Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. 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 The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. We chose the Black Sea Voyage since their AmaPrima ship, which was built in 2013, has 82 cabins that can hold a total of 162 passengers. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. 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. Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. 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. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? 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. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. 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. Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . Get expert advice, insider tips and more. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at 1.3K views, 16 likes, 15 comments, 4 shares, Facebook Reels from AmaWaterways: Did you know that a select few of our amazing land packages are complimentary if you reserve before March 31st, 2023?. Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. Number of Ships: 24. Despite being different its equally wonderful. 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. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail the Douro River in Portugal and the Elbe River in France, which runs through Germany and the Czech Republic. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. Europe can be quite warm in the summer, so short sleeve shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses and a wide-brimmed hat are good items to pack. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Here's what I thought. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. Bikers are required to wear helmets. Complementary drinks On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. 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. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. We hope to see you on board soon! AmaWaterways is another well-known and luxurious river cruise line, with a fleet of 26 ships. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. There are fitness classes (during COVID times, these were provided outdoors, weather permitting, rather than in the fitness center), massages and beauty treatments in the one-room spa and salon, a small pool, and an outdoor giant chess set. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. 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. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. 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. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. 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. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). [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]. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. [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. 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. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. 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. 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. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. 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. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. AmaWaterways has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. 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 We never once had a WiFi issue, the service was so quick. Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation onboard a river cruise but dont know which company to travel with? What You Need to Know. Through financial support to the school, AmaWaterways sponsorship brings English-language skills to local children of grammar-school age to help improve their lives and assist with subsequent employment opportunities. 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. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. Everything is taken care of with no worries. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. 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. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. How? Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. 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. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. 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! Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. 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. The closet and drawers were roomy. In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. 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. The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. The ships spacious two-level lounge has plenty of comfortable seating areas, a bar, dance floor, space for entertainers, a lower level library with an electric fireplace and a door that opens to reveal a movie theater. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. Trips And Excursions On An AmaWaterways River Cruise, WIFI Throughout Your AmaWaterways River Cruise. 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. 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. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. The great news is that you can do as many or little excursions are you want, dipping in and out of trips is a huge benefit. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. 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. 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 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. As most of your daylight hoursand sometimes evening hourswill be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. 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. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. 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 you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. 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. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. Yes! 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. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. And there are plenty of locks. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. Selected drinks are included at meal times on the following cruise lines: AmaWaterways The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. Visit our FAQs page, learn more about river cruising with AmaWaterways, contact your preferred travel advisor or call us at 1.800.626.0126.