Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation onboard a river cruise but dont know which company to travel with? I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. 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. While many river lines showcase local wines from the region of sailing, AmaWaterways does that but it also has offers dedicated Wine Cruises 67 such themed cruises in 2020. You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. 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. Absolutely not! AmaWaterways' river cruise offerings include the Main River, Moselle River, Rhne River, Douro River, Dutch and Belgium Waterways, Saone River, Seine River, Dordogne, and Garonne Rivers, Mekong River, Nile River, and Magdalena River. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. If youre looking for honeymoon cruise options, you may want to check out our article 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. 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. One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. 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. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. 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. Fully-inclusive river cruises Fully inclusive means that selected drinks such as beer and wine are included at meal times only. Budapest illuminated at night. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. Now that you have an idea of what Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer, lets take a look at the similarities and differences of Uniworld vs. Ama river cruises. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! 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. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. Your cruise fare on both will include at least one shore excursion in each port; wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner; all onboard meals; Wi-Fi; and cultural enrichment. Thanks so much Cheryl! Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. Your email address will not be published. I will book all future trips with only her. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. Passengers are treated to a multicourse meal with unlimited premium wine, paired to the courses. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). 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. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. Both cruise lines take the same approach to dining, with a combination of buffet and off-the-menu ordering at breakfast and lunch, then a sit-down dinner at a set time each night. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. I am very picky about my coffee. The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. 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! 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. The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. The Shore Excursions. 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. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. Trips And Excursions On An AmaWaterways River Cruise, WIFI Throughout Your AmaWaterways River Cruise. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. 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. For trips that require transport, that was also provided. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! 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!". With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. The cruise begins in Budapest, Hungary, where you board the ship in the afternoon and start sailing after dark, when all the buildings and bridges along the Danube are illuminated. 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! We look forward to working with you again! Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Bikers are required to wear helmets. The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. 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. [1] History[ edit] 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). AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. Our land packages include some of the most amazing destinations pre- and/or post-cruise but, what's included? On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. 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. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. 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. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. These included spacious staterooms with French balconies (sliding doors with railings) or Twin balconies, glass elevators, plush robes and luxury bedding, marble bathrooms, complimentary Internet, Wi-Fi access and Infotainment Systems; the newer vessels have heated swimming pools with swim-up bars. We stayed at the Dreams Resort & Spa in La Romana, Dominican Republic and it was perfect for our family reunion of our former foreign exchange students. Even at the lowest level, Viking's cabins include exceptional storage space, with lots of drawers and underbed space for storing suitcases. 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In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. Contact. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. 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). All meals are included on AmaSiena. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a 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. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. 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. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! On a moving ship? 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. The closet and drawers were roomy. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. While our fitness rooms vary from ship to ship, they will typically include a treadmill, elliptical machine or spin bike, as well as an assortment of free weights. 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. Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. All meals are included in your fare. 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. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. 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. These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. 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). How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. At night, the Aquavit Terrace serves a set menu that can be enjoyed as often as you'd like throughout your cruise. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. 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. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. 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. Booking your first river cruise? Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever Soulful Epicurean Experience on the Rhne River in 2023, we are delighted to announce two new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2024. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? 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 Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . [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. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. "AmaWaterways Announces Retirement of Gary Murphy, Senior Vice President of Sales, Promotes Alex Pinelo", "AmaWaterways Unveils Details of Newest Ship, AmaMagna", "AmaWaterways to debut new ship, new itineraries in 2021", "Down the Danube: What would a 20-something make of a river cruise? On very select rivers and itineraries, the Personal Audio Device we use for shore excursions can also be used for your individual exploration, as pre-recorded commentary may play, based on your current GPS location. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. However, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises more than delivers on this! Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. 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. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide.
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