Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. These include Tauck, Scenic, APT and Crystal, followed by Uniworld and AmaWaterways. 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. During our river cruise on the Danube nearly all of the excursions were free, with the exception of 1 or 2 speciality trips. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. Bikers are required to wear helmets. Still have questions? This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Thats not to say that friend groups or multi-gen families wouldnt enjoy sailingseveral cabins do have connecting doors. An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination its the journey. Theres also the Chefs Table, a 32-seat specialty restaurant with a panoramic view from the ship's stern that serves a five-course tasting menu. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. 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. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! The Black Sea Voyage shows you a different side of Europe Eastern Europe, with its recent scars and growing pains. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. 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. 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. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. Whether it is at a luxury resort or a cozy cabin, we are here to make planning your next trip easier. 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. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! The What to Expect on a River Cruise series is a resource guide, written by Cruise Critic editors and contributors, where we answer the most common questions about river cruises, including dining, cabins and suites, service and onboard activities. Unlike Viking's Longships, in which decor is almost identical from ship to ship, AmaWaterways' cabins feature different decorations, depending on the vessel. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? The closet and drawers were roomy. Here's what I thought. Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. 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. 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. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. So how do you decide? The onboard entertainment strives to immerse you in local culture during your trip, with live music, storytellers, and dancers who live and work in the destinations the ships travel to. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. We strongly encourage getting a slice of Sacher Torte or strudel with your cup at one of Viennas coffeehouses on the Danube River, and tasting authentic Rdesheimer coffee made with Asbach brandy in Rdesheim, Germany along the Rhine. Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. [1], AmaWaterways was co-founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Jimmy Murphy, and Kristin Karst. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. Did you know that a select few of our amazing land packages are Ships on both lines feature elevators, and some Viking ships have sun deck herb gardens, which chefs use daily. What are the Benefits of an AmaWaterways Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Package? The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. Valerie even gets the audience to sing along to the Sound of Musics Do-Re-Mi. A not-to-be-missed performer. No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. 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. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. How? These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. 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? Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. 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. We look forward to working with you again! We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! AmaWaterways' Seven River Journey Through Europe is scheduled to set sail on June 1, 2023, with prices starting at $25,999 per passenger. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor , visit AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626 . Learn how your comment data is processed. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. Thanks so much Cheryl! I thought it may help to understand whats included on an Ama River Cruise. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Yes! Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. "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? All meals are included on AmaSiena. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. Additionally it does help when considering booking a river cruise for the first time to know exactly what is included. Good to know: If the weather is nice, theyll have an ice cream party on the top deck once per cruise. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships currently not operating in Russia). Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. Thank you! The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. Select itineraries, such as our Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain sailings, also include a select number of meals on shore. Because of the nature of river cruising many of the tours are within walking distance. 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. Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. How is your coffee on board? Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. 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. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. Here Are 15 of the Best New Family-Friendly Cruises to Take in 2020", "Disney amps up European river cruise options", "AmaWaterways to Offer Solo Traveler Promotion", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=AmaWaterways&oldid=1092108243, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 June 2022, at 06:40. 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. All the restaurants were great. Booking your first river cruise? [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. We never once had a WiFi issue, the service was so quick. This website uses cookies. Most of the public areas are forward of or just behind the central atrium, which houses the elevators, though the Chefs Table, which is all the way aft. It has the greatest selection of drinks to passengers on its 14 ships based in Europe. During the day, passengers can skip the ship's dining room for buffet dining. During lunch and dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are available with new selections offered daily. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. Gentle is designed for those guests needing a slower pace and, at times if possible , even a bit less walking. The local host was a very nice touch, who made you feel welcomed from the very start. In celebration of our diverse global AmaWaterways family, we are delighted to announce A Soulful Epicurean Experience, our first-ever Colors of Provence river cruise and 3-night Paris land package highlighting Black history and culture. While locks on most European rivers limit the size of river vessels plying those waterways, the Danube can accommodate some larger ships. She loves her job and you can tell when talking to her. 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. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. This Epic New European River Cruise Visits 14 Countries and 7 - Travel 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. River cruise dining shows what the little guys can do Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. Although it is considered a more moderately priced line, Emerald offers a fair number of inclusions (see below), primarily because many of its travelers are Australian (and prefer fares to be more bundled than a la carte). All meals are included on AmaSiena. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 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. We chose the Black Sea Voyage since their AmaPrima ship, which was built in 2013, has 82 cabins that can hold a total of 162 passengers. 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. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. If youre looking for honeymoon cruise options, you may want to check out our article 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. 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! Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. Am I missing something? I am very picky about my coffee. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. 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."
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