[7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. That said, both Uniworld and AmaWaterways have wellness centers, swimming pools, sun decks, and lounges in which you can sit comfortably with a good book or enjoy a drink and a chat with fellow guests. To truly make your vacation, Uniworld ships have a great selection of gourmet restaurants and elegant bars. 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Hello! 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). [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. 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. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. 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. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. 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. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. AmaWaterways' Seven River Journey Through Europe is scheduled to set sail on June 1, 2023, with prices starting at $25,999 per passenger. [8], To attract families with younger children, AmaWaterways partnered with Adventures by Disney to create Disney-themed cruises that feature the Christmas markets in cities on the Danube and Rhine rivers, among others. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? Your email address will not be published. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. Starting in 2016, it offered "cruise and bike trips on the Rhine, Seine and Douro". On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. Although most river cruise lines promote themselves as all-inclusive the meaning of all-inclusive tends to vary by operator by that, I mean some river cruise lines are in fact more inclusive than others! The AmaSienas home river is the Rhine in Europe. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. 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. Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. They offer cruises ranging from 7 to 27 days. [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. 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. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. 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. 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. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. 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. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just Complementary drinks A not-to-be-missed performer. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. Bikers are required to wear helmets. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. Number of Ships: 24. Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? 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. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. Where to Eat and Drink . According to Wendy Perrin, one of the most noted travel experts in the industry, some of these similarities include: Viking ships all feature elevators whereas AmaWaterways only has elevators on the Europe ships. Cabins for both feature similar amenities, with things like mini-fridges stocked with water (replenished daily) umbrellas, robes and veranda blankets for use during your cruise, in-room Wi-Fi and interactive TVs with free on-demand programming. Uniworld tends to put more focus on guided tours and daytime entertainment at various destinations. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! All meals are included in your fare. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. 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. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. 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!". Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! They have a larger variety of ship sizes than Uniworld, with the AmaDahlia holding 72 passengers and the AmaMagna holding 196. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. We stayed at the Dreams Resort & Spa in La Romana, Dominican Republic and it was perfect for our family reunion of our former foreign exchange students. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. "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? [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. 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. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. 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). She is awesome!!! 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. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. Fully-inclusive river cruises Fully inclusive means that selected drinks such as beer and wine are included at meal times only. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. This website uses cookies. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. Select itineraries, such as our Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain sailings, also include a select number of meals on shore. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. Still have questions? 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. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. ", "Vacationing With Kids? This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. 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 We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . 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. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. 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 Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. 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). While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. This beach is gorgeous. The clientele of a cruise can vary widely depending on the cruise line, and even the itinerary, but both Uniworld and AmaWaterways tend to attract similar guests. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. The voyage includes meals, beverages, shore excursions, Wi . How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. 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. 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. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. 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. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. These excursions generally are limited to small groups and take you into smaller venues or provide immersive experiences that expose passengers to a port's culture and tradition on a deeper, often hands-on, level. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. 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. Sail through Europe on our Treasures of the Main & Rhine itinerary from Nuremberg to Amsterdam with Emmy award-winning television host, travel expert and AmaWaterways Godmother Samantha Brown as the festive holiday season begins to transform bustling German cities, medieval villages and Amsterdam, the "Venice of the North."