However, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises more than delivers on this! CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. I will book all future trips with only her. At every stop, theres almost always a general walking tour (guests can choose their activity level: active, regular, or gentle), as well as specialty options like beer or wine tastings, hikes and bike tours, or unique visits to museums. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. The Shore Excursions. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. Both AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer Christmas cruises of the markets in Europe. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? AmaWaterways Deck plans AmaDahlia Current cruise: 7 days, round-trip Secrets of Egypt the Nile APT River Cruises Itineraries Deck plans Travelmarvel Polaris Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Vega Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Capella 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. 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. Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. We never once had a WiFi issue, the service was so quick. The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. 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. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Are drinks included on Uniworld? Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. The building design is classy and quality. 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. Modern coaches provide the primary mode of transportation for each, though Viking's are branded with the cruise line's logo and photos of the ships or exotic locations (making them easily identifiable among the crowd), while only some of AmaWaterways' buses are branded. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. Contact. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. The AmaSienas home river is the Rhine in Europe. The voyage includes meals, beverages, shore excursions, Wi . AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . some of the leading championship courses on the continent. 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. In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. Soda, beer and regional wines are included at meal times, and menus source heavily from local markets and reflect the areas through which the ships sail. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. We look forward to working with you again! Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. The greeters was great! Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. Many of these excursions only occupy a portion of your time in port, so theres usually time to explore on your own after a tour, too. Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. For more helpful information by destination, click here. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. They have a larger variety of ship sizes than Uniworld, with the AmaDahlia holding 72 passengers and the AmaMagna holding 196. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. [1] History[ edit] Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. Budapest illuminated at night. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. Despite being different its equally wonderful. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship. 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. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. Number of Ships: 24. 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. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Thanks so much Cheryl! AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. 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). AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . You'll enjoy the following: Dining Expert chefs craft menus in a range of restaurants onboard to ensure every meal is a culinary experience to remember. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? 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. Am I missing something? In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. 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. AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. 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. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. Definitely coming back. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. 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. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. [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]. Bikers are required to wear helmets. Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. They run around lunch and breakfast schedules, thus allowing you to pop on board for a sport of lunch or indeed head in to town for lunch and some time exploring. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. At a glance. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). 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. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. 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. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. 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. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. 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. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. 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. 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. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. 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. Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. 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. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. 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. What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? Both cruise lines are all-inclusive and provide excellent service, meaning that no matter which one you choose, it is guaranteed to be worth the money. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. 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). 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. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}AmaWaterways and Viking are similarly priced across all cabin categories, from the lowest on up to the suites, and both offer comparable inclusions. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. 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. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. Just be sure to check your Daily Cruiser onboard newsletter to ensure you are back on board the ship before it departs for the next port. River cruise lines with European owners, such as CroisiEurope and A-Rosa, tend to be the most a la carte. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. 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. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. We hope to see you on board soon! We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. 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 . My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Here's what I thought. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. 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. [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. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? 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. [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. Viking requires a $500 nonrefundable deposit, with final payment due 90 days before the cruise is scheduled to begin (a 20 percent deposit of the full fare is required for World and Grand Cruise itineraries with payment 180 days prior to departure). We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Rhne with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. Yes! To truly make your vacation, Uniworld ships have a great selection of gourmet restaurants and elegant bars. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. 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. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. This beach is gorgeous. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. 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.