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. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. 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. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. They run around lunch and breakfast schedules, thus allowing you to pop on board for a sport of lunch or indeed head in to town for lunch and some time exploring. 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. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. Heres what you need to know. Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. 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. At every stop, theres almost always a general walking tour (guests can choose their activity level: active, regular, or gentle), as well as specialty options like beer or wine tastings, hikes and bike tours, or unique visits to museums. AmaWaterways requires a $400 deposit for Europe and Asia itineraries ($1,200 for Egypt sailings, $2,400 on Africa cruises and $2,400 for the extended Seven River Journey Through Europe itineraries). Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. 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. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. 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. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. 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. 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. Light bites are served throughout the day in the lounge; there are pastries for early or late risers who miss breakfast, tapas for lunch, afternoon tea, a Sip & Sail cocktail hour (alcoholic beverages are complimentary), and a late-night snack served at 10:30 p.m. You can also access a complimentary coffee station here 24/7. Ocean cruisers whove wanted to try a river cruise but have been afraid of feeling too confined will likely find AmaMagna more to their taste. 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. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. .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. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. 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. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. 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. Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? 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. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. AmaWaterways' Seven River Journey Through Europe is scheduled to set sail on June 1, 2023, with prices starting at $25,999 per passenger. Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. 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. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. For example, in 2021, wine enthusiasts might head into France to taste vintages on an Essence of Burgundy & Provence wine-themed sailing or into Austria and Germany for a Melodies of the Danube wine cruise. I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. Here's what I thought. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. 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. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. She frequently sails seven-night itineraries between Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland, sailing through Germanys scenic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with castles. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. 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. 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. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. There is an up-charge for this optional tour but its a MUST-SEE experience. You will find a selection of tea and coffee available throughout the day, the main lounge has a coffee machine, fresh iced water and biscuits. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. 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. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. 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. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. (Probably Overrated). 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. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. [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. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? 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. Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. Am I missing something? AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. 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. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023, 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. 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. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. Both itineraries are open for sale now, with Karst encouraging the audience of the 'Sip & Sail' event to "contact your travel . The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. 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. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. 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. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. AmaWaterways Deck plans AmaDahlia Current cruise: 7 days, round-trip Secrets of Egypt the Nile APT River Cruises Itineraries Deck plans Travelmarvel Polaris Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Vega Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Capella At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. 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. 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. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. 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. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. 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. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. 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. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. Sandi Barrett 2. 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. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. 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. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. 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. The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. Despite being different its equally wonderful. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. Bed configuration for both lines is flexible: Two twins can be combined into one king. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. 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. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. The Shore Excursions. 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. 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. 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. The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. 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. 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. Read on for a comparison of AmaWaterways vs. Uniworld, including their ships, itineraries, activities and entertainment, price range, and more, so that you can decide which river cruise line is best for you. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. So how do you decide? She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. [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]. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. 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). Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. You are the best. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. Of course there are obvious differences, however today I want to talk about whats included in your river cruise fare, because people of ask us if AmaWaterways is all inclusive. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. We really enjoyed Finest for our Destination Wedding and would highly recommend it as a wedding or vacation destination! AmaWaterways has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. Booking your first river cruise? When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. [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. When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. 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. 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. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. You can also venture off without officially joining an excursionbicycles are available to borrow any time the ship is docked, and you can always use your own feet or a taxi to get around. I am very picky about my coffee. If you dont plan on spending much time in your room, these categories will do just fine, but be forewarnedpart of the fun of the Rhine itineraries is sitting outside watching the castles and locks go by. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. 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! At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. 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. There was no detail that she missed. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. What You Need to Know. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). 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. Thank you! What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. 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. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience.