Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. 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. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. 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. 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). Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. 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. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. The Bottom Line: Which River Cruise Line is Right for You. River cruise lines with European owners, such as CroisiEurope and A-Rosa, tend to be the most a la carte. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. 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. 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. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. "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? Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . At least one complimentary shore excursion in every port, Interactive entertainment on-demand system in staterooms and suites, Gratuities onboard and on shore excursions, Select complimentary shore excursions in every port, Interactive entertainment system with complimentary movies in cabins, Wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner, complimentary coffee, tea and bottled water throughout, At least one shore excursion in each port, Interactive television system with complimentary movies in cabins and suites, Two glasses of wine, beer or soda at dinner, In-room entertainment system with complimentary movies, Complimentary hotel stays or land extensions on select itineraries, All alcoholic drinks, sodas, specialty coffees, teas, and water, Complementary specialty dining venue on select ships, Gratuities ashore on shore excursions for guides and drivers, Special, private Tauck-exclusive events, such as dinner in a castle, In-room television system with complimentary movies, Wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, Special events, such as dinner in a castle (mostly on theme cruises), Complimentary coffee, tea and water; juice at breakfast, At least one shore excursions in every port, Alternative restaurant with lighter meals, Beer, wine and soda at lunch and dinner; complimentary coffee, teas and water throughout, At least one shore excursion in every port, Interactive entertainment system in all cabins with complimentary movies. We recommend AmaWaterways for families and young adults. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. 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. We stayed in one of the suites and it was absolutely beautiful! Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? 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 In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. 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 . Thanks so much Cheryl! 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. Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets, Treasures of the Main & Rhine (Christmas), Majestic Capitals of the Danube (Christmas), Colors of Provence Soulful Epicurean Experience, A Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Secrets of Egypt and the Nile Epicurean Experience. This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. 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. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. 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. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. 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. Do I need formal attire? If you dont plan on spending much time in your room, these categories will do just fine, but be forewarnedpart of the fun of the Rhine itineraries is sitting outside watching the castles and locks go by. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. Bikers are required to wear helmets. Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. 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 What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Depart From Norfolk Va. AmaWaterways opened the ODA Free Village English School in the province of Siem Reap, Cambodia in association with ODA the Orphans and Disabled Arts Association. Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. 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. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship. Included tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides 5. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. Number of Ships: 24. If youre looking for honeymoon cruise options, you may want to check out our article 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. 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. Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? 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. The Shore Excursions. All meals are included in your fare. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. The same applies to Australia's Travelmarvel, which is owned by APT (see below). 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. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. [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. 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. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. 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. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. They have a larger variety of ship sizes than Uniworld, with the AmaDahlia holding 72 passengers and the AmaMagna holding 196. 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The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. We also encourage you to visit some of the local coffee shops ashore. Both cruise lines are all-inclusive and provide excellent service, meaning that no matter which one you choose, it is guaranteed to be worth the money. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. 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! I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. For trips that require transport, that was also provided. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. 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. 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). 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. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. In addition, AmaWaterways river cruises offer complimentary guided bicycle tours in at least two ports on every seven-night itinerary along the Rhine, Main, Danube and Rhne rivers. 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. 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. All the restaurants were great. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. Still have questions? Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. 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. Everything is taken care of with no worries. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. 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. During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. So how do you decide? [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. 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. 14 Days - Travel to Medellin and return from Panama City, 16 Days - Travel to Medellin and return from Panama City, AmaWaterways Ltd | Abbots Place Suite B | Walnut Tree Close | Guildford | GU1 4RW. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! 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? First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. 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. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. 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?. However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. [9][2][10], The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. 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. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? 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. 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. 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. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. Like Viking's Longships, most of AmaWaterways' European ships are 443 feet long, the maximum length to make it through the lock systems on Rhine and Danube cruises. Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. 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. You May Like: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. I am very picky about my coffee. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? 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.