River cruise dining shows what the little guys can do AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of included shore excursions, from walking tours for gentle, regular and active guests to guided hikes and bike rides. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. 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. That said, both Uniworld and AmaWaterways have wellness centers, swimming pools, sun decks, and lounges in which you can sit comfortably with a good book or enjoy a drink and a chat with fellow guests. Five Ama ships -- AmaViola, AmaStella, AmaLea, AmaKristina and AmaMora -- also include several cabins that can accommodate three or four people (with a king-size bed along with a chair that converts into a twin bed). AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . 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. 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). And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? Entertainers will board the ship at various locks along the route, with their driver dropping them off at one lock and picking up the performers further down the river at another lock. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? Learn how your comment data is processed. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. 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. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences All meals are included on AmaSiena. 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? AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). 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. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. 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. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. It feels very close to all-inclusive. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. 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. 2024 Seven River Journeys Spring - What's Included On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. 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. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Black Sea Voyage with AmaWaterways: What's It Like? Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. 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. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. 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. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. 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. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. 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. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. 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. (Probably Overrated). With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. While most river companies offer just one basic excursion, AmaWaterways has choices for extras including culinary choices and more adventurous offerings such as escorted bike trips. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. 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 . The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. AmaWaterways is a wonderful pick for passengers who want to be active or travel with children as well as those who want more amenities onboard. 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. Here is a taste of what you can enjoy when you choose to add a 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. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. 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. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. 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. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. AmaWaterways | Cruise Deals, Itineraries & Packages | Avoya Travel Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. 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 This beach is gorgeous. While most river cruise lines, including Viking, can accommodate dietary restrictions, AmaWaterways stands out because of its clear labeling of all foods, identifying those that are gluten-free, sugar-free, low-calorie or include common allergens, such as nuts or soy. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. 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 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. We really enjoyed Finest for our Destination Wedding and would highly recommend it as a wedding or vacation destination! What's Included On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. .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. 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. Included in the fares of our featured AmaWaterways river cruises are shore excursions in every port of call all dining on board fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner internet access and Wi-Fi and bicycles that you can use to explore on your own or join our guided bike tours. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. 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. How? All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. More excursions offered than any other company. River cruising is a relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel where you can enjoy ever-changing scenery along the banks of waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Volga and Yangtze. What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com 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 travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Here are my 17 reasons to go on a Lower Danube river cruise with AmaWaterways: Note: Tips are not included for the guides and bus drivers so do remember to bring some small bills. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). I will book all future trips with only her. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. All Rights Reserved. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. 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. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. All meals are included in your fare. If youre looking for honeymoon cruise options, you may want to check out our article 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. 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. 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. AMA Waterways Profile [2023] - 39 reviews, 26 trips - Travelstride She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. And there are plenty of locks. 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. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. Let us know your experience in the comment section below! Steinman emphasizes that these wine cruises have all the tours that would be available on a regular cruise, yet guests also can enjoy special wine tastings, wine pairings and interaction with a special wine host. 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. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. Where to Eat and Drink . Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. 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). Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. 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. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Unlike ocean cruises that may dock in industrial areas in Europe, a river ship docks right in the heart of the city, town or even village. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. 3 Meals A Day If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? Still have questions? The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. 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. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe.

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