It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. 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. 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. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. We really enjoyed Finest for our Destination Wedding and would highly recommend it as a wedding or vacation destination! Are drinks included on Uniworld? On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. 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. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. All meals are included on AmaSiena. 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. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. Backroads even provides the high-end bikes for these sailings, set up for each person ahead of time based on factors like height, weight and cycling style. 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. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. 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. On a moving ship? 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). And there are plenty of locks. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. Known for their European heritage and pioneering spirit, AmaWaterways leads the industry in innovation, highlighted by the announcement of their history-making 45- and 46-night Seven River Journeys, their new Heritage on the River experiences in partnership with Ancestry, and launching a new river cruise destination and eco-friendly ship on Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation onboard a river cruise but dont know which company to travel with? Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. This website uses cookies. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). (Probably Overrated). 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. Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. 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. 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. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. [1] History[ edit] Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. 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. 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 . CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. 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. But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. 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. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. 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. 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. 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. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. 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. 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. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. According to Wendy Perrin, one of the most noted travel experts in the industry, some of these similarities include: Viking ships all feature elevators whereas AmaWaterways only has elevators on the Europe ships. 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. 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. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). At a glance. Do I need formal attire? Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. Definitely coming back. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. 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. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 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. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? 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). Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. 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 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. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . One of the best extras with AmaWaterways is that they have a choice of excursions in most ports at no extra charge, says travel advisor Candie Steinman, franchise owner, Dream Vacations, Fort Myers, FL. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. "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? 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. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. How? What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? AmaWaterways is very much a luxury river cruise line operating in the more premium area, and their ships, service and the quality of what they offer is very highly rated. With river cruise ships being so small, there isnt much space for onboard activities, but they certainly offer enough to keep you entertained while youre on the water. However, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises more than delivers on this! AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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