Contact. And there are plenty of locks. 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. Otherwise, youll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. 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. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Hello! Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. I am very picky about my coffee. We also encourage you to visit some of the local coffee shops ashore. Thats not to say that friend groups or multi-gen families wouldnt enjoy sailingseveral cabins do have connecting doors. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? 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. When comparing Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways, its hard to decide which is better. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . Exclusively available on board the AmaMagna, the Zen Wellness Studio also includes outdoor spin bikes, two massage rooms, a hair and nail salon, juice bar and a small selection of child-size bicycles to use on shore. 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. However, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises more than delivers on this! Select sailings on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Garonne include longer bike rides to -- and even between -- ports. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. The pool areas were so pretty and the landscaping lovely. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. During our complimentary onboard wellness activities, yoga mats and other equipment such as resistance bands will be available and will be thoroughly cleaned after each use. To truly make your vacation, Uniworld ships have a great selection of gourmet restaurants and elegant bars. 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. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? 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. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. Bring a raincoat and warm sweater for chilly evenings, especially in the spring and fall, and warmer clothing and a heavy coat for winter cruises. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. 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. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. Courtesy of AmaWaterways. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. Booking your first river cruise? Do I need formal attire? While most river companies offer just one basic excursion, AmaWaterways has choices for extras including culinary choices and more adventurous offerings such as escorted bike trips. Secrets Akumal was the perfect combination of everything we love. The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. 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. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. 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. The Shore Excursions. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 All meals are included on AmaSiena. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. River cruise lines with European owners, such as CroisiEurope and A-Rosa, tend to be the most a la carte. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! There was no detail that she missed. Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? ", "Vacationing With Kids? The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Definitely coming back. 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). However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. 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. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. 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. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. 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. Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. This website uses cookies. About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. 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 . The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. These may seem like low amounts, but its important to remember that river cruise ships are far smaller than regular-sized cruise ships. 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. 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. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. 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. the differences between ocean and river cruising. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. We never once had a WiFi issue, the service was so quick. Cruisers on AmaWaterways get one dinner per cruise at The Chef's Table, an included alternative restaurant that has a set menu. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. 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. AmaWaterways has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. I will book all future trips with only her. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. 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. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. Visit our FAQs page, learn more about river cruising with AmaWaterways, contact your preferred travel advisor or call us at 1.800.626.0126. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. Light bites are served throughout the day in the lounge; there are pastries for early or late risers who miss breakfast, tapas for lunch, afternoon tea, a Sip & Sail cocktail hour (alcoholic beverages are complimentary), and a late-night snack served at 10:30 p.m. You can also access a complimentary coffee station here 24/7. AmaWaterways' Seven River Journey Through Europe is scheduled to set sail on June 1, 2023, with prices starting at $25,999 per passenger. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! Let us know your experience in the comment section below! AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. 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. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. 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. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! Please check our 2024 dates for another chance to embark on this incredible journey. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. If you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. This beach is gorgeous. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. Still have questions? We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. 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. AmaWaterways' river cruise offerings include the Main River, Moselle River, Rhne River, Douro River, Dutch and Belgium Waterways, Saone River, Seine River, Dordogne, and Garonne Rivers, Mekong River, Nile River, and Magdalena River. For other couples, either cruise line would be great depending on what you are looking for. The line offers luxurious touches at mid-level prices, featuring fantastic service and modern amenities that keep passengers comfortable as they sail rivers in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? Right outside Amsterdam, this rare experience calls for its visitors to explore, touch and change as part of their journey into Floriade which is set to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls. Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. 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. 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. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. Sandi Barrett 2. 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. Are drinks included on Uniworld? Onboard service is friendly, guest-centric and never stuffy. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. 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. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. Lisa Long, owner of Luxury Vacations LLC, an independent travel agency in the Avoya Network, Marietta, GA, sells many river cruises and from her perspective, I would classify AmaWaterways as a luxury river cruise experience with a warm and friendly staff and excellent food. But there arent many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. 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 [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? 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. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. 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). 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. When you consider that most Europeans ride bikes everywhere, its no surprise there are wide paved bike paths throughout every port of call. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. Why? We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. 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. Bed configuration for both lines is flexible: Two twins can be combined into one king. 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. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration.