Sparkling wine with breakfast, local wine and beers at lunch and dinner, with the Sip and Sail Hour held before dinner every night. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. 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. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? If youre looking to travel without children, Uniworld has a selection of adults-only cruises, so you can comfortably enjoy a romantic getaway or honeymoon. 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 Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well and speak English almost perfectly. 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. One particularly excellent singer/performer is Valerie May. You can also check the cruise lines website for special offers and discounts. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. The Shore Excursions. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation. 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. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. 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. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Are drinks included on Uniworld? Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Resort was stunning , food and entertainment was great, and the staff were incredible. The Bottom Line: Which River Cruise Line is Right for You. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways include at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. I thought it may help to understand what's included on an Ama River Cruise. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? Debuting in 2023 for the first time ever, our unforgettable Seven River Journeys will forever mark their place in history as the longest and most epic river cruises. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. I would highly recommend choosing the carefully selected wine pairings, handpicked by the onboard sommelier. Thank you Eric for recommending this fantastic Resort, a fitting finish to our trip. 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. 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. Cabins on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Vary Dramatically, Dining on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises' Dining Draw Similarities. While Ama and Viking's European ships look similar on the outside, their cabin design and decor are quite different. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast on all European river cruises. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. On a moving ship? 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. The lines might bring onboard local singers, dancers and musicians during visits to Vienna, for example, or teach passengers how to make local dishes. Viking stands at the top of the river cruise industry when it comes to fleet size. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? First-time river cruisers may be under the assumption that river cruises arent as luxurious as other cruise types. Heres what you need to know. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 5 Reasons Why Families Will Love the Refurbished Norwegian Jewel, 10 Cruise Alcohol Hacks for Better Drinking on the Cheap. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. Complementary drinks These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable. On some days, guests have a choice of excursions to different towns in different countries, so its best to do a little research before making your selectionyou often will only have time for one, as theyre usually a bus ride away. The clientele of a cruise can vary widely depending on the cruise line, and even the itinerary, but both Uniworld and AmaWaterways tend to attract similar guests. Here are a few complimentary amenities that are added along with your land package. Elbe River Cruise Ships Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild, The 8 Best Cruises for Solo Travelers of 2023, Carnival Magic - Cruise Ship Photo Tour and Profile, This 49-Night European River Cruise Is Open to Book for 2024, The Worlds Longest River Cruise Itinerary Was Just Announced, A Three-Story Racetrack, Food Hall, and Infinity Pools: Inside the Norwegian Prima, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. These tours involve little walking, and destinations are mostly seen by bus or other vehicles. Im sure he will recommend the perfect resort and place for this trip as well. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. Plus, venture with us for the first time ever into the Danube Delta with incredible new ports including Giurgiulesti, Moldova. Both AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer Christmas cruises of the markets in Europe. As a high-end river cruise line, you'll find an awful lot included in your cruise, including: Unlimited fine wines, sparkling wines, premium spirits and beers on-board; Welcome bottle of sparkling wine and two bottles of wine in-suite; 24-hour self service venue offering tea, coffee, wines and non-alcoholic beverages; 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. Passengers are treated to a multicourse meal with unlimited premium wine, paired to the courses. 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. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? We hope to see you on board soon! Theyve chosen some great wineries to visit that are only a short walking distance from the dock. Courtesy of AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. Most European river cruises will be all-inclusive when it comes to food and beverages. Its very difficult to compare the two as they both shine for very different reason. This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. This is a great time to head to the lounge bar and meet fellow cruisers. You can also venture off without officially joining an excursionbicycles are available to borrow any time the ship is docked, and you can always use your own feet or a taxi to get around. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. AmaWaterways Cruises - Travel Weekly Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. AmaWaterways boats feature small (one-room) spas, where moderately priced massages are offered, and salons along with fitness centers, which are moderately used. While we offer a wide variety of included excursions to suit your individual interests and encourage you to join us, you are of course welcome to explore on your own. AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises | Cruise Critic In 2021, it will offer 60-plus of these vino-focused sailings. [2] It had a fleet of 26 ships as of 2022. AmaWaterways - Wikipedia One of the most memorable moments on a river cruise occurs in the evening. 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. The costs of both Uniworld and Ama river cruises are typically very similar, although Uniworld costs can be higher. Theres usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings. AmaWaterways is another well-known and luxurious river cruise line, with a fleet of 26 ships. [4], AmaWaterways cruise ships ply a number of rivers in Europe, including the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro,[2] Moselle, Main,[5] Garonne,[6] and Rhne. River cruises, unlike regular cruises, are not necessarily known for onboard activities. 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. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. You might go truffle hunting in Bordeaux or cognac blending in Camus, for example. 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. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023 This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. The greeters was great! Typically, theres just one excursion per day, but in some ports, there are nighttime ones; on our sailing, we had the option to leave the ship after dinner in Rdesheim, Germany, to sample the local coffee or visit a music museum. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. 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. With the exception of a few, most of the trips are half a day and start and finish back at the ship. FYI: My wife and now have been to 55 countries together as a couple! Sandals Cabana Rental: All You Need to Know 2023, Is Santorini Worth It? In that case, its best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). What's Included in My River Cruise Fare? - Cruise Critic Did you know that a select few of our amazing land packages are