amawaterways what is included

Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). However, these lines have tailored their offerings, making them more inclusive for North Americans while keeping pricing a la carte for Europeans. AmaWaterways excursions generally have three levels: a gentle-walking group, the general group and the active group. Talks, too, focus on history of the region, and might include scenic cruising lectures, where the speaker points out highlights as the boat sails. 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. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Hello! Seating on both lines is open, meaning passengers can sit wherever they'd like. 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! Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . All meals are included in your fare. 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. Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. Uniworld tends to put more focus on guided tours and daytime entertainment at various destinations. some of the leading championship courses on the continent. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. Viking River Cruises typically host 190 passengers. Much like Uniworld, AmaWaterways ships cruise a variety of riverways worldwide. River cruise lines employ local entertainment to come onboard for the evenings show either while still docked or even while underway. Here are my 17 reasons to go on a Lower Danube river cruise with AmaWaterways: Note: Tips are not included for the guides and bus drivers so do remember to bring some small bills. It was quite the experience as we visited five countries in eight days and three of them we had never been to before. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. Your email address will not be published. Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. AmaWaterways will offer pre-cruise packages in both Medellin (2 nights) and Cartagena (3 nights), which can be combined, and a 3-night Panama City package post-cruise that will include a visit to the Panama Canal. She frequently sails seven-night itineraries between Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland, sailing through Germanys scenic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with castles. Complimentary bottled water is replenished in your stateroom on a daily basis. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. As Uniworld places emphasis on its guided tours, this cruise line is the more popular choice for those who like to stay active and explore. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. Fully-inclusive river cruises Fully inclusive means that selected drinks such as beer and wine are included at meal times only. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. 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. Natalie and I went on their Black Sea Voyage and here are my 10 reasons to go on a lower Danube cruise, specifically. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. 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. Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairsthere are multiple options per coursethough portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. 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. 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. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. Theyre all exterior cabins decorated in the ships signature red-and-gray color palette, equipped with hairdryers, safes, telephones, TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, a desk and chair, and a (somewhat cramped) en-suite bathroom with a shower. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Both cruise lines take the same approach to dining, with a combination of buffet and off-the-menu ordering at breakfast and lunch, then a sit-down dinner at a set time each night. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 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? Let us help you learn more so you can choose between these two river cruise lines. 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. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. If theyre able to keep themselves entertained, enjoy traveling and seeing the sights, and are happy with a good dip in the onboard pool, then both AmaWaterways and Uniworld are excellent choices. Closer attention to detail is guaranteed from all tour operators. In the main lounge, there is 24-hour access to tea and coffee making facilities including hot chocolate and herbal/fruit teas. 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. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. 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). 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. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Both lines also offer specialized cruises. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Is this the most epic river cruise ever? If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. Thank you Dani for knowing how to make things happen and always willing to go the extra mile to make our vacation special! In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. Weve curated a list of questions submitted by first-time river cruisers to give you a better picture of the unparalleled experiences youll have while sailing with us. As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more. Uniworlds fleet consists of 17 ships, most of which are quite similar in size. That said, neither cruise line is actually geared toward families, so if your children are always looking for something new to do, you may want to consider alternative options. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare? 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. With either line, passengers will find plenty of room for lounging, whether outdoors on the top deck or inside in the ships' lounges. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The voyage includes meals, beverages, shore excursions, Wi . Both include toiletries: Ama supplies Hydro brand shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion, while Viking provides Freyja amenities. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. If youre not sure about a river cruise and want to investigate ocean cruise lines, you might be interested in these articles: Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian, Carnival Cruise vs Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity, Are Viking Cruises Adults Only, and Royal Caribbean vs. Princess. She is awesome!!! Where to Eat and Drink . Having cruised on an AmaWaterways River Cruise along the Danube River the differences between ocean and river cruising were surprising. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. The itineraries are what truly make the experience of a river cruise. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. The building design is classy and quality. Absolutely not! Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. Yes! Please see ourTravel Entry Requirementspage for the most current details. You are the best. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. The line has 55 Longships, nearly identical boats designed to sail Europe's rivers. One bonus that Viking River Cruises has over AmaWaterways is the ability to combine both river and ocean itineraries since they operate both types of ships now. The word "inclusive" gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. AmaWaterways also has a partnership with Backroads, an active touring company. 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. Thats not to say that friend groups or multi-gen families wouldnt enjoy sailingseveral cabins do have connecting doors. AmaWaterways is a Calabasas, California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt. All Rights Reserved. River cruise lines with European owners, such as CroisiEurope and A-Rosa, tend to be the most a la carte. Thank you! But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. There is an up-charge for this optional tour but its a MUST-SEE experience. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Depart From Norfolk Va. AmaWaterways opened the ODA Free Village English School in the province of Siem Reap, Cambodia in association with ODA the Orphans and Disabled Arts Association. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. Began as a tour group operating in Europe. Several of AmaWaterways ships feature cabins for single travelers. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! There were plenty of grass thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. AmaWaterways requires a $400 deposit for Europe and Asia itineraries ($1,200 for Egypt sailings, $2,400 on Africa cruises and $2,400 for the extended Seven River Journey Through Europe itineraries). In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. Both cruise lines offer a variety of dining options and menus that reflect the cuisine of the destination countries. Despite being different its equally wonderful. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. Suite guests receive a complimentary stocked mini-bar . On board AmaWaterways, however, you will find their in-house pianist and a variety of unique performances and shows throughout your trip. 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. Ama feels very much a premium product, however is well worth the price. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. Definitely coming back. The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. For example, they'll include shore excursions and waiter served dinners for Americans and Canadians, while these remain pay-as-you-go for Europeans. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! Known as an internationally recognized luxury travel company. All meals are included on AmaSiena. If youre looking for honeymoon cruise options, you may want to check out our article 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. 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. This allows for more choice, enabling you to find just the right cruise and ship for you. 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. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. The great news is that you can do as many or little excursions are you want, dipping in and out of trips is a huge benefit. These requirements,as mandated by airlines and individual countries or regions, may change without notice and cancellation fees will apply should guests no longer meet the country entry requirements for their cruise or land program. With both lines, exotic itineraries in Asia Africa often combine longer land tours with time on the rivers. Both cruise lines welcome children onboard (with some limitations). Are drinks included on Uniworld? And as with most European river cruises, the demographic skews towards older couples with a moderate activity level (many guests take advantage of the complimentary bicycles available at every port, for instance). Light bites are served throughout the day in the lounge; there are pastries for early or late risers who miss breakfast, tapas for lunch, afternoon tea, a Sip & Sail cocktail hour (alcoholic beverages are complimentary), and a late-night snack served at 10:30 p.m. You can also access a complimentary coffee station here 24/7. In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. Your cruise fare on both will include at least one shore excursion in each port; wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner; all onboard meals; Wi-Fi; and cultural enrichment. How to Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package. 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. Also free use of bikes to take on shore. The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. What are the current requirements for embarking on AmaWaterways' river cruises? More excursions offered than any other company. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where theres a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. 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. Now that you have an idea of what Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer, lets take a look at the similarities and differences of Uniworld vs. Ama river cruises. At intervals during the day one of the crew will appear with a nice cooling wine spritzer, cold beer or cocktail of the day. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. 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. antebellum louisiana fbi raid, how much did textron pay for howe and howe, western highway crash,