Passengers are treated to a multicourse meal with unlimited premium wine, paired to the courses. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! Explore Danube River on two wheels with AmaWaterways included onboard bicycles, How Much Are Drinks On Viking River Cruises, Where Do Viking River Cruises Dock In Amsterdam, How To Get Off Viking Cruises Mailing List, Where Do River Cruise Ships Dock In Basel Switzerland, Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip, 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, Which Is The Best River Cruise Company In Europe, Who Has The Best Alaska Land And Sea Cruises, Indoor glass-walled observation lounge at the front of the ship, Three meals a day and group shore tours included. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. 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. 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. the differences between ocean and river cruising. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Contact. 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. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. 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. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Number of Ships: 24. Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. The only slight difference is that with AmaWaterways placing emphasis on their excellent onboard evening entertainment and unlimited premium spirits, it makes a better choice for those who like to enjoy the nightlife onboard the ships. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023, 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. So, yes, you should bring a book. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. And there are plenty of locks. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Despite being different its equally wonderful. Thanks so much Cheryl! The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. 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. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. AmaWaterways boats feature small (one-room) spas, where moderately priced massages are offered, and salons along with fitness centers, which are moderately used. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. 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. Complementary drinks Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. You May Like: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. All Rights Reserved. Viking also has an impressive lineup of partners, including Masterpiece Theatre, so passengers could elect to visit Highclere Castle, where "Downton Abbey" was shot, and get behind-the-scenes exclusive access as part of a cruise land extension for Paris and Normandy cruises. 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. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. 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! Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. 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. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. 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. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. 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." I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. 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. 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. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. River cruise lines with European owners, such as CroisiEurope and A-Rosa, tend to be the most a la carte. I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. 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. An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. 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. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). 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. 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. [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]. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at 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! Sandi Barrett 2. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. If you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. The next deck is the Cello Deck, home to staterooms and the main restaurant, followed by the Violin deck, with more staterooms, reception, the lounge, a gift shop, and the Chefs Table restaurant. Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. 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 As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. Both AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer Christmas cruises of the markets in Europe. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. 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. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. Definitely coming back. For more helpful information by destination, click here. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. .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. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 5 Reasons Why Families Will Love the Refurbished Norwegian Jewel, 10 Cruise Alcohol Hacks for Better Drinking on the Cheap. See what 1 line just announced for 2024, Why a Douro River cruise may be the perfect friends group getaway, Demand for cruises on small ships jumps in wake of COVID pandemic. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. 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. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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 . AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . 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. Viking requires a $500 nonrefundable deposit, with final payment due 90 days before the cruise is scheduled to begin (a 20 percent deposit of the full fare is required for World and Grand Cruise itineraries with payment 180 days prior to departure). They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. 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. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. 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.