When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. 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. She frequently sails seven-night itineraries between Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland, sailing through Germanys scenic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with castles. I will book all future trips with only her. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Select itineraries, such as our Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain sailings, also include a select number of meals on shore. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Visit our FAQs page, learn more about river cruising with AmaWaterways, contact your preferred travel advisor or call us at 1.800.626.0126. 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. 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. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. 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. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. What You Need to Know. What Makes AmaWaterways Different? - River Cruise Advisor 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! These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. Uniworld tends to put more focus on guided tours and daytime entertainment at various destinations. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. All meals are included on AmaSiena. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. 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. This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. 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. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com 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. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. ", "Vacationing With Kids? We chose the Black Sea Voyage since their AmaPrima ship, which was built in 2013, has 82 cabins that can hold a total of 162 passengers. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. 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. We hope to see you on board soon! AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Both lines also offer specialized cruises. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. That said, neither cruise line is actually geared toward families, so if your children are always looking for something new to do, you may want to consider alternative options. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, 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. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? Those looking to get their hearts pumping might choose an active tour, which could include a little more mileage or climbs up stairs or other steep inclines, or the pace might simply be slightly faster. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. 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. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. 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. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. While most river companies offer just one basic excursion, AmaWaterways has choices for extras including culinary choices and more adventurous offerings such as escorted bike trips. 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 . 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. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. So how do you decide? River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. Everything is taken care of with no worries. 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. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. 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. 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. Just be sure to check your Daily Cruiser onboard newsletter to ensure you are back on board the ship before it departs for the next port. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. 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. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. You will find a selection of tea and coffee available throughout the day, the main lounge has a coffee machine, fresh iced water and biscuits. We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. 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. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. 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. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. Bring a raincoat and warm sweater for chilly evenings, especially in the spring and fall, and warmer clothing and a heavy coat for winter cruises. Your email address will not be published. In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. 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Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. Both AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer Christmas cruises of the markets in Europe. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. 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). Another perk is that the line offers multiple pace levels of walking tours gentle, regular and active. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. 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. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? 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. Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. 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. AmaWaterways - 24 Reviews - TourRadar 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! Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Passengers are treated to a multicourse meal with unlimited premium wine, paired to the courses. We also encourage you to visit some of the local coffee shops ashore. the differences between ocean and river cruising. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? 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 . Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. Budapest illuminated at night. 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. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. All the restaurants were great. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. While jackets for men and cocktail dresses for ladies are recommended for a few special nights at dinner , you most likely wont be stopped at the door if youre not wearing those. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. AmaWaterways' AmaSiena: A Complete Ship Guide - TripSavvy We look forward to working with you again! In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. 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. 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. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. 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. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? 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. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. The closet and drawers were roomy. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Steinman emphasizes that these wine cruises have all the tours that would be available on a regular cruise, yet guests also can enjoy special wine tastings, wine pairings and interaction with a special wine host. Bed configuration for both lines is flexible: Two twins can be combined into one king. Hello! [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So, yes, you should bring a book. An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Sandi Barrett 2. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. Booking your first river cruise? As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. 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. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. Trips And Excursions On An AmaWaterways River Cruise, WIFI Throughout Your AmaWaterways River Cruise. Top FAQs for First-Time River Cruisers - AmaWaterways 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. 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. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. 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. Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. I am very picky about my coffee. Heres what you need to know. [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. For trips that require transport, that was also provided. 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. (Probably Overrated). The next deck is the Cello Deck, home to staterooms and the main restaurant, followed by the Violin deck, with more staterooms, reception, the lounge, a gift shop, and the Chefs Table restaurant. 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. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. 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. At a glance. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. Where to Eat and Drink . Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. 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. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. AmaWaterways is very much a luxury river cruise line operating in the more premium area, and their ships, service and the quality of what they offer is very highly rated. Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. At night, the Aquavit Terrace serves a set menu that can be enjoyed as often as you'd like throughout your cruise. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. River cruise drinks packages: Riviera Travel, Viking, Emerald Waterways 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. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable.