Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). Light bites are served throughout the day in the lounge; there are pastries for early or late risers who miss breakfast, tapas for lunch, afternoon tea, a Sip & Sail cocktail hour (alcoholic beverages are complimentary), and a late-night snack served at 10:30 p.m. You can also access a complimentary coffee station here 24/7. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. 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. Viking requires a $500 nonrefundable deposit, with final payment due 90 days before the cruise is scheduled to begin (a 20 percent deposit of the full fare is required for World and Grand Cruise itineraries with payment 180 days prior to departure). All meals are included in your fare. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. 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. And as with most European river cruises, the demographic skews towards older couples with a moderate activity level (many guests take advantage of the complimentary bicycles available at every port, for instance). Some river cruise operators include wine, beer and soft drinks only with lunch and dinner while others include unlimited drinks, served at your discretion throughout the cruise! Both lines also offer specialized cruises. There is an up-charge for this optional tour but its a MUST-SEE experience. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . 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. How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. AmaWaterways will offer pre-cruise packages in both Medellin (2 nights) and Cartagena (3 nights), which can be combined, and a 3-night Panama City package post-cruise that will include a visit to the Panama Canal. 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. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. The Shore Excursions. Using the example of Rudesheim, Germany, Karst told Avid Cruiser that AmaWaterways typically would offer a choice of a gondola ride to the monument overlooking the Rhine followed by included wine tasting a hike through the areas vineyards a guided bike tour an evening visit to taste the famous Rudesheimer Kaffee, an alcoholic coffee drink or a tour of Siegfrieds Mechanical Music Cabinet, a museum with an amazing array of historical automated instruments musical. We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. 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. For trips that require transport, that was also provided. Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the iconic Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. 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. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. 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. The suites are extremely spacious great for passengers who want larger accommodations, adds Steinman, noting that even lower deck cabins are 200 plus square feet. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. 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. 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. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. So, yes, you should bring a book. Budapest illuminated at night. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). More excursions offered than any other company. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. 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. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. Here is a taste of what you can enjoy when you choose to add a What Makes AmaWaterways Different? - River Cruise Advisor During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. AmaWaterways Cruises - Travel Weekly Viking's Longships feature square bows, which creates space for the line's Aquavit Terrace, an alfresco spot for drinking and dining on the third deck. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. 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. [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]. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at 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. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Both cruise lines take the same approach to dining, with a combination of buffet and off-the-menu ordering at breakfast and lunch, then a sit-down dinner at a set time each night. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. Similarly to Uniworld, AmaWaterways has an all-inclusive dining experience, with tapas and snacks served between meals, multi-course dinners prepared right in front of you, and hand-selected red and white wines paired with each meal. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. Here's what I thought. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. 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. I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. 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. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. Here Are 15 of the Best New Family-Friendly Cruises to Take in 2020", "Disney amps up European river cruise options", "AmaWaterways to Offer Solo Traveler Promotion", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=AmaWaterways&oldid=1092108243, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 June 2022, at 06:40. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. Everything is taken care of with no worries. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. 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. As most of your daylight hoursand sometimes evening hourswill be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. Still have questions? How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. 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. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. Thanks so much Cheryl! Another perk is that the line offers multiple pace levels of walking tours gentle, regular and active. What's Included - AmaWaterways - CruiseDirect.com Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. 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. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. Yes! Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. AmaWaterways - 24 Reviews - TourRadar The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. 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 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. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. 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. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. 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. 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. 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. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. River cruise drinks packages: Riviera Travel, Viking, Emerald Waterways Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? AmaWaterways Cruises AMA - CruiseCompete Of course there are obvious differences, however today I want to talk about whats included in your river cruise fare, because people of ask us if AmaWaterways is all inclusive. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. 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. This website uses cookies. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. 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! 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. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . 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. Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". As a high-end river cruise line, you'll find an awful lot included in your cruise, including: Unlimited fine wines, sparkling wines, premium spirits and beers on-board; Welcome bottle of sparkling wine and two bottles of wine in-suite; 24-hour self service venue offering tea, coffee, wines and non-alcoholic beverages; 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. 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. AmaWaterways adds a second ship for Colombia program Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. So how do you decide? We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. If theyre able to keep themselves entertained, enjoy traveling and seeing the sights, and are happy with a good dip in the onboard pool, then both AmaWaterways and Uniworld are excellent choices. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, I am very picky about my coffee. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. All guests traveling with AmaWaterways remain responsible for ensuring they meet the travel entry requirements for each country they plan to visit before, during or after their river cruise. 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. 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. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. 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. Am I missing something? Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? Each month, I love to share with you my thoughts, personal stories, travel tips and latest news on the people and places that help turn every mile of our guests' river cruise experience into one of their most cherished memories!". What You Need to Know. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? 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. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. 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. Neither includes gratuities for crew or tour guides.. AmaWaterways suggests 100 euros per person per seven-night cruise (120 euros on AmaMagna), with an additional 25 euros per week-long sailing for the cruise manager. Those looking to get their hearts pumping might choose an active tour, which could include a little more mileage or climbs up stairs or other steep inclines, or the pace might simply be slightly faster. You are the best. 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. 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. On a moving ship? AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. 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?. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. 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. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example.