What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? 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. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. 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 . With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. 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. 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. 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. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. 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. All the restaurants were great. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. 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. We never once had a WiFi issue, the service was so quick. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. 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. When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. 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! [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. Sandi Barrett 2. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. 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 look forward to working with you again! While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . 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. [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 Cruises - Travel Weekly The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. 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. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. 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. In celebration of our diverse global AmaWaterways family, we are delighted to announce A Soulful Epicurean Experience, our first-ever Colors of Provence river cruise and 3-night Paris land package highlighting Black history and culture. 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. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. 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.
AmaWaterways adds a second ship for Colombia program AmaWaterways is now offering a comprehensive package with a 7-night river cruise in a French balcony stateroom, round-trip airfare, transfers, a pre- or post-cruise land package, port charges and Travel Waiver Plus all included with a starting price of US$5,499 per person. Why? This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. 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. Still have questions? As part of a history-making partnership, Ancestry and AmaWaterways are combining our shared passions for family, heritage and travel to offer guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to uncover their family history while cruising along Europes legendary rivers. 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. AmaWaterways is another well-known and luxurious river cruise line, with a fleet of 26 ships. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi.
Prague Add-on for AmaWaterways Worth it? - River Cruising - Cruise AmaWaterways | Panache Cruises 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. Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . 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 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. 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. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. On a moving ship? Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. A not-to-be-missed performer. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers.
AmaWaterways Drinks Guide - Cruise Lifestyle 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. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. 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. 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. That said, both Uniworld and AmaWaterways have wellness centers, swimming pools, sun decks, and lounges in which you can sit comfortably with a good book or enjoy a drink and a chat with fellow guests. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. 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. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock.
2024 Seven River Journeys Spring - What's Included Is this the most epic river cruise ever? Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. 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. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. 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. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Bikers are required to wear helmets. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. 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. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. Once at your destination, you can speak with your guide about going off solojust make sure you dont miss the ride back to the ship. Absolutely not! Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? 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. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. There are fitness classes (during COVID times, these were provided outdoors, weather permitting, rather than in the fitness center), massages and beauty treatments in the one-room spa and salon, a small pool, and an outdoor giant chess set. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. 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. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily.
The Bottom Line: Which River Cruise Line is Right for You. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. These excursions generally are limited to small groups and take you into smaller venues or provide immersive experiences that expose passengers to a port's culture and tradition on a deeper, often hands-on, level. The Shore Excursions. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. 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. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. 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? [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. 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. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet?
What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? 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. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. 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. The building design is classy and quality. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? Learn how your comment data is processed. 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.
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AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. Despite being different its equally wonderful. The only slight difference is that with AmaWaterways placing emphasis on their excellent onboard evening entertainment and unlimited premium spirits, it makes a better choice for those who like to enjoy the nightlife onboard the ships. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade.
13 Night Captivating Rhine from Amsterdam November 23, 2023 AMA Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation.