AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. I sailed on AmaMagna in July and found it exceptionally spacious, both in public spaces and within the accommodations. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. [1] History[ edit] Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? This allows you to continue to enjoy local experiences even when youre not on land. Sandi Barrett 2. Smaller ships, such as the Queen Isabel, hold 116 guests, while larger ships, such as the SS Catherine, hold 162 passengers. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? Because the unique cities that you reach by river boat mean that you can walk into glorious locations such as Vienna and Budapest. Many AmaWaterways river cruises offer evening walking tours in Europe. The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub. Theres just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. AmaWaterways Deck plans AmaDahlia Current cruise: 7 days, round-trip Secrets of Egypt the Nile APT River Cruises Itineraries Deck plans Travelmarvel Polaris Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Vega Current cruise: N/A Travelmarvel-APT River Cruises Tracker Deck plans Travelmarvel Capella Read on for a look at what major river cruise lines include in their fares. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. I just got off of an AmaWaterways European River Cruise with my wife after we were both invited to sail with them. With river cruise ships being so small, there isnt much space for onboard activities, but they certainly offer enough to keep you entertained while youre on the water. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. The AmaSienas home river is the Rhine in Europe. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. 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. We also offer immersive culinary-themed Special Interest Tours such as cooking demonstrations and tastings. All guests traveling with AmaWaterways remain responsible for ensuring they meet the travel entry requirements for each country they plan to visit before, during or after their river cruise. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury. We had a great time and will be returning with friends!!! She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. 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 . Both lines also offer specialized cruises. AmaWaterways has 25 ships offering river cruises to Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Africa. AmaMagna's itineraries include Romantic Danube, . 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. Transfers between your hotel and your ship Reserve your Complimentary Land Package now before March 31st to enjoy this limited-time offer! Viking offers a beverage package option, called the Silver Spirits package, which runs about $30 per person per day and allows passengers to drink unlimited premium wine, spirits and beer while onboard. [1] One of these, the AmaMagna, is the largest cruise ship on the Danube. The line has also recently launched its first Mississippi. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators. There was something for everyone this will be a vacation that we will talk about for the rest of our lives! [2], Unusually for river cruises, there are hair salons on AmaWaterways ships,[2] as well as spas, gyms, and libraries. 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. There's just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. AmaWaterways has a larger fleet than Uniworld, with a larger variety of sizes as well. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. One of the best seats in the house onboard Viking's Longships, the Aquavit Terrace beautifully combines indoor/outdoor dining with a casual feel. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. The answer is that both cruise lines are great, but they do have differences. We invite you to take one of our European river cruises, Asia river cruises, or Africa river cruises and see the world in luxury and comfort. The bed and pillows were of nice quality and comfortable. Learn how your comment data is processed. Viking Cruises started with a fleet of four ships from Russia and has expanded to operating a fleet of more than 60 vessels on three continents. Both cruise lines use a QuietVox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Within Europe, Viking offers cruises to a number of different countries, including France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania and Portugal. Also for those with mobility issues, or indeed families with young children AmaWaterways offer gentle trips. This beach is gorgeous. First Vacation out of the country for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing. Opened in 2002, with 18 amazing years in operation. On a moving ship? 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 . Uniworld has 17 ships in its fleet. Viking, whose president and founder, Torstein Hagan, is Norwegian, features comfortable, modern and minimalist styling. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023, 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises and Cruise Lines. It can accommodate 196 passengers, not that much more capacity-wise than some vessels half its width. [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. Soda, beer and regional wines are included at meal times, and menus source heavily from local markets and reflect the areas through which the ships sail. That said, no matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, its safe to say youll never be bored! From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconiesthat is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Thanks so much Cheryl! The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. Also Check: Are Regent Cruises Worth The Money. She sings and entertains to a variety of familiar songs from around the world. some of the leading championship courses on the continent. 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. The Shore Excursions. On Uniworld ships, you will enjoy a 5-star all-inclusive experience, inclusive of fine wines, premium spirits, and every meal on board, as well as onshore excursions, access to the fitness center and wellness classes, all gratuities, and airport transfers. In the river cruise world, its the term for amenities that are already part of your fare. Home Cruise Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways: What You Should Know 2023. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. On European itineraries Viking recommends 18 euros per person per day, which can be prepurchased or automatically added to the shipboard account. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. 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. After our Destination wedding at The Finest, We traveled to Unico for our Honeymoon in May 2018 and were very impressed with the resort. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. 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. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSienas passengers. 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. Our Programme takes you straight from your ship to the course and back making your golfing experience seamless Golf and River Cruise truly is a marriage made in heaven. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. 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). Sip and Sail Cocktail Hours takes place for an hour before dinner every evening. This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. In the river cruise world, the lines that have more amenities bundled into the price tend to -- not coincidentally -- be more luxurious and expensive. 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. Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captains Dinner or an evening concert. 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. 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. You will find a selection of tea and coffee available throughout the day, the main lounge has a coffee machine, fresh iced water and biscuits. 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. 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. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? No need to dress for dinner here, and passengers don't have to show up at a set time, either. Here are few examples of AmaWaterwayss drinks prices: Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. How do Onboard Amenities Compare on AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises? [1][2] Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. 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. An exception to this is Emerald Waterways (also known as Evergreen in Australia), which is owned by the same tour company as Scenic. AmaWaterways is a family-owned company that was established in 2002 and is still run by the families. [7] Outside Europe, their ships cruise the Mekong and Chobe rivers. You'll enjoy the following: Dining Expert chefs craft menus in a range of restaurants onboard to ensure every meal is a culinary experience to remember. All of the tours are very interactive and high-end, offering you more than a regular tour ever could. I would like to Thank Eric for helping book this vacation to Punta Cana in DR and recommending the Secrets Cap Cana resort. Christmas Markets Cruise with Samantha Brown. Have you cruised with Uniworld or AmaWaterways? Theyve also expanded into ocean cruises as well. 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.