AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. 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. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. And there are plenty of locks. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. 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. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . [1] History[ edit] Even at the lowest level, Viking's cabins include exceptional storage space, with lots of drawers and underbed space for storing suitcases. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Modern coaches provide the primary mode of transportation for each, though Viking's are branded with the cruise line's logo and photos of the ships or exotic locations (making them easily identifiable among the crowd), while only some of AmaWaterways' buses are branded. We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. 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! Sandi Barrett 2. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. [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]. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. The greeters was great! 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Cruise Line Cancellation Policies: A Closer Look, Mega-Chart: Compare Hurricane Sandy Cruise Line Compensation, Booking a Cruise Onboard: How to Score Extras and Discounts, Can I Cruise While Pregnant? Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. Everything is taken care of with no worries. 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. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. 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. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. 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! She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. Here's what I thought. 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. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. So, yes, you should bring a book. Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. 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. 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. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. 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). Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. 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. 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. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. During our complimentary onboard wellness activities, yoga mats and other equipment such as resistance bands will be available and will be thoroughly cleaned after each use. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. ", "Vacationing With Kids? Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. 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. Bring a raincoat and warm sweater for chilly evenings, especially in the spring and fall, and warmer clothing and a heavy coat for winter cruises. I will book all future trips with only her. 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. 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. After pandemic-induced delays, family-owned river cruise line AmaWaterways had a big year in 2021, debuting three new ships to its international fleet, including the AmaSiena, sister to the AmaLea and AmaKristina, which was christened on Europes Rhine River in August 2021. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. 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. Ports of call include Cologne, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, and smaller picturesque towns throughout the Alsace region of France and the Black Forest region of Germany. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . Learn how your comment data is processed. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. 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. 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. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. 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. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. 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. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. 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. 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. 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. At least one complimentary shore excursion in every port, Interactive entertainment on-demand system in staterooms and suites, Gratuities onboard and on shore excursions, Select complimentary shore excursions in every port, Interactive entertainment system with complimentary movies in cabins, Wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner, complimentary coffee, tea and bottled water throughout, At least one shore excursion in each port, Interactive television system with complimentary movies in cabins and suites, Two glasses of wine, beer or soda at dinner, In-room entertainment system with complimentary movies, Complimentary hotel stays or land extensions on select itineraries, All alcoholic drinks, sodas, specialty coffees, teas, and water, Complementary specialty dining venue on select ships, Gratuities ashore on shore excursions for guides and drivers, Special, private Tauck-exclusive events, such as dinner in a castle, In-room television system with complimentary movies, Wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, Special events, such as dinner in a castle (mostly on theme cruises), Complimentary coffee, tea and water; juice at breakfast, At least one shore excursions in every port, Alternative restaurant with lighter meals, Beer, wine and soda at lunch and dinner; complimentary coffee, teas and water throughout, At least one shore excursion in every port, Interactive entertainment system in all cabins with complimentary movies. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. 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. In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. Complementary drinks During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. 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 . These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. Learn how your comment data is processed. Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. Hello! 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. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? There is more than enough to keep you entertained while onboard, especially since on river cruises you typically spend much of your time at various destinations. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. 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. 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. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. 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. While some other major river cruise lines have eliminated their onboard bikes or charge a fee to rent them ashore, AmaWaterways for maintains a fleet of bikes on every European vessel. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. To truly make your vacation, Uniworld ships have a great selection of gourmet restaurants and elegant bars. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. A not-to-be-missed performer. 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. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. 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. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. 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. 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. Our exclusive Concierge Golf Programme includes 7 nights onboard one of the highest rated ships in Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, a choice of excursions in every port and our unique Twin Balconies, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent. Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. 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. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. 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?. Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. One bonus that Viking River Cruises has over AmaWaterways is the ability to combine both river and ocean itineraries since they operate both types of ships now. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. Are drinks included on Uniworld? Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. 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. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. River cruise lines with European owners, such as CroisiEurope and A-Rosa, tend to be the most a la carte.