River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. 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. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. 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. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. 14 Days - Travel to Medellin and return from Panama City, 16 Days - Travel to Medellin and return from Panama City, AmaWaterways Ltd | Abbots Place Suite B | Walnut Tree Close | Guildford | GU1 4RW. Number of Ships: 24. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. We also encourage you to visit some of the local coffee shops ashore. 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. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. 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. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? And as with most European river cruises, the demographic skews towards older couples with a moderate activity level (many guests take advantage of the complimentary bicycles available at every port, for instance). One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. 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. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. Where to Eat and Drink . Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. AmaWaterways boats feature small (one-room) spas, where moderately priced massages are offered, and salons along with fitness centers, which are moderately used. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. No matter which company or type of cabin you choose, however, youre sure to enter a world of luxury as soon as you step on board. that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. 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. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. [9][2][10], The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. Trips And Excursions On An AmaWaterways River Cruise, WIFI Throughout Your AmaWaterways River Cruise. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, A River Cruise with a Butler: We Try It on Uniworld and Scenic, 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 every port (all excursions included on voyages in Africa), Special events, such as dinner in a castle, Complimentary entertainment on-demand in staterooms and suites, Some complimentary shore excursions, depending on itinerary, One-night hotel stay before trip on select itineraries, Hop-on, hop-off bus service in every port, Two dinners at the specialty restaurant, per cruise, Gratuities for crew and local guides and drivers, Butler service (for some suite categories), One bag of laundry per cabin on seven-night cruises; two bags per cabin for 14-night cruises (for guests in some suites on an APT Collection cruise on Aria or Concerto river ships), One waiter-served dinner (the rest of the meals are buffets -- you'll have to pay if you want a second served dinner). Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. One bonus that Viking River Cruises has over AmaWaterways is the ability to combine both river and ocean itineraries since they operate both types of ships now. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. Uniworld tends to put more focus on guided tours and daytime entertainment at various destinations. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. 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. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. 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. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). She is awesome!!! AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. 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. AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. Read on for a comparison of AmaWaterways vs. Uniworld, including their ships, itineraries, activities and entertainment, price range, and more, so that you can decide which river cruise line is best for you. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. All meals are included on AmaSiena. 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. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. 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. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. You will find a selection of tea and coffee available throughout the day, the main lounge has a coffee machine, fresh iced water and biscuits. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. Your email address will not be published. That said, neither cruise line is actually geared toward families, so if your children are always looking for something new to do, you may want to consider alternative options. Everything is taken care of with no worries. ", "Vacationing With Kids? On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. 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. Although most river cruise lines promote themselves as all-inclusive the meaning of all-inclusive tends to vary by operator by that, I mean some river cruise lines are in fact more inclusive than others! Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. 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. Five Ama ships -- AmaViola, AmaStella, AmaLea, AmaKristina and AmaMora -- also include several cabins that can accommodate three or four people (with a king-size bed along with a chair that converts into a twin bed). 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. What You Need to Know. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. 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. 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. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Yes! 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. 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. 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. Unlike ocean cruises that may dock in industrial areas in Europe, a river ship docks right in the heart of the city, town or even village. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. 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 line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. 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. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets, Treasures of the Main & Rhine (Christmas), Majestic Capitals of the Danube (Christmas), Colors of Provence Soulful Epicurean Experience, A Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Secrets of Egypt and the Nile Epicurean Experience. Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. The only things that appear to be included in AMA's package is 1) $110 transfers boat to hotel; 2) 2 nights hotel; and 3) 1/2 day city tour. Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home.

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