Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. 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. We invite you to take one of our European river cruises, Asia river cruises, or Africa river cruises and see the world in luxury and comfort. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. And there are plenty of locks. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. For trips that require transport, that was also provided. 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. Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. 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. In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. 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. 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. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. The Shore Excursions. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. Passengers are treated to a multicourse meal with unlimited premium wine, paired to the courses. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, A River Cruise with a Butler: We Try It on Uniworld and Scenic, 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 in every port (all excursions included on voyages in Africa), Special events, such as dinner in a castle, Complimentary entertainment on-demand in staterooms and suites, Some complimentary shore excursions, depending on itinerary, One-night hotel stay before trip on select itineraries, Hop-on, hop-off bus service in every port, Two dinners at the specialty restaurant, per cruise, Gratuities for crew and local guides and drivers, Butler service (for some suite categories), One bag of laundry per cabin on seven-night cruises; two bags per cabin for 14-night cruises (for guests in some suites on an APT Collection cruise on Aria or Concerto river ships), One waiter-served dinner (the rest of the meals are buffets -- you'll have to pay if you want a second served dinner). Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. some of the leading championship courses on the continent. 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). All meals are included on AmaSiena. 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. This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. 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. 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. You will find a selection of tea and coffee available throughout the day, the main lounge has a coffee machine, fresh iced water and biscuits. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. More excursions offered than any other company. Carving out a niche in the upscale segment of the river cruise industry, AmaWaterways is luxurious in many ways, yet with a contemporary, comfortable vibe. At night, the Aquavit Terrace serves a set menu that can be enjoyed as often as you'd like throughout your cruise. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. 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. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. 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. Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. On AmaWaterways, a chef's table at the stern of the boat seats up to 32 people in an area with an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows; guests experience a tasting menu (available to each . Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. Despite being different its equally wonderful. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. .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. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). 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. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. Recommended Reading: Italian River 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). Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. This beach is gorgeous. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! So how do you decide? The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. 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. Your cruise fare on both will include at least one shore excursion in each port; wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner; all onboard meals; Wi-Fi; and cultural enrichment. On a moving ship? 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. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. 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. 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. They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. 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. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. 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? As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Are drinks included on Uniworld? They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. 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. How? Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. We also encourage you to visit some of the local coffee shops ashore. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. 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. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. Typically, theres just one excursion per day, but in some ports, there are nighttime ones; on our sailing, we had the option to leave the ship after dinner in Rdesheim, Germany, to sample the local coffee or visit a music museum. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! Get expert advice, insider tips and more. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. 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 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. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. They have a larger variety of ship sizes than Uniworld, with the AmaDahlia holding 72 passengers and the AmaMagna holding 196. 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. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. Still have questions? She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. Heres what you need to know. At a glance. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. 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. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. 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. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. Most of the public areas are forward of or just behind the central atrium, which houses the elevators, though the Chefs Table, which is all the way aft. 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. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. 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. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. 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 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.
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