The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. 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?. I will book all future trips with only her. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. [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. Still have questions? This website uses cookies. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. Included in the fares of our featured AmaWaterways river cruises are shore excursions in every port of call all dining on board fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner internet access and Wi-Fi and bicycles that you can use to explore on your own or join our guided bike tours. As part of a history-making partnership, Ancestry and AmaWaterways are combining our shared passions for family, heritage and travel to offer guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to uncover their family history while cruising along Europes legendary rivers. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? As most of your daylight hoursand sometimes evening hourswill be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. Dinner tends to start at a set time every day, this is dependent on port excursions. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. 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." Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. The greeters was great! 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? 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. 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. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. 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). 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. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. 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. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. 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? The four 350-square-foot suites have separate living and sleeping spaces, the former of which has a pull-out sofa that can accommodate two extra guests. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. But also a great time to take advantage of complimentary pre dinner drinks which consist of champagne, wine, beer and specially selected cocktails. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. 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. River cruise lines with European owners, such as CroisiEurope and A-Rosa, tend to be the most a la carte. Budapest illuminated at night. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. It feels very close to all-inclusive. You will find free high speed WiFi in your cabin and throughout the ship. Uniworld also offers a range of onboard activities, including swimming pools, leisure centers and gyms, libraries, and beautiful sun decks to lounge on. 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. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. We offer coffee and tea 24/7 to our guests and are happy to prepare it any way you like. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. Similarly to Uniworld, AmaWaterways has an all-inclusive dining experience, with tapas and snacks served between meals, multi-course dinners prepared right in front of you, and hand-selected red and white wines paired with each meal. 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. 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! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. Entertainers will board the ship at various locks along the route, with their driver dropping them off at one lock and picking up the performers further down the river at another lock. Learn how your comment data is processed. Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . Most passengers go with the general offering, which usually combines tour buses, some walking and guided exploration of the top sites. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. Trying to decide whether you want to sail AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises is tricky. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . Thanks so much Cheryl! 800-626-0126. www.amawaterways.com. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. Tea and coffee are generally included throughout the day and many ships also provide bottled water free of charge. Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. 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. AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. 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. 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. Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. 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. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. Absolutely not! 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. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. Of course there are obvious differences, however today I want to talk about whats included in your river cruise fare, because people of ask us if AmaWaterways is all inclusive. 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. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). .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. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. Selected drinks are included at meal times on the following cruise lines: AmaWaterways This beach is gorgeous. Cabins for both feature similar amenities, with things like mini-fridges stocked with water (replenished daily) umbrellas, robes and veranda blankets for use during your cruise, in-room Wi-Fi and interactive TVs with free on-demand programming. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. Soda, beer and regional wines are included at meal times, and menus source heavily from local markets and reflect the areas through which the ships sail. Most of our ships in Europe include a fleet of complimentary bikes for you to use on our guided bike tours or for your individual exploration ashore. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. More excursions offered than any other company. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. 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. 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. And there are plenty of locks. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. Boats in the AmaWaterways fleet also offer bikes, which can be used in port as part of an excursion or for solo exploration. They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. You are the best. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? 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. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. 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. 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. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. 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. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) dont. One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to travel. Active is for very fit travelers wishing more intensity and a faster pace. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel has been assisting us for our vacation guidance, advice, and the best bang for our buck. 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. Steinman emphasizes that these wine cruises have all the tours that would be available on a regular cruise, yet guests also can enjoy special wine tastings, wine pairings and interaction with a special wine host. in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. If you dont plan on spending much time in your room, these categories will do just fine, but be forewarnedpart of the fun of the Rhine itineraries is sitting outside watching the castles and locks go by. 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. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. 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.
