Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. AmaWaterways has safari cruises in Africa, wine cruises in Europe, and cruises with focuses like golf, ancestry, classical music, and more. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. 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. 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. 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. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. 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. 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. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. 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. 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. in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. Both itineraries are open for sale now, with Karst encouraging the audience of the 'Sip & Sail' event to "contact your travel . 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. Cabins also feature great lighting, which employs dimmer switches and bedside controls. The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. On AmaWaterways, a chef's table at the stern of the boat seats up to 32 people in an area with an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows; guests experience a tasting menu (available to each . During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. 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. 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. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. There is a cancellation fee of $100 payable on sailings cancelled 121 days or more before the sailing date, which increases on a sliding scale closer to the departure. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Combination river and ocean cruises are available that take you to other European countries like Spain, Denmark, and Norway. Viking requires a $500 nonrefundable deposit, with final payment due 90 days before the cruise is scheduled to begin (a 20 percent deposit of the full fare is required for World and Grand Cruise itineraries with payment 180 days prior to departure). AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. Quite often local food and afternoon tea are provided too. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. 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. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. 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. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. 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. 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. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. These excursions generally are limited to small groups and take you into smaller venues or provide immersive experiences that expose passengers to a port's culture and tradition on a deeper, often hands-on, level. There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. 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. Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . 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. There are fitness classes (during COVID times, these were provided outdoors, weather permitting, rather than in the fitness center), massages and beauty treatments in the one-room spa and salon, a small pool, and an outdoor giant chess set. One of the best ways of securing a better deal, however, is by booking via a cruise travel agent. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). 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. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Learn how your comment data is processed. Thats typically a U.S. vintner who sails and lectures onboard as well as brings hand-selected vintages for guests to taste. 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. Discover local culture and sights on included tours, and then hop back on your luxurious river cruise ship and sail to the next stunning city or charming town. Ama's cabins in virtually every category are slightly bigger than Viking's. Once at your destination, you can speak with your guide about going off solojust make sure you dont miss the ride back to the ship. 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. On a moving ship? 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. The ships spacious two-level lounge has plenty of comfortable seating areas, a bar, dance floor, space for entertainers, a lower level library with an electric fireplace and a door that opens to reveal a movie theater. It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. 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. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! Uniworld also offers a range of onboard activities, including swimming pools, leisure centers and gyms, libraries, and beautiful sun decks to lounge on. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. 02 Mar 2023 01:57:04 I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular. [1] [2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just
As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. If you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. Definitely coming back. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. To truly make your vacation, Uniworld ships have a great selection of gourmet restaurants and elegant bars. Courtesy of AmaWaterways. 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. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of included shore excursions, from walking tours for gentle, regular and active guests to guided hikes and bike rides. Fresh local dishes and favorite drinks are stocked on board at every location to make you feel like . The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? 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. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. [1] History[ edit] We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. Are drinks included on Uniworld? Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420 International Callers Click Here How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. Passengers are treated to a multicourse meal with unlimited premium wine, paired to the courses. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. 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. Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. 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.