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. 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. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. 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. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. So how do you decide? 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? Our 2023 sailing is at capacity. When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. 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. Everything is taken care of with no worries. AmaWaterways' AmaSiena: A Complete Ship Guide - TripSavvy (Probably Overrated). Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Why? An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. 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. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. 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. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. 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. 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. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. 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. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. The next deck is the Cello Deck, home to staterooms and the main restaurant, followed by the Violin deck, with more staterooms, reception, the lounge, a gift shop, and the Chefs Table restaurant. The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. 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. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. Uniworld also offers a range of onboard activities, including swimming pools, leisure centers and gyms, libraries, and beautiful sun decks to lounge on. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. 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. And there are plenty of locks. 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. Here's what I thought. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. The onboard entertainment strives to immerse you in local culture during your trip, with live music, storytellers, and dancers who live and work in the destinations the ships travel to. 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. 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. 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. What's included in a river cruise? - RiverVoyages.com Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? Number of Ships: 24. 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. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. Guests will enjoy a variety of experiences exclusive to this special itinerary, such as guided tours showcasing jazz, food and wine, all while shining a light on Black heritage. This website uses cookies. Our ships also move along at a gentle pace and you can always see land on both sides of the river, removing any additional anxiety for those who may feel stranded out on the open water. How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. 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. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. 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. Viking also has an impressive lineup of partners, including Masterpiece Theatre, so passengers could elect to visit Highclere Castle, where "Downton Abbey" was shot, and get behind-the-scenes exclusive access as part of a cruise land extension for Paris and Normandy cruises. What You Need to Know. Passengers are treated to a multicourse meal with unlimited premium wine, paired to the courses. This beach is gorgeous. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. As Uniworld places emphasis on its guided tours, this cruise line is the more popular choice for those who like to stay active and explore. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! 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. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. 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. What Makes AmaWaterways Different? - River Cruise Advisor The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. What's Included On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? 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. 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. [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]. the differences between ocean and river cruising. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation onboard a river cruise but dont know which company to travel with? Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? 2024 Seven River Journeys Spring - What's Included When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. At a glance. 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. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). Contact. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. 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. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. AmaWaterways' Revolutionary Ship, AmaMagna, Welcomes First Guests On 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. A not-to-be-missed performer. As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. .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. 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. Backroads even provides the high-end bikes for these sailings, set up for each person ahead of time based on factors like height, weight and cycling style. 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. 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. Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Ama offer a full itinerary of classes throughout the day, a gym with spinning bikes and the addition of a relaxation area. 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. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. Visit our FAQs page, learn more about river cruising with AmaWaterways, contact your preferred travel advisor or call us at 1.800.626.0126. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. [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. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld?