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. 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. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? 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. Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. AmaWaterways - Ships and Itineraries 2023, 2024, 2025 - CruiseMapper 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. An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. Lisa Long, owner of Luxury Vacations LLC, an independent travel agency in the Avoya Network, Marietta, GA, sells many river cruises and from her perspective, I would classify AmaWaterways as a luxury river cruise experience with a warm and friendly staff and excellent food. Both lines offer concierge services, books to borrow on topics like history or tourism, comfortable bars for drinks and dancing and top-deck walking tracks and giant chess boards. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. 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. 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. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 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. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. While some other major river cruise lines have eliminated their onboard bikes or charge a fee to rent them ashore, AmaWaterways for maintains a fleet of bikes on every European vessel. More excursions offered than any other company. Bikers are required to wear helmets. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. In addition, AmaWaterways river cruises offer complimentary guided bicycle tours in at least two ports on every seven-night itinerary along the Rhine, Main, Danube and Rhne rivers. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. AmaWaterways Deck plans AmaDahlia Current cruise: 7 days, round-trip Secrets of Egypt the Nile APT River Cruises Itineraries Deck plans Travelmarvel Polaris Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Vega Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Capella AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. You are the best. How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. Backroads even provides the high-end bikes for these sailings, set up for each person ahead of time based on factors like height, weight and cycling style. 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. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. 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. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. AmaWaterways' river cruise offerings include the Main River, Moselle River, Rhne River, Douro River, Dutch and Belgium Waterways, Saone River, Seine River, Dordogne, and Garonne Rivers, Mekong River, Nile River, and Magdalena River. I will book all future trips with only her. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. Learn how your comment data is processed. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. Here is a taste of what you can enjoy when you choose to add a 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. Yes! River cruising is a relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel where you can enjoy ever-changing scenery along the banks of waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Volga and Yangtze. We hope to see you on board soon! Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. 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. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? AmaWaterways has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. We stayed in one of the suites and it was absolutely beautiful! Budapest illuminated at night. Hello! All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). 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. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. Thanks so much Cheryl! 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. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. 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. .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}AmaWaterways and Viking are similarly priced across all cabin categories, from the lowest on up to the suites, and both offer comparable inclusions. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. The suites are extremely spacious great for passengers who want larger accommodations, adds Steinman, noting that even lower deck cabins are 200 plus square feet. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? 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. These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise 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. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. What's Included On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? At least one complimentary shore excursion in every port, Interactive entertainment on-demand system in staterooms and suites, Gratuities onboard and on shore excursions, Select complimentary shore excursions in every port, Interactive entertainment system with complimentary movies in cabins, Wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner, complimentary coffee, tea and bottled water throughout, At least one shore excursion in each port, Interactive television system with complimentary movies in cabins and suites, Two glasses of wine, beer or soda at dinner, In-room entertainment system with complimentary movies, Complimentary hotel stays or land extensions on select itineraries, All alcoholic drinks, sodas, specialty coffees, teas, and water, Complementary specialty dining venue on select ships, Gratuities ashore on shore excursions for guides and drivers, Special, private Tauck-exclusive events, such as dinner in a castle, In-room television system with complimentary movies, Wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, Special events, such as dinner in a castle (mostly on theme cruises), Complimentary coffee, tea and water; juice at breakfast, At least one shore excursions in every port, Alternative restaurant with lighter meals, Beer, wine and soda at lunch and dinner; complimentary coffee, teas and water throughout, At least one shore excursion in every port, Interactive entertainment system in all cabins with complimentary movies. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? As most of your daylight hoursand sometimes evening hourswill be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. AmaWaterways on Twitter: "Our land packages include some of the most For trips that require transport, that was also provided. 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. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. 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!". Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. Where to Eat and Drink . 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. 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 You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. 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. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). 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. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. [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. AmaWaterways - 24 Reviews - TourRadar in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. A not-to-be-missed performer. 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. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! AmaWaterways | Cruise Deals, Itineraries & Packages | Avoya Travel 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. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. Our land packages include some of the most amazing destinations pre- and/or post-cruise but, what's included? It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. 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. Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. 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. Top FAQs for First-Time River Cruisers - AmaWaterways She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. AmaWaterways' Revolutionary Ship, AmaMagna, Welcomes First Guests On Despite being different its equally wonderful. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. Most of our ships in Europe include a fleet of complimentary bikes for you to use on our guided bike tours or for your individual exploration ashore. All business is transacted under VAT Number: 246 2003 43, AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, GERMANY, HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA, AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, GERMANY, HUNGARY, AUSTRIA, BULGARIA, CROATIA, HUNGARY, ROMANIA, SERBIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, FRANCE, GERMANY, LUXEMBOURG, CZECH REPUBLIC, FRANCE, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA, GERMANY, HUNGARY, NETHERLANDS, SLOVAKIA, AUSTRIA, BULGARIA, CROATIA, GERMANY, HUNGARY, ROMANIA, SERBIA, SLOVAKIA, BULGARIA, CROATIA, HUNGARY, ROMANIA, SERBIA, FRANCE, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, LUXEMBOURG, AUSTRIA, SLOVAKIA, HUNGARY, CROATIA, SERBIA, BULGARIA, ROMANIA, FRANCE, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, LUXEMBOURG, AUSTRIA, SLOVAKIA, HUNGARY, CROATIA, SERBIA, BULGARIA, ROMANIA, MOLDOVA, BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA, SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE, BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA, SOUTH AFRICA, TANZANIA, ZIMBABWE, FRANCE, GERMANY, THE NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, SWITZERLAND, LUXEMBOURG, CZECH REPUBLIC, AUSTRIA, SLOVAKIA, HUNGARY, CROATIA, SERBIA, ROMANIA, BULGARIA, MOLDOVA, CZECH REPUBLIC, FRANCE, GERMANY, LUXEMBOURG, SWITZERLAND, With Emmy-winning Travel Expert Samantha Brown. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023 AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. Prague Add-on for AmaWaterways Worth it? - River Cruising - Cruise Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. [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]. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. AMA Waterways Profile [2023] - 39 reviews, 26 trips - Travelstride Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. 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). When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. For more helpful information by destination, click here. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. 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. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. 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. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. 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