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 you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. There is an up-charge for this optional tour but its a MUST-SEE experience. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. 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 adds a second ship for Colombia program Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. We also encourage you to visit some of the local coffee shops ashore. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. Absolutely not! The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! 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. [9][2][10], The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. We really enjoyed Finest for our Destination Wedding and would highly recommend it as a wedding or vacation destination! Black Sea Voyage with AmaWaterways: What's It Like? Sandi Barrett 2. Courtesy of AmaWaterways. Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. 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. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. On a moving ship? 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. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. Where to Eat and Drink . Neither includes gratuities for crew or tour guides.. AmaWaterways suggests 100 euros per person per seven-night cruise (120 euros on AmaMagna), with an additional 25 euros per week-long sailing for the cruise manager. Unlike ocean cruises that may dock in industrial areas in Europe, a river ship docks right in the heart of the city, town or even village. Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? AmaWaterways: A Guide to European River Cruises - Every Avenue Travel Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. 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. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. That said, neither cruise line is actually geared toward families, so if your children are always looking for something new to do, you may want to consider alternative options. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. Entertainers will board the ship at various locks along the route, with their driver dropping them off at one lock and picking up the performers further down the river at another lock. For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. 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. 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. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. Exclusively available on board the AmaMagna, the Zen Wellness Studio also includes outdoor spin bikes, two massage rooms, a hair and nail salon, juice bar and a small selection of child-size bicycles to use on shore. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . 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. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Cabin categories for Viking and AmaWaterways are pretty similar and vary from a standard riverview cabin with small windows all the way to suites with French and walk-out balconies. Here's what I thought. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. 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. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. Yes! AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. River cruise dining shows what the little guys can do 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. 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. The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. With both lines, exotic itineraries in Asia Africa often combine longer land tours with time on the rivers. 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. Select itineraries, such as our Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain sailings, also include a select number of meals on shore. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. I will book all future trips with only her. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Depart From Norfolk Va. AmaWaterways opened the ODA Free Village English School in the province of Siem Reap, Cambodia in association with ODA the Orphans and Disabled Arts Association. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. 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. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . Bikers are required to wear helmets. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. 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. How is your coffee on board? Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. This beach is gorgeous. 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. 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. 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. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. [1] History[ edit] Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. 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. The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. 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). Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. So how do you decide? But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. 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. How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. If cancellation is made 121 days or more from the sailing 50 percent of the deposit is returned and is then on a sliding scale up until the time of departure. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. There was no detail that she missed. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. 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. [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]. 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. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. 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. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. 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. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. 3 Meals A Day We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? We will be happy to provide you with a map of each port at our reception desk, and you will find the citys highlights marked. AmaWaterways - 24 Reviews - TourRadar Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? 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. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. As most of your daylight hoursand sometimes evening hourswill be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. 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. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. Budapest illuminated at night. The building design is classy and quality. AmaWaterways Cruises AMA - CruiseCompete Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. 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 . A not-to-be-missed performer. 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. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. River cruise drinks packages: Riviera Travel, Viking, Emerald Waterways Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. 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. 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. When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just Do I need formal attire? AmaWaterways on Twitter: "Our land packages include some of the most Sail through Europe on our Treasures of the Main & Rhine itinerary from Nuremberg to Amsterdam with Emmy award-winning television host, travel expert and AmaWaterways Godmother Samantha Brown as the festive holiday season begins to transform bustling German cities, medieval villages and Amsterdam, the "Venice of the North." 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. 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. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. Despite being different its equally wonderful. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. AmaWaterways - Wikipedia Both itineraries are open for sale now, with Karst encouraging the audience of the 'Sip & Sail' event to "contact your travel . No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. 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. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. 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. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! 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. AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of included shore excursions, from walking tours for gentle, regular and active guests to guided hikes and bike rides. Learn how your comment data is processed. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. This website uses cookies. 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. Here is a taste of what you can enjoy when you choose to add a These excursions generally are limited to small groups and take you into smaller venues or provide immersive experiences that expose passengers to a port's culture and tradition on a deeper, often hands-on, level. 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. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. AmaWaterways Cruises - Travel Weekly 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. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. 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 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. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains.

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