[1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. Our exclusive Concierge Golf Programme includes 7 nights onboard one of the highest rated ships in Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, a choice of excursions in every port and our unique Twin Balconies, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent. The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. 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. Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Its difficult to feel hungry on The AmaMagna there are always snack available somewhere on the ship. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. These ships dont spend days at sea; rather, they are utilized as a luxurious experience between destinations. 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. 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. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? River cruising is a relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel where you can enjoy ever-changing scenery along the banks of waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Volga and Yangtze. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023, 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. Definitely coming back. Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among 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. Contact. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. Bed configuration for both lines is flexible: Two twins can be combined into one king. All meals are included on AmaSiena. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After all, both look pretty similar from the outside, both cater (and market) to North American passengers and both sail on virtually all of the world's major rivers -- they even include many of the same ports. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. 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 . 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! Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. 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). 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. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. All the restaurants were great. 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. 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!". After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. 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 . One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. 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. The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. This website uses cookies. How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. Trips And Excursions On An AmaWaterways River Cruise, WIFI Throughout Your AmaWaterways River Cruise. 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. What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. 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. 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. 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. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. However, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises more than delivers on this! Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. So how do you decide? When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. I was invited as a guest on the AmaMagna, however all opinions and thoughts are my own. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. Ocean cruisers whove wanted to try a river cruise but have been afraid of feeling too confined will likely find AmaMagna more to their taste. 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. Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. [2] The company also caters to bicyclists, golfers,[4] and other active passengers. 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). These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. All Rights Reserved. For example, in 2021, wine enthusiasts might head into France to taste vintages on an Essence of Burgundy & Provence wine-themed sailing or into Austria and Germany for a Melodies of the Danube wine cruise. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! 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. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. 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. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. 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. How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? 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 Absolutely not! AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. What's Included in Your AMAWaterways River Cruise. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. Typically, theres just one excursion per day, but in some ports, there are nighttime ones; on our sailing, we had the option to leave the ship after dinner in Rdesheim, Germany, to sample the local coffee or visit a music museum. Our Programme takes you straight from your ship to the course and back making your golfing experience seamless Golf and River Cruise truly is a marriage made in heaven. 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). It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. Another perk is that the line offers multiple pace levels of walking tours gentle, regular and active. 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." Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? 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. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. 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. 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). [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. Uniworld also offers a range of onboard activities, including swimming pools, leisure centers and gyms, libraries, and beautiful sun decks to lounge on. We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! Theres also the Chefs Table, a 32-seat specialty restaurant with a panoramic view from the ship's stern that serves a five-course tasting menu. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. With river cruise ships being so small, there isnt much space for onboard activities, but they certainly offer enough to keep you entertained while youre on the water. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. 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. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. See what 1 line just announced for 2024, Why a Douro River cruise may be the perfect friends group getaway, Demand for cruises on small ships jumps in wake of COVID pandemic. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Both lines offer a variety of amenities that are standard between ships. 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. 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. 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. bull sharks in florida canals,
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