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. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. 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. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! Courtesy of AmaWaterways. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. On a moving ship? You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at 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. AmaWaterways - Ships and Itineraries 2023, 2024, 2025 - CruiseMapper Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. AmaWaterways is a wonderful pick for passengers who want to be active or travel with children as well as those who want more amenities onboard. So how do you decide? On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. 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. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. There is a cancellation fee of $100 payable on sailings cancelled 121 days or more before the sailing date, which increases on a sliding scale closer to the departure. 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. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. [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. So, yes, you should bring a book. [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. 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. Through financial support to the school, AmaWaterways sponsorship brings English-language skills to local children of grammar-school age to help improve their lives and assist with subsequent employment opportunities. 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. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. AmaWaterways boats feature small (one-room) spas, where moderately priced massages are offered, and salons along with fitness centers, which are moderately used. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. The suites are extremely spacious great for passengers who want larger accommodations, adds Steinman, noting that even lower deck cabins are 200 plus square feet. 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. [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]. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. 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. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. AmaWaterways - 24 Reviews - TourRadar Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. 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. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . Most of the public areas are forward of or just behind the central atrium, which houses the elevators, though the Chefs Table, which is all the way aft. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. 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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. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. Budapest illuminated at night. We hope to see you on board soon! Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. And there are plenty of locks. Booking your first river cruise? Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Right outside Amsterdam, this rare experience calls for its visitors to explore, touch and change as part of their journey into Floriade which is set to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. AmaWaterways - Wikipedia 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. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. 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. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. 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. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. Top FAQs for First-Time River Cruisers - AmaWaterways For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. AmaWaterways Cruises AMA - CruiseCompete 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!". The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. All meals are included in your fare. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. 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. Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. 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. There are a lot of river cruise lines to choose from, so do your research to find the ship and company that meets your needs. 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. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. Weve curated a list of questions submitted by first-time river cruisers to give you a better picture of the unparalleled experiences youll have while sailing with us. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. 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. These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. 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. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. AmaWaterways' Seven River Journey Through Europe is scheduled to set sail on June 1, 2023, with prices starting at $25,999 per passenger. 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.