[2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. 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. 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. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. These 210-square-foot cabins offer guests AmaSienas signature double balconies; one true balcony with two chairs and a small table and a French balcony right beside it. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). The What to Expect on a River Cruise series is a resource guide, written by Cruise Critic editors and contributors, where we answer the most common questions about river cruises, including dining, cabins and suites, service and onboard activities. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. 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 3 Meals A Day All the restaurants were great. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. 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. Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation onboard a river cruise but dont know which company to travel with? Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. More of what makes AmaWaterways different: Spacious river view staterooms and suites range from 160 square feet to 710 square feet and most include the revolutionary signature twin balconiesa French balcony and a full outside balcony. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! 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. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. If you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. 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? You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! This Epic New European River Cruise Visits 14 Countries and 7 - Travel What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. 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. 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. Am I missing something? In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. 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. 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. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. All guests traveling with AmaWaterways remain responsible for ensuring they meet the travel entry requirements for each country they plan to visit before, during or after their river cruise. There was no detail that she missed. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. 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! At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. 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 For more helpful information by destination, click here. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. 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. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. What's Included in My River Cruise Fare? - Cruise Critic She is awesome!!! Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. After pandemic-induced delays, family-owned river cruise line AmaWaterways had a big year in 2021, debuting three new ships to its international fleet, including the AmaSiena, sister to the AmaLea and AmaKristina, which was christened on Europes Rhine River in August 2021. 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. As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. 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. 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. The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. 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. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. 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. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. 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. 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] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. While we offer a wide variety of included excursions to suit your individual interests and encourage you to join us, you are of course welcome to explore on your own. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. 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. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. The clientele of a cruise can vary widely depending on the cruise line, and even the itinerary, but both Uniworld and AmaWaterways tend to attract similar guests. 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. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. Discover local culture and sights on included tours, and then hop back on your luxurious river cruise ship and sail to the next stunning city or charming town. 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. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? 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. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Prague Add-on for AmaWaterways Worth it? - River Cruising - Cruise The greeters was great! Here's what I thought. 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. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. [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. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com So, yes, you should bring a book. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. Contact. AmaWaterways' Revolutionary Ship, AmaMagna, Welcomes First Guests On [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. 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. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. 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. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. 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. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. I already referred a couple of my friends to book a vacation with Ultimate Travel and planning on contacting Eric soon to book our next trip, this time with our kids just trying to decide were to go next. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. 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. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023, 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. 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. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. For trips that require transport, that was also provided. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. As a high-end river cruise line, you'll find an awful lot included in your cruise, including: Unlimited fine wines, sparkling wines, premium spirits and beers on-board; Welcome bottle of sparkling wine and two bottles of wine in-suite; 24-hour self service venue offering tea, coffee, wines and non-alcoholic beverages; About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. I will book all future trips with only her. River cruise dining shows what the little guys can do We hope to see you on board soon! Are drinks included on Uniworld? She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. General What's Included What's Included - AmaWaterways Your AmaWaterways Package Includes: All meals on board Comfortable accommodations Ocean transportation Entertainment and daily activities Port charges Europe Cruises Coffee, tea & complimentary bottled water Local wines, soft drinks and beer during lunch and dinner Complimentary Wi-Fi I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. Learn how your comment data is processed. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace.