On a moving ship? Each month, I love to share with you my thoughts, personal stories, travel tips and latest news on the people and places that help turn every mile of our guests' river cruise experience into one of their most cherished memories!". The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever Soulful Epicurean Experience on the Rhne River in 2023, we are delighted to announce two new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2024. At breakfast, you can enjoy sparkling wine, juices, tea and coffee. Bed configuration for both lines is flexible: Two twins can be combined into one king. 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. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Also included is their onboard wellness program, shore excursions, and WiFi. It was set up by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. 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. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. 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. 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. The closet and drawers were roomy. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey. In the river cruise world, it's the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Passengers are treated to a multicourse meal with unlimited premium wine, paired to the courses. You May Like: Cruises From Los Angeles To Hawaii Round Trip. All Rights Reserved. Bathrooms have heated floors, a surprising and wonderful detail, especially in the middle of the night. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. Both lines also offer premium excursions, which come at an additional cost. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic musical performances, and even local storytelling. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? How Do AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Itineraries and Fleet? Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. 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. Both lines sail on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Elbe, Dordogne and Douro in Europe, and both offer Christmas markets cruises. Decor is punctuated by Scandinavian art (paintings of old Norwegian sailing vessels, for example). As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. 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. We hope to see you on board soon! AmaWaterways is known as an upscale river cruise line with 21 custom-designed ships. 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. Again, this isnt a new concept, but one that AmaWaterways has done to perfection. This beach is gorgeous. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. The Shore Excursions. Passengers can bring onboard their own drinks from port as well. How? Dress-code wise, guests can leave their ball gowns and tuxedos at home. 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. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. At every stop, theres almost always a general walking tour (guests can choose their activity level: active, regular, or gentle), as well as specialty options like beer or wine tastings, hikes and bike tours, or unique visits to museums. 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. The dining was outstanding on the AmaMagna, offering lots of diverse choice and quality, including child friendly meals for fussy eaters. 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. 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." As with any cruise type, the cost can vary depending on the itinerary, dates, and ship you're on. 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. 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. Travel agents specializing in river cruises are usually able to offer great discounts and deals that are unavailable to the general public. All the restaurants were great. Explore the heart of 15 fascinating European countries on an enthralling 49-night journey. 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. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! Recommended Reading: Italian River Cruise. Ports of call include Cologne, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, and smaller picturesque towns throughout the Alsace region of France and the Black Forest region of Germany. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! A-Rosa does include all alcoholic drinks and gratuities -- measures that appeal to its primarily European passengers. 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. 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. Award-winning dining experiences are offered in four different restaurant options aboard the ship. Uniworld also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. The service is exceptional you will never have to ask for a drink at mealtime. 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! 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. Bikers are required to wear helmets. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. 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. Ukraine, Russia, and Egypt are also scheduled countries for Viking River Cruises. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. You May Like: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes seven rivers, fourteen countries and the exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. 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). Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? Viking River Cruises invests in finding some unique shore excursions. Thank you Eric for handling our destination Wedding at the Finest and also our Honeymoon at the Unico Resort. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. 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. This includes dinner at The Chefs Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. 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. If you plan on participating in our complimentary wellness activities, be sure to bring comfortable workout clothing, such as yoga pants or bike shorts. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. Outdoor space is more plentiful on Viking ships because they dont have pools or bicycle storage on board. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our websites functionality and performance and provide a better experience for our users. Also you leave the ship there is cold water available to take along with you. 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. Wed already sailed on the Upper Danube with other companies and we wanted to visit new countries. But for me, I have well and truly caught the river cruise bug. She is very informative and full of knowledge of any location you are traveling to. Hello! With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. The suites are extremely spacious great for passengers who want larger accommodations, adds Steinman, noting that even lower deck cabins are 200 plus square feet. However, the heated swimming pools and swim-up bars are quite popular on AmaWaterways. 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. Both sail the Nile and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. 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 . 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. We are pleased to offer guests the opportunity to experience Floriade in 2022 while sailing along the Rhine River and Dutch and Belgian Waterways between April 14 and October 9. Complimentary coffee and teas served throughout the day, along with bottled water. AmaWaterways offers itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Africa, and Colombia. Many of these excursions only occupy a portion of your time in port, so theres usually time to explore on your own after a tour, too. I already referred a couple of my friends to book a vacation with Ultimate Travel and planning on contacting Eric soon to book our next trip, this time with our kids just trying to decide were to go next. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. There was no detail that she missed. 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. The decor was very impressive but also authentic Mayan feel. Water is also handed out as you leave the ship on excursions. Born in Austria, Schreiner always dreamed about building a larger river cruise vessel to sail the Danube, and now thats become a reality. The venue that AmaWaterways uses isnt too far from the dock, has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. My Final Thoughts On Our AmaWaterways River Cruise? The cruise begins in Budapest, Hungary, where you board the ship in the afternoon and start sailing after dark, when all the buildings and bridges along the Danube are illuminated. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. On four ships (the AmaDolce, AmaLyra, AmaCello, and AmaDante), single cabins are available without a supplemental fee. [1] History[ edit] The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. You can expect a whole range of inclusions on your Nile or Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways. On board AmaWaterways, you will find cabins with a classy, sleek look and contemporary design. The rooms are nicely decorated and everything worked perfectly with no problems. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. [1][2] Schreiner had been one of the pioneers of the river cruise industry after the RhineMainDanube Canal opened in 1992. Known for their European heritage and pioneering spirit, AmaWaterways leads the industry in innovation, highlighted by the announcement of their history-making 45- and 46-night Seven River Journeys, their new Heritage on the River experiences in partnership with Ancestry, and launching a new river cruise destination and eco-friendly ship on On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. ", "Vacationing With Kids? 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. 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. She is awesome!!! Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Then, there are the ships in Egypt and China, Vietnam, which the line either owns or charters. Viking also has an impressive lineup of partners, including Masterpiece Theatre, so passengers could elect to visit Highclere Castle, where "Downton Abbey" was shot, and get behind-the-scenes exclusive access as part of a cruise land extension for Paris and Normandy cruises. What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms? Even at the lowest level, Viking's cabins include exceptional storage space, with lots of drawers and underbed space for storing suitcases. Both cruise lines are all-inclusive and provide excellent service, meaning that no matter which one you choose, it is guaranteed to be worth the money. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. The building design is classy and quality. Number of Ships: 24. 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. You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Sandi Barrett 2. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. If cancellation is made 121 days or more from the sailing 50 percent of the deposit is returned and is then on a sliding scale up until the time of departure. 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.
Cynthia Sanchez Vallejo Age, Highland Village Condos For Rent Baton Rouge, Alienware Command Center Thermal Not Loading, How Do You Open Doors In Minecraft On Switch, Articles A