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. In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. AmaWaterways cabins are quite colorful, with stark whites contrasting bright pops of pink or red patterns. 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. in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. AmaWaterways is a wonderful pick for passengers who want to be active or travel with children as well as those who want more amenities onboard. Yes! Sandals vs. Iberostar Resorts: Which Is Best for You? Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. When it comes to accommodations onboard, many believe that Uniworld has the upper hand. 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. Despite being different its equally wonderful. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. 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. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. We stayed in one of the suites and it was absolutely beautiful! As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. As a high-end river cruise line, you'll find an awful lot included in your cruise, including: Unlimited fine wines, sparkling wines, premium spirits and beers on-board; Welcome bottle of sparkling wine and two bottles of wine in-suite; 24-hour self service venue offering tea, coffee, wines and non-alcoholic beverages; Many of these excursions only occupy a portion of your time in port, so theres usually time to explore on your own after a tour, too. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon or vacation onboard a river cruise but dont know which company to travel with? We also encourage you to visit some of the local coffee shops ashore. It feels very close to all-inclusive. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. 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. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. 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. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! "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? Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. [1] History[ edit] The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. AmaWaterways' Seven River Journey Through Europe is scheduled to set sail on June 1, 2023, with prices starting at $25,999 per passenger. Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. 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. 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. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. 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. 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. I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. Even at the lowest level, Viking's cabins include exceptional storage space, with lots of drawers and underbed space for storing suitcases. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. 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. 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. 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. Ports of call include Cologne, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, and smaller picturesque towns throughout the Alsace region of France and the Black Forest region of Germany. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. Modern coaches provide the primary mode of transportation for each, though Viking's are branded with the cruise line's logo and photos of the ships or exotic locations (making them easily identifiable among the crowd), while only some of AmaWaterways' buses are branded. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. 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. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. Some river cruise operators include wine, beer and soft drinks only with lunch and dinner while others include unlimited drinks, served at your discretion throughout the cruise! How Do the Enrichment Programs Compare on These Two Popular River Cruise Lines? This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. Definitely coming back. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. Are drinks included on Uniworld? Gentle tours are designed for those who need a slower pace or have mobility issues. If you are unsure as to what you would like to do, the company is also available to fully plan your trip, leaving you with a relaxing experience packed with potential. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. Both offer exceptional dining, great entertainment and activities, and a luxurious experience. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. Thank you! This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The greeters was great! All meals are included on AmaSiena. 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. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). 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 It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. 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. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. More excursions offered than any other company. The voyage includes meals, beverages, shore excursions, Wi . Personalized guest service that is beyond anything you could imagine. So, yes, you should bring a book. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. I will book all future trips with only her. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. 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. The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. AmaWaterways offers a huge selection of complimentary drinks onboard its European cruises. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. How is your coffee on board? What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). 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 answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. Both itineraries are open for sale now, with Karst encouraging the audience of the 'Sip & Sail' event to "contact your travel . Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? 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. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. In addition, should it happen to rain during your river cruise, we have umbrellas available for you to use onshore. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. 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. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways?