Although dining is more intimate with less venues on a river cruise ship. Absolutely not! Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. 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. There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. 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). Backroads even provides the high-end bikes for these sailings, set up for each person ahead of time based on factors like height, weight and cycling style. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. Read on for a comparison of AmaWaterways vs. Uniworld, including their ships, itineraries, activities and entertainment, price range, and more, so that you can decide which river cruise line is best for you. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. 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. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. Budapest illuminated at night. ", "Vacationing With Kids? Why? Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. The ships even have a "gluten-free corner," where passengers can find snacks at all hours of the day. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. 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. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. You May Like: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship youre on. 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? Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. 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! About Us Contact Work With Us Contact An Agent. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? All the restaurants were great. Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. Fewer guests onboard means less packed amenities and tours. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? 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. 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. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. [11], As of 2022, AmaWaterways had a fleet of 26 ships. 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. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. Our Reception Desk staff and additional crew will be happy to offer their suggestions, though part of the fun of exploring ports is stumbling upon a unique find yourself! Whats Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? We hope to see you on board soon! Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. We look forward to working with you again! Both suggest gratuities of around 2 euros for tour guides and one euro for bus drivers. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. There was no detail that she missed. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. Courtesy of AmaWaterways. Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though its open seating in standard times. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. What's Included In Your Fare On An AmaWaterways River Cruise? Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. Selected drinks are included at meal times on the following cruise lines: AmaWaterways This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. 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. Wine, champagne, beer, sparking and still water and soft drinks are served throughout meal times, your glass never goes empty. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. 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. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. 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. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. A not-to-be-missed performer. 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. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. Another perk is that the line offers multiple pace levels of walking tours gentle, regular and active. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. Bed configuration for both lines is flexible: Two twins can be combined into one king. 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 . Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? Where to Eat and Drink . Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. 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. Am I missing something? Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. Private tours are available to be booked if you are looking to do something away from the groups. 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. The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. All excursions are included for guests on the AmaSiena, and while theres a range for all types of travelers, Amawaterways as a company offers more active excursions than its competitors. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. I think we have it all covered there, River Cruising is a totally different experience to Ocean Cruising, yet is equally spectacular.