They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. 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? Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! 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. Discover local culture and sights on included tours, and then hop back on your luxurious river cruise ship and sail to the next stunning city or charming town. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. 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. Viking Cruises started with a fleet of four ships from Russia and has expanded to operating a fleet of more than 60 vessels on three continents. All meals are included on AmaSiena. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just [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. 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). that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. 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. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. 13 Night Captivating Rhine from Amsterdam November 23, 2023 AMA Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. Prague Add-on for AmaWaterways Worth it? - River Cruising - Cruise [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. You can also venture off without officially joining an excursionbicycles are available to borrow any time the ship is docked, and you can always use your own feet or a taxi to get around. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. 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. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. We stayed in one of the suites and it was absolutely beautiful! What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? What You Need to Know. Explore Danube River on two wheels with AmaWaterways included onboard bicycles, How Much Are Drinks On Viking River Cruises, Where Do Viking River Cruises Dock In Amsterdam, How To Get Off Viking Cruises Mailing List, Where Do River Cruise Ships Dock In Basel Switzerland, Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip, 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, Which Is The Best River Cruise Company In Europe, Who Has The Best Alaska Land And Sea Cruises, Indoor glass-walled observation lounge at the front of the ship, Three meals a day and group shore tours included. 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. 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. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? 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. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. [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]. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. 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. 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. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. 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. The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. Another perk is that the line offers multiple pace levels of walking tours gentle, regular and active. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. 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. 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. 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. 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. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. 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. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. "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? Began as a tour group operating in Europe. There is more than enough to keep you entertained while onboard, especially since on river cruises you typically spend much of your time at various destinations. 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. 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. 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. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the iconic Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf. 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. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . (Probably Overrated). AmaWaterways Cruises - Travel Weekly Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. 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. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. 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. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. 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. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences Through financial support to the school, AmaWaterways sponsorship brings English-language skills to local children of grammar-school age to help improve their lives and assist with subsequent employment opportunities. But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. AmaWaterways boats feature small (one-room) spas, where moderately priced massages are offered, and salons along with fitness centers, which are moderately used. When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. And there are plenty of locks. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? 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. 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. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. Learn how your comment data is processed. AmaWaterways: A Guide to European River Cruises - Every Avenue Travel 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. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. 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. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. 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. On Uniworld ships, you will enjoy a 5-star all-inclusive experience, inclusive of fine wines, premium spirits, and every meal on board, as well as onshore excursions, access to the fitness center and wellness classes, all gratuities, and airport transfers. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. AmaWaterways - 24 Reviews - TourRadar If cancellation is made 121 days or more from the sailing 50 percent of the deposit is returned and is then on a sliding scale up until the time of departure. The four 350-square-foot suites have separate living and sleeping spaces, the former of which has a pull-out sofa that can accommodate two extra guests. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. Budapest illuminated at night. Ocean cruisers whove wanted to try a river cruise but have been afraid of feeling too confined will likely find AmaMagna more to their taste. All Rights Reserved. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. What's Included in My River Cruise Fare? - Cruise Critic 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). The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. 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. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail the Douro River in Portugal and the Elbe River in France, which runs through Germany and the Czech Republic. 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. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. There was no detail that she missed. AmaWaterways River Cruise Tips - Tips For Travellers 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. We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! Bikers are required to wear helmets. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. We also encourage you to visit some of the local coffee shops ashore. The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. 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. AMA Waterways Profile [2023] - 39 reviews, 26 trips - Travelstride We strongly encourage getting a slice of Sacher Torte or strudel with your cup at one of Viennas coffeehouses on the Danube River, and tasting authentic Rdesheimer coffee made with Asbach brandy in Rdesheim, Germany along the Rhine. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. 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. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. They have a larger variety of ship sizes than Uniworld, with the AmaDahlia holding 72 passengers and the AmaMagna holding 196. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 ", "Vacationing With Kids? With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Booking your first river cruise? River cruise drinks packages: Riviera Travel, Viking, Emerald Waterways The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. 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. 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.