1.3K views, 16 likes, 15 comments, 4 shares, Facebook Reels from AmaWaterways: Did you know that a select few of our amazing land packages are complimentary if you reserve before March 31st, 2023?. Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour). 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. Breakfast lunch and dinner are usually at set times, although there is more flexibility around breakfast and lunch. Definitely coming back. My wife and I celebrated our 20 Year Marriage Anniversary at Secrets Akumal. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? Let us know your experience in the comment section below! The AmaSienas home river is the Rhine in Europe. This includes dinner at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. 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. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Generally speaking the half board we experienced sailing with AmaWaterways felt very much like almost all inclusive. 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. 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. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. I am very picky about my coffee. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. [3] Schreiner was still the president and co-owner of the company as of 2018. "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. For honeymoons or romantic getaways, Uniworld has some adult-only cruises, making it a great choice for a relaxing and romantic trip. 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. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package. If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers? Shows include acts from various destinations on the itinerary and help bring the cultural experience enjoyed through the day on board for the evening. How Do the Two Lines Compare for Shore Excursions? Find out everything from whats included to how to dress on board our river cruises. Most if not all of the river cruises along the Danube include an optional Mozart concert in Vienna. They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. 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. All meals are included on AmaSiena. This was our first adult All-Inclusive resort and it was the best ever. Ultimately though, it really comes down to what appeals to you and where you want to 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. Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways Cost. 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. Entertainers will board the ship at various locks along the route, with their driver dropping them off at one lock and picking up the performers further down the river at another lock. 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. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . [2], At each port of call, there are guided excursions that are graded according to the difficulty level of the walking. That said, shorts and sandals arent permitted in the dining room on any night, but fine at lunchtime. [8] AmaWaterways is reportedly the only river cruise line to belong to the gourmet chain La Chane des Rtisseurs. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). Ever-expanding family-owned river cruise brand AmaWaterways prides itself on its fleet of more than two dozen exquisite vessels. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. What You Need to Know. They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. Included in the fares of our featured AmaWaterways river cruises are shore excursions in every port of call all dining on board fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner internet access and Wi-Fi and bicycles that you can use to explore on your own or join our guided bike tours. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. The majority measure 355 square feet, but six Grand Suites are 474 square feet and an Owners Suite is 710 square feet. Dani Rae Doro was the best travel agent I have ever worked with. 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. AmaWaterways is another well-known and luxurious river cruise line, with a fleet of 26 ships. She came to us with the best options and negotiated so many things to accommodate our large group. Both Uniworld and AmaWaterways offer a wide variety of amazing itineraries in fascinating places. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. 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. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. I was having second thoughts on staying there and I am so glad he talked me out of it. 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." Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? Furthermore should you have work to keep up with or just want to keep tabs with everyone at home. AmaViola and AmaStella also feature a number of connecting cabins, designed with families in mind. When it comes to entertainment onboard, AmaWaterways seems to perform a little better. What if I want to explore a port on my own are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways excursions? While most river companies offer just one basic excursion, AmaWaterways has choices for extras including culinary choices and more adventurous offerings such as escorted bike trips. Five Ama ships -- AmaViola, AmaStella, AmaLea, AmaKristina and AmaMora -- also include several cabins that can accommodate three or four people (with a king-size bed along with a chair that converts into a twin bed). Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. AmaWaterways doesn't have a beverage package. Regular is simply a normal walking tour and pace. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. Uniworld is a worldwide company with ships departing from multiple locations and a wide variety of itineraries. Uniworld offers unlimited premium spirits and wines, and AmaWaterways includes all drinks with meals plus a daily cocktail hour. $1-$3 is suggested for guides but I usually gave them 5 Euros. As for accommodations, ultra-spacious suites account for more than 50 percent of AmaMagnas accommodations. 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. Through financial support to the school, AmaWaterways sponsorship brings English-language skills to local children of grammar-school age to help improve their lives and assist with subsequent employment opportunities. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. What's included with your AMAWaterways Cruise? However, theres always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits. 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. 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. Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets, Treasures of the Main & Rhine (Christmas), Majestic Capitals of the Danube (Christmas), Colors of Provence Soulful Epicurean Experience, A Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, Secrets of Egypt and the Nile Epicurean Experience. For trips that require transport, that was also provided. Color palates are subdued, relying on shades of gray, cream and steel blue along with neutral woods. We had a total of 27 people from all over the world that attended. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. There was plenty of space in the bathroom area. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Learn how your comment data is processed. Viking is a good choice for passengers who desire adults-only vacations that include immersive port experiences. We really enjoyed Finest for our Destination Wedding and would highly recommend it as a wedding or vacation destination! Of course, the cabins vary from ship to ship, but Uniworlds cabins are quite unique. 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 All meals are included on AmaSiena. 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. 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. Thats not to say that friend groups or multi-gen families wouldnt enjoy sailingseveral cabins do have connecting doors. Unpack once and experience this extraordinary voyage on one award-winning ship, our beautiful AmaMora. While some other major river cruise lines have eliminated their onboard bikes or charge a fee to rent them ashore, AmaWaterways for maintains a fleet of bikes on every European vessel. The only slight difference is that with AmaWaterways placing emphasis on their excellent onboard evening entertainment and unlimited premium spirits, it makes a better choice for those who like to enjoy the nightlife onboard the ships. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 2015-2023 AmaWaterways. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most.