Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. She is awesome!!! Do I need formal attire? 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. Booking your first river cruise? Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. 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. 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. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? Our land packages include some of the most amazing destinations pre- and/or post-cruise but, what's included? Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. 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. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. The closet and drawers were roomy. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. Many of these excursions only occupy a portion of your time in port, so theres usually time to explore on your own after a tour, too. In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. All excursions are included for guests on the AmaSiena, and while theres a range for all types of travelers, Amawaterways as a company offers more active excursions than its competitors. 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. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. Hello! Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . Am I missing something? Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. Uniworld tends to put more focus on guided tours and daytime entertainment at various destinations. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 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. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? 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. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . 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. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. We really enjoyed Finest for our Destination Wedding and would highly recommend it as a wedding or vacation destination! For more helpful information by destination, click here. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. To truly make your vacation, Uniworld ships have a great selection of gourmet restaurants and elegant bars. Your email address will not be published. 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. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. 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. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. 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. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. Where to Eat and Drink . What You Need to Know. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. While jackets for men and cocktail dresses for ladies are recommended for a few special nights at dinner , you most likely wont be stopped at the door if youre not wearing those. [4], AmaWaterways cruise ships ply a number of rivers in Europe, including the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro,[2] Moselle, Main,[5] Garonne,[6] and Rhne. 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. More excursions offered than any other company. The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. 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. [1] History[ edit] Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. 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. About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. 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. As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. 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 You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. "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? Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. While we offer a wide variety of included excursions to suit your individual interests and encourage you to join us, you are of course welcome to explore on your own. Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. 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. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? .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. 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. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. Absolutely not! Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. 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. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. However, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises more than delivers on this! 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. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. This beach is gorgeous. 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. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. All the restaurants were great. 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. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. AmaWaterways has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. Definitely coming back. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. 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. 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. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. Select itineraries, such as our Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain sailings, also include a select number of meals on shore. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. 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. I am very picky about my coffee. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. 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. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. All meals are included on AmaSiena. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. Heres what you need to know. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). Contact. 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. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. On some days, guests have a choice of excursions to different towns in different countries, so its best to do a little research before making your selectionyou often will only have time for one, as theyre usually a bus ride away. Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? Theres also the Chefs Table, a 32-seat specialty restaurant with a panoramic view from the ship's stern that serves a five-course tasting menu. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? 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. 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. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. 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. The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. Elbe River Cruise Ships Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild, The 8 Best Cruises for Solo Travelers of 2023, Carnival Magic - Cruise Ship Photo Tour and Profile, This 49-Night European River Cruise Is Open to Book for 2024, The Worlds Longest River Cruise Itinerary Was Just Announced, A Three-Story Racetrack, Food Hall, and Infinity Pools: Inside the Norwegian Prima, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox.

High School Powerlifting Records, Articles A