Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? Despite being different its equally wonderful. 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!".
AmaWaterways Cruises AMA - CruiseCompete You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. 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. 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. Number of Ships: 24. 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 (of course, if you don't drink, you might feel annoyed at having to pay for all your fellow passengers getting their glasses topped off). 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. While many river lines showcase local wines from the region of sailing, AmaWaterways does that but it also has offers dedicated Wine Cruises 67 such themed cruises in 2020. 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 . Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal.
River cruise dining shows what the little guys can do 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. 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. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Fully-inclusive river cruises Fully inclusive means that selected drinks such as beer and wine are included at meal times only. 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. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. We stayed in one of the suites and it was absolutely beautiful! Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. ", "Vacationing With Kids? Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! 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. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. [1] History[ edit] Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. 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. How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. At every stop, theres almost always a general walking tour (guests can choose their activity level: active, regular, or gentle), as well as specialty options like beer or wine tastings, hikes and bike tours, or unique visits to museums. The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. 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. I will book all future trips with only her. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. 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. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. Viking Cruises started with a fleet of four ships from Russia and has expanded to operating a fleet of more than 60 vessels on three continents. 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. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. We hope to see you on board soon! The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. 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. 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! 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. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. 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.
But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. 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. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. They run around lunch and breakfast schedules, thus allowing you to pop on board for a sport of lunch or indeed head in to town for lunch and some time exploring. AmaWaterways boats feature small (one-room) spas, where moderately priced massages are offered, and salons along with fitness centers, which are moderately used. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. 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; Debuting in summer 2019, the creatively designed AmaMagna is twice the width of a normal Danube river vessel and offers some of the largest staterooms on European rivers. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship.
AmaWaterways: A Guide to European River Cruises - Every Avenue Travel These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. 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. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. Uniworld tends to put more focus on guided tours and daytime entertainment at various destinations. 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. 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. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. 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 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. When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. 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. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. I already referred a couple of my friends to book a vacation with Ultimate Travel and planning on contacting Eric soon to book our next trip, this time with our kids just trying to decide were to go next. 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. Courtesy of AmaWaterways. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. 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. While our fitness rooms vary from ship to ship, they will typically include a treadmill, elliptical machine or spin bike, as well as an assortment of free weights. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. 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. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. 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. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). 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. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular.
AmaWaterways - Ships and Itineraries 2023, 2024, 2025 - CruiseMapper In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? Uniworld also offers a range of onboard activities, including swimming pools, leisure centers and gyms, libraries, and beautiful sun decks to lounge on. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. No matter which company or type of cabin you choose, however, youre sure to enter a world of luxury as soon as you step on board. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size.
AmaWaterways | Cruise Deals, Itineraries & Packages | Avoya Travel 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. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. All meals are included in your fare. 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. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. Another perk is that the line offers multiple pace levels of walking tours gentle, regular and active. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. 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.
This Epic New European River Cruise Visits 14 Countries and 7 - Travel One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. For trips that require transport, that was also provided.
It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. 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 . Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation onboard a river cruise but dont know which company to travel with? Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns.
AmaWaterways' AmaSiena: A Complete Ship Guide - TripSavvy 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. Thats not to say that friend groups or multi-gen families wouldnt enjoy sailingseveral cabins do have connecting doors. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships.
What Is Included In Amawaterways Cruises - CruiseInfoClub.com Black Sea Voyage with AmaWaterways: What's It Like? Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. 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. All the restaurants were great. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. All Rights Reserved. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities.