Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. 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. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . 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. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. 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. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. Viking offers a beverage package option, called the Silver Spirits package, which runs about $30 per person per day and allows passengers to drink unlimited premium wine, spirits and beer while onboard. The building design is classy and quality. 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. Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. Debuting in summer 2019, the creatively designed AmaMagna is twice the width of a normal Danube river vessel and offers some of the largest staterooms on European rivers. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. 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. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. 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. 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. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? 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. 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. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship. 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. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. 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. All meals are included in your fare. Similarly to Uniworld, AmaWaterways has an all-inclusive dining experience, with tapas and snacks served between meals, multi-course dinners prepared right in front of you, and hand-selected red and white wines paired with each meal. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. Uniworld tends to put more focus on guided tours and daytime entertainment at various destinations. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. 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. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. 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. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. 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. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. You are the best. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. 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. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. 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. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. 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. 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. Here Are 15 of the Best New Family-Friendly Cruises to Take in 2020", "Disney amps up European river cruise options", "AmaWaterways to Offer Solo Traveler Promotion", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=AmaWaterways&oldid=1092108243, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 June 2022, at 06:40. For trips that require transport, that was also provided. Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. 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. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. 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. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . 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). 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. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. Learn how your comment data is processed. Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. If theyre able to keep themselves entertained, enjoy traveling and seeing the sights, and are happy with a good dip in the onboard pool, then both AmaWaterways and Uniworld are excellent choices. 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? some of the leading championship courses on the continent. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. The closet and drawers were roomy. Yes! Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Although it is considered a more moderately priced line, Emerald offers a fair number of inclusions (see below), primarily because many of its travelers are Australian (and prefer fares to be more bundled than a la carte). She frequently sails seven-night itineraries between Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland, sailing through Germanys scenic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with castles. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. 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. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? Thats not to say that friend groups or multi-gen families wouldnt enjoy sailingseveral cabins do have connecting doors. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. [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. 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. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. AmaWaterways is another well-known and luxurious river cruise line, with a fleet of 26 ships. Thanks so much Cheryl! Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. [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. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. Passengers are treated to a multicourse meal with unlimited premium wine, paired to the courses. Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. 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. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either.