Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. 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. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. 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). You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. 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. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. 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. How is your coffee on board? For more helpful information by destination, click here. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. 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. 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. 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. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. Visit our FAQs page, learn more about river cruising with AmaWaterways, contact your preferred travel advisor or call us at 1.800.626.0126. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. 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. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. 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. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. Do I need formal attire? Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. 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. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. All excursions are included for guests on the AmaSiena, and while theres a range for all types of travelers, Amawaterways as a company offers more active excursions than its competitors. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. 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. 3 Meals A Day 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. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. 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. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. 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. [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. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. 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. 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. The greeters was great! Also free use of bikes to take on shore. Still have questions? However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. 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. It feels very close to all-inclusive. 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. The closet and drawers were roomy. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 5 Reasons Why Families Will Love the Refurbished Norwegian Jewel, 10 Cruise Alcohol Hacks for Better Drinking on the Cheap. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. 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. Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. 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). .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. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. Viking's Longships feature square bows, which creates space for the line's Aquavit Terrace, an alfresco spot for drinking and dining on the third deck. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. How? Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. 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. 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. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. 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. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. Everything is taken care of with no worries. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. 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. Thanks so much Cheryl! AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . Each month, I love to share with you my thoughts, personal stories, travel tips and latest news on the people and places that help turn every mile of our guests' river cruise experience into one of their most cherished memories!". These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. 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. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. A not-to-be-missed performer. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! For trips that require transport, that was also provided. And there are plenty of locks. 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. 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. 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. Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. 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. Complementary drinks Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. 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 . Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. some of the leading championship courses on the continent. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our Reception Desk staff and additional crew will be happy to offer their suggestions, though part of the fun of exploring ports is stumbling upon a unique find yourself! 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). My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. Both lines offer concierge services, books to borrow on topics like history or tourism, comfortable bars for drinks and dancing and top-deck walking tracks and giant chess boards. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. Absolutely not! 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. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. 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. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. 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. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. More excursions offered than any other company. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. However, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises more than delivers on this! Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. 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 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. We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. Definitely coming back. All meals are included on AmaSiena. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. Our Programme takes you straight from your ship to the course and back making your golfing experience seamless Golf and River Cruise truly is a marriage made in heaven. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. We hope to see you on board soon! In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. 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. 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). Both AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer Christmas cruises of the markets in Europe. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. 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 . Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! We really enjoyed Finest for our Destination Wedding and would highly recommend it as a wedding or vacation destination! You are the best. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. 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. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. So, yes, you should bring a book. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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 [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you are unsure as to what you would like to do, the company is also available to fully plan your trip, leaving you with a relaxing experience packed with potential. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. 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). Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023, 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. Even at the lowest level, Viking's cabins include exceptional storage space, with lots of drawers and underbed space for storing suitcases. 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. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. [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].

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