How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. Why? First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. You'll enjoy the following: Dining Expert chefs craft menus in a range of restaurants onboard to ensure every meal is a culinary experience to remember. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. We stayed in one of the suites and it was absolutely beautiful! [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. 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. Debuting in 2023 for the first time ever, our unforgettable Seven River Journeys will forever mark their place in history as the longest and most epic river cruises. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. [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]. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . 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. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. It feels very close to all-inclusive. Europe can be quite warm in the summer, so short sleeve shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses and a wide-brimmed hat are good items to pack. 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. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. 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. Everything is taken care of with no worries. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. 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. 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." Cabin categories for Viking and AmaWaterways are pretty similar and vary from a standard riverview cabin with small windows all the way to suites with French and walk-out balconies. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. 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. 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 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. Expanded to North America and now has itineraries for many ports around the globe. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. 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). Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. Your email address will not be published. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. [9][2][10], The company has also offered promotions for solo travellers. We never once had a WiFi issue, the service was so quick. All meals are included in your fare. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. 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. I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. 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. Despite being different its equally wonderful. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. 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 . Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). Passengers are treated to a multicourse meal with unlimited premium wine, paired to the courses. Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. These 210-square-foot cabins offer guests AmaSienas signature double balconies; one true balcony with two chairs and a small table and a French balcony right beside it. Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. 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. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? Elbe River Cruise Ships Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild, The 8 Best Cruises for Solo Travelers of 2023, Carnival Magic - Cruise Ship Photo Tour and Profile, This 49-Night European River Cruise Is Open to Book for 2024, The Worlds Longest River Cruise Itinerary Was Just Announced, A Three-Story Racetrack, Food Hall, and Infinity Pools: Inside the Norwegian Prima, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? 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. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. You are the best. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. AmaWaterways is now offering a comprehensive package with a 7-night river cruise in a French balcony stateroom, round-trip airfare, transfers, a pre- or post-cruise land package, port charges and Travel Waiver Plus all included with a starting price of US$5,499 per person. 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. 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. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. On a moving ship? How to Get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. 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! 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. I will book all future trips with only her. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. 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. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. 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. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. 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. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. All the restaurants were great. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. We really enjoyed Finest for our Destination Wedding and would highly recommend it as a wedding or vacation destination! 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. I am very picky about my coffee. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Planning to sail with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? 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. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. 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. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? If youre looking for honeymoon cruise options, you may want to check out our article 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? She is awesome!!! On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. 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. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. At a glance. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. 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. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. 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). (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. Budapest illuminated at night. Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Uniworld tends to put more focus on guided tours and daytime entertainment at various destinations. AmaWaterways requires a $400 deposit for Europe and Asia itineraries ($1,200 for Egypt sailings, $2,400 on Africa cruises and $2,400 for the extended Seven River Journey Through Europe itineraries). 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. 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?. Explore Danube River on two wheels with AmaWaterways included onboard bicycles, How Much Are Drinks On Viking River Cruises, Where Do Viking River Cruises Dock In Amsterdam, How To Get Off Viking Cruises Mailing List, Where Do River Cruise Ships Dock In Basel Switzerland, Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip, 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, Which Is The Best River Cruise Company In Europe, Who Has The Best Alaska Land And Sea Cruises, Indoor glass-walled observation lounge at the front of the ship, Three meals a day and group shore tours included. Am I missing something? Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. These are sometimes in mini trains to save tired legs and also add a little adventure. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. 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. How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? 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. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. Any additional drinks, such as premium alcoholic beverages, can be ordered at any time and added to your onboard account. Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. Heres what you need to know. The closet and drawers were roomy. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}AmaWaterways and Viking are similarly priced across all cabin categories, from the lowest on up to the suites, and both offer comparable inclusions.