While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). 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. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. Bikers are required to wear helmets. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. 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. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. If you dont plan on spending much time in your room, these categories will do just fine, but be forewarnedpart of the fun of the Rhine itineraries is sitting outside watching the castles and locks go by. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. 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. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. We invite you to take one of our European river cruises, Asia river cruises, or Africa river cruises and see the world in luxury and comfort. We are pleased to offer guests the opportunity to experience Floriade in 2022 while sailing along the Rhine River and Dutch and Belgian Waterways between April 14 and October 9. The ships spacious two-level lounge has plenty of comfortable seating areas, a bar, dance floor, space for entertainers, a lower level library with an electric fireplace and a door that opens to reveal a movie theater. [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. 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. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. 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. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. Most of the public areas are forward of or just behind the central atrium, which houses the elevators, though the Chefs Table, which is all the way aft. Both AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer Christmas cruises of the markets in Europe. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. 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! 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). One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. [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. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. 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. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. The AmaSienas home river is the Rhine in Europe. At night, the Aquavit Terrace serves a set menu that can be enjoyed as often as you'd like throughout your cruise. Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. The What to Expect on a River Cruise series is a resource guide, written by Cruise Critic editors and contributors, where we answer the most common questions about river cruises, including dining, cabins and suites, service and onboard activities. The voyage includes meals, beverages, shore excursions, Wi . These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. 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 has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. 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. ", "Vacationing With Kids? [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Depart From Norfolk Va. AmaWaterways opened the ODA Free Village English School in the province of Siem Reap, Cambodia in association with ODA the Orphans and Disabled Arts Association. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Bed configuration for both lines is flexible: Two twins can be combined into one king. There was no detail that she missed. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. We stayed in one of the suites and it was absolutely beautiful! On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. Selected drinks are included at meal times on the following cruise lines: AmaWaterways Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). 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 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! Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. Everything is taken care of with no worries. Booking your first river cruise? In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. 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 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). "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? But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) 3 Meals A Day The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. Why? 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. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. 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. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . It feels very close to all-inclusive. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. All meals are included in your fare. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. To truly make your vacation, Uniworld ships have a great selection of gourmet restaurants and elegant bars. See what 1 line just announced for 2024, Why a Douro River cruise may be the perfect friends group getaway, Demand for cruises on small ships jumps in wake of COVID pandemic. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. 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. Both itineraries are open for sale now, with Karst encouraging the audience of the 'Sip & Sail' event to "contact your travel . 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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. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! 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. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. 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? While we offer a wide variety of included excursions to suit your individual interests and encourage you to join us, you are of course welcome to explore on your own. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. Number of Ships: 24. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? Courtesy of AmaWaterways. 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. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. We really enjoyed Finest for our Destination Wedding and would highly recommend it as a wedding or vacation destination! Our ships also move along at a gentle pace and you can always see land on both sides of the river, removing any additional anxiety for those who may feel stranded out on the open water. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. For trips that require transport, that was also provided. Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. 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. That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? 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. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. A not-to-be-missed performer. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. 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. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. 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. Guests will enjoy a variety of experiences exclusive to this special itinerary, such as guided tours showcasing jazz, food and wine, all while shining a light on Black heritage. The building design is classy and quality. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever Soulful Epicurean Experience on the Rhne River in 2023, we are delighted to announce two new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2024. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. 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. The closet and drawers were roomy. At a glance. 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. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? 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. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? 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. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. If youre looking for honeymoon cruise options, you may want to check out our article 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? She is awesome!!! Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Am I missing something? 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. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. Absolutely not! Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. 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. 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. 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. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. On some days, guests have a choice of excursions to different towns in different countries, so its best to do a little research before making your selectionyou often will only have time for one, as theyre usually a bus ride away. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. 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. Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation onboard a river cruise but dont know which company to travel with? I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. 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. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. 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.

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