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. 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. 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. Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. Viking also has an impressive lineup of partners, including Masterpiece Theatre, so passengers could elect to visit Highclere Castle, where "Downton Abbey" was shot, and get behind-the-scenes exclusive access as part of a cruise land extension for Paris and Normandy cruises. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. If youre looking for honeymoon cruise options, you may want to check out our article 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. 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. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023, 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. A not-to-be-missed performer. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. 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. 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. 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. 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. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. She is awesome!!! 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. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. 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. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. 3 Meals A Day [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. The greeters was great! My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. More excursions offered than any other company. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. Thanks so much Cheryl! How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. 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. 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. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. Right outside Amsterdam, this rare experience calls for its visitors to explore, touch and change as part of their journey into Floriade which is set to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. 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. 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! 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. 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. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. All meals are included in your fare. [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. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. 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. 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. 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. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. Trips And Excursions On An AmaWaterways River Cruise, WIFI Throughout Your AmaWaterways River Cruise. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. How? Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Definitely coming back. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. [1] History[ edit] During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. What You Need to Know. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. 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. 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. 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. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. 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 Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. 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. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. Thats not to say that friend groups or multi-gen families wouldnt enjoy sailingseveral cabins do have connecting doors. Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. 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). We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! There was no detail that she missed. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. 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. 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. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. 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? When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. 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. 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. 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. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. 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. If youre looking to travel without children, Uniworld has a selection of adults-only cruises, so you can comfortably enjoy a romantic getaway or honeymoon. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. Hello! For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. 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. Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. You are the best. 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. 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. I will book all future trips with only her. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. [9][2][10], The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. 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. 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. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. How is your coffee on board? On AmaWaterways, a chef's table at the stern of the boat seats up to 32 people in an area with an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows; guests experience a tasting menu (available to each . Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) 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