Wi-Fi; and cultural enrichment. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. 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. 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. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. [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. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. 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. 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! 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. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. Bed configuration for both lines is flexible: Two twins can be combined into one king. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. 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. For more helpful information by destination, click here. 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? Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. 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. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. some of the leading championship courses on the continent. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). 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. Included in the fares of our featured AmaWaterways river cruises are shore excursions in every port of call all dining on board fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner internet access and Wi-Fi and bicycles that you can use to explore on your own or join our guided bike tours. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". On a moving ship? [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. 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. As most of your daylight hoursand sometimes evening hourswill be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. Do I need formal attire? Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. The closet and drawers were roomy. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. So how do you decide? Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. During our complimentary onboard wellness activities, yoga mats and other equipment such as resistance bands will be available and will be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Your email address will not be published. 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. What You Need to Know. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. 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. 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). Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. Heres what you need to know. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. 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. The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. Once at your destination, you can speak with your guide about going off solojust make sure you dont miss the ride back to the ship. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. 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. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. Each month, I love to share with you my thoughts, personal stories, travel tips and latest news on the people and places that help turn every mile of our guests' river cruise experience into one of their most cherished memories!". Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). How? We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? ", "Vacationing With Kids? 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. 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. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. 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. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. 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. Everything is taken care of with no worries. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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). All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. AmaWaterways is a wonderful pick for passengers who want to be active or travel with children as well as those who want more amenities onboard.